Charlotte is the second largest financial hub in the United States. The city continues to grow and thrive and has become attracting corporations, small businesses, and families. In 2014 it is estimated to be the home of more than 800,000 people. In 2010 the city had more than 310,000 single family homes, and approximately 70,000 businesses. Charlotte is also the home of various private schools as well. When thinking about relocation to Charlotte consider cost of living, weather, area preferences, schools, and more. Here is a simple and brief overview of the city of Charlotte as you consider relocation to Charlotte.
Charlotte has a number of historic locations and areas within its radius. With the growing financial sector and other industries its commercial district is expanding into residential areas making it a great option with various suburbs and cities. Most of the metropolitan areas are diverse in culture and population. Charlotte is zoned into various areas including residential and commercial sectors.
Dilworth: There are many historic residential properties located in this quaint area as well as renovated ones from 1930s-40s. Dilworth is an area of Charlotte that is connected to the whole city via streetcars. All streets here are lined with oak trees and the popular street of East Boulevard has a number of restaurants, and boutiques.
Elizabeth: Home to large trees, old homes and 2 of the biggest hospitals in Charlotte – Presbyterian and Mercy. If you are in the healthcare industry or have a keen interest in old homes, then this is the place for you.
South End: This is a growing area of Charlotte located on the skirts of Uptown. This neighborhood has become popular for designing related enterprises. It is full of renovated mills and factories, converted and renovated apartment homes, and more.
North Davidson (NoDA): A historical city and home to a gamut of art galleries, a 24 hour French bakery, theatres, live music venues, and nightlife. The residential properties consists of primarily apartments and condos, styled in art-deco.
Myers Park: This area of Charlotte is home to beautiful historic homes and large homesteads spread across acres of land. The area features tree-lined streets, parks with waterfalls, and various lakes.
South Park: Situated south of Myers Park, this city has absolutely nothing to do with the popular TV-cartoon show. It does have the largest shopping mall of North Carolina and is the home of numerous fortune 500 companies.
South Charlotte: A recent addition to the suburbs, it was formerly the area’s farmland. South Charlotte is a nice suburb on the skirt of the city that is family friendly and a growing area.
Cotswold/Wendover: This area is growing and relatively more affordable than other suburbs of the area. It is the home of many recognized schools. It also features various shopping centers and parks.
Matthews: This is the southernmost city, still a country in most parts. If you wish for rural living and a drive down to the city comfortably for work, then this is the place for you. Although more of a relaxed and rural atmosphere the city of Matthews gives you an upscale environment with a quaint and intimate downtown and various shopping strip malls.
Ballantyne: Ballantyne covers an area of about 2,000, acres and is considered part of South Charlotte. Bordering South Carolina, Ballantyne is on of the top 10 affluent areas that make up Charlotte. Although Ballantyne is merely a large sub-division, the relocation of several large companies in the area have given it the feel of a small town. There are many lovely, upscale shops, both corporate & business suites and spaces, theaters, salons, restaurants and, of course, residences in Ballantyne.
Huntersville: A part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, the population was 46,773 at the 2010 census, which makes Huntersville the 19th largest municipality in North Carolina. It is located about 12 miles north of downtown Charlotte. The town also is known recreationally as a lake community because of its proximity to Lake Norman, and Mountain Island Lake, a smaller man-made lake that is used as Charlotte’s city water source and located along the southwest border of Huntersville. The lakes attract both boaters and water-skiers from several surrounding states. Huntersville is also home to one private golf course, NorthStone Country Club; two Semi-Private courses in Skybrook Golf Club; and Birkdale Golf Course.
The average cost of living varies from region to region in Charlotte. Like with all cities Charlotte has both affordable and affluent homestead options. Kiplinger’s Best Value Cities in 2011 reported that the cost of living in Charlotte is much more affordable than the national average. Although the country has experienced various downturns in the real estate market, the properties in Charlotte have been relatively stable. Yes, there have been drops, but never dipping to double digits, unlike other areas in the States.
Although the Lynx (Charlotte’s metro system) and bus systems are well planned and established, most of the residents in Charlotte prefer to commute in their own cars. The metro stops at 15 stations and the trains runs approximately every 10 minutes on weekdays, every 20 minutes on weekends and every 30 minutes on weekend nights. Charlotte is a NASCAR city, but it would be wise to avoid moving here in mid-Octoberduring the Race-Week taking place, it gets very crowded then. An important point to remember when moving to Charlotte is to avoid the interstatehighways during peak hours. The airport is one of top 10 busiest in the world.
Unlike the scorching south or the cold north, Charlotte has a temperate weather that is enjoyable year around. Both summers and winters are bearable; even the rain is evenly spread round the year. Moving to Charlotte during any time of the year shouldn’t be a bother, except for possibly in August when it gets warmer than usual. Charlotte is a city that does feel the effects of hurricanes or storms, even if it’s not as dangerous as the other coastlines in the country.
Charlotte is well known for the number of schools available in the city. In fact an entire area is known as University City, which boasts of the University of North Carolina. The schools all range from large systems for elementary, high school and universities; it also boasts of special schools for technology and science; and alternative schools as well. There are a number of theological colleges, community colleges and smaller universities also home to Charlotte. The choices are vast and so care must be taken to verify their admission process prior to deciding on the best one for your child.
Top High Schools (Charlotte Magazine)
Top Elementary Schools (SchoolDigger.com)