how can you compare that to the Ocean? Moving to Charlotte is a popular thing to do these days and the folks who are living here already know why. Theres an electric buzz in the city that feeds into ambition, but its calm enough to keep the priorities clear: life is about enjoying. But the city is big enough where anyone can find something to love. What are some of the reasons you regret making the move? Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. Save up to 30%* on moving and storage with promo code SPRING30. Sometimes I just get bored and find myself needing to escape elsewhere for a few days in a bigger city. It is up to you to get out of the house to see what you can find. Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Catawba River are all great spots if you want to spend the day on a boat with some family and friends. Combined with the reasons above, Charlotte is looking more and more attractive to many people. The place is teeming with budding entrepreneurs and innovation, giving you the best of both worlds: forward-moving kindness. Don't feel like spending money on a concert? When you start living in Charlotte, then it wont take long to realize just how passionate people are about making the city an excellent place to live. Get more stories delivered right to your email. According to the U.S. Census, the per capita income in Charlotte is $43,080, while the median household income is $68,367 not far off from the national numbers. Builders love North Carolina and most citizens aren't thrilled about it. Located right in the heart of Uptown you'll see skyscrapers encompassing the beautiful ballpark. If you ask a Queen City local what living in Charlotte, NC, is really like, theyll regale you with tales of four beautiful seasons, reasonable cost of living, gorgeous East Coast nature, and a friendly small(er)-town feel with a big-city skyline. and our By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Although the experience is nowhere near what you would find in Chicago or Seattle, there can still be some problems getting from work to home each day. In 2021, the town hosted its first annual gay pride parade, a celebration common across large American cities. With mountains like Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Chimney Rock, and mountain cities like Asheville and Boone you don't have to go far to enjoy some truly great hiking and scenic trails. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. In other words this is one of the worst cities for attempting to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Where residents and visitors alike can share news, events, gatherings, stories, and more. After 8 years of living in Charlotte, Im still confident I made the right call. The Charlotte Area Transportation Service, or CATS for short, will provide you with several bus routes throughout the city, and it offers an airport shuttle too. Many folks before you have done it and done it successfully. In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes.This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.. Our Premium Calculator Includes: - Compare Cities cost . Although Charlotte is the largest metropolitan area in the United States without a zoo, there are several museums, monuments, and other cultural opportunities to enjoy when living here. Never lived anywhere else in NC, but those are really the only two areas in NC with opportunity. The central location of Charlotte in North Carolina is one of its most significant advantages. Since 1851, almost 50 storms have blown through. If you're moving to Charlotte you'll want to be sure you understand both the neighborhoods and the cities that surround the area. It is about an hour north of the city and allows you to take your boat, kayak, or other marine craft to have a fun day on this 34-mile body of water. From rich springs ripe with fragrant blooms to mild tempered autumns with dazzling fall foliage, youll be rubbing elbows with tourists every season of the year. See offer, thousands of New Yorkers flock to Charlotte, Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site via facebook, 15 Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, for 2023, Expect Southern Hospitality and Modern Amenities When Moving to Charlotte, NC, 15 Foolproof Packing and Moving Tips and Tricks From Someone Whos Moved 25+ Times, Pinching Pennies? I heard one coworker describe living in Charlotte as living in a place where everything is just good enough. Most of what the city has to offer could be rated as 5/10 not bad, not good, not always memorable. It also means lush, green lawns and beautiful tree-lined streets. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan (averaging only 704 square feet), for instance, will run you $4,501, while the average monthly payment for a bigger one-bedroom (944-square-feet on average) apartment in Charlotte is only $1,667. Looking ahead, the North Carolina job market is projected to add more than 300,000 new jobs by the end of 2028, and most of those jobs will be created in Charlotte and Raleigh. Charlotte (/rlt/) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Charlotte is ranked as the #14 best city to live in the U.S.in a recent U.S. News article. City leadership is and has been concerned with lining their pockets and attracting more wealth to the city. Alright, these are fighting words, I know. Required fields are marked *. The insects love to come out during the hot, sticky months of summer and that can be a problem since there isnt much of a breeze to provide relief. This is thanks to one of the biggest banks in the world, Bank of America, which is headquartered right here in the Queen City. Getting to work is important. But dont just take my word for it, Charlotte ranks as the 5th cleanest city in the country. The comfortability that comes with Charlotte is something you will feel right away walking the streets of Uptown. One of the best parts of the Charlotte community is the passionate sports fans. If you love to go golfing, then Charlotte is the perfect place to be. Midwood Smokehouse - If you're looking for some North Carolina BBQ, Midwood Smokehouse is a great place to enjoy a meal. 8. And although I dont necessarily agree, I thought that was a clever description. Crowders Mountain State Park is a 30-40 minute drive from Charlotte located in Gastonia. Need some more time before youre ready to move in? North Carolinians are genuinely super friendly people, but if you decide to move here from another state, don't expect us to conform to your culturewe have our own! The Charlotte area is relatively easy to travel around with great public transportation that makes owning a car a non-necessity depending on where you live. It also has an assisted living aspect, and it also has a memory, in separate buildings. One of the things to be cautious of when moving to Charlotte is that with all of Queen City's growth schools can often be re-districted. Commercial burglaries were 2,067 compared to 1,603 in 2021. You can't drive 10 miles in the Charlotte area without going by a golf course. Bank of America and Wells Fargo are two of the top employers in the Charlotte area. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, and bike-sharing services like Charlotte B-Cycle and LimeBike can also whisk you around the city. These in-state colleges all offer great value for Charlotte residents. Charlotte has a history of managing hurricanes and their aftermath. The weather in Charlotte is ideal. My wife and I are thinking about moving to North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, any good cities in the state with good career opportunities). When you combine the threat of a hurricane with this issue, then there is the possibility of losing a lot of trees when the winds blow through. You may even find that they are more expensive than your expectations depending on where you are moving from. Comparatively, 70+ people are moving to Raleigh which now holds a population of 470,000, making these two NC cities some of the fastest growing in the country. Part of the reason Charlotte is so affordable is thanks to how affordable land is. Tirades, Welcome to Charlotte, Things to do, Buying/Selling, and Charity are all weekly topics. People who moved to Charlotte and regret it, why? Some argue that southern hospitality is rather passive-aggressive. - 10/1/2020 I lived in Charlotte 10 years. 7. Moving to Charlotte in 2022 seems to be the trend and it should continue to grow well into 2022 and 2023 with the number of people moving here steadily growing. Many people spend their entire lives here, so they dont experience other cultures. Q: What is it like to live in Charlotte?A: Living in Charlotte, NC, means living in a mid-size southern city known for its financial industry, multiple professional sports teams and stadiums, delicious (and evolving) food scene, abundance of parks, and a total of nearly 200 neighborhoods perfect for young singles and families alike. If you want a new construction neighborhood with a lakefront view and a golf course you'll want to check out a neighborhood like The Palisades. The summers are nothing like the blazing heat found in southern states like Florida or Texas. Since 1995, it has been the second-largest banking center in the country. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. The road infrastructure is abysmal at best and I swear I can barely see the road markings on rainy days (shouldnt they be reflective anyways?!). So far, so good but I definitely dont want to paint a false picture. We have put together this article on what it is like living in Charlotte to help the folks who are considering moving here. If you come from a cultural or ethnic minority, then the experience is a little different because it is not unusual for a local resident to ask someone who doesnt belong where they are from even if that person is a life-long Charlotte resident. If you dont consider yourself a nature nut (yet), I suggest spending a day at the National Whitewater Center to see what all the fuss is about. Moving down to NC from Boston allowed me to spend far more time outside than I was able to up north. If you're looking for places to hang out on the water or relax on the beach Lake Norman is a great spot. We live in a growing but super affordable city in the Mountain West. This is a great way to learn about the goings-on in a city from a real locals perspective, without all the fluff. The biggest draw of city living is having easy access to to anything your heart desires practically all hours of the day. Uncategorized. Heres a quick roundup of a few neighborhoods worth knowing. Or maybe it's a guy's night out and you want to hit the game and jump from pub to pub. Overgrowth is reducing the amount of green space which is available. One of the great things about North Carolina is that there is an affordability factor you can't find in many other states which allows small businesses to succeed. While it will clear up highway congestion when finished, it's causing a ton more during the process. Living in transylvania co is better for internet than surrounding areas. Charlotte really has it all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Long live the Queen City! Over and over again, studies have shown how important green space is for mental health and wellness specifically in cities, where theres more asphalt than grass. While coffee may get your morning started, you may be looking to switch to something a bit stronger after work. One reason a lot of folks settle on Charlotte for their relocation as opposed to other cities is due to the level of quality of education their children will receive. The pride the city has for its teams is incredible. The residents of the city love the community. 42 reviews. Over 40% of Charlotte's population has moved from another state in search of the southern charm Charlotte offers. Charlotte is ranked as the #14 best city to live in the U.S.in a recent U.S. News article. Otherwise, you are going to want to get used to seeing the Bible everywhere you go. Some people will pay less for their mortgage than they had in their taxes up in New York or New Jersey. What would you add to the list? You will discover that there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself with living in Charlotte. Copyright © 2023 The Honest Local | This post may contain affiliate links - read our Standards, Corrections, & Privacy Policy. Compared to the states which are further north, winters are relatively mild here, although snow is possible in January and February. What would you say that you like most or dislike the most about living in Charlotte , North Carolina ? With 14 parks in total (and counting), Charlotte has nearly 11,000 square feet of green space per resident. Don't get me wrong: tourism is a booming industry in North Carolina. Some of you may be reading this and thinking 'a lake?' This is the third-highest percentage increase in the country, which is worth considering for anyone moving to Charlotte for a tech job. The NFL, NBA, AHL, USL, and Major League Lacrosse all have active teams in the city. The dark side - There are 2 that I am very well aware of. Center City's nightlife scene includes a wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs, live music, events, entertainment, and more! We also have 4 distinct seasons (5 if you count 3 months of inversion with no snow to clean the air.) Nothing makes a city feel more like a community than a festival, and by that measure Charlotte is one big, celebrated community. Unsurprisingly, Charlotte is growing. Your email address will not be published. I've actually seen Charlotte featured alongside cities like LA in random like car commercials recently, though it's mostly just skyline shots. 5804 Old Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. Q: Is Charlotte or Raleigh better?A: While were not in the business of comparing entire cities each locale has its own charm and residents who relish calling it home there are some notable differences between Charlotte and Raleigh that may help you decide where to settle. People who are considering relocating to North Carolina often end up in Charlotte or Raleigh and that is thanks to the pros without many of the cons other places have. i hate living in asheville. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Cookie Notice Going hand-in-hand with my previous comment about innovation, lets talk about the tech industry. If youre craving a tree-lined trek more than a relaxing afternoon on a sandy beach, take to one of the many hiking trails around Charlotte. The mall is just a few years old, very nice stores, every store around that you need in multiple directions, and we're getting an Ikea next year. In 2022 the overall crime rate rose 3%, but violent crime reduced by 5%. I love living in places where you can still find hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall restaurants after 5+ years. 9. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2016 census-estimated population of 2,632,249. Charlotte, NC Market Overview Homes For Sale 4,045 New Homes 389 Open Houses 155 Median $/Sqft 225 Best Suburbs New Listings in Charlotte $325,000 2 Bd 3 Ba 1,280 Sqft $254/Sqft 7012 Jane Parks Way, Charlotte, NC 28217 - Condo/Townhouse For Sale New 48 Minutes $330,000 3 Bd 2 Ba 1,142 Sqft 4724 Avalon Forest Ln, Charlotte, NC 28269 - House For Sale The cost of living in Charlotte is lower than in other cities along the East Coast. With an unemployment rate of 4.9% in 2017 and a median salary that is greater than the U.S. average, Charlotte is an attractive choice for anyone looking for work that pays well! This is a small complaint, but I think the road conditions are terrible. 24 . And that doesnt even begin to cover the college teams worth watching! Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Hope you enjoyed this roundup of the pros and cons of living in Charlotte. Charlotte is the most populous city in the state of North Carolina. Consider using a PODS portable moving container for a flexible move that works with your schedule. The sport is so popular that even most of the children who live here will take up golfing at some point before they turn 18. Raleigh, on the other hand, enjoys a bustling but more suburban vibe, thanks to the several universities and colleges in the area. Trying to get into that company can be challenging, especially if you are coming from a region outside of the southeast. The Cellar at Duckworth's - Winner of the Diner's Choice Award in 2017 on Open Table, The Cellar at Duckworth's is an American Gastropub. Property crimes were 32,335 compared to 30,637 in 2021. 9. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. One of the most popular times to visit the city is during the fall when the foliage begins to change colors. Rush hour will provide you with the same challenges in Charlotte as you will experience and most larger cities. We've gotten used to it but it's sure annoying to use both heat and air conditioning in the same week. In terms of climate and cost of living, though, youll find both cities are fairly similar. In Charlotte, North Carolina I go to a lot of Charlotte Hornets games. And while that has been proven to be true (just sign up for a book club), theres still something undoubtedly pleasant about living in a place where folks will greet you and use manners out of respect. Read more from, Some stores like Kroger offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Energy costs in Charlotte,NC are generally going up. But lets address the season most folks tend to dread most, winter. Haberdish- A local Charlotte restaurant that is an absolute must-try! Something most folks dont realize before moving to Charlotte is the biggest perk of all. This city used to be fun and safe, now its shit. You will enjoy living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Though there are public transit options, extended wait times and limited routes mean many residents choose to drive to get where they need to go. Overall yes. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, the largest school district in the Charlotte area, includes 169 schools and around 150,000 students K-12. But lets answer the most pressing question . Marijuana realistically 2-3 years. Couldnt wait till tirade Tuesday so feel my wrath today. Thank you! Now that you have a better sense of the pros and cons of living in Charlotte, NC, are you ready to make the move and start living your best life in the Queen City? Before we jump into our list, lets answer a few frequently asked questions about living in Charlotte, NC. If you want to take advantage of city living from time to time, without needing true big city amenities then living in Charlotte, North Carolina should fit the bill. Crowders Mountain State Park offers a scenic two-mile trail just 40 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, while South Mountains State Park boasts a loop that crosses over Jacob Fork River, ending at High Shoals Waterfall and only a 1.5 hour drive from Charlotte. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. People who are living in Charlotte know how affordable the Queen City is. Charlotte has a reputation for high crime rate, so Id like to delve into the details a bit. Ill rely on stats for this part of the conversations because opinions have a way of getting inflated. North Carolina is mostly good, but these ten things put the B in bad. You know, nice to your face, but the gossip will be juicy as soon as you turn around. Whether you are touring there are numerous museums, taking advantage of the performing arts performances, or lingering during the citys festivals, you will find that the open arms of this community are always warm and welcoming. For example, some people may experience a lot of negative events such as job loss, sickness and relationship troubles but still, stay remarkably positive about themselves and their lives. Homes in desirable, built-out, locations are far more expensive than you would expect. Heres a fun fact: After New York City, Charlotte is the second largest financial hub in the country. The reason why people are moving to the city is simple: it offers advantages. Despite recent increases in housing costs and rent, it still is 5% cheaper to live in this metro area than the national average. Charlotte offers that photo-worthy vista, but locals also tout how it manages to maintain the friendly calm of a smaller city though with its population on the rise, that feeling may be changing. 7. Whether or not you're a weekend warrior, it's always nice to know you have the opportunity to enjoy a night out when you choose to do so. On the cons side, those who dont love the heat may want to stray clear of the hot, muggy summers, while those who hate driving may find the public transit options lacking and have to brave the traffic-prone and sometimes accident-ridden roads. If you have any questions or want to tell us more about what you're looking for, we can help guide you in the right direction. but just want to hear the side of the story that may get lost in the hype. Charlotte is a great place for coffee lovers, plain and simple. I dont know, Im reluctant to mention this because I know long-term residents may find it offensive, but I cant shake the feeling. What's nice about Charlotte is that it's large enough that you meet new people every day, though, you will likely see the same people regularly if you frequent the same spots! 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. If you decide to start living in Charlotte, then you will be putting yourself into the path of a potential hurricane. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong financial industry, relatively mild climate, and an up-and-coming food scene, its no wonder its one of the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Q: Why are people moving to Charlotte?A: You may have heard that Charlotte, NC, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and wondered why. Hi there! Thanks! However, like every city, Charlotte has its own set of perks and challenges that a future resident should be aware of. Schools are shit, crime is everywhere. Hate to travel, won't try new or exotic food, can't even fathom other people think differently and hold different opinions and won't even discuss things that are not relevant to their small town bubble. There's so much to love (and not love) about calling this pretty place home. Her work has appeared in Boston magazine, Apartment Therapy, and more. You can find me outside any given weekend, either hiking, swimming, boating or fishing. I will say, it get a little chaotic during snow days because the icy road conditions are a nightmare. It is consistently ranked as one of the 100 fastest growing churches in the United States, and there are questions about its overall lack of financial transparency. 1,841 posts, read 1,469,157 times . But depending on where youre moving from, you may notice a little extra savings in your account especially when it comes to housing. And no, mosquitos are not the official state bird of North Carolina, regardless of how many you see on a daily basis. If you are not a religious person, then moving to Charlotte can be a shock to the system sometimes. Scan this QR code to download the app now. A local ride will cost you $2.20 each way, while express and regional tickets go for $3 and $4.40 respectively. There are always random live performances on the streets and these are often so engaging that large crowds will form captured by the music. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. 3. There are also several community colleges in the region that can help you to earn a certificate or get a head start on your bachelors degree. When youre ready, theyll pick it up and deliver it to your new home in Charlotte. It's a rocky road for sports fans in North Carolina, and honestly somewhat volatile. Privacy Policy. You'll find far more square footage, better locations, and commutes as well as a higher quality of life thanks to the affordability of Charlotte! Whether you're living in the suburbs or downtown you are going to quickly fall in love with Charlotte! A large city with easy access to the Mountains and a short commute to Lake Norman to enjoy a day at the beach or on the water. If youre used to having a weekly get-together and lots of friends hanging around for a chat, then the alone time you get here can sometimes make you feel comfortable. The short answer is not really. Charlotte may be one of the biggest cities in North Carolina, however, that small-town charm is not lost. If youre looking for the A+ options, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Charlotte Engineering Early College, and Ardrey Kell High School are among the top-ranking schools. Walking down the street in Uptown Charlotte you will see the logos for each team all over the city. A: Living in Charlotte, NC, means living in a mid-size southern city known for its financial industry, multiple professional sports teams and stadiums, delicious (and evolving) food scene, abundance of parks, and a total of nearly 200 neighborhoods perfect for young singles and families alike. However, even then, when compared to other similar-sized cities, Charlotte is deemed more affordable. The worst part? Whether you're at a Panthers game, Hornets game, or Knights game, when the game is over you have plenty of options if you want to keep the night going for dinner or drinks. As much as you may love where you live, having fun nearby destinations is a perk worth prioritizing. Those coming from the Northeast will see their real estate taxes decrease dramatically. The average time the commuters spend on the road is 26 minutes. There is plenty of parking available there, places to have a picnic, volleyball courts, trails that are perfect for walking your dog, and a nice lake where the ducks and geese like to gather. The humid weather creates the ideal climate for those annoying things to prosper. Much like other US cities, Charlotte has its fair share of crime. This issue is also affecting the traffic around these recreational areas, especially with the use of toll lanes on the local highways that impacts how drivers move about the city. Its no secret that Charlotte is a mosquitos paradise. The Queen City now holds a population of 872,498 (2019 U.S. Census). Location is one of the primary advantages that you will receive if you decide to start living in Charlotte. The BB&T Knights are a Triple-A baseball team and the stadium is absolutely amazing. There are several public transportation options from which to choose. Theyre nowhere near as brutal as the Midwest or our neighbors to the north. Each coffee shop offers something unique that others may not. 2. Not even close. For city dwellers flocking from larger hubs like New York, Charlotte offers the twinkly skyline and surplus of things to do (think: brewery tours, ball games, festivals, and museums) but with blissfully lower rents and real estate prices and even a slightly lower cost of living than the national average. Lets take a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Charlotte, NC. There is definitely the stark racial divide, however - as time goes forward, it has gotten better - I live here now. Additionally, some of the best golf courses in the world are found in Pinehurst / Southern Pines which is a 2-2.5 hour drive away from Charlotte. A few of the great neighborhoods in Charlotte include Uptown (also known as Downtown Charlotte), Myers Park (an affluent community), and places a little further away like Lake Norman or Gastonia, each of which offers something different whether it's a lake or the mountains.
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