Most land investors confine their focus to specific geographical areas. For some, it might be a state. For others, one county or grouping of counties. Still, with some, it might be a single stretch of road. Whatever the case, real estate is a proven asset that continues to do well for landowners.
Of course, some areas are more desirable than others. One such popular destination is the Tar Heel State. Today, land in North Carolina is highly desirable, and it continues to draw interest from in- and out-of-state buyers alike.
So, where are the best places to buy land in North Carolina? What land types are showing the most promise? How can potential buyers find land for sale? These and more are answered below.
Editor’s Note: This is not financial, investment, legal, or real estate advice. Consult with a financial planner, investment specialist, real estate lawyer, and real estate professional before buying or selling real estate.
Why North Carolina Is So Attractive
North Carolina continues to do well with a thriving economy. The job market is robust, and very diversified, meaning strong resistance even in economic downturns. It boasts a strong presence in the healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technological fields. It’s attracting strong professionals and investors from around the country, and world. Currently, the demand for commercial spaces is at an all-time high.
Incredibly, even big brands such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and others, have recently announced large expansions. From these and more, the result is a significant uptick in available high-paying job opportunities. Obviously, this is a business-friendly environment.
While commercial and recreational land are different, in many ways, they are linked. The scenery is some of the best in the eastern U.S. From beautiful coastlines to picturesque mountain settings, it offers a diverse range of landscapes and habitat types. Without question, it’s paradise for those who love the outdoors.
Those who love wild places should be pleased to know the state also has more than 4.1 million acres of public lands, 8.4 million farmland acres, 18.6 million wooded acres, and more than enough rainfall to make agricultural endeavors a success. Don’t forget about the famous Outer Banks.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful states in the nation, North Carolina is home to abundant wildlife. Whitetails, wild turkeys, and black bears roam the land. Rabbits, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, hogs, and other smaller animals do, too. Of course, doves, quail, grouse, ducks, geese, and other winged birds fly the skies. It’s full of the wild animals we love.
Because of great wildlife populations, North Carolina is a hunter’s dream. It’s well within reach to buy land, manage it for wildlife, and achieve important goals. Want to shoot a big deer, tag a massive black bear, see great turkey numbers, or hold a lot of waterfowl? You can do that here, and much more. Incredibly, Hyde County, North Carolina has more black bears per square mile than any other place in the world.
Fishermen do well here, too. Inland freshwater activities include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and trout. It offers beautiful streams, rivers, and lakes. The offshore saltwater adventures are endless, including Mahi-Mahi, Marlin, etc.
Agriculture-minded individuals enjoy that the Tar Heel State routinely ranks high for poultry and egg production. It also performs well in the sweet potato and tobacco realms. In certain regions, cotton, corn, soybeans, and peanuts perform quite well, too. Greenhouses are common throughout much of the state. Don’t forget about incredible apple, blueberry, strawberry, and vegetable production, too.
Investors should be excited to know that North Carolina continues to become a hub for natural resources, technologies, and other industries. It’s home to important recreational, commercial, and other sectors of the economy.
It also celebrates a rich history. It’s home to the origins of the Cherokee, Lumbee, and Tuscarora nations. It features areas important to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It even highlights important historical places to the banking, manufacturing, and other industries. Obviously, those who love history, love North Carolina.
“Real estate is the mighty investment,” said Scott Hicks, a Land Specialist with Whitetail Properties. “While the market rises and falls, real estate doesn’t fall. It’s a constant uptick in pricing anywhere in North Carolina.”
Incredible Growth in North Carolina Lands
Some might wonder, why is North Carolina seeing such real estate growth right now? According to Hicks, a significant driver includes those who live elsewhere moving into the state. Specifically, those in the North are choosing to move southward in search of environments more suitable to their needs. They’re seeking somewhere to find a new home and enjoy life in a place that culturally aligns with their values.
Furthermore, it continues to be very expensive to live in parts of the Northeast. Steep taxes and other expenses oftentimes push northerners further south. Today, that shift is accelerating at a record pace.
Without question, commercial land is a hot commodity in North Carolina. According to Hicks, there isn’t much of it already zoned and the municipalities are not very supportive to create new commercial zoning.
Choosing the Right Area of the State
Deciding the right area of the state to invest in is a personal choice. The right location for one person might be different than the next individual. Some might want to invest in the mountains. Another might opt for the coast. A third somewhere in-between.
However, Hicks says that certain parts of the state tend to draw the most attention. These include Charlotte, Raleigh, and virtually all coastal counties. Likewise, these same locations are seeing the most rapid growth. “Anything within an hour of these areas is growing rapidly,” he said.
Next Steps in Finding North Carolina Land
Those who are seeking advice for investing in North Carolina land should contact a Whitetail Properties Land Specialist.
In northern North Carolina, call Mark Holley, Raggs Rascoe, Tom Harrison, Clay Mervar, and Nathan Monk.
In southern North Carolina, contact Charlie Morgan, Allen Seymour, Brigston Vardy or Tripp Camp.
In central North Carolina, connect with Jeff Brown, and Taylor Griswold.
In eastern North Carolina, reach out to Scott Hicks, Tracie Hicks, Caitlin Brown Adams, Dillon Eckert, Blake Fleming, Donald “Owen” Flock, or Jacob Geary.
In western North Carolina, check in with Chip Camp, Amber Camp, Chris Weaver, Ashley Conley, Nichole Creech, Mason Holeman, and Derek Yelton.
Check out available listings, and find the right piece of North Carolina real estate for you.
“Call or email us — anytime,” Hicks said. “We work 16-hour days to take care of clients. Even if we can’t answer a call, we will respond in text or email and always return calls within 24 hours.”
He says prices can vary so much from one property to the next. One 10-acre tract 5 miles from another 10 acres might be twice the price, he notes. Reasons might include availability of county water, power access, high-speed internet access, and more.
Even if you think you’ve already found the right property, contact one of the Land Specialists mentioned above. They can help represent you, find additional properties, and much more.
From ag lands to beaches to forests to foothills to mountains and much more — North Carolina is the place to be. This land can be your land, and now is the time to find your new home, commercial investment, or both.
“Buy land,” Hicks said. “They aren’t making any more of it. [Almost] every client I have sold to in the last 11 years has and could at a minimum double their money. In some cases, more than 10X their money.”
With a great economy, awesome infrastructure, strategic location, incredible job market, significant population growth, diverse investment options, and high odds of a great return, why wouldn’t you?
