Moving Guide to Charlotte

Whether you’ve already decided to move to Charlotte or you’re on the fence about it, we’re here to help. Moving to any city is going to be stressful, but the hardest part is often the research that needs to be done ahead of time in order to get a feel for your new city. We’ll break down everything you need to know before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charlotte Overview

Charlotte has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire United States, boasting the 10th highest population growth among all U.S. cities in recent years. In 2018, Charlotte had an estimated growth rate of over 100 people relocating to Charlotte every single day. Charlotte’s economy is strong and still growing at a fast rate, making it an ideal place to live.

Cost of Living

If you’re moving to Charlotte, you won’t be alone. The influx of people moving there does end up having an impact on the overall cost of living; the demand for housing creates a slight increase in rent prices. This is especially so for the Uptown, NoDa, and Dilworth neighborhoods. However, even with that being said, the average cost of living in Charlotte still sits 5% below the national average.  

Job Market

One thing to consider when relocating to Charlotte is what the job market looks like in the city.  Finance continues to be one of the largest sectors of Charlotte’s economy, and jobs in finance are incredibly abundant, as you can find the headquarters for Bank of America in Charlotte.

Meanwhile, the technology sector is still the fastest-growing market in Charlotte. Additionally, Charlotte was No. 2 on the list of cities creating the most tech jobs in 2017. It seems that this trend won’t be slowing down soon, so if you’re looking for a job in the tech career, Charlotte is a great city for you.

Living in Charlotte

When you’re not working, you’ll be taking full advantage of Charlotte’s nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment options. Catch a Carolina Panthers football game with the rest of the locals, have drinks on the rooftop at Merchant & Trade, and see what’s going on at the Levine Museum of the New South. Spend a day at the NASCAR Hall of Fame soaking up the history of the sport, take the kids to Discovery Place Science, and picnic in the park at the sprawling Marshall Park.  

Charlotte Neighborhoods

Now we’ll take a look at some of the most popular Charlotte neighborhoods. While this section is more for those who are already committed to moving to the city, those who are still undecided might find something to sway them further toward beautiful Charlotte. 

• Uptown: Uptown is the name that has been bestowed to, ironically enough, downtown Charlotte. Uptown is split up into four wards, each with its own notable traits. The first ward, due to recent extensive urban revitalization, is now an area that’s great for those looking for big city life. The second ward consists mainly of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for arts and culture. The third ward is where you would go if you’re looking for shopping, a place to grab a bite, and other entertainment. The fourth ward is designated for historic homes consisting primarily of those built in the Victorian style. While the fourth ward is more expensive due to the nature of the houses, it is still one that can be considered.

• Elizabeth: This upscale neighborhood is home to Central Piedmont Community College’s Central Campus and is just a stone’s throw away from Uptown. Elizabeth has a somewhat higher cost of living than the rest of Charlotte, but it also has a much lower crime rate. Here, you can find the best food, a stripped-down listening room, and one of the city’s top bars for going out, The Crunkleton. You can also get some fresh air at the 19-acre Independence Park. A modern-day CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar provides a direct link to the heart of Uptown Charlotte. 

• Myers Park: Myers Park is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in all of Charlotte. Of course, this also means that it is one of the most expensive of all the districts in Charlotte. Home to the historic Duke Mansion Bed and Breakfast, it might be worth giving a look. Myers Park is not out of the question for everyone, but it is important to be aware that the cost of living is slightly higher in this area prior to checking it out. 

• Dilworth: This charming neighborhood is filled with local shops, restaurants, and community festivities. Check out Mac’s Speed Shop, one of the city’s best BBQ joints, and attend the annual Dilworth Jubilee for family fun, samples from local breweries, and live music. 

Ready to get moving? Check out thousands of Charlotte apartments for rent on Zumper and find your ideal place.