Quick-reference answers to the questions out-of-state buyers ask most often.
What's the property tax rate?
Mecklenburg County's blended effective rate sits around 0.84%. Iredell, Union, and York (SC) Counties typically run lower.
Does North Carolina tax Social Security?
No. Social Security is exempt from NC income tax.
Best schools?
Top-ranked public districts include Fort Mill (SC), Union County (Marvin Ridge, Cuthbertson), and CMS magnets in the north (Hough HS) and south (Providence).
Where do New York / New Jersey transplants land?
Most commonly Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, Fort Mill, and Waxhaw.
Is buyer representation really free?
For new construction, yes — builders typically pay the buyer-agent commission as part of their standard sales budget. There's no additional cost to you, and you get an independent advocate through every phase.