Moving from New Jersey to North Carolina involves more than getting your furniture to a new address. While the 550-mile route via I-95 and I-85 is a manageable two-day drive, the administrative tasks surrounding a state-to-state move require attention.
It is important to understand North Carolina’s various regions when choosing a neighborhood. Charlotte is the state’s financial center with the Bank of America. Raleigh focuses more on tech and education, with NC State University and the Research Triangle. Durham’s specialty is biotech and medical research with Duke University. Greensboro and Winston-Salem each offer a lower cost of living, manufacturing, and healthcare. North Carolina’s state income tax is a flat rate of 4.75 percent, which is lower than New Jersey’s graduated tax structure at most income levels.
Be aware that you must switch your utilities when you arrive in North Carolina. In New Jersey, most customers are served by PSE&G, but Duke Energy Carolinas covers the Charlotte and Piedmont region of North Carolina, and Dominion Energy NC serves the eastern parts of the state, including Raleigh. It’s a good idea to contact your new utility provider before your moving day to schedule service activation.
You also need to update your driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in North Carolina, then register your vehicle.