LIFE IN NC
North Carolina offers a unique blend of opportunity, affordability, and quality of life, boasting a diverse economy with strong industries like tech, healthcare, finance, and education, besides a strong agricultural sector. Cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte are consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. for job growth, innovation and lifestyle.
The cost of living is relatively low compared to major metro areas, yet residents enjoy many excellent public schools, top-tier universities, and world-class healthcare.
Nature lovers benefit from easy access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic beaches, offering year-round outdoor recreation, with a relatively moderate climate. Whether mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, or many other outdoor activities, North Carolina has a place to do it!
North Carolina’s mild climate, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, ranging from BBQ and bluegrass to museums and sports, make it welcoming and dynamic. Locals will introduce you to a pig-picking or chili-bowl, fried chicken and seafood are a staple, cook-outs are their take on bring & braai, and BBQ takes on a new meaning when you visit restaurants that still pit-cook their pigs.
North Carolina is known for Southern hospitality, personal generosity, and strong community values. Adapt to their values and it’s a home-from-home community.
So, as a South African heading to a foreign land, whether you’re raising a family, semi-retiring, or starting fresh, North Carolina offers a balance of opportunity, natural beauty, and belonging.
The buttons below will help you navigate each topic with confidence.
Federal Holidays
The U.S. has 11 federal holidays, including Independence Day and Thanksgiving, when many offices and schools close. Some, like Christmas and New Year, will feel familiar to South Africans, while others, such as Independence Day, are uniquely American. These holidays are a great way to experience U.S. culture and plan family or leisure time. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed on the preceding Friday, and when the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed on the following Monday.
Holiday | Date | What It Is |
|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the start of the New Year |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Honors civil rights leader MLK Jr. |
Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Celebrates U.S. presidents |
Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Honors fallen military service members |
Juneteenth | June 19 | Commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. |
Independence Day | July 4 | Celebrates independence from Britain in 1776 |
Labor Day | First Monday in September | Honors American workers and the labor movement |
Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Observes Columbus’ arrival / Indigenous heritage |
Veterans Day | November 11 | Honors U.S. military veterans |
Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November | Celebrates gratitude and family gatherings |
Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebrates Christmas |
New Year's Day
January 1
Celebrates the start of the New Year
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Third Monday in January
Honors civil rights leader MLK Jr.
President's Day
Third Monday in February
Celebrates U.S. presidents
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Honors fallen military service members
Juneteenth
June 19
Commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
Independence Day
July 4
Celebrates independence from Britain in 1776
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Honors American workers and the labor movement
Columbus Day
Second Monday in October
Observes Columbus' arrival / Indigenous heritage
Veterans Day
November 11
Honors U.S. military veterans
Thanksgiving
Fourth Thursday in November
Celebrates gratitude and family gatherings
Christmas Day
December 25
Celebrates Christmas