Strategic Advantages

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County (EC-PC) has many strategic advantages that our regional competitors lack. Consider the following:

Best State for Business

North Carolina has been named Forbes Magazine’s “Best State For Business” two years in a row for 2017 and 2018. Forbes is one of many publications that has recognized North Carolina’s friendly business environment in recent years.

Port of Virginia (POV)

The largest deep-water port on the east coast is only a 30-mile drive via an already 4-laned future interstate highway (I-87/US 17).

Foreign Trade Zone 20 (FTZ-20)

The Port of Virginia’s FTZ-20 was extended into Northeastern North Carolina in November 2016. Companies located within this are eligible for incentives for importing and exporting goods out of the Port.

EC Vicinity Map

Click to the image above to view larger Vicinity Map.

In addition, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County (EC-PC) offers these strategic advantages:

Low Union Activity

North Carolina is a right-to-work state with the lowest union rate in the nation at 4%.

Low Corporate Tax Rate

North Carolina has the lowest Corporate Tax Rate in the Nation at 2.5%. Virginia has one of the Nation’s highest rates at 6%.

Low Property Tax Rates

Our property tax rates are about 10% lower than other Southeastern Virginia communities.

Lower Cost of Industrial Land

Industrial land prices are approximately $30-40K per acre as compared to $150-200K prices just 30 miles north in Virginia. View our industrial offerings here.

Low Cost of Living

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County offers a 25% lower cost of living than both urban and rural South Eastern Virginia communities including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, and Suffolk.

Higher Incentives

If you choose Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County to locate or expand your business, you will have access to higher incentives due to our State of N.C. “Tier 1 Status”.

Mature Workforce

Large local military installations like the US Coast Guard and US Navy provide a pipeline of talent from military personnel separating from service and transitioning to civilian jobs.

Local Educational Resources

Customized training, job placement, and internship opportunities help support the local and regional industries. Our community is home to the College of the Albemarle (COA) and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). Other regional institutions include Tidewater Community College, Martin Community College, Roanoke Community College, Pitt Community College, Old Dominion University (ODU), and East Carolina University (ECU).

Aviation Assets

Elizabeth City has a joint civil-military regional airport supporting the US Coast Guard’s maintenance and operations of the HC-130j and MH-60T Jaycraft Aircraft. Adjacent to the Airport is the Elizabeth City Aviation Science Industrial Park with shovel-ready land for prospective aerospace businesses.

A River City

The beautiful, winding Pasquotank River runs right through the heart of the City’s downtown district providing many sightseeing, kayak, canoeing, sailing, and fishing excursions.

Downtown Has it All

Whether it’s work, live, or play, Elizabeth City’s downtown has it all. The historic buildings and breathtaking waterfront provide a great atmosphere. New apartments, Bed & breakfasts, chef-inspired restaurants, breweries, and art stores have sprung up in recent years providing a great quality of life for residents and visitors.

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Elizabeth City | Pasquotank County Economic Development Commission

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