The Climate For You in the Best Places to Live

Choosing a Climate that Suits You is one of the biggest factors in picking a new place. The Mid-Atlantic Coastal region in general, and North Carolina and South Carolina in particular are known for their great climates. Be careful though before you sign on, not all Carolina areas are created equal, especially when considering climate.

In this article, I’ve summarized the basics of climate in North Carolina and South Carolina. Detailed maps and descriptions of the climate in each area of North and South Carolina can be found in my NC and SC Map/Climate sections and  my “Ultimate Guide to Finding your  Best Places to Live in the Carolinas”.

First off, let’s be honest, this is the South and things will get hot. But, to a certain extent, you can decide how hot and how humid. The middle areas of the Carolina’s are the hottest and often feel the most humid, while at the coast you’ll have more of a breeze. The mountains are the coolest place to live, and are a must for anyone who enjoys skiing or snowboarding. In addition, South Carolina’s options for skiing and snowboarding are extremely limited.

These climatic changes are due to the elevation differences as you move from the western side to the eastern side of the state. In each state the three regions are referred to as the Mountains, Piedmont Plateau and the Coastal Plain, moving from west to east and highest to lowest. In South Carolina the Coastal Plain is referred to as the Low-Country, while the Piedmont Plateau and the Mountains are referred to as the Up-Country. The highest point in North Carolina is Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet above sea level, and the highest point in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain which has an altitude of 3,554 feet above sea level.

Consider precipitation and extreme weather conditions. Coastal hurricanes can be a drag to deal with every year. Living near the coast will also drive up your insurance premiums. Perhaps you’ll compromise for something a bit farther inland, and have a longer drive to the shore, however many towns are located along rivers from which you can access the Intra-Coastal Waterway. In the mountains, you’ll want to compare the amount of precipitation in each area, because sometimes a distance of only 20 miles can make a difference of 20 or more inches of yearly precipitation. In the winter, ice storms are something to be aware of as well. Overall, the coast and mountain receive the most precipitation.

The climate in the Carolinas is great for gardeners and farmers alike. For centuries people have taken advantage of the rich soils and long growing seasons. Some areas, such as the Outer Banks, have a growing season of nearly 300 days. Whether you grow squash, corn, potatoes, or okra, you should have great success under the Carolina sun. Typically most of the agricultural growth in the Carolinas has centered around the tobacco, cotton, peanut, and fruit farms in the Piedmont regions.

See you in the Carolinas!

About Bob Bencivenga

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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