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If you ask a Queen City local what living in Charlotte, NC, is really like, they’ll regale you with tales of four beautiful seasons; a reasonable cost of living; gorgeous East Coast nature; and a friendly, small(er)-town feel with a big-city skyline. If you’re thinking of uprooting your life to move there, though, you’ll want more than just a sentence of niceties. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Charlotte, NC. Here’s our list of 22 things we think you should know before you go. 

Charlotte at a Glance

• Population: The Charlotte population in 2024 is about , according to estimates.
• Cost of living: The cost of living in Charlotte, NC, is about the national average.
• Average rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom (943 square feet) apartment in Charlotte is .
• Average home value: The average home value in Charlotte is .
• Average commute time: The average one-way commute time in Charlotte is — just a little shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4.

Living in Charlotte, NC — FAQs

Before we jump into our list, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions about living in Charlotte, NC.

Q: Is Charlotte, NC, a good place to live?
A: Charlotte, NC, is a lovely place to live. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong financial industry, relatively mild climate, and an up-and-coming food scene, it’s no wonder it’s one of the

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. 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. 

Q: Is it expensive to live in Charlotte, NC?
A: Is Charlotte an expensive place to live? Well, the cost of living in Charlotte is , so it’s less expensive than many places in the U.S. — particularly other large cities. As a point of comparison, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is about , while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (with more average square footage, mind you) in Charlotte is about . 

Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charlotte, NC?
A: How much money do you need to live comfortably in Charlotte, NC? Is Charlotte, NC, a good place to live on a budget? , a single person without any children requires an annual income of about $48,400 before taxes, while a couple with two children (and both partners working) requires about $110,700 annually before taxes. According to the latest , the per capita income in Charlotte is around $47,500, while the median household income is around $74,000 — not far off from the . When it comes down to it, though, your required livable salary depends on where in the city you live and what kind of lifestyle you lead.

Q: How far is Charlotte from the beach?
A: Though it’s about 200 miles inland from the Atlantic coastline, living in Charlotte, NC, does not mean you can’t still enjoy a beach day. offers a gorgeous lake and beach just a 20-mile drive from downtown Charlotte. If you’re after a saltwater beach, though, you’ll have to drive a bit further to Myrtle Beach, which is about 3.5 hours southeast of the city.

Q: Should I live in Charlotte or Raleigh?
A: While we’re not in the business of telling you where to live — each locale has its own charm and residents who relish calling it home — there are some notable differences between living in Raleigh and Charlotte that may help you decide where to settle. While Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina, Charlotte boasts more of a city feeling with a population in the ballpark of twice as large. Raleigh, on the other hand, enjoys a bustling but more suburban vibe, thanks to the several universities and colleges in the area. In terms of climate and cost of living, though, you’ll find both cities are fairly similar. 

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in Charlotte, NC?
A: Living in Charlotte, NC, is chock full of pros, from its beautifully mild climate that still goes through four seasons to its fast-growing population and true city feel, as well as its strong job market (especially for those in the financial sector) and surplus of fun things to do for kids and couples alike. On the cons side, those who don’t love the heat may want to stray clear of the , while those who hate driving may find the public transit options lacking and have to brave the traffic-prone and sometimes . 

22 Things To Know About Living in Charlotte, NC

Is Charlotte a good place to live? What is living in Charlotte really like? Is moving to Charlotte, NC, worth it? From what to do in your free time to what to expect from the job market, here are 22 things everyone should know about living in Charlotte, NC.

Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC, vs. the National Average

The cost of living in Charlotte, NC, is lower than the national average — especially when it comes to housing.
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1. The Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC, Is Lower Than the National Average.

Charlotte isn’t hugely cheaper than other U.S. cities. Its average cost of living is on par with many other cities in North Carolina and 2 percent lower than the overall U.S. average. But depending on where you’re moving from, you may notice a little extra savings in your account — especially when it comes to housing. The average monthly rent for a (averaging only 702 square feet), for instance, will run you around $4,825, while the average monthly payment for a bigger one-bedroom (943 square feet, on average) is only around $1,625. Of course, the actual rent you pay depends on the building amenities, apartment size, and exact location. But on a macro level, Charlotte is more affordable than some other major cities.  

2. Families Enjoy a Solid Public School System. 

Niche gives Charlotte an when it comes to the city’s public school system, so families with kids have a good shot at finding an excellent school in Charlotte. If you’re looking for the A+ options, Ardrey Kell High School, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Pleasant Knoll Middle School, Weddington High School, and Central Academy of Technology & Arts are among the top-ranking schools.

3. There Are Tons of Fun Things To Do in Charlotte, NC, With Kids. 

When they get off the school bus, the kiddos have plenty to do around Charlotte. Looking for some ideas? Try these. 

• Ride the roller coasters at .
• Explore interactive exhibits at the .
• Catch a family-friendly show at the .
• Try out the racing simulator at the .
• Take your toddler to explore nature at the .
• Pan for gold at , the first documented place gold was found in the U.S.
• Bounce around for hours at .
• Admire turtles and stingrays at .

4. And There Are Plenty of Things To Do in Charlotte, NC, for Couples, Too!

Whether you’re hiring a babysitter for date night or you’re exploring the dating scene in Charlotte, it’s not hard to find something fun to do on a night out. Here are some ideas for keeping the romance alive in Charlotte.

• Get buzzed while around the city.
• Catch some laughs at a .
• Channel your creativity at a .
• Enjoy some playful competition via bowling, ping pong, foosball, or pinball — .
• Take them .
• Tune in to an .
• Sample different cuisines in a cool converted textile mill turned .

Is Charlotte, NC, a good place to live when it comes to weather? It is if you like to experience all four seasons, from mild winters to warm and muggy summers. 
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5. You Can Embrace All Four Seasons. 

Wondering is Charlotte, North Carolina, a good place to live when it comes to weather? If you relish the changing of the seasons but hate packing on layers of parkas, you’ll love the weather in Charlotte. The temperature throughout the year averages about , and winters tend to be mild (most of the time). Prepare to soak up the sun, though — summers are known to be warm and muggy, with temperatures averaging in the upper 70s.

6. You Can Escape to Nature Any Time You Want. 

Sometimes, living in an urban locale means sacrificing access to gorgeous naturescapes. Not so in Charlotte. If you need a break from the congestion, there are several beaches close enough for a day trip. , for instance, is a mere 25-minute drive from Charlotte and features a 46-acre waterfront park with picnic shelters, a playground, nature trails, and more on the Lake Norman waterfront. If you’re after a saltwater beach, you’ll have to trek a bit further to Myrtle Beach, which is about 3.5 hours southeast of the city — but it’ll be worth it to dip your toes in the Atlantic.

7. You Don’t Have To Go Far To Take a Hike.

If you’re craving a tree-lined trek more than a relaxing afternoon on a sandy beach, living in Charlotte, NC, means you can take to one of the the city. 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. 

8. It’s a Dynamic, Fast-Growing City.

Who doesn’t want to live in a sought-after place? Unsurprisingly, Charlotte is growing. As of U.S. Census data from March 2024, Charlotte experienced the in the past year. �Ӱ�Pro can corroborate that trend with their own data — Charlotte ranked as the 5th city with the most move-ins, according to 2024 moving trends. 

Charlotte is a huge financial hub, and Bank of America is headquartered right here in the Queen City. 
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9. Charlotte Is a Thriving Financial Hub.

Here’s a fun fact: After New York City, Charlotte is the in the country. This is thanks to one of the biggest banks in the world, Bank of America, which is headquartered right here in the Queen City. If you’re looking to work in finance, Charlotte surely has plenty of job opportunities to offer. 

10. It Has a Strong Job Market.

On top of its booming financial industry, Charlotte has a generally solid job market. Its in May 2024 was just 3.4. That’s less than the national average of 3.7 in the same month. Looking ahead, the North Carolina job market is projected to add by the end of 2028, and most of those jobs will be created in Charlotte and Raleigh.

11. It’s the Most Diverse City in North Carolina.

According to a report by WalletHub, Charlotte ranks as the , out of 64 of the largest cities — also making it the . That’s taking into account race and ethnicity, birthplace, and language. When it comes to ethnic diversity, recent the population is made up of roughly 43 percent White residents, 35 percent Black or African American residents, 15 percent Hispanic or Latino residents, and 6.6 percent Asian residents.

Families looking to settle down in an area with gorgeous single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and top-notch schools may gravitate toward Myers Park or Dilworth (pictured). 

12. There Are So Many Lovely Neighborhoods To Reside In.

With a plethora of neighborhoods and suburbs, Charlotte has a wide range of communities to choose from. Families looking to settle down in an area with gorgeous single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and top-notch schools may gravitate toward Myers Park or Dilworth; young professionals on a budget might prefer the relatively affordable rents of Belmont; while tourists, and those looking to be within walking distance of bars and businesses, tend to flock to Uptown. 

13. Living in Charlotte, NC, Is a Dream Come True for Sports Fans. 

Is Charlotte a good place to live? It certainly is if you’re a sports fan. Whether you’re a die-hard Panthers fan or just tagging along for the tailgate, Charlotte has so much going on in the way of sporting events that you’re likely to go to a game at some point. From basketball games at Spectrum Center to football and at Bank of America Stadium, you’ve got your bases covered for year-round live sports viewing.  

14. It’s a City With a Regal History.

Spend a little time in Charlotte and you’ll likely hear it referred to as the Queen City. Why? “Charlotte and its resident county are named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of British King George III during the time of the city's founding,” explains the . Long live the Queen City!  

Heist Brewery is great for brunch and hanging out in their covered beer garden.
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15. It Has a Hoppy Brewery Scene.

From patios with skyline views to quaint taprooms, Charlotte has more breweries than there are cans in a case of beer — more than 40, actually! is great for brunch and hanging out in their covered beer garden, for example, while offers alternatives for non-beer drinkers such as kombucha and food trucks. For a comprehensive look at the city’s breweries, vibes, and the best drink to buy at each, .

16. It’s One of the Next Big Food Cities.

Take it from , who named Charlotte, North Carolina, in their 2022 list of “America’s Next Great Food Cities.” They note the city’s BayHaven Food & Wine Festival, celebrating Black chefs in the region; the range of dishes at Optimist hall, from Indian street food to dumplings to microbrews; and the ever-changing injection of fresh flavors into the food scene, thanks to the Johnson & Wales University Charlotte campus.

17. There Are Weekend Getaways Galore.

As much as you may love where you live, having fun nearby destinations is a perk worth prioritizing. Part of the answer to “Is Charlotte, NC, a good place to live?” is not about Charlotte itself but about its prime location for wonderful weekends away. Mix things up by taking a long weekend to explore locales like the state capital, Raleigh, North Carolina; the ; or Asheville, known for its and arts scene. 

18. It Has a Nice Skyline and a Small-City Feel.

If you want to know “Is Charlotte a good place to live?” just ask the people who call it home. Along with the amenities and mix of people, part of the allure of living in a city is the look of it: the skyscraper view you can catch driving into the city or the dramatic skyline you can snap a photo of from a rooftop bar. 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.

Charlotte has nearly 11,000 square feet of green space per resident.

19. There Are Oodles of Parks To Hang Out In.

Over and over again, studies have shown how important green space is for mental health and wellness — specifically in cities, where there’s more asphalt than grass. But Charlotte has to spread out with a picnic or play a game of frisbee with friends. According to a 2022 , Charlotte ranks number 27 among the 50 U.S. cities with the most green space per capita — nearly 11,000 square feet of green space per resident.

20. There Are a Few Ways To Get Around Town.

When it comes to public transit, living in Charlotte, NC, affords a few options. The bus system, known as comprises 70 different local, regional, and express routes. A local ride will cost you $2.20 each way, while express and regional tickets go for $3.00 and $4.40, respectively. For when you first touch down at , Sprinter Bus Service can shuttle you to any of various central locations. 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.

21. You’ll Want To Be On Your Best Driving Behavior.

Moving to Charlotte, NC, means you’ll probably want to have a car and get comfortable driving it. 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. That said, driving in the Queen City can be dangerous. In fact, Charlotte is home to — Interstate 85 (between Brookshire Boulevard and Sugar Creek Road) and Interstate 77 (between Remount Road and Exit 13A).

From film festivals and cultural celebrations to food and wine weeks, there are so many fun opportunities to come together throughout the year.
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22. It’s a City of Festivals.

Nothing makes a city feel more like a community than a festival, and by that measure, Charlotte is one big, celebrated community. From and to performing arts showcases and food and wine weeks, there are so many fun opportunities to come together throughout the year.

Moving to Charlotte, NC, With �Ӱ�Pro

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? Consider using a �Ӱ�Pro portable moving container for a flexible move that works with your schedule. �Ӱ�Pro will deliver a container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load at your own pace. When you’re ready, they’ll pick it up and deliver it to your new home in Charlotte. Need some more time before you’re ready to move in? You can keep your container at a �Ӱ�Pro Storage Center for as long as you need. �Ӱ�Pro will simply deliver your container to you when you’re ready. 

Sofia Rivera is a Brooklyn-based lifestyle editor and frequent contributor to the �Ӱ�Pro Blog. Her work has appeared in Boston magazine, Apartment Therapy, and more. You can most often find her redecorating her apartment, trying out a new recipe, or trekking all over the city.