Moving to Raleigh From New York or New Jersey: What to Know

Caul Group Residential, brokered by eXp Realty

Moving from New York or New Jersey to Raleigh means a flat 3.99% North Carolina income tax for 2026, one county property tax bill that includes your town's rate, and an easy trip back home, with nonstop flights from RDU to LaGuardia, JFK and Newark plus a daily Amtrak train. The biggest changes are practical: buying a home works differently under North Carolina's due diligence system, and you have 60 days after you move to switch your driver license and car.

Below is what New York and New Jersey transplants ask us most: getting back to the Northeast, taxes, how buying works here, which areas to compare and what to do in your first 60 days.

Getting back to New York and New Jersey from Raleigh

Raleigh-Durham International Airport lists nonstop service to all three New York area airports on its nonstop destinations page:

• LaGuardia (LGA): American and Delta.
• JFK: American, Delta and JetBlue.
• Newark (EWR): Delta and United.

RDU also lists service to New York-Stewart, White Plains and Islip on Breeze. Schedules change by season, so check with the airline before you book.

If you would rather skip the airport, Amtrak's Carolinian runs daily between New York and Charlotte with stops in Raleigh, Cary and Durham. The NC By Train schedule shows the southbound train leaving New York at 7:04 a.m., stopping at Newark Penn and Trenton, and reaching Raleigh at 7:15 p.m. Northbound, it leaves Raleigh at 10:13 a.m. and reaches New York at 8:45 p.m.

Taxes when you move from New York or New Jersey to NC

State income tax

The North Carolina Department of Revenue's tax rate schedules set one flat individual income tax rate of 3.99% for tax years after 2025. New Jersey uses a graduated income tax, where the rate rises with income. New York State also publishes graduated tax rates and tables, with separate tables for New York City and Yonkers residents.

In the year you move, you may need to file a part-year return in your old state and in North Carolina. NCDOR explains who must file on its filing requirements page. Confirm your own situation with a CPA, especially if you sell a home in New York or New Jersey the same year.

Property tax

If you live in one of Wake County's towns, your town's property tax is included on the bill you get from Wake County. Wake County's tax rates page explains that rates are applied to each $100 of value, and some bills add a fire district tax, a special district tax or town fees. Wake County is also reappraising every property for 2027, which our Wake County revaluation guide covers.

Vehicles are taxed too. According to NCDMV's vehicle taxes page, cars are subject to county property tax, which NCDMV collects for the counties, and North Carolina charges a highway-use tax instead of sales tax when a vehicle title is transferred. That page lists the amounts and exemptions.

How buying a home in North Carolina is different

North Carolina's widely used standard contract is Form 2-T, the Offer to Purchase and Contract. Its biggest difference for Northeast buyers is the due diligence period.

• Due diligence fee. According to the NC Real Estate Commission, this is a separate, negotiated fee the buyer pays directly to the seller. It is non-refundable unless the seller breaches the contract, and it is typically credited to the buyer at closing.
• Due diligence period. During this negotiated window, you do inspections, get loan approval, order a survey or appraisal and review any restrictive covenants. Before it ends, you can terminate for any reason or no reason, as the Commission's due diligence Q&A explains.
• Earnest money. If you terminate during the due diligence period, you generally get your earnest money back but not the due diligence fee. After the period ends, your earnest money is at stake.
• Repairs. If you want the seller to make repairs, get a signed written agreement before the due diligence period ends.

A closing attorney handles the settlement statements and recording. If you are selling a home in New York or New Jersey to buy here, ask your lender early how the timing of that sale affects your loan.

Triangle areas to compare

Where you land depends on your commute, the home style you want and how much space you need. These are common starting points for people relocating to the Triangle:

• Raleigh, with condos and townhomes downtown near Raleigh Union Station and established neighborhoods inside and outside the Beltline.
• Cary, which has its own Amtrak stop and a walkable downtown. Our guide to living in Cary goes deeper.
• Apex, Holly Springs and Wake Forest, farther from downtown Raleigh, with a mix of established neighborhoods and new construction.
• Durham, with its own Amtrak stop and downtown.

Visit on a weekday at rush hour before you choose, because drive times change a lot by time of day.

Your first 60 days in North Carolina

NCDMV's new resident page says that within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence, you must get a North Carolina driver license if you plan to drive, and title and register your vehicles. You need the license before you can register the car, and North Carolina does not accept out-of-state insurance policies for registration.

Our moving to North Carolina checklist walks through the license, REAL ID, registration, utilities, voter registration and tax steps in order.

Plan your move from New York or New Jersey

Caul Group is the #1 Resale Team in the Triangle, and our agents help buyers relocating from the Northeast compare areas, plan trips and buy from out of state. Get our free Triangle relocation guide, contact our team, or call (919) 263-7653.

Moving to Raleigh from New York: FAQs

Can I take a train from New York to Raleigh?

Yes. Amtrak's Carolinian runs daily between New York and Charlotte and stops in Raleigh. The NC By Train schedule shows it leaving New York at 7:04 a.m. and arriving in Raleigh at 7:15 p.m., with a stop at Newark Penn Station.

Are there nonstop flights from Raleigh to New York?

Yes. RDU lists nonstop service to LaGuardia on American and Delta, to JFK on American, Delta and JetBlue, and to Newark on Delta and United.

What is the income tax in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a flat individual income tax rate of 3.99% for tax years after 2025, according to NCDOR. New York and New Jersey use graduated rates, and New York City has its own resident tax tables.

How long do I have to get an NC driver license after moving?

NCDMV says you must get a North Carolina driver license, and title and register your vehicles, within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence if you plan to drive.

What is a due diligence fee in North Carolina?

It is a negotiated fee a buyer pays directly to the seller for the right to terminate the contract for any reason during the due diligence period. It is non-refundable unless the seller breaches the contract, and it is typically credited to the buyer at closing.