Discover why North and South Carolina are seeing record growth as high-tax states like California and New York lose residents to the "Sun Belt" boom.

We reviewed more than 24,000 U.S. public high schools; 230 South Carolina schools made our rankings.

Shortly after the Carolina Panthers picked Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the NFL Draft on April 24, the former Blount High School standout heard from Derrick Brown. In addition to being one of Hunter’s football role models, the former Auburn All-American anchors the Panthers’ defensive line.

Just over a year ago, Carolina general manager Dan Morgan used a second-round selection on Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton. He played in all 17 regular-season games and made eight starts, and also started the playoff clash with the Rams.

For traveling twosomes on the hunt for a romantic retreat that offers escapes to both the beach and the mountains, North Carolina is the answer. Though the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains sprawl from Georgia to Pennsylvania, the highest peaks are found here. In fact, the Blue Ridge range covers most of western North Carolina.