Eastern North Carolina

The Coastal Economy is Emerging

1.5M

Population

669K

Labor Force

30%

of the Workforce Has an Associates Degree or Higher

Coastal Plain
Region

Let Your Business Thrive on North Carolina’s Coast

Eastern North Carolina offers strategic advantages for business expansion with a dependable infrastructure — including two deep seaports, a robust highway system, and rail connections — that support efficient movement of goods domestically and globally. The region boasts a growing, educated talent pipeline from local universities, a concentration of life sciences and biopharma activity, and dynamic industry clusters such as defense and wind energy. Beyond business, Eastern North Carolina’s natural beauty and laid-back coastal lifestyle offer year-round recreation from world-class fishing and boating to championship golf courses, historic downtowns, and vibrant waterfront communities—all at a fraction of the cost of other coastal markets.

Why NC?

North Carolina’s Coastal Plain region has the infrastructure, talent pool, and quality of life that your company needs to help it rise to the top.

$258M

in Film Production

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3.6%

Job Growth (2018-2023)

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WHY NC

Dynamic Industry Clusters

Our Coastal region offers companies an experienced talent pool and strong infrastructure for moving goods and services. Also, it’s home to five military bases, a biopharma manufacturing cluster, and miles of wind energy investment potential.

man stands under boat interior in warehouse

Educated and Skilled Talent Pipeline

The Coastal region’s schools produce a labor force of technically skilled workers with more than 18,000 graduates annually. Its three public universities award nearly 9,000 students with degrees in business admin, biomedical sciences, and engineering.

NC Ports and Connected Infrastructure

Our deep seaports offer the highest container truck gate and crane productivity on the East Coast, moving 4+ million tons of general cargo annually. Quick access to major highways and rail connectivity ensures your company can move its goods easily.

Life’s Better by the Water

The region offers an ideal quality of life for those desiring a laid-back and affordable lifestyle. Residents enjoy miles and miles of beaches, several outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and golfing, and a diverse food and beverage scene.

Explore North Carolina Regions

Companies in Eastern North Carolina

Prominent companies that have already planted roots in the coastal region include:

ThermoFisher Scientific

GE Aviation

Weyerhaeuser

Avangrid

Catalent

GW

Live Oak Bank

Nucor

Perdue

Resers

US Department of Defense

WestRock

Discover Your Place in Eastern North Carolina

Greenville

This coastal region offers a rich history and easy access to the Outer Banks, plus its home to one of the state’s premier medical centers.

Uptown Greenville

Wilmington

In addition to sand, sun, and surf, this region offers a laid-back, low-cost lifestyle that’s hard to resist.

Island Life NC

Regional Resources

Cape Fear Living Salt Magazine

FAQs

What industries are most prominent in Eastern North Carolina?

Eastern North Carolina is a booming hub for life sciences and biopharma activity, along with dynamic industry clusters such as defense and wind energy. Major employers like ThermoFisher Scientific, GE Aviation, and Nucor have established operations here, drawn by the skilled talent pipeline, port access, and the region’s strategic position for both domestic and international commerce.
How can I find available sites or properties in Eastern North Carolina?

Finding the perfect site in Eastern North Carolina region is easy with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). Search our comprehensive database of available properties on our site selection website. Our interactive search tools allow you to filter by property size, building specifications, transportation access, utility infrastructure, and proximity to workforce and suppliers.

Contact our team to learn more about site options and schedule a site visit.

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What is the quality of life like in Eastern North Carolina?

Eastern North Carolina offers an exceptional quality of life that balances affordability, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. The Coastal Plain region features miles of pristine Atlantic beaches, barrier islands, and scenic waterways that provide year-round access to fishing, boating, kayaking, and water sports.

The region also boasts charming historic downtowns like Wilmington – recently voted one of Good Housekeeping’s best beach towns of 2026 – and New Bern, a thriving local food and craft beverage scene, championship golf courses, and numerous state parks and wildlife refuges for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy significantly lower costs of living compared to other East Coast beach communities, achieving an affordable coastal lifestyle without sacrificing access to quality healthcare, education, and cultural amenities.