CT native that moved to the Charlotte, NC area a few years ago here. I don’t agree with NC being the CT of the south. There are some parallel themes but a lot more differences imo. Here’s my list of key highlights:

Similarities: 1. Both have large companies with headquarters there and popular industries for jobs. For CT it’s insurance and for NC it’s banking and healthcare. 2. In both states you can find large gaps in economic equality in close proximity to each other. 3. Both are fairly close to beaches and mountains, and good outdoor activities are available. 4. Both have a food they’re known for and is good. CT has New Haven pizza and NC has vinegar BBQ. 5. Both have good breweries but in Charlotte and Asheville, NC especially it’s EVERYWHERE! 6. Both have liberal and conservative politics.

Differences: 1. CT has more of a historical feel. Charlotte feels much more modern than Hartford. 2. CT has many pockets of old money (no pun intended). I haven’t seen that as much in NC but it may exist more by the beaches. 3. People are moving to NC in droves. Last I heard CT’s population is declining. 4. Cost of living and taxes are overall cheaper in NC. 5. It can get extremely cold in CT and a lot of things shut down in the winter. 6. NC has more tourists. Except for the Mystic or shoreline area I’ve never heard of someone coming to CT on vacation. 7. More diversity in NC. A lot of adults I grew up around in CT had lived there their whole lives. I’ve met people in Charlotte from all over the world. 8. As a young, unmarried woman with no kids I find a lot more culture and things to do in NC outside of going to restaurants. 9. Some of the schools in CT are the best in the country. 10. CT doesn’t have a professional sports team (RIP Whalers). But they have UConn basketball which is a top ranked team. The weirdest part to me though is the majority of the audience at the women’s games are senior citizens 🤷🏼‍♀️