About Charlotte
Charlotte has a long history and was named after King George III’s wife, earning it the nickname, the “Queen City.” Although it is not the state capital, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the 16th largest city in the U.S., with a population of around 872,000. Though the city does have a fast-paced cosmopolitan feel, there are also plenty of quieter suburban communities.
Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Charlotte has plenty of unique and charming neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own amenities and entertainment.
Uptown: Uptown Charlotte is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city and encompasses the downtown area. Here you will find the business district, where many large companies are headquartered. Uptown offers an urban vibe with apartment and condo living.
Myers Park: Myers Park is an affluent neighborhood, featuring a beautiful tree canopy over century old historic mansions. The tree-lined streets and ample green spaces make it one of the best neighborhoods for walking, riding bikes, or taking an evening stroll. Located just south of downtown, Myers Park is one of the top neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Dilworth: Dilworth is another historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city. It showcases mature oak trees, sidewalks, and beautiful front porches along with a number of homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
NoDa: NoDa is the heart of Charlotte’s arts scene, offering a trendy mix of old and new housing. Dive into the city’s unique culture as you visit the neighborhood’s restaurants, art galleries, and other small local businesses.
Concord: Located just 25 miles from the city, Concord offers a family-friendly suburban community with great schools, popular restaurants and breweries, beautiful parks, and golf courses.
Cost of Living in Charlotte
One of the draws to the Queen City is its affordability. The median home price in Charlotte is about $190,000, well below the national average. Since there is abundant land to build homes, new builders can take advantage of the affordable land prices in the suburban neighborhoods. Homes within established city neighborhoods, however, will be a bit more expensive. Nonetheless, real estate taxes are also much lower than other parts of the country.
Schools in Charlotte
Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions for parents who are moving with their children. Some of the highest rated school districts in the Charlotte area include For Mills, Clover, Union County, Mooresville Graded Schools, York School District No. 1, Lincoln County Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Charlotte Employment
The city of Charlotte has a strong economy and is one of the best cities in the country for jobs. With an unemployment rate of almost 5% and a median salary that is higher than the U.S. average, Charlotte is an attractive option for young professionals. The finance sector is one of the largest employers in the Charlotte area, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo both headquartered in the city. In fact, Charlotte is the nation’s second largest financial center next to New York. Energy and healthcare are also major industries, with top employers like Duke Energy, Atrium Health and Novant Health. Lowe’s, American Airlines, and Amazon are other large companies that provide a number of jobs in the area.
Home to So Many Museums
Charlotte is a haven for those who enjoy spending a day at the museum. Whether you prefer history or you are a lover of art, there’s a museum for you.
- Discovery Place Science: Take the kids for an interactive hands-on science experience.
- Mint Museum: A great place for the coin lover who wants to check out the vast collection of art where gold was once coined.
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, so this museum is the perfect place for fans to get up close and personal with all things NASCAR. You can even enjoy the thrill of a real racing simulator.
- Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: This large modern museum has a collection of artwork featuring 20th century modernism.
- Levine Museum of the New South: Learn about North Carolina’s history as this post-American Civil War museum.
Outdoor Activities
People are attracted to Charlotte largely because of the incredible access to outdoor activities. With 35 miles of greenways, there are plenty of areas for hiking, biking, and jogging. You can also go whitewater rafting on the Catawba River, as well as paddleboarding and rock climbing. Charlotte is also within a short driving distance to both the beach and the mountains, so there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Other Fun Things to Do
There is no shortage of exciting attractions and activities in Charlotte. The city has a thriving nightlife scene, with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs, live music venues, and festivals. The city also boasts an exciting sports scene. You can cheer on the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, the BB&T Knights, and your favorite NASCAR drivers. Add to that a premier dining scene, plenty of craft breweries, and excellent shopping and there is plenty to keep you entertained.
With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina. As you prepare for your move to the Queen City, start by contacting the professionals at Allied Van Lines. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 85 years, we know exactly what it takes to get you packed and on your way in no time. Call Allied today for more information about our customizable moving services!