What You Need to Know About Living In Charlotte, NC
Here’s what it’s like to call the Queen City home.
Charlotte, North Carolina has taken center stage. While the Queen City wasn’t topping many lists a decade ago, it’s now drawing new residents year after year. Each year since 2020, Charlotte’s population has grown by at least 2.5%, and sometimes by as much as 3.8%. Whether you’re considering joining the fun as a Charlotte resident or you’re in the early stages of exploring your options, take a closer look at what it’s like to live in this vibrant city.
Daily Life in Charlotte
What’s it like to live and commute in Charlotte? Many people head to North Carolina to enjoy milder weather while still enjoying all four seasons. Charlotte’s climate is pleasant year-round, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. If rain bothers you, Charlotte may not be your ideal city — it’s known as one of the wettest cities in America. At the same time, residents enjoy an average of 219 sunny days per year, which beats the national average of 205. The climate in Charlotte allows for a variety of recreational activities all year long, as well as a lengthy gardening season.
Most residents commute by car using Charlotte’s well-connected highway system, but there’s also a light rail system (the LYNX Blue Line) and an expanding bus system. The conveniently-located Charlotte Douglas International Airport provides convenient air travel options, connecting residents to domestic and international destinations.
In addition to the favorable weather, another major driver of Charlotte’s recent growth is the below-average cost of living. Compared to the national average, expenses such as utilities, housing, food and transportation are all lower in Charlotte. While some of these costs of living are lower in other areas of North Carolina, they are much higher in cities like New York or San Francisco.
Charlotte’s Job Market
As the headquarters for almost 20 Fortune 1000 companies, Charlotte is a thriving hub for various industries. Professionals find job opportunities in finance, healthcare, technology, energy, banking and manufacturing. Top employers in the Charlotte area include:
Duke Energy
Amazon
American Airlines
Honeywell
Lowe’s
Wells Fargo
Belk
With 16.2% year-over-year job growth in 2022 according to payroll data from Gusto Inc, Charlotte is among the best cities for entrepreneurs and job seekers.
Recreation in Charlotte
Charlotte knows how to have fun. Whether you’re into art, music, outdoor activities or chill days at the park, you’ll find endless opportunities to let loose in the Charlotte area. Families love spending time at the Carowinds Amusement Park. Outdoor lovers frequently drive thirty minutes outside the city to spend the day hiking, biking, boating or fishing on Lake Norman. Foodies and craft beer enthusiasts find plenty of breweries and restaurants to indulge in. From nightlife to cat cafes, Charlotte’s got it all.
Top Charlotte Neighborhoods
People from all walks of life can find an ideal neighborhood in or around Charlotte. For families, the Ballantyne area offers excellent schools, family-friendly amenities, and a suburban atmosphere with beautiful homes and parks. Young professionals tend to live in Uptown, also known as Center City. Here, there’s a vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and easy proximity to major employers. For retirees, the Fourth Ward, Matthews, and Mint Hill areas provide a serene and upscale environment with luxury homes, high-end shopping, and access to cultural attractions.
Charlotte’s Home Affordability and Available Inventory
The job market is thriving and the recreation opportunities are bountiful, but there’s one major pain point for those trying to move to Charlotte: the housing market is still extremely competitive. Finding an existing home that meets your requirements in terms of size, location, layout and style is next to impossible. Even when you find a home you’re willing to compromise a few features for, the competition may prevent you from landing the contract.
Instead of losing bidding wars and sacrificing the amenities they truly want, many buyers are opting to build custom homes. Building custom allows you to tailor your living space to your specific needs and preferences. Trade compromise, renovations and escalation clauses for a home that matches your lifestyle and aesthetic from the very start.
Charlotte, NC, is a dynamic and growing city that offers an excellent quality of life, ample professional opportunities, and a diverse range of recreational activities. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, Charlotte has something to offer. Get started building your dream home in the Charlotte area with Atmos!
