Vying for a home in the scenic and secluded mountains of North Carolina? Let us help you find exactly what you want. About North Carolina
As one the original 13 colonies of America and site of the first successful aircraft, North Carolina is full of history. Home to 9,061,032 residents as of 2007, the state is the 10th-largest in the nation with Raleigh as its capital and over 100 counties among its land. North Carolina is the fastest-growing state with an increasingly diverse economy and population. While most of the state is subject to a humid subtropical climate, the mountain areas have a humid continental climate.
Mountain Homes
In western North Carolina, along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains are the homes that overlook scenic North Carolina. Trailing from the Appalachian Mountain Range are the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Balsam Mountains, Pisgah Mountains and Black Mountains. The Black Mountains are the highest mountains in the easter U.S. with Mount Mitchell reaching 6,684 feet. In the mountains, agriculture is important, though tourism is on the rise. One of the major outputs of the mountain ranges is that of Christmas tree sales. As one can imagine, the climate in the mountains is greatly different than from the rest of the state's typical southern climate. Along the mountains are the coolest areas of the state, which is a relief from the suffocating summer heat.
Education
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction oversees all elementary and secondary public schools in the state. The State has 115 public school districts with the largest being the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In all, the state has 2,338 public schools, including 93 charter schools. In 1795, North Carolina became the state with the first public university with the opening of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina system still runs today with 16 public universities. The university system also supports several well-known historically-black institutions such as North Carolina A&T State University. North Carolina also have 58 colleges in its public community college system. Private universities in the state include Campbell University, Wake Forest University, and the highly-acclaimed basketball mogul Duke University.
Recreation
With a place as well established as North Carolina, there is plenty of activities to do to pass time. Among the usual swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, spelunking and whatnot, adventures unique to the state awaits. Agritourism is great along the mountain ranges and can be done along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. North Carolina is home to 34 state park and 14 nation parks, so outdoor recreation opportunities are nearly boundless. The state also offers theme parks, aquariums, zoos, garden, arboretums, museums, historic site, lighthouses, elegant theaters, fine dining and much more. |