Best Places to Live in North Carolina

From the Appalachian Mountains to coastal beaches, North Carolina offers residents a wide range of settings and locales to choose from. Whether you enjoy living in a big city or spending time among nature, the Tar Heel State has numerous towns and cities that have low crime rates, a reasonable cost of living, and excellent schools.

However, not all areas of North Carolina are equally safe. It's important to conduct some research before you start searching for your next home. Once you move, install a home automation system to further enhance your home's safety and security.

Raleigh

As the capital city of North Carolina, Raleigh is home to numerous scholarly and technology institutions, the primary of which is North Carolina State University. When you include nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, this trio of cities has the moniker "Research Triangle."

If you choose to live in Raleigh, you'll discover that the city is teeming with culture. From the North Carolina Museum of Sciences to the North Carolina State Capitol, the city provides residents with many exciting and popular destinations that are just minutes away. Stop by the Neuse River Trail to walk the picturesque 34.5-mile paved greenway.

Charlotte

Charlotte is the premier commercial hub and cultural center of North Carolina. At over 885,000, Charlotte is the most populous city in the state. From the Carolina Panthers to the Charlotte Hornets, this destination is home to three major sports teams.

While there are many scenic parks in the area, the most popular is the 122-acre Park Road Park, which provides visitors with tennis courts, five picnic shelters, playgrounds, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and baseball fields. The weather is often sunny and pleasant year-round. A few of the top locations in Charlotte that you might enjoy spending time at include Carowinds, Discovery Place Science, and Freedom Park.

Asheville

Asheville is part of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and has a reputation for having a spectacular arts scene. It's a relatively laid-back college town that's home to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. If you enjoy looking at historic architecture, stop by the Basilica of Saint Lawrence or the Biltmore Estate.

Regardless of where you live in Asheville, you'll have easy access to the Downtown Art District, which offers numerous museums and galleries for you to peruse. A few of the most popular locations in Asheville include the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Pisgah National Forest, and The North Carolina Arboretum.

Hickory

Hickory is a smaller city that's highly popular among families and adults searching for a quiet and peaceful place to live. While there are many things to do and places to visit in this city, it's the top location for furniture shopping throughout North Carolina, which is perfect if you're just moving in.

When you want to take in all that the city has to offer, the Carolina Movie Theater, Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park, and Hickory Museum of Art are just a few spots that you should consider visiting. You might also enjoy the Hickory Aviation Museum for an up-close look at the history of aviation in North Carolina.

Greensboro

Although not as large as Raleigh or Charlotte, Greensboro is a major city that provides residents with comfortable weather, historic sites, and many fantastic restaurants. The city had a large role in the civil rights movement, which remains a significant aspect of Greensboro today.

There are many popular and oft-visited destinations in Greensboro, which include the International Civil Rights Museum, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, and the Greensboro Science Center. Make sure you keep an eye on the local events calendar so that you don't miss out on the numerous festivals, parades, and events that the city hosts throughout the year.

Benefits of a home security system and home automation in North Carolina

No matter where you live, it's always a good idea to install a home security and automation system in your home. You and your family will benefit from added convenience and enhanced safety.

• More control: Vivint’s home automation systems allow you to have full control over smart home lighting, small appliances and any security equipment you install. Vivint smart home products work seamlessly and you're able to turn appliances and lights off with the Vivint app on your smartphone.
• Ability to save money: A clear advantage of installing a Vivint home automation system is that you'll save money. Appliances know when to turn off if you're no longer using them. You'll also save gas by not needing to drive all the way home when you forget to switch off the lights.
• Extra convenience: If you obtain a Vivint security system with outdoor security cameras, security sensors and smart locks, you don't need to worry about carefully monitoring the entrances to your home. If someone attempts to break in, an alert is instantly sent to your device and the security team at Vivint.
• Saves time: Using Vivint’s home automation systems and Smart Hub allows you to save time by giving you control over your home appliances and systems from your smartphone. Every feature is manageable from the app, which allows you to focus on what really matters. For instance, the Vivint app allows you to lock your doors remotely if you install smart locks.

Home security system FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about home security systems.

How many security sensors do I need?

The number of sensors you need depends on the size of your home and the field of view of your sensors. Multiple sensors aren't necessary for a single room or hallway. It's best to place one sensor in each major area of your home.

Who responds to a security system alert?

When someone triggers an alert in or around your home, the Vivint professional monitoring team contacts you to verify that an emergency is taking place. Once they confirm the emergency (or if they can’t get a hold of you), they'll follow up by calling emergency services to your home.

Secure your property with a Vivint home automation system

North Carolina is a wonderful place to live whether you want to buy a home in one of the largest economies in the U.S. or settle down in a more peaceful and relaxing location. Once you decide where to move, consider installing a home security system to keep you and your family safe at all times. Call us today at 855.822.1220 to learn more about our home automation and security systems.