Why do thrillers always take place in the Carolina's?

I literally just said prior to reading the excerpt that thriller take place in the Carolina's - why? They do have coastal areas as well! Two friends, one summer before they leave for college. One off to the West Coast, and the other staying home. Their last hurrah, but what lurks in the woods they've chosen to hike over the 3-days. Incredibly intrigued where this goes, and "who" survives.