Looking to make the move to the largest city in North Carolina? Charlotte is a bustling city that continues to thrive, and has many selling points for potential new residents. The Queen City is full of surprises–from fine dining options and rooftop cocktail bars, to 24-hour French pastry shops and a thriving arts scene. Are you a sports enthusiast? How about a history buff? This might just be the city for you to call your new home. There are many factors when considering a relocation to a new city. Before moving to Charlotte, let’s get you acquainted with its charm by noting these main selling points and areas of interest.
Say goodbye to predictable weather
When moving to Charlotte, you should prepare for all possibilities of weather. Though a generally mild climate, it’s not uncommon for sunny skies and puffy clouds to unexpectedly give way to a heavy rain. Summers are humid and muggy, but temperatures rarely top 95 degrees, and rainfall is especially common in these months. May through September is a particularly humid time of year, so prepare your hair products accordingly. Winters are chilly and wet but only average a few inches of rain per year. Temperatures in the winter months can get down to the 20s, but they rarely dip below that. If snow is one of your concerns when deciding where to live, you’ll be pleased to know that there is only an average of about 6 inches of snow per year.
Sports fans have a lot to cheer about
Not only does Charlotte boast two professional sports teams—the Hornets (NBA) and the Panthers (NFL)—it’s also home to three minor league teams: baseball, hockey, and soccer. If you’re more of a race car fan, you’re in luck. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Uptown Charlotte, but for the live NASCAR action, head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway where you’ll have plenty of races to choose from throughout the year, like the Coca Cola 600 and the NASCAR All-Star Race. Living in Charlotte, NC means access to nearly every sport you can imagine.
Cost of living
As Charlotte has continued to grow in popularity, and with many new residents flocking to the area, you should consider the cost of living as you decide your potential move. With the highest median rent prices in the country coming in at more than $3,100, Charlotte’s rent prices are a bit of a reprieve at $1,440 for a one-bedroom apartment. Along with more affordable rent than other major cities, Charlotte’s utility costs won’t put too much of a strain on your budget. Residents pay, on average, around $142 for utilities. The cost of living in North Carolina and Charlotte are still below the national average which will offer you more flexibility as you find your perfect housing.
It’s a banking mecca
If you’re in the business of finance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bank that doesn’t (at the very least) have a branch in Charlotte. In fact, Bank of America (a Fortune 500 company) and Wachovia are both headquartered here. The city is also home to the East Coast Operations of Wells Fargo. In addition, BB&T, First Citizens Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Bank of Granite, New Dominion, and many more local credit unions and banks have a home in the city. It’s no wonder the banking sector is a huge driver of employment for those living in Charlotte.
Uptown is bustling
Although it hasn’t always been a food and drink destination, Uptown has seen a surge in trendy bars and restaurants recently. Grab drinks at 5Church where the ambiance is entirely swanky enough for a first date; get a post-work cocktail at The Cotton Room where they pair whiskey cocktails with 90s throwback music; or, eat dinner at Angelines, where Italian classics are served in a contemporary setting. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, head to Merchant + Trade inside the Kimpton Hotel. This 19th-floor rooftop lounge features both indoor and outdoor seating, expertly-crafted cocktails and local beers, plus a sweeping view of the city.
History is alive here
Learning the history of any new city is an important part of getting settled and feeling connected to the community. Anyone interested in the happenings of the past will be happy to know Charlotte does a great job of preserving and displaying its vibrant history. At the Levine Museum of the New South, the good and the bad of both Charlotte’s history and the Civil War are on full display. Locals and visitors can walk through this interactive museum to get a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War and the post-Civil War society. The museum hosts family days throughout the year and provides educational programs for students and classes.
On top of all of that, there are also a plethora of historical sites in Charlotte and the surrounding areas, including a gold mine state park and the North Carolina Transportation Museum.
Neighborhoods are charming
Can’t decide where to live in Charlotte? Luckily, the Queen City has some pretty quaint districts and neighborhoods.
- Uptown: a bustling area for the 9-5 crowd, plus nightlife, entertainment, and restaurant options.
- Fourth Ward: you’ll find both modern apartments and charming Victorian homes scattered throughout the quaint streets of this historic neighborhood.
- NoDa Arts District: grab a beer at the local favorite, Birdsong Brewing, eat a delicious pastry at the 24/7 Amélie’s French Bakery, or catch a show at the popular Neighborhood Theater.
- Dilworth: quiet and laidback and hosts a handful of Charlotte’s best BBQ joints.
- University City: mainly college students live here, but the area is also home to many Fortune 500 company campuses.
- Elizabeth: an upscale neighborhood with plenty of amenities and a convenient commute to Uptown.
Charlotte is an exciting mix of old and new, with plenty of places to eat, drink, and explore. Find your favorite neighborhood, search thousands of apartments on Zumper, and get excited to check out your new city.
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