Moving to Charlotte – Your EZ Guide to Everything Charlotte, NC

Thinking of moving to Charlotte? You will when you’re through reading this. They don’t call North Carolina’s largest city the “Queen City” for nothing. This fast-growing metro promises an exceptional quality of life, between a thriving job market, plenty of attractions, and a generally affordable cost of living. Truly, it earns its crown among best places to live in the South.

See why people are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. Our comprehensive guide covers what to know about living here.

About Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina, often called the Queen City, is a rapidly growing metropolis known for its thriving economy and diverse cultural scene. It’s at the heart of Mecklenburg County and a large metro area that spans North and South Carolina.

The city played a significant role in the early history of the United States. During the Revolutionary War, Charlotte was known for its strong patriot sentiment. It earned the nickname “Hornet’s Nest” from British General Lord Cornwallis, who found the local resistance particularly fierce. The city’s historical roots are also tied to the discovery of gold in the nearby Reed Gold Mine in 1799, which sparked the nation’s first gold rush and established Charlotte as an early financial center.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Charlotte’s strategic location as a transportation hub, bolstered by railroads, contributed to its growth as a center for commerce and industry. The city became a crucial site for cotton processing and textile manufacturing, industries that drove its economy well into the 20th century. Charlotte’s historical architecture, such as the preserved homes in the Fourth Ward and landmarks like the Charlotte Cotton Mill, reflect its industrial past. Over time, Charlotte became a financial powerhouse, paving the way for its modern identity while retaining deep connections to its historical roots.

Cost of Living and Population Growth

The city of Charlotte offers an affordable cost of living, which attracts more people every year. More than 40% of Charlotte’s population are residents who moved from a different state. Some came for the careers, others in search of its southern charm and affordable living.

Even thought overall, the 2023 cost of living ran 3% above the national average, it’s still relatively affordable compared to the northeast. Housing ran 3% above average, but many affordable neighborhoods across the greater metro exist. It was actually miscellaneous costs that tipped the scales. Those are your expenses for child care, eating out, catching a movie, or a live show. 

	Charlotte	North Carolina
Overall	102.5	91
Housing	103.3	83.1
Grocery	99.2	96.5
Healthcare	95.0	107.2
Utilities	98.3	99.2
Transportation	97.7	83.9
Miscellaneous	110.3	89.2

Compared to the country’s average rent price of $1739, Charlotte’s is a deal at an average of $1,651. The median list price in July 2024 was $439,000, which was very close to the national average of $438,706. 

Aside from the affordable rent prices, utility costs for Charlotte, NC, are also on the light side. On average, residents pay approximately $162 for their total utilities as of 2023. 

Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Charlotte has nearly 900,000 residents as of 2022, making it the 15th most populous city in the country. From mid-2021 to mid-2022, an average of 113 people moved to Queen City every day.

Job Market

Regarding your career, Charlotte is one of the best places in the country for job hunters. People are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, because of work. The Wall Street Journal ranked the metro the 8th strongest job market among all large metros. In July 2024, the greater metro, which includes Gastonia and Rock Hill, had an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to 4.3% for the United States. Professionals reported a median household income of $74,401, a figure aligned with the country’s average. 

What contributes to Charlotte’s job market’s strength? It starts with its diverse industries, which stabilize economic growth in lean times and attract people seeking all kinds of careers.

Wall Street of the South

The Queen City has a reputation as a financial hub. Indeed, the financial industry contributes $44 billion to the regional gross domestic product (GDP). Leading employers include Wells Fargo and Bank of America, which have made headquarters in the city. Truist is another Fortune 500 banking institution based in Charlotte.

Manufacturing Power

Advanced manufacturing is another growing industry, especially in the greater metropolitan area. Its producers in automotive parts, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals are particularly notable. Nucor, Sonic Automotive, and Albemarle are three Fortune 500 manufacturers with a prominent presence. The life sciences industry, which is supported by the North Carolina research campus in neighboring Kannapolis, is projected to have an 11% growth rate.

Logistics

Logistics and distribution is another relevant player. This industry reported 33% growth over five years ending in 2023 and is expected to continue. Amazon is one of the City’s top five employers by size.

American Airlines is another significant employer. Its hub is based at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Energy

Duke Energy, a power company, started in Charlotte and remains a major employer and industry producer. It operates multiple power plants across the Charlotte metro, including the Catawba Nuclear Station.

Healthcare

The social work and health care sectors lead the way when counting total employment numbers. They’re a combination of providers like CaroMont and Novant Health, plus companies like RXO. Tech work has boomed in recent years, with companies like Curtiss-Wright Engineering setting up shop in the Queen City.

All this shows there are diverse job opportunities waiting in Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte Education

Families choose to settle in Charlotte because of the high level of quality education that students can receive. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is the second-largest school district in North Carolina.  It manages 184 schools aligned with its vision to educate about 150,000 K-12 students. It has a 1:1 student-to-technology ratio and runs multiple magnet programs to encourage students to explore arts, STEM, early college, and other career pathways.

As for higher education, find colleges:

• University of North Carolina-Charlotte, a public university with about 24,000 students and 171 four-year degree majors.
• Davidson College, a top-ranked liberal arts college in the next-door Davidson suburb
• Smith University, a private college enrolling about 1,000 students
• Queens University of Charlotte, a private college near Uptown with about 1,300 students
• Johnson & Wales University, a private university with 20 degree programs

These excellent schools offer great value and rigorous education for Charlotte residents and their children.

Charlotte Real Estate

Those who already live in Charlotte know just how affordable the housing costs can be. The median home value in Charlotte has accelerated as more people are interested in living here. The Q2 median home price was $398,570 for the greater metro.

Even though Charlotte homes have increased in price to keep in line with the rest of the country, the Queen City is quite affordable. Still, much of the growth and new construction are in outlying communities in Iredell County, Union County, and York County, SC. This is because there’s plenty of room to build homes. New home builders use these areas’ affordability to their advantage and build high-quality homes for a lower price. In terms of growth, Charlotte ranked in the top ten large metros for 2021 and 2022. 

Still, the city has some great established neighborhoods in which to live, with beautiful historic homes, walkable communities, and amenity-rich areas. Some popular neighborhoods to check out when moving to Charlotte, North Carolina:

• Uptown Charlotte, the cultural heart of the Queen City
• Dilworth, a beautiful and historic street car neighborhood
• Ballantyne, a master-planned work-live-play community
• Myers Park, a classic neighborhood near many city amenities
• Plaza Midwood, an artsy area with many family-friendly events
• South End, a thriving nightlife scene and easy commuting area
• SouthPark, lots of upscale shopping and fine dining

Dealing with Charlotte Traffic

For city dwellers, traffic is a part of daily life. While nobody likes to sit in traffic, Charlotte roads are becoming more congested as more people move here. According to the analytical data company INRIX, Charlotte ranks 35th among US metros for its traffic congestion. Some stretches of highway are particularly known for back-ups, like Interstate 77 between Uptown and Interstate 485, and Interstate 85 entering Gaston County from Charlotte and I-77.  Multiple road projects are ongoing in efforts to add or widen lanes.

However, Charlotte city leaders are keen on encouraging people to use public transportation rather than road expansion. With a metro of over one million people and growing, public transportation is one way to ease traffic woes.

Light Rail & Bus

Charlotte does have public transportation options available to you. The LYNX Light Rail connects various neighborhoods. Its track runs for 19.3 miles and has 26 stations, with round-trip fares costing around $4.40 for adults. It becomes cheaper with the more tickets you buy. Many local universities offer pass programs for students seeking more affordable tickets. The city plans call for LYNX rail expansion with stops at outlying suburbs like Belmont and Indian Trail.

Paired with the LYNX system is the CATS (Charlotte Area Transportation System), the shuttle and bus network. A shuttle service goes to the airport, which is useful for frequent fliers who want to avoid airport parking costs.

Bike Share

If you fancy a healthier way to get around, Charlotte also has the biggest nonprofit bike-sharing program in the south: Joy Rides, formerly BCycle. Rent a bike to move around inner city. It’s a great way to explore without having to look for parking. Charlotte also has electric scooters through companies like Lime and Bird.

The Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is currently the 7th busiest airport in the world according to traffic. Many domestic and international airlines fly out of the terminals. It’s the second-largest hub for American Airlines, enabling locals to have many nonstop flights to destinations around the U.S. Flights also go direct to Central America, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and Europe.

Four-Season Climate

The weather is one of the best reasons to move to the Queen City, especially if you come from an area covered in snow for months. You’ll be happy that Charlotte can provide you with all four seasons, with some of the most stunning foliage during the Fall.

Furthermore, the winter months aren’t as harsh as those in the north. It doesn’t often snow, with January averaging just 2.8 inches. When it does snow, it doesn’t tend to stick around long. If you love skiing or winter sports, the mountains offer excellent places to enjoy a day on the slopes. Boone, NC, and its ski resorts are only 2.5-3 hours drive away!

Summers do get hot and muggy, with July average highs hitting 89F. Some consider summer heat a con for moving to Charlotte. Residents have grown accustomed to and expect heat indexes in the 100F range in the July and August months. Still, it’s usually not like the scorching heat experienced in southern states like Texas or Florida.

Rain happens throughout the year, with the highest chances in the summer months, thanks to those pop-up thunderstorms.

Things To Do in Charlotte

Charlotte has a dash of everything– great nightlife, high-end and antique shopping, live music, street fairs, hiking trails, water sports, and much more. Having so many activities for people of all lifestyles and ages is one of the pros of moving to Charlotte.

Outdoor Recreation

You’ll find great green spaces across Charlotte if you’re more of an outdoor person. Its park and recreation department operates hundreds of beautiful parks of all sizes. Find pocket parks in your local neighborhood with playgrounds for kids, athletic fields for sports events, and historic nature preserves spanning over a thousand acres. It’s hard to pick just one excellent park in Charlotte. The Carolina Thread Trail has multiple greenways across Charlotte that provide pathways for biking or an outdoor run. Latta Nature Preserve and McDowell Park’s hiking trails total over a dozen miles through lush greenery and meadows. Hornets Nest Park is for high-adventure and eclectic sports, with a nationally acclaimed disc golf course and a BMX park.

Then there are venues like the US National Whitewater Center. Not only can you use a whitewater raft or kayak, but the facilities include miles of mountain bike trails, ziplines, and flatware kayak rentals.

Another advantage to living in Charlotte is that you’re near mountains, too. Crowders Mountain State Park is only 30- to 40-minute away. It’s popular for its challenging hike up to beautiful views and its towering cliffs, beloved by rock climbers. It also has 11 trails and 9 acres of lakes for as much fishing and hiking as you want. From Charlotte, head into the Appalachians for destinations like Asheville, Chimney Rock, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and more.

Enjoy an urban lifestyle that a major city like Charlotte delivers while also having an epic outdoor lifestyle.

Golf

In Charlotte, you can play golf all year. There’s literally a golf course every 10 miles. Some of the top-rated golf courses include the Charlotte Country Club, the Quail Hollow Club, and the Myers Park Country Club.

Furthermore, some world-class golf courses are in Southern Pines and Pinehurst, just 2.5 hours away from Charlotte by car. Because it’s North Carolina, Charlotte is a convenient location for people who want to play golf in places like Augusta or Hilton Head Island

Water Sports

Enjoy water sports in Charlotte, starting with the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The center’s relaxed environment encourages first-timers and the youth to try whitewater rafting and kayakiing. However, Adventure Rafting is available for thrill-seekers who want to test their skills on fast-paced class III-IV rapids and competition channels.

While Charlotte does not border any ocean, it’s easy to forget that with Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie, and the Catawba River nearby. All that North Carolina lakefront lends incredible access to water fun. See people out water skiing, sailing, and tubing across the waterways on the hot summer days.

If you’re looking for an action-packed afternoon, make your way to any of the dozen marinas lining these lakes. Rent a ski boat or jet ski for an hour up to a whole week. You can even rent kayaks, paddleboards, and yachts, for a fun day out on the water. South of the Lake Wylie dam, bring tubes for a relaxing float down the Catawba River.

If you have a long weekend and do miss the surf, you can always take a 3.5-hour drive to the beaches of Wilmington. Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach are three great options if you want to enjoy a beach day or weekend. Myrtle Beach, SC, is another oceanfront weekend or trip option. They all have hotels and oceanfront rentals.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

Charlotte is a family-friendly destination with attractions geared towards fun and learning. Carowinds amusement park is one popular place for families to have fun and make memories. It straddles the state line with South Carolina. Ride the twisting roller coasters, or take the younger ones on kid rides.

Other places include ImaginOn, the best learning center for kids and teens. This collaboration between the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library features theater performances, teen hangout spots, a studio for making music and videos, and an interactive Story Lab.

DiscoveryPlace is Charlotte’s interactive science and nature museum. Kids will be in awe at the dinosaur skeletons, tackle engineering problems, and learn about the human body. The next door Nature Center in Freedom Park focuses on environmental education and engagement.

Dog-Friendly Charlotte

Charlotte is known for its dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and other attractions. No matter how you plan to spend your weekends, the city has plenty of options for your fur baby to join you. Take the Canine Café, which features an on-site dog-friendly bakery and all-natural pet food and supplies. They can customize cakes for your good boy/girl on their birthday.

Each spring, the Pet Palooza Festival and Walk for the Animals takes place at Independence Park in Elizabeth. It benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. Dogs and their humans participate in a fundraising walk, pet-friendly demonstrations, festivities, and contests.

If you’re looking for playdates, you can take your buddy to Twenty-Two, an art gallery beneath Soul Gastrolounge in Plaza Midwood. If your dog prefers a more active way to enjoy the outdoors, spend the day at one of the many canine parks in the city. The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve welcomes leashed pets on nine trails.

Shopping

Charlotte has many traditional shopping malls. However, the city also has unique shopping destinations that guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for. One such mall is the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. This 60,000-square-foot mall is known for its beautiful antiques. Vintage clothing, decor, furniture, and records fill each corner of this large building. You’ll see something different with every visit.

The Latta Arcade is a historical shopping arcade in Uptown Charlotte. This two-story retail building was built in 1914. It features a stunning skylight in the middle atrium and an interesting history. If you prefer an outdoor shopping experience, try Specialty Shops SouthPark in southern Charlotte. It offers a mix of locally-owned boutiques, big-name stores, and restaurants, all under the sun.

Art and Culture

It should come as no surprise that Charlotte is passionate about their music. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, a local bar, or a large music venue, live music is always playing in this city. Large concerts are held at venues such as The Fillmore Charlotte, PNC Music Pavilion, Spectrum Center, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, and more.

If you prefer a creative arts scene, Charlotte has both arts museums and events. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art allows you to bask in natural light as you look through the 1,400+ works of art it has to offer. Designed by Mario Botta, it is one of the rarest museums in the country — and only the second museum to be designed by the Swiss architect.

At the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, laugh at a comedy show, watch a Broadway musical, enjoy ballet, and more. With three theaters in the center, it hosts a wide range of entertainment. It’s in Charlotte’s Uptown neighborhood, so you can grab a bite to eat before or after a show.

Another part of the Charlotte cultural scene is its love of fast cars. As the headquarters of NASCAR, expect multiple stock car and major drag racing events each year. Tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown or check out the other classic car museums based around the metro.

If you love festivals, then the Yiasou Greek Festival is for you! This family-friendly festival is held in September every year in the Dilworth neighborhood. With plenty of Mediterranean flair, you can learn traditional Greek dances or eat as much spanakopita you please. But it’s just one of many events in Charlotte’s neighborhoods. Other top events include the Queen’s Feast, Festival in the Park, and the Thanksgiving Parade.

Charlotte Food Scene

Get ready for a culinary adventure in Charlotte. While southern dishes and North Carolina barbeque are present, what hits the plate has inspirations from everywhere. Local restaurants draw from farms outside the city limit, and flavors from across the globe.

The city is home to the famous chef Rocco Whalen. His restaurant, Fahrenheit, was featured in Gourmet magazine’s “Guide to America’s Best Restaurants.” But many more chefs are earning recognition from foundations like the James Beard Awards and Southern Living. Food halls, like Optimist Hall, and incubating fresh talent.

Mac’s Speed Shop and Queen City Q are just two of the many BBQ joints loved for their homemade sauces and smoked meats.

Craft Brewing

If you love your liquor, you’ll love Charlotte, NC. The city’s craft breweries now total over 40. Local producers include fine vineyards, beer breweries, and spirits. Some of the award-winning breweries to visit include:

• NoDa Brewing
• Blue Blaze
• Legion Brewing
• Triple C Brewing
• The Olde Mecklenburg Brewing
• Sycamore Brewing
• Wooden Robot Brewing

For adults, the Charlotte Brews Cruise lets you sip back and relax through a tour of several popular breweries. The driver will take you from one brewery to the next, where you can look at the brewing process from behind the scenes while enjoying various kinds of beer.

You may not think of North Carolina as wine country, but the Piedmont region does have producing vineyards. Locally, check out Veronet Vineyards, Vesuvius Vineyards, Treehouse Vineyards, and Dennison Vineyards.

Sports and Sports Teams

Charlotte rallies behind its professional sports teams. It has four major teams: The Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte FC (MLS), and the Charlotte Knights (MiLB). Additionally, it has a professional men’s lacrosse and rugby team. These are some examples of what makes Charlotte a sports-centered city. This city has tremendous pride in its teams—just walking down the streets of Uptown Charlotte and you’ll see the logos of every team.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts two major NASCAR events each year, including the Coca-Cola 600. The sport is headquartered in Concord, a suburb of Charlotte.

If you fancy a night out, the city of Charlotte and its teams can provide you with great entertainment. As a Triple-A baseball team, the Charlotte Knights play at Truist Field. It’s an amazing stadium in the heart of Uptown with skyscrapers against the gorgeous ballpark. Whether watching a Charlotte Hornets, Knights, or Panthers game, find plenty of options for dinner and drinks afterward.

Moving to Charlotte, NC

Many have made the move to Charlotte and never looked back. Many people who consider relocating to North Carolina will often end up moving to Charlotte thanks to all the pros it has to offer compared to other locations. From the great food, entertainment, and affordability, this city has so many opportunities to offer, all waiting for you.

FAQs

Why is Charlotte called the “Queen City?”

Charlotte was incorporated as a city back in 1768-before our nation was born. The town was named after the Queen Consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Streliz, wife of King George III.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charlotte, NC?

Part of this answer hinges on your individual lifestyle and preferences. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for the Charlotte-Gastonia metro, a single adult would need to make $40,756 after taxes to cover the essential living expenses in 2023. A family of four with two working adults and two children would need $97,029 after taxes.

How far is Charlotte, NC, from the beach?

Charlotte is about 176 miles from the nearest Atlantic Ocean beach. Myrtle Beach is the closest beach by drive time, at 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are slightly faster, at a 3 hour 23 minute drive time to Sunset Beach. Wrightsville Beach outside Wilmington, NC, is 3 hours and 48 minutes estimated drive time.

Updated August 2024