The passport really isn't an issue, at all. I know a great deal of people who have moved south and have only heard of trivial issues related to border crossings

The passport really isn't an issue, at all. I know a great deal of people who have moved south and have only heard of trivial issues related to border crossings, and never issues with residency and work permits. Being a tech worker from Canada makes the USA a fairly open market for your skills. But as will likely be similar for individuals from North Carolina, my anchor to this geographic location is the social and familial network that my family relies upon. Moving to another geographic location is appealing, and a great option, when young and lacking in responsibilities; but I'm quite hesitant to uproot my children and wife, placing them far away from their friends and extended family, in order to live in a location that lacks the qualities that makes raising a family here so appealing.