North Carolina residents treasure the history, traditions and character merged into the wonderfully unique town and country cultures. In the heartland you can find historic sites, charming towns and plenty of Southern hospitality. A wide range of coastal and mountain communities here offer single-family houses, luxury properties and condominiums to suit an array of real estate preferences. Thousands of acres of national forest land, miles of freshwater rivers and streams, and the Outer Banks, a 130-mile long stretch of barrier islands make that allow residents to engage in exciting fishing, canoeing, white-water rafting and camping. City dwellers will delight in Charlotte, the largest metropolitan area in the Carolinas. From Uptown revitalization and new construction, to the suburbs’ upscale shopping centers and high performing schools, The most popular neighborhoods of Charlotte are clustered throughout its entire metropolitan area. North Carolina is the foremost textile manufacturer in the nation and high-tech industries are primarily located in Research Triangle Park, which has become an international center of research, development and cutting-edge technology. Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill are also major national centers for medical research and the latest in medical treatments.