About North Carolina
North Carolina is a state rich with an abundance of natural resources, technologies, and industries, making it one of the most diverse areas for investment opportunities and landownership in the United States. Those looking for land for sale in North Carolina will discover an abundance of recreational and investment opportunities.
North Carolina History
North Carolina has a rich and varied history; the area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, Tuscarora, and Lumbee nations. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to reach the North Carolina coast, followed by English explorers in the 17th century. North Carolina played an important role in the American Revolution and in the Civil War. During the 20th century, North Carolina experienced significant economic growth and development, with the rise of industries such as furniture manufacturing and banking.
Hunting Land for Sale in NC
Hunting and fishing land in North Carolina boasts flowing rivers and rich habitat, and both hunters and anglers have ample opportunities to find fun and bag successful catches.
Public hunting lands in North Carolina are managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and include ample state and federal lands. Wildlife thrives in North Carolina’s four national forests, providing beautiful landscapes and rich habitats for white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and gray squirrels, among other small game.Big game hunting in North Carolina is a hunter’s paradise; Hyde County, North Carolina has more Black Bears per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
Fishing in North Carolina offers a mix of freshwater and saltwater catches. Offshore fishing highlights Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, and some of the best sportfishing in the Atlantic. Beyond these beaches, North Carolina's Outerbanks extend the state out even further east. Further inland, North Carolina offers an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities in its numerous rivers, streams, and lakes. Folks who own lakefront and riverfront properties in North Carolina have easy access to freshwater species, including bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout. The state's western region is especially popular for trout fishing, with many creeks and streams offering ample opportunities for fly fishing.
North Carolina Farm Land for Sale
Farming in North Carolina provides the country with poultry and eggs and has historically ranked first in the nation for the production of tobacco and sweet potatoes. North Carolina is also ranked second nationwide in raising and selling hogs. Greenhouse and nursery products, as well as corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts, and fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, and apples, round out the list of diverse farming opportunities in the state.
Farmland in North Carolina is at a premium value due to its diversity and ability to produce a number of different agricultural products. Farms can be found in the foothills, rolling hills, plains, and coastal regions.
Mountain Land for Sale in NC
The mountains of North Carolina are an investor’s paradise, with over 18 million acres of land covered in timber throughout the state that consistently ranks in the top ten for timber production. Home to both hardwood and softwood species and pine plantations, including southern yellow pine, the timber industry in North Carolina supports logging, sawmills, pulp and paper mills, and wood product manufacturing. The North Carolina Forest Service provides landowners and timber investors with support to promote sustainable and economical forestry practices.
North Carolina Water Rights and Waterways
Like many states, North Carolina follows the "riparian rights" doctrine, which dictates that property owners have the right to use water that runs through or adjacent to their land, as long as that use is reasonable and does not create waste or pollution. Buyers looking for waterfront land for sale in NC will find abundant surface water, including rivers, lakes, and streams as well as significant groundwater that provide a pool of resources. Water rights and water use are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
North Carolina Mineral Rights
Under North Carolina law, mineral rights are considered a separate estate from surface rights, and can be bought, sold, or leased independently of the surface estate. This means that a person or company can own the mineral rights to a piece of land, while another person or company owns the surface rights.
Mineral rights can also be subject to various regulations and restrictions, such as environmental regulations and zoning ordinances. In North Carolina, mineral extraction activities are overseen by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which regulates activities such as mining, drilling, and fracking to ensure that they are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
North Carolina Industry & Recreation
Ashville, NC is known for being one of the best cities in the nation for close proximity to year-round recreation, with access to winter sports, incredible scenery, and wildlife and wilderness. The barrier islands protect the coast separating the waves and wind of the Atlantic from reaching the mainland. State Parks, sites for diving on shipwrecks, and a white sandy coastline make this a special place for unprecedented recreation.
In the Piedmont Plateau region, the Dan and Catawba rivers flow out of the western mountains carving deep ravines and valleys into the landscape. Just east of the Cherokee National Forest, parks like Hanging Rock assure outdoorsmen that there are wonder and adventure to be found not just in the western portions but all throughout the state.
Industry and investment in North Carolina land is a wise endeavor, as the diversity of hunting, fishing, recreation, and agriculture ensure the longevity of the state’s economic development. Fishing and seafood industries thrive on the coast, providing exceptional oysters to the region – and the entire country. Technology and manufacturing industries also thrive in the region, home to tech companies and research institutions alongside aerospace, automotive, and biotechnology industries.
Land for Sale in North Carolina
Mountains, beaches, and the forests and rich agriculture fields in between make North Carolina the perfect place to realize your dreams in nature's beauty. Reach out to your local Whitetail Properties Land Specialist to find your dream property for sale in NC today.
State Profile
- Big Game
- Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Turkeys
- Small Game
- Rabbits, Coyotes, Bobcats, Fox, Pheasant, Dove, Quail, Grouse, Duck, Geese, Hog
- Hunting Regulations and Seasons
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- Total Public Land Acreage
- 4,109,541 Acres
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 45-50 inches
- Farmland by Acre
- 8,400,000
- Woodlands by Acre
- 18,600,000
- Agricultural Commodities
- Tobacco, Broilers, Hogs