Are people still moving to Charlotte? The short answer is yes. And here’s why..
Charlotte’s Ample Job Opportunities
One major aspect drawing people to the city is the ample job opportunities across diverse industries. Charlotte has established itself as a major financial hub, hosting the headquarters of prominent banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The city boasts a thriving manufacturing sector, with aerospace & defense and automotive & heavy machinery leading the charge. Since 2020, over 3,500 manufacturers, 145,000 manufacturing workers, and 7,500 jobs have been announced in the Charlotte Region.
In biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, companies like Siemens Healthineers, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and GSK are consistently hiring. Their proximity to top schools like UNC Charlotte ensures that Queen City has the talent to solidify itself as a healthcare hub and competitive center for life sciences.
Affordable Cost of Living in Charlotte
Having ample job opportunities is great. But what good is that when your rent, groceries, and hobbies are scarily expensive? We hear you!
Another reason Charlotte has become more attractive is its balanced cost of living, especially compared to other major U.S. cities. According to data from Rent Cafe, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Charlotte is $1,600, while the same in NYC or San Francisco can exceed $3,000.
Similarly, housing is significantly more affordable in Charlotte compared to cities like Seattle or Boston. In December 2023, the median listing home price in Seattle, WA, was $779.9K, flat year-over-year. Meanwhile, the median listing home price in Charlotte, NC, was $419.9K for that period.
This affordability extends to other expenses in Charlotte. Numbeo reports that restaurant prices in the city are estimated to be 29.4% lower than in Washington, DC, while groceries are about 15% lower. However, we should warn you that the cost of healthcare here is higher on average. Rent Cafe reports that Charlotte’s healthcare costs are 13% higher than the national average. The good news is that you pay for what you get. The city has a strong healthcare system with great hospitals like Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian, and Atrium Health-Cabarrus all located here.
Quality Education for Charlotte Students
So many students and young professionals call Charlotte home for a reason. The city boasts a range of top-quality schools and educational opportunities. The University of North Carolina – Charlotte, Davidson College, and the private Wingate University are some of the city’s best schools. This year, UNC Charlotte achieved a coveted position among the nation’s top 100 public universities after being ranked #96 by U.S. News & World Report.
But quality education is not just limited to college students in and around Greater Charlotte. In 2023, Jay M. Robinson Middle School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, W.R. Odell Elementary School in Cabarrus County Schools, and Highland School of Technology in Gaston County Schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. DOE. It’s a distinction only 297 schools nationwide are granted and recognizes high academic achievement.
Unique and Diverse Charlotte Neighborhoods
Charlotte’s unique and diverse neighborhoods also play a crucial role in attracting new residents of all ages. Popular neighborhoods like Dilworth, NoDa, and South End, stand out for their distinct characteristics and charm.
Dilworth is one of the most picturesque and historic areas of Charlotte. The neighborhood offers residents beautiful tree-lined streets, charming homes, and a peaceful environment close to the city. NoDa, Charlotte’s arts and entertainment district, appeals to creative individuals. It’s known for its eclectic galleries, music venues, and talented tattoo artists. Meanwhile, Uptown is in the heart of Queen City. The area has a burgeoning financial hub, countless museums and restaurants, and the popular 7th Street Public Market.
So, whether you’re an art major searching for a creative neighborhood, a financier looking to advance their career, or a young family who desires a peaceful neighborhood close to the city, Charlotte has it all!
Culture and Entertainment in Charlotte
Culture and entertainment further add to the Charlotte experience. The city has a thriving culinary scene with popular restaurants like Haberdish and Kindred and a fun brewery culture with places like Wooden Robot Brewery.
Sports enthusiasts can cheer for the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers. Nature lovers can explore parks and trails like Freedom Park and the McDowell Nature Preserve. Party seekers can socialize into the early hours with bars like Tilt on Trade and Prohibition.
Are you planning a local or long-distance Charlotte, NC move? Speak with a reputable Charlotte moving company like Gentle Giant today! We have some great resources to get you started on your Charlotte move. Check out our moving checklist for information on how to prepare and use our free move estimate tool to determine the cost of your relocation.