Deciding Where to Move in NC: The Healthcare Factor
If you are planning a relocation to North Carolina in 2025, you are likely torn between two incredible options: the booming, tree-lined streets of the Raleigh-Durham Triangle or the relaxed, coastal vibes of Wilmington.
Watch the Full Breakdown
Want to see the specific hospital locations and hear more about the new developments? Click here to watch my full video comparison on YouTube.
Most of my clients start their search comparing house prices, school districts, and proximity to the beach. But there is one critical factor that often gets bespoke until it’s too late: Healthcare Access.
As a relocation expert, I tell my clients that while lifestyle is important, access to world-class medical care is what provides long-term peace of mind. In my latest video comparison, I broke down the stark differences between these two popular regions. Here is what you need to know.
The Wilmington Landscape: Good Regional Care
Wilmington offers an undeniable quality of life. Living near the ocean is a dream for many. When it comes to healthcare, the region is primarily served by Novant Health.
Novant is a strong regional healthcare system that handles standard medical needs, emergencies, and general surgeries very well. For retirees or healthy young professionals who want the coastal lifestyle, this coverage is often sufficient. However, it is important to note that you are limited to essentially one major system. If you require highly specialized care, second opinions from competing research hospitals, or complex pediatric specialists, your options on the coast are more limited than in the Triangle.
The Raleigh Advantage: An Ecosystem of Medical Excellence
When we look at the Raleigh area (including Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs), the landscape changes completely. We don’t just have a hospital; we have a medical ecosystem.
Raleigh is the clear winner for healthcare access because of the “Big Three” titans located right in our backyard:
- Duke Health: World-renowned for research and specialized treatment. People travel globally to be treated here.
- UNC Health: A top-tier academic medical system with an extensive network of specialists.
- WakeMed: A massive system known for its trauma centers, heart center, and rehabilitation services.
In the Triangle, you aren’t reliant on a single provider. You have the luxury of choice. If you need a specific specialist, you can often choose between three of the best doctors in the country within a 30-minute drive.
The Game Changer: The New Children’s Hospital
The gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is about to get even wider for families.
It was recently announced that UNC Health and Duke Health are partnering to build a state-of-the-art Children’s Hospital in the area (Southwestern Wake County/Apex area).
This facility is set to change the landscape of pediatric care in North Carolina. It will bring specialized pediatric resources, thousands of jobs, and cutting-edge treatments to our doorstep. For families moving with children, knowing that this level of care is being built in your neighborhood is a massive reassuring factor that the coast simply cannot match right now.
The Verdict: Which is Right for You?
So, how do you choose?
- Choose Wilmington if: Your priority is proximity to the ocean, you are generally in good health, and you are comfortable with a solid regional healthcare system (Novant).
- Choose Raleigh if: You want access to the absolute best medical care in the country, you have a growing family, or you want the peace of mind that comes with having Duke, UNC, and WakeMed just minutes away.
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