The 2010 Census results are coming in, so we now know our state has 1.5 million more residents than it did 10 years ago — making North Carolina the country’s 10th largest state — population-wise. That sounds cool until you look at our over-burdened infrastructure, our crowded schools, our state’s busted budget … But, hopefully, all these fine new residents will enjoy paying taxes so we can get back on our feet, fill those potholes, educate their children … and on and on.
While it’s not totally clear why folks are flocking here, the assumption is that they’re moving here for work and for the weather … thus the large numbers of both immigrants (work) and Yankees (weather).
The gorgeous scenery — from the mountains to the coast — certainly couldn’t hurt, either. Here’s hoping our new neighbors will help us keep the state sparkling. From Keep NC Beautiful:
Rhiannon “Rhi” Bowman is an independent journalist who contributes snarky commentary on Creative Loafing’s CLog blog four days a week in addition to writing for several other local media organizations. To learn more, click the links or follow Rhi on Twitter.
This article appears in Dec 21-27, 2010.
