North Carolina recorded the second-highest net migration in the U.S. in 2024, trailing only Texas, according to a new report from Apartment List.

It highlights shifting American migration patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents leaving expensive, densely populated states for more affordable and economically stable regions.

Apartment List’s search data shows a stabilized trend in 2024, with 39% of renters searching for apartments in a new metro and 25% considering a different state. While Texas attracts newcomers from states like California, New York, and Illinois, North Carolina’s migration is primarily regional, with most new residents arriving from Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing metros, continues to see strong rental demand. Data shows 55% of local renters are searching for housing in a different metro, with Raleigh, Charleston, and Greenville as top destinations. Meanwhile, 41% of those looking for Charlotte rentals are out-of-town searchers, primarily from Raleigh, Atlanta, and New York.

The report underscores the ongoing trend of people moving from high-cost states to more affordable regions, particularly in the Southeast and Mountain West.

With nearly 43 million visitors every year, North Carolina is now ranked in 5th place for total tourists across the US. This puts the state just behind California, Florida, Texas, and New York, yet ahead of Nevada by 3 million.

Why Makes Nevada Such Fierce Competition For North Carolina?

With 41 million visitors every year the Las Vegas Strip is one of the biggest draws for Nevada. It’s home to the Fountains of the Bellagio and some of the most famous hotels and casinos in the country, and keeps seeing new developments like the Sphere, with its much discussed exterior entirely covered with LED displays.

Nevada is home to so many iconic locations that you’ll find replicated in countless places online. You can take a virtual tour of the Vegas strip through VR without leaving your home, as well as play classic slots online from just about anywhere on such themes as Vegas Hot Spots, Vegas Megaways and Vegas Diamonds; all of which have vivid graphics that reflect the bright lights and star-studded theme of The Strip.

Although entertainment like this is helping to spur continued interest in Vegas, and certainly helps Nevada to bring in millions of tourists every year, one thing is giving North Carolina the edge right now, and that’s the investments that Governors are making across the state.

Investments Are Putting North Carolina on the Map

A number of investments are helping to bring more and more tourists to North Carolina. Film production alone topped $300m in direct spending last year, with the state quickly becoming a filming hotspot. There is also a brand-new entertainment district being planned for West Raleigh. It’s going to be located near to the Carter-Finley Stadium, and is set to house a 4,500-seat concert venue. The first phase comes to $200 million, with construction set to begin in 2025. There’s going to be a 600-foot promenade, with the entertainment complex set to come to a staggering $800 million in total. Upgrades are going to be paid for by Wake County and the City of Raleigh.

Other recent investments include the owner of the Grand Ole Opry, who has made a significant investment in Southern Entertainment. The company, which was founded in North Carolina, has since become responsible for over 500 events, including the local Lovin’ Life Music Fest. With the state investing heavily in new entertainment districts and arenas, along with major festival investments, it seems that North Carolina is quickly becoming a hotspot for nightlife and entertainment, making its way up the annual visitor rankings.

Even though Nevada is home to the iconic Las Vegas Strip, and is a long-standing symbol of entertainment, North Carolina is taking a different approach. The state is choosing to diversify its offerings, creating a unique blend of attractions which are helping to appeal to a broad range of tourists. By adopting this approach, the state is building a solid foundation that may one day lead it to becoming the most-visited state in the US.