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Moving to Charlotte in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Charlotte.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Charlotte.

Planning to move to Charlotte?

Moving is exciting if you know all about the new place and this can be helpful as you will be ready for the challenges. If you are planning to move to Charlotte it would be better to learn all about the city. But finding all the information in one place is not easy, so Van Lines Move created a city guide where you can learn all about Charlotte. Like, Charlotte is a metropolis with a vibrant culture, strong economy and rich history. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies and offers an affordable cost of living. The city has a diverse culture and that is reflected in the neighborhoods. You can enjoy several outdoor activities and enjoy biking as a mode of commute. But this information is not helpful, so read out the details inside-

Quick Facts of Charlotte

Let us explore Charlotte’s hidden interesting facts in a few seconds-

This is the largest city in North Carolina.

Charlotte was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.

Charlotte is a major hub for financial services, transportation and healthcare.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is listed as the sixth busiest airport in the US.

The city has a diverse population with over 30% Hispanic or Latino.

The city is home to various breweries, distilleries and wineries.

A popular destination for retirees due to its mild climate and affordable cost of living

Family-friendly attractions and environment make it the perfect city to raise a family.

The Charlotte Beer Festival and the Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops are the major festivals of the city.

The city has a low unemployment rate and high population growth.

Top reasons to move to Charlotte

Moving to Charlotte is a big step and there must be some strong reasons for such a big change. Here we have listed major factors that encourage you to move to Charlotte-

Cost of living- The cost of living in Charlotte is relatively affordable compared to the other major cities of the US. If you are looking for a place with a quality lifestyle at an affordable price then you can move here. The monthly rent for one room is around $1,675 and the median home value is around $382,900.

Economy- The economy of Charlotte is thriving being a major financial center. The city is home to many Fortune 500 companies. The healthcare and technology sectors are strong and offer numerous job opportunities.

Population diversity- The city has a diverse population and this is reflected through the neighborhoods and culture. There is a rich tapestry of culture portraying diversity.

Education system- The education system in Charlotte is strong with the presence of reputable colleges and universities.

Art and Culture- The city has an emerging art and culture scene as there are popular museums like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Mint Museum. There are theaters and performing art venues in the city.

Green space- Charlotte has plenty of open green spaces, parks and spaces for recreational activities.

Diversity in Food- Since Charlotte is home to several cultures, there is diversity in food as well. You can get a chance to enjoy traditional Southern delicacies or international cuisines.

Growth everywhere- Charlotte is on the growth track as the city is constantly investing in new businesses, marketing, infrastructure, expansion and more.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Pros & Cons of Living in Charlotte

Each city offers a lot of things to its residents and newcomers, but there are a few drawbacks about the city that no one tells you. In this section, we have listed all the pros and cons of the city.

Pros of living in Charlotte	Cons of Living in Charlotte
Major financial center with strong economy and presence of Fortune 500 companies.	Traffic congestion is a major concern for the residents.
Relatively affordable cost of living	Public transportation is limited and is not extensive like in other cities
Diverse population with significant Hispanic and Latino population	Summers can be extremely hot and humid.
Perfect destination with plenty of open green spaces
Strong educational system with top colleges and universities
Family friendly city and right place to grow a family

Source: Forbes, Numbeo

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Charlotte, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Charlotte

A right neighborhood is very important to raise a family in the right culture and environment. In this section we have listed several top neighborhoods in the city-

Dilworth- A historic neighborhood famous for its tree-lined streets, vibrant shops, charming homes, etc. This is highly recommended by families and young professionals.

South End- This is a trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood. There is a mix of modern architecture and industrial architecture in the neighborhood with various nightlife options, breweries and more.

Myers Park- This is also a historic neighborhood with one of the largest parks in Charlotte- Freedom Park

NoDa- This is a popular art district which has bohemian vibes and there are many art galleries, music venues and studios in the neighborhood.

Elizabeth- This neighborhood has a small-town feel with history everywhere. You can explore famous Victorian houses in this neighborhood.

Parkwood- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with ample of green spaces including parks and gardens. There are several good schools and is considered an affordable place to live.

Source: Niche

Cost of living in Charlotte

Charlotte is a city with a relatively affordable cost of living as compared to other major cities in the United States. The overall cost of living in Charlotte is 7% lower than the national average.

This means all the expenses are available at lower prices in the city. If you are moving to Charlotte, then you must know about all the basic expenses you have to manage. In this section of the guide, we have compiled detailed data for the cost of living in Charlotte. This will help you set your moving budget and efficient move planning.

Expense	Average Cost
Housing	$1,219 per month
Utilities	$120 per month
Food	$441 per month
Transportation	$90 per month
Healthcare	$130 per month
Other expenses (entertainment, clothing, etc.)	$313 per month

Source: Numbeo

Housing Market in Charlotte

Currently, the housing market of Charlotte is experiencing a moderation period after rapid growth and price rise. There has been a decrease in the median sale price of a home in Charlotte, it was $429,000 in September 2022 and $405,000 in September 2023. This is due to increasing interest rates, lack of inventory, and many other factors.

Source: Realtor.com

Average rental cost in Charlotte

The average rental cost in Charlotte varies between a range of $1,449 and $2,780 which depends on several factors. The major factors include the size of the house and the location of the house. There has been a slight decline in the average rent from the previous year.

Source: Apartment List

Charlotte job market

The prime reason for relocation is a better career opportunity and growth. If you are moving to Charlotte for a better job or starting your career then you should know that Charlotte's job market is strong.

There are multiple Fortune 500 companies in the city including Lowe’s, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

The unemployment rate in the city is 3.6% which is lower than the national average. There are several reasons why the job market in Charlotte is strong like a growing population, diverse economy, high quality life and more.

Top Career Options in Charlotte

Charlotte has a diverse economy where you can find distinct job opportunities. But some career options are high paying and can your career in a new direction. Let us check out the top career options in Charlotte-

Job title	Average salary	Entry-Level Salary	No. of Employees
Software Developer	$103,600	$73,900	18,210
Registered Nurse	$78,510	$58,800	17,970
Sales Representative	$64,120	$48,090	16,310
Financial Analyst	$86,200	$64,650	14,120
Customer Service Representative	$48,620	$36,465	13,940
Marketing Manager	$95,100	$71,325	12,870
Accountant	$71,200	$53,400	12,350
Teacher	$56,900	$43,425	11,720
Administrative Assistant	$47,220	$35,415	11,650
Human Resources Specialist	$67,100	$50,375	11,480

Source: Indeed

Median Salary in Charlotte

The median salary in Charlotte is $46,885 per year which is higher than the national median salary. The median salary depends on factors including occupation, experience, education and industry. The median salary in Charlotte is high due to factors like a low unemployment rate, a high cost of living and a strong economy.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau's QuickFacts

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Major industries in Charlotte

Each city has some major industries that employ its residents. In Charlotte we have the following industries providing employment-

Financial services

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Technology

Transportation and Logistics

Retail

Hospitality and Tourism

Source: Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, "Charlotte's Major Industries"

Best things to do in Charlotte

Moving to a new city means you need some time to explore the place and make yourself friendly.

Explore Uptown Charlotte which is a vibrant center of the city. There are various attractions to explore including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Spectrum Center and the Mint Museum Uptown.

Spend a day in Freedom Park by walking, biking, jogging and picnicking. You can enjoy the beauty of green spaces.

Explore the fascinating museum at the Billy Graham Library which is dedicated to the life and work of famous evangelists.

Catch a Broadway show, concert or dance recital at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Enjoy thrilling rides at roller coasters and water rides at Carowinds which is a popular amusement park.

Learn science in a fun way at Discovery Place with a variety of exhibits and programs available for all ages.

Explore the NoDa arts district which is a hub for artists and galleries.

Explore the history of the South since the Civil War at the Levine Museum of the New South.

Source: Charlotte Regional Visitor's Bureau, "Top 10 Things to Do in Charlotte"

Education System in Charlotte

A good educational institution will help your child get a quality education and better growth. Charlotte is home to several top colleges and universities. In this section, we have listed the best schools, colleges and universities for your reference

Elementary schools in Charlotte
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (K-8)
Socrates Academy (K-8)
Rea View Elementary School (K-5)
Polo Ridge Elementary School (K-5)
Providence Spring Elementary School (K-5)

Middle Schools in Charlotte
Providence Spring Elementary School (K-5)
Providence Day School Middle School (5-8)
Charlotte Christian School Middle School (6-8)
Myers Park Montessori School (6-8)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (K-8)

High Schools in Charlotte
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (9-12)
Socrates Academy (9-12)
Myers Park High School (9-12)
Ardrey Kell High School (9-12)
Providence High School (9-12)

Universities and Colleges in Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte
Johnson & Wales University
Wingate University
Davidson College

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Niche

Transportation & Navigation in Charlotte

The transportation system in Charlotte is well-developed and there are a variety of options available in the city to get around. If you are moving here, then you should know everything about the ways of commuting-

Public Transportation- In Charlotte, The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is responsible for providing light rail and bus service in the city. The bus system has more than 20 fixed routes and several on-demand routes. There are only two lines for the light rail system.

Biking and Walking- The city has a walkable and bikeable system and a growing network of greenways and bike lanes. There are several bike-sharing programs including Charlotte B-cycle. Most neighborhoods in the city have walkable paths and it is easy to get around on foot.

Driving- The road system in Charlotte is well-maintained, but traffic congestion is a major concern, especially during rush hours. The city has parking and garages in Uptown Charlotte.

Navigation- The city is well-mapped and several navigation apps are available for easy navigation. If you want you can use any of these apps- Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps.

Source: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), "Getting Around Charlotte"

Type of insurance required in Charlotte

There are a variety of insurance options available for the residents and businesses in the city. Let us check out the types of insurance-

Homeowners Insurance- This type of insurance protects the house and household belongings from different types of damages and losses that occur due to fire, theft, natural disaster and vandalism.

Renters Insurance- This type of insurance protects your personal belongings from different types of damages that occur due to fire, theft or vandalism. This will provide liability coverage if anyone gets injured on your property.

Auto Insurance- This type of insurance is required by law in North Carolina and all divers must have it. This will provide liability coverage in case of accident for your vehicle and other motorist.

Health Insurance- This type of insurance provides financial support for paying medical expenses and prescription medicines.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance provides financial support to your loved ones in the event of your death.

Business Insurance- This type of insurance protects your business from any loss or damage like property damage, business interruption or more.

Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance, "Types of Insurance"

Taxes in Charlotte

Each resident and business of the city has to pay tax one or more than one type. In this section, we have listed all types of taxes applicable in Charlotte.

Income Tax- The flat income tax rate in North Carolina is 4%. Each resident of the state has to pay the same percentage of their income in state taxes.

Sales Tax- There is a combined state and local tax in Charlotte with a rate of 7.25%. This tax applies to the sale of goods and services.

Property Tax- The property tax in Charlotte is 47.31 cents per $100 in property value.

Motor vehicle tax- North Carolina has a motor vehicle registration fee and also a motor vehicle property tax.

Alcohol tax- There are a variety of alcohol taxes which include beer excise tax, a liquor excise tax and a wine excise tax.

Source: Mecklenburg County Tax Assessor's Office, North Carolina Department of Revenue

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FAQs

1. How does Charlotte cater to those with environmental concerns regarding transportation?

Ans: Charlotte is working on improving transportation options for those concerned about the environment, but it acknowledges there's room for growth.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS): This public transportation system offers bus routes and a light rail line (LYNX Blue Line) that connects some key areas.

Bicycle infrastructure: Charlotte has a growing network of bike lanes and some protected bike paths.

Electric vehicle charging stations: The number of charging stations is increasing, making electric vehicles a more practical choice.
2. What sports teams and events are based in Charlotte?

Ans: Charlotte offers a vibrant sports scene with teams across various leagues and caters to a wide range of sports fans. Here's a rundown of the major professional teams and events in the Queen City:

Major Professional Teams:

Carolina Panthers (NFL)

Charlotte Hornets (NBA)

Charlotte Hornets basketball team Charlotte

Charlotte FC (MLS)

Charlotte FC soccer team Charlotte

Other Professional Teams:

Charlotte Knights (Triple-A East)

Charlotte Knights baseball team Charlotte

Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

Charlotte Checkers hockey team Charlotte

Events:

Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR): Held every Memorial Day weekend at the

Charlotte Motor Speedway

CocaCola 600 NASCAR race Charlotte

Wells Fargo Championship (PGA Tour)

Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament Charlotte
3. What recreational activities are available in Charlotte for residents and tourists?

Ans: Charlotte offers a wide range of recreational activities for residents and tourists alike and here's a glimpse into what the Queen City has to offer:

Outdoor Activities

U.S. National Whitewater Center: Enjoy kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and even surfing on their engineered rapids.

The Green: Popular spot for picnics, frisbee, lounging in the sun, or attending outdoor concerts and events.

Freedom Park: The Park offers plenty of space for picnics, sports, and relaxing by the lake.

No Da & Plaza Midwood: Explore the vibrant street art scene, eclectic shops, and numerous restaurants with outdoor seating;

Charlotte Rail Trail & Greenway System: A network of greenways and rail trails, perfect for walking, running, or biking while enjoying the city's scenery.

Lake Norman State Park: This park offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and stunning lake views.

Indoor Activities

Discovery Place: Agreat place for families to explore interactive exhibits on various scientific topics.

Mint Museum: Explore the vast collection spanning centuries and cultures, including European and American art.

NASCAR Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in the world of NASCAR racing through interactive exhibits, historical race cars, and

Carowinds: This amusement park offers roller coasters, water rides, shows, and other attractions for a fun-filled day.
4. What should I expect regarding transportation options in Charlotte?

Ans: Charlotte offers a variety of transportation options, though a car is still the most convenient way to get around for many residents.

Public Transportation: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates a network of buses and a light rail line (LYNX Blue Line) that connects some key areas in Charlotte.

Alternative Transportation:

Biking: Charlotte has a growing network of bike lanes and some protected bike paths.

E-scooters: Electric scooter rentals are available through companies like Bird and Lime.

Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft are available in Charlotte, offering on-demand ride options.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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