Moving from Paterson, NJ to High Point, NC
A move from Paterson, NJ to High Point, NC covers 555 mi and around 11h 9m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
555 mi Β· 11h 9m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 85, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 92.865, putting High Point roughly 17.5% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in High Point: 17.5% below Paterson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.3" |
High Point runs 8.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.1Β°F vs 61.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: High Point gets around 1.9 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.56 |
Median household income in High Point is 17.5% above Paterson ($53,766 β $61,228, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in High Point compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 52.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 555 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 13.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is High Point, NC from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 555 mi and the route typically takes 11h 9m via I 95 and I 85. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is High Point more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 17.5% lower than Paterson (92.865 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in High Point compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· High Point, NC.