Greensboro: A Vibrant Blend of Charm and Progress

Living in Greensboro, North Carolina, offers a dynamic blend of suburban tranquility and urban vibrancy. As a city that warmly embraces the past while dancing towards the future, Greensboro creates an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike. The city’s expansive green spaces, such as the Bog Garden and Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, provide idyllic spots for relaxation and outdoor adventure, offering a refreshing urban reprieve.

Greensboro pulses with a rich history and culture, enriched by museums like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum that capture pivotal moments of American history. Downtown Greensboro is a testament to the city’s blend of modernity and tradition, buzzing with eclectic shops, innovative eateries, and a thriving arts scene. The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Weatherspoon Art Museum contribute to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry, engaging the community with inspiring performances and exhibitions.

Education and innovation are at the heart of Greensboro, with its renowned universities and colleges fostering a lively and inclusive community. The city's commitment to growth is evident in its burgeoning tech industry and emerging startups. Yet despite its growth, Greensboro maintains a welcoming, community-focused spirit, making it a thriving place to call home. It's a city where Southern hospitality meets enthusiastic progress, offering a quality of life that continues to attract families, students, and professionals alike.

Guiding North Carolina’s Realtors Forward

HelloNation Staff Writer

Across North Carolina’s fast-moving real estate market, one organization stands as both anchor and advocate for the professionals who keep the industry moving. NC REALTORS®, led by CEO Andrea Bushnell, represents more than 54,000 members across 43 local associations, giving Realtors statewide a unified voice and a reliable source of support. Their mission is simple but far-reaching: to promote member success and enhance quality of life in every community they serve.
Bushnell has spent more than a decade shaping that mission into measurable action. Under her leadership, NC REALTORS® has grown into one of the most influential state-level real estate associations in the country. Her work was recognized again in 2025 when she received the Elaine H. Ernest Visionary Leadership Award, honoring her commitment not only to the industry but to the communities that depend on it. Her tenure has been defined by a determination to keep members informed, protected, and prepared as real estate evolves.
The association’s strength comes from the resources it deploys daily on behalf of its members. Legal hotlines, updated forms, compliance guidance, and risk-management support have become indispensable tools as the regulatory landscape grows more complicated. Brokers and agents also rely on ongoing education, licensing resources, fair-housing guidance, and statewide networking opportunities that help them stay competitive and connected. For many, membership also opens the door to global real-estate engagement through programs that link North Carolina professionals to international clients and foreign investment — a growing part of the market that Bushnell has encouraged members to embrace.
That support has been especially vital in 2025. Proposed rule changes from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission introduced new expectations in advertising, licensing, contract usage, and fair-housing practices. NC REALTORS® stepped in immediately to help members make sense of shifting requirements and prepare for what compliance will look like going forward. In a year marked by scrutiny of commission structures, transparency, and consumer protections, the association has offered both clarity and stability — two things hard to come by in a fluctuating market.
“Our mission is to promote the success of our members and enhance North Carolina’s quality of life,” Bushnell has emphasized, a statement that captures the heart of her leadership. Her vision reflects an understanding that real estate isn’t just about transactions. It’s about people, neighborhoods, and the future of homeownership in a state where growth pressures and affordability concerns require strong advocacy and informed action.
For Realtors across North Carolina, NC REALTORS® provides exactly that. Through education, representation, and a steadfast commitment to professional excellence, the association ensures that its members are ready for whatever the market brings next. Under Andrea Bushnell’s leadership, that preparation is no longer a luxury — it’s a promise.

Winter Plumbing Prep Every North Carolina Homeowner Should Know

Tim Martin

North Carolina may not experience the kind of bitter cold that northern states face, but the temperatures here still dip low enough in winter to cause serious plumbing problems. Every year, homeowners are caught off guard when an unexpected cold snap leads to frozen pipes, burst lines, and costly repairs. It does not take a blizzard to do damage—just a few hours of below-freezing weather can be enough. That is why winter plumbing preparation matters for every household in the state.
The most common winter plumbing issue is frozen pipes. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, putting enormous pressure on the pipe walls. Even sturdy metal pipes can crack under this stress. Once the ice thaws, water rushes through the damaged section and can flood a home in minutes. A single burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, along with the disruption of having to shut off water service for repairs.
Frozen pipes are not just inconvenient, they are one of the costliest avoidable plumbing problems homeowners face.
The good news is that simple steps can greatly reduce the risk. Insulating exposed pipes is one of the easiest and most effective measures. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install, and they provide a layer of protection against freezing temperatures. Pipes that run through unheated areas of the home, such as attics, crawl spaces, or garages, should always be insulated. Outdoor spigots and the pipes connected to them are also highly vulnerable and need special attention.
Disconnecting outdoor hoses is another important step that is often overlooked. When a hose is left attached to a spigot in cold weather, water can remain trapped inside. That water freezes quickly, backing up into the connected pipe inside the wall. The result is often a hidden burst pipe that may not be noticed until significant damage has already occurred. By simply disconnecting hoses and storing them indoors, you can eliminate that risk.
Every homeowner should also know the location of their main shut-off valve. If a pipe does burst, being able to quickly turn off the water supply can make the difference between a minor clean-up and a major disaster. In many North Carolina homes, the shut-off valve is located near the perimeter of the house, often where the main line enters through a basement or crawl space. Some homes have the shut-off at the water meter near the street. It is worth finding out before an emergency strikes.
In addition to these key steps, there are other smart precautions. Letting a small trickle of water run from faucets on very cold nights can help keep water moving and reduce the chance of freezing. Opening cabinet doors under sinks allows warmer air to circulate around pipes. For homes with irrigation systems, shutting them down properly before the first freeze helps prevent underground pipe damage.
While North Carolina winters are generally milder, the unpredictability of weather patterns in recent years means cold snaps can come with little warning. A night or two of freezing temperatures is enough to cause widespread plumbing issues across the state. Preparing in advance is far easier and far less costly than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe.
Ultimately, winter plumbing prep is about peace of mind. A few hours of preparation in the fall can protect your home, prevent expensive damage, and spare you the stress of an emergency call to a plumber during the coldest days of the year. For homeowners across North Carolina, that preparation is not optional, it is essential.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located in the Piedmont Triad region, Greensboro stands out as a dynamic center for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace industries in North Carolina. With direct access to I-40, I-85, and Piedmont Triad International Airport, the city offers strategic advantages for companies seeking efficient distribution channels and robust transportation networks.

Recent industrial developments, including the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite and expansions at the airport’s aerospace park, are drawing national attention. These projects are fueling demand for modern industrial facilities and driving historically low vacancy rates across the region.

Greensboro’s workforce pipeline is supported by local programs like GuilfordWorks and the North Carolina A&T State University, which provide tailored training in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and engineering. The city’s partnerships with area community colleges and workforce boards ensure that employers have access to a skilled labor force ready to meet evolving industry needs.

On the incentives side, North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and the One North Carolina Fund remain key tools for attracting new business. Locally, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Guilford County offer additional incentives, grants, and site selection assistance to facilitate industrial growth and expansion.