Here's Why Johnston County is a Great Place to Live

Let's be honest, moving is terrible. It's a tetris with cardboard boxes, misplaced keys, and the existential dread of realizing just how much stuff you've accumulated (we have a great blog on this). But what if the destination made all the pain worthwhile? What if that destination was a place with a name that sounds like a friendly guy who'd let you borrow his lawnmower? I'm talking about Johnston County, NC, or as we call it JoCo.

1. The Cost of Living is Basically a Hug for Your Wallet

Tired of your rent being a second mortgage? Or your actual mortgage being a third mortgage? The cost of living here is more affordable than many of its neighbors, especially when compared to the big-city hustle and bustle of Raleigh. You can get more square footage and more land for your money, which means you can finally have that home office you've always wanted (or, more realistically, a dedicated room for your massive collection of Star Wars memorabilia). Your bank account will thank you, and you'll probably feel a little less like you're living on the edge of financial ruin.

2. A "Just-Outside-the-City" Vibe

Johnston County isn't a sleepy, "nothing-ever-happens" kind of place. It’s got a strategic location that’s so good, you'll wonder if it was designed by a master planner with a knack for geography. We're right on the I-95 and I-40 corridor, meaning you can get to pretty much anywhere. Plus, we're a mere stone's throw from Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park or Fayetteville/Ft Bragg. You get all the small-town charm and a quieter pace of life without having to renounce your love for fancy coffee shops and the occasional museum trip. Think of it as having your cake and eating it too, but the cake is sugar-free and tastes awesome, and the "eating it" is a convenient commute.

3. The Job Market is Growing Faster Than Long Leaf Pines

JoCo is experiencing some serious growth, and that's not just in the number of new coffee shops locations (one of the best being Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee). The local job market is expanding, with a diverse range of opportunities. And even if your dream job is in Raleigh or RTP, the commute is surprisingly manageable. Plus, with the lower cost of living, that salary goes a whole lot further. So you can not only get a great job, but you can also afford to buy something other than ramen noodles.

4. There's Actually Stuff to Do (and the Food is Legit)

Forget what you think you know about "rural" counties. Johnston County has a vibrant downtown scene in places like Clayton, Benson and Smithfield, with local restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops. We've got agritourism, so you can go to a farm and pick your own strawberries, which is far better than the store bought stuff. There are fantastic festivals like Mules Days or the Ham & Yam Festival. And oh the food scene!!! North Carolina is serious about our BBQ. We have our own culinary trails, so you can embark on a quest for the perfect pulled pork, which is a far better than trying to parallel park in downtown Raleigh.

5. The People Are Nicer Than a Free Biscuit

Okay, this might be a generalization, but there's a certain "Southern charm" that's alive and well here. People say "hello" on the street. Neighbors actually offer to help you with your moving boxes (or at least bring you a casserole). It's a community where folks are engaged and the schools are top-notch. Johnston County Public Schools are well-regarded and growing, so your kids won't have to resort to learning from a dusty encyclopedia in a back corner of the library.

So, if you're tired of the high prices of the concrete jungle, the traffic, the fact that your neighbors can smell your air freshner, maybe it's time to consider Johnston County. We've got the space, the savings, and the sweet tea. What more could you possibly need?