Moving to Charlotte NC? 15 Things You Need to Know
You’re joining the 100+ people moving to Charlotte, NC, each day. In researching your relocation to Charlotte, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of moving to North Carolina. You’ve decided this growing city is the next place you want to call home. Charlotteans will be glad to have you. First, here are several things you need to know to start off on the right foot and settle in quickly.
#1 Charlotte is a fast-growing city.
Of the many people moving to North Carolina, many are relocating to Charlotte NC. Between 2017 and 2018, the city added 13,151 residents. With a population nearing 885,700, that makes Charlotte the 15th largest city in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
#2 Charlotte’s economy is a Southeast standout.
Charlotte’s GDP growth for 2003-2013 was 26.9%. Compare that to the likes of Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami, and you’ll see economic growth is one reason people are moving to Charlotte, NC.
#3 Charlotte’s economy accounts for 26% of the state’s GDP.
Those relocating to North Carolina, and looking for a city feel, will be weighing Charlotte or the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Charlotte’s metro area is a big draw. In fact, if Charlotte were a nation, it would have the 60th largest national economy. That’s bigger even than Angola or Morocco ($130 billion versus $128 million or $109 million respectively).
#4 The big economic drivers range from banking to beer.
Yep, you read that right. Charlotte is known as the Southeast’s financial capital. With $2.29 trillion in loan and other assets as of the end of June 2018, Charlotte is the nation’s second-largest banking center. Another booming industry is micro-breweries. There are almost 50 beer and cider breweries around Charlotte.
#5 There are jobs here.
You don’t have to be a banker or a brewer to find employment in Charlotte, NC. The unemployment rate in 2017 was 4.9%, and the median salary was greater than the national average.
#6 You may work in Uptown.
Don’t let it confuse you. Those new to Charlotte, NC, need to know that locals call the city center area Uptown. Other metropolitan areas would call it downtown. We know. But, the name comes from traders having to travel uphill in the past to get to the main intersection of Trade and Tryon.
#7 Charlotte is known as the Queen City.
The city was named in honor of a German princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The county Charlotte’s in, Mecklenburg, also took her name. There’s a statue of her at the Charlotte airport, which ranks sixth nationwide based on operations and is the 11th largest airport in the nation based on passenger totals. More than 44.4 million passengers traveled through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CLT, in 2016.
#8 The Queen City is affordable.
The current Cost of Living in Charlotte is below the national average. According to Payscale, Charlotte’s housing costs are 14% below the national average with utilities, groceries, and transportation all below average as well.
#9 You can enjoy all four seasons here.
Charlotte residents enjoy all four seasons. If you’re relocating to Charlotte from the north, you’ll scoff at the “snow days.” Yet at least you can expect to still a little of the white stuff. Plus, Charlotte has a conservation group devoted to maintaining the tree canopy in the city. So, there is also beautiful fall foliage.
#10 You’re easy driving distance from ski or surf.
North Carolina has the Appalachian mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the western part of the state. Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville are great mountain towns for an escape. If beach sand is more your style, you can check out one of North Carolina’s many coastal towns.
#11 You’ll want to try the BBQ.
Everyone is going to have a different opinion about the top spot to go to enjoy low-and-slow barbecue. The fun part of living in Charlotte, NC, is getting to try them all and decide for yourself. Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue is made with vinegar and spices. Western North Carolina bbq is typically pork with a vinegar and tomato sauce.
#12 There are other great restaurants too.
The culinary scene in Charlotte is constantly evolving. Foodies can enjoy farm-to-table goodness, dessert as the main event of the meal, southern Soul Food, dumplings from a food truck, and more. You might recognize Jamie Lynch from Top Chef’s season 14. His 5Church is right Uptown.
#13 Charlotte is a major musical touring act stop.
In non-Covid-19 times, Charlotte hosts musical acts of all styles at its sprawling outdoor PNC Music Pavilion, The Fillmore, The Underground, The Visulite or the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. Top draws in 2019 included Beck, Cage the Elephant, Jason Aldean, Lizzo, Peter Frampton, and Kacey Musgraves.
#14 There’s plenty of sports to talk about.
Along with the Carolina Panthers NFL team, the Charlotte Knights baseball team also enjoys a stadium surrounded by the city skyline. Bank of America stadium annually hosts college football for the ACC Football Championship and the Belk Bowl. Soccer fans can enjoy the USL’s Charlotte Independence. Charlotte has also recently landed an MLS expansion team.
#15 There are many distinct neighborhoods in the city.
The many Charlotte neighborhoods have their own advantages going for them. Whether it’s a lush park or greenway, an artsy vibe, quirky boutiques, high-end retail, proximity to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), or tree-lined streets and mansions, you’ll find somewhere to call home. While you’re wandering make sure to keep an eye out for the many colorful murals popping up around the city too.
Saussy Burbank offers single-family homes and townhomes in many of the city’s great neighborhoods. Learn more about the new construction waiting for you in Charlotte, NC, today!
