LIVE MORE

in the Carolina Core

Live More

Thrive
in the Core

In North Carolina, all signs point inward. At its core, discover a vibrant and diverse region experiencing undeniable momentum. Centrally located between Charlotte and the Research Triangle, the Carolina Core stretches more than 120 miles — connecting west of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem to Fayetteville.

Anchored by the NC Triad, this flourishing region offers an exceptional lifestyle at lower costs, easy access to beaches and mountains, and a hot job market with room to grow. So, whether you’re looking to kickstart your career in a region that’s taking off or put down roots in a place that’s affordable and adventure-filled, there’s always more in the core.

Business
is Better
in the Core

The Carolina Core’s unprecedented regional collaboration, strategic investments, highly skilled workforce and readily available sites inspire businesses from all industries to innovate for a better tomorrow. Companies like Toyota, Boom Supersonic, VinFast and Wolfspeed are putting down roots here. This region is also a sweet spot for startups, with several top-tier accelerators and makerspaces for entrepreneurs, up-and-coming tech leaders and creatives alike.

Four people analyze blueprint at coworking space.

High-Quality Living... Minus the Price Tag

The Carolina Core offers the highest value in North Carolina, with a cost of living well below the national average. While housing prices in neighboring cities continue to rise, quality options in the Core are plentiful, diverse and affordable. Embrace urban living in one of our undeniably cool historic lofts, where several former factories transformed into chic residential units bursting with character. Opt for a preserved Victorian-era home in a historic neighborhood. Or, if rural living is more your style, spread out on several acres in the country in a beautiful new home.

A white picket fence in front of a house in the Carolina Core

Tap Into Your School Spirit

With access to 30+ colleges and universities, the Carolina Core is a hub for higher learning. Our diverse range of schools don’t just build strong minds and future leaders – they inject vibrancy into the region through academic lectures, concerts and other cultural events that are free to the public. And did we mention sports? Wherever your team loyalties lie, you’ll find a cheering crowd to join and a slew of social activities that come with it.

Aerial of High Point University.

More Fun.
Less Hassle.

If time is money, we’re flush with it. In the Carolina Core, you leave the office on time and cut your commute in half, so you’ll have more hours in the day to spend on #selfcare: hiking, kayaking, yoga in the park, making it to your kid’s soccer game or giving back through volunteering by serving on a local board. A vibrant nightlife will have you hopping from a Broadway show at Tanger Center for the Performing Arts to some of the best breweries and restaurants like Yelp’s Top 20 U.S. restaurant of 2022. Plus, with the conveniently located and easy-to-navigate Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, getting in, out and around the Carolina Core is just easier.

Two people sitting at a high-top table watching an outdoor live performance.

Central North Carolina’s Outdoor Mecca

The Carolina Core boasts four perfectly pleasant seasons, trails, an expanding network of river “blueways” and some of the most scenic hiking and golfing opportunities in the country. From state parks and sparkling lakes to cycling through Yadkin Valley wine country it’s easy to get lost in the beautiful vistas. Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, the Carolina Core is just a short drive or a day trip away to other N.C. outdoor havens, like Boone, Asheville and Nags Head. Here, you’ll never run out of opportunities to get out in nature.

Woman relaxing at the top of a mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Live Life
Your Way

In the Carolina Core, you chart your own path. Our region is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered – from new restaurants and breweries to revitalized mills, hiking trails, music venues and places of worship. This is the place for engaged, passionate individuals interested in crafting their perfect lifestyle – not falling into a cookie-cutter mold. Wherever your interests lie, you’ll find groups, businesses and like-minded individuals who will invite you to join them or support you in forging your own.

Large outdoor yoga class in downtown Winston-Salem.