Many people around Raleigh grow them. I have a few in my garden. The typical grocery store kinds can suffer during some of our winters (sometimes winter is cold here, sometimes it isn't). There are plenty of smaller fruited, sour types that handle our weather just fine.

Charlotte area no problem.

Charlotte area no problem.

In the Charlotte area you will be among tons of upstate New Yorkers. They started moving here with corporations back in the '70s.
Some of the South Charlotte area, depending upon microclimates and elevations is zone 8a. Much is 7b and you can be assured of almost two full growing seasons and year round flowers.
Often, we originally from the Northeast are dismayed by not being able to grow some of our favorites here because
it's not cold long enough for good dormancy.
You'll be happy with just how much more you can grow here vs. your zone.

Shelby/Cleveland Co. area is nice too!

Belmont is great too - close to Charlotte yet still has a home town feel. Weather is very mild, and there are plenty of recreational activities nearby.