However, the typical home value here has shot up an impressive 22.1% in the last year, edging up near $375,000 in May 2021 well over the city's overall typical home value. So, if youre looking to live in a buzzing metropolitan area without breaking the bank, Charlotte, NC, is a viable option. Perfect for the changing seasons and close enough for you to be able to take advantage of the best of both worlds. Before moving to Charlotte, let's get you acquainted with its charm by noting these main selling points and areas of interest. Charlotte is also prone to tornadoes and hurricanes because of its location near the Atlantic Ocean. First of all, these are the top 10 North Carolina pros and cons: Great sense of community. The most populous city of North Carolina, Charlotte is also the county seat for the county of Mecklenburg. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art features works by renowned artists like Picasso and Warhol. Also, the city is home to about six Fortune 500 companies, all providing residents with stable jobs. North Carolina's charm, climate, diversity, and job opportunities have drawn more people to move to the Tar Heel state than ever before. Mint Hill Senior Living. Related Article // 8 Best and worst things about living in Philadelphia. (8 Main Reasons), Why is Kentucky so poor? This east coast state has seen the arrival of 848,000 new residents since the 2010 census, which is an 8.9% population increase. 1. housing costs vs income rates. 2) Unique neighborhoods and affordable city living. (8 Main Reasons). What makes Charlotte more ideal is its thriving economy. Strong winds from hurricanes or other storm systems can cause property damage and power outages that last for days or even weeks at a time. The median rent in Charlotte is $929.39, and the median cost of a home is $296,685both of which are quite a bit lower than other American cities, like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The cost of living in Charlotte averages about 1% lower than the national average. Before you commit to becoming a full-blown Charlottean, take a look at living in Charlotte, NC pros and cons: If theres one thing Charlotte, North Carolina, is known for, its the food scene. And it continues to grow as the years go by. There are 739 violent crimes/100k people and 3,926 property crimes/100k people. One of the most dangerous parts of driving around Charlotte is other drivers. Like most cities, Charlotte has a variety of neighborhoods in different parts of the city and each has its own unique feel. The best way to get rid of them is with mosquito repellent. Here, there is always something going on every day. Gas prices are typically higher than in other major cities such as Chicago. You can come here, decide what you want to do with your life and find your path. So lets see why does the real estate market in Charlotte, NC attracts so many investors as well as new residents. This means longer waits at stop lights, more crowded highways, and greater potential for accidents. To people from New York, Charlotte will seem like the off season when everyone is in the Hamptons in the summer. Charlotte is also near the area known as the Research Triangle. This North Carolina staple refers to the three nearby universities of: Not only does the Research Triangle offer exceptional educational and cultural opportunities, but these nearby universities also contribute to the areas booming economy. Despite having a bus and train line, Charlotte is definitely a driving city. Keep in mind that the average commute for Charlotte residents is 26 minutes, so factoring in rush hour traffic can lead to travel times upwards of 30 minutes to an hour if youre working in the city. All you need is a jacket, and youre good to go. There are more than 100 breweries in the area: If you like beer, youre going to love Charlotte. Charlotte has always been a disaster magnet. The hot and humid summers in Charlotte can reach temperatures up to 100 degrees with high humidity making it hard to stay cool. Charlotte is one of the growing and developing cities in the state in terms of economy and job market. For those who work outside of the city, the congestion creates a bottleneck for commuters trying to enter or exit the city. The soil in and around Charlotte makes it challenging to grow a garden. Charlotte was charted before the birth of the nation when European colonies were still in power, then came the cotton era and slavery, following that was the industrial revolution. What's your top complaint about life in North Carolina? The development of the citys population can also lead to one thing. The options are endless and youll struggle to schedule in all the activities available. While the following list will cover the cons, they are open to interpretation and might seem less important to some than to others. Landing is a network of furnished apartments for rent across the country. Both of these cities are unique destinations. Sales taxes in Charlotte are higher than in most cities in the country. The cost of housing is cheaper than the national average. Home prices here are well below the national average and renters can find great deals too. Between 2017 and 2018, the growth of residents was at 13,000. The largest universities are the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (in 2017, 7,158 degrees were awarded), Central Piedmont Community College (2,997 degrees), and Queens University of Charlotte (705 degrees) . Related Article // Interesting & famous things Arizona State is known for. Many people spend their entire lives here, so they dont experience other cultures. 2. Hello there and welcome to our website! Charlotte has the third-largest banking center in the US, and its home to the headquarters of Bank of America, the nations second-largest bank. The only public transportation available is the LYNX light rail system, which has a limited number of routes. When the country averages a 6% unemployment rate, Charlotte sits at 4.9%. For many people Charlotte, NC is a city of possibilities and opportunities at a low cost of living. Myrtle Beach is about three hours away. 2. And with the US averaging a 6% unemployment rate, you can rest assured that you will easily find jobs in Charlotte than anywhere else. If they do however, the decrease could be brief and short lived. The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. In fact, the median home price in Charlotte is $178,000, and the median monthly rent is $966. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'combadi_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-leader-4-0'); Here, you can find cultures and immigrants from different nations. It can be difficult to find diversity here if you dont go looking for it. The Charlotte crime rate is 4,665 crimes per 100,000 people. Housing is also more affordable here but by only a mere 1%. Drake Concert History. For many residents, Charlotte is a city that can present a lot of possibilities and opportunities. Charlotte is among the cities with the largest Black population growth. Temperatures vary between 31 and 51 degrees so you probably wont be needing thick coats or gloves too often. The facility was clean and very well-kept. And so, whether you are Asian or African, Latino or European, you will always feel at home here. The cost of living in Charlotte, NC is 2.6% higher than in Orlando, FL. Downtown Is Called Uptown. The area also has a variety of higher education opportunities that range from community colleges to universities. PRO: Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC. Apartment rent in Charlotte has increased by 2.2% in the past year. Golf. Going out to restaurants may cost you more, but it probably won't break your budget. 1. If youre looking for something new, try taking an art class or going out to eat at one of our local restaurants. Your email address will not be published. Pop (sicle) a bottle of bubbly. The city is considered to be a relatively new city that is still developing as many of the people living in Charlotte, NC arent sure if thats a pro or a con. For example, if you want an apartment thats close to work, youll be paying at least $900 per month. In Charlotte, you have several activities that can keep you occupied most of your free time. Charlotte is a great place to live, with friendly people and a thriving economy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to go for a swim in the ocean, the closest option is Myrtle Beach at 3 and a half hours away in South Carolina. Aside from these, renowned universities also call Charlotte their home. You can score an affordable ticket on the LYNX rail system, but the stops are pretty limited to the downtown area. Downtown is a maze. While there is no guarantee these extreme weather events will happen, they are something residents should be aware of before moving to Charlotte NC. There are many areas where you can live in Charlotte, NC which means that there are also many areas where you can go. There are many factors when considering a relocation to a new city. The odds stand at 1 in 122 that a resident or visitor could become the victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 27 chance of becoming the victim of property crime. According to The Patch, Charlotte ranks in the top third of the best foodie cities in the U.S.but locals already knew that. The city was founded as a cotton trading center, and the first large factory here was built by the Southern Manufacturing Company to build Confederate uniforms. It also is a hub for finance and technology companies such as Wells Fargo, American Airlines, and Red Hat. List of the Pros of Living in Charlotte, NC. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'combadi_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-medrectangle-3-0');Are you planning to move to Charlotte anytime soon? But before you start to backtrack because of this, do take into consideration the fact that Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina when it comes to population. This percentage is not much compared to the national average. Living in Charlotte, NC isn't that expensive especially because the cost of living there is about 5% lesser than the national . The small, thriving city of Kannapolis earns the seventh place spot on our list of the best Charlotte suburbs for retirees with plenty of affordable craftsman, ranch, and bungalow style homes. Charlotte is an ideal place to raise a family. There are a few pros and cons of living in Cedar City, Utah. This is higher than the national average of $949. Charlotte is famous for racing. Charlotte is a great city with many opportunities, but its not for everyone. Currently the median home value on Zillow is at $252,500 (decreased due to the effects of Covid-19 on the economy) while listing prices are at a median of $292,000. Charlotte is the sixth fastest-growing city in the country regarding population. When you compare the Charlotte vs Raleigh cost of living, you'll find the following major differences. The public schools in Charlotte are above average. Charlotte is a great place to live, but it has a lot of room for improvement. Here, sales taxes can reach about 7.3%. Renters pay a median price of $1,345. Overall Score 6.5 /10. While that number includes births and not just immigrants, it is still . North Carolina is an amazing state to live in. To underline its amazing growth, we can also look at the job market which is now the 8th fastest growing job market in the U.S. Industries like Aerospace & Defense, Automotives, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Business & Financial Services and Energy are all a part of this growth that also brough 6 Fortune 500 companies in Charlotte, NC. Public transportation can provide some relief from this issue but isnt always reliable or convenient enough for everyones needs. Compared to Atlanta, the city of Charlotte, NC is larger in population by 1.75 times and more than twice in regards to covered square miles. Charlotte. 3. Then, there were years of slavery and the booming of the industrial revolution. The city grew with several landmarks throughout its history: With a complicated history, Charlotte had the time to assimilate and mold itself to the needs of its residents. It is no wonder that Charlotte has been the growing hub of jobs for the finance sector since 2010. I have a good job making good money ($36-39k) but still cannot afford. Winters here are mild. With all of that history some might find it weird that Charlotte is considered a new city, but it is. The real estate market that we have in Charlotte, NC has a recent history of being among the best real estate markets for long term investments in the U.S. Cons of Living in Greenville SC. Wadesboro suffers a 15.3% unemployment rate and a 32.3% poverty rate. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'combadi_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-banner-1-0');Plus, the cost of living here is lower than the national average. Pro: Good education. Almost 11 million people live in North Carolina, a fast-growing state with highly productive pockets such as the Research Triangle.The Tar Heel State combines natural beauty with technological innovation and a high quality of life. There are so many other places to explore and learn from. It is lower than most cities by about 2.3%. Bustling business. If you like all the exciting places the world has to offer, you have definitely come to the right place. You can also swim in the lakes in these mountains. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Charlotte is 5% lower, and housing is also 14% lower than the national average. However, like every city, Charlotte has its own set of perks and challenges that a future resident should be aware of. RealEstateAgent.com is a method of Real Estate Agents and Agencies. Public transportation doesnt make life in Charlotte any easier. To give you some perspective, local rents have climbed 45% since 2010. The city has been consistently ranked among the top cities with the worst traffic in the US over the past few years and continues to experience rapid population growth. It is possible that they will want to keep a lot on hand, because they cant resist someone with sweet blood Sorry and if you dont have any mosquito repellant on you, then its time for an emergency supply run. 1. As Charlotte is spread out, you will require a car to get to where you are going and you will feel the miles. You can't drive 10 miles in the Charlotte area without going by a golf course. Outdoor recreation in Charlotte is plentiful and varied. In addition to these major employers, there are countless small businesses and start-ups that help create an environment ripe for economic success. It is the third fastest-growing major city in the country. I am so glad to see a fellow traveler. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. It can also mean more savings for you if you work here. It later progresses and discusses the ups and downs of living in this iconic city. It has the finance industry as its flagbearer and is home to the countrys second-largest banking center, next to New York City. There are a lot of outdoor activities here, which is great. The 45-minute workout will spike your heart rate and leave you dripping in sweat but is scalable for all fitness levels. As the 6th fastest growing city in the U.S., the city of Charlotte, NC continues to grow. Also, traffic for Charlotte is like traffic outside of rush hour for even larger cities. From over-the-top advertising to potholes, here are 20 bad things about living in Charlotte NC that you should know about. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'combadi_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-medrectangle-4-0');Here, I will be discussing most of the reasons why you should move to Charlotte if you have been planning to. It could be because with the growth of population comes the growing number of cars. Charlotte, North Carolina is often referred to as The Queen City and there are so many great reasons why! However, Charlotte, NC crime rates dont seem to affect the influx of new residents and as new residents need housing, the housing market isnt badly affected. With that said, the city is less expensive than other major cities. This can be seen clearly in the way in which the city is still developing. If you want you can find amazing resorts all around the creeks if youre looking for a quick getaway or simply if you want to just go to the ocean or the mountains as there are lakes and springs just 2 hours away surrounding Asheville. 1. Living in Baton Rouge, LA What is it like Pros and Cons, Living in Pittsburgh, PA What is it like Pros and Cons , unemployment rate, Charlotte sits at 4.9%, +12 Things to Do in Indianapolis Without a Car, +12 Things to Do in Arlington without a car, Top 11 Best Things to Do in Garland if Under 21, Living in Moreno Valley, CA What Is It Like Pros and Cons. Now, the city of Charlotte, NC was named after Charlotte, wife of King George the III and its term of endearment is Queen City. Charlottes downtown has a maze of one-way streets and confusing intersections, making it hard to find your way around. Each of these cities have gained between 32,000 and 40,000 new Black . CHARLOTTE, NC North Carolina has a diverse landscape of mountains, cities and 300 miles of beautiful Atlantic shoreline. If there is one thing that you should watch out for in Charlotte, it is the cost of healthcare. The cost of living in Charlotte averages about 1% lower than the national average. Thats an increase of $8,500 in the period of one month. Here, you can hike or climb a mountain. 8. You'll find that Charlotte is very clean on average, this is mostly due to the fact it is a "newer" city and a lot of the growth is very recent. The average rent in this community-focused neighborhood comes in just under the city average at $1,247 a month, as of June 2021. Recent reports show that tech jobs are abundant in the Charlotte metro area. Furthermore, the surrounding cities that work as suburbs to Charlotte are growing at an even higher rate. Sure, its not New York City where you need to make $100,000 per year just to have enough money for rent, but its still expensive. The number one worst thing about living in North Carolina is that food insecurity is high, according to Insider. Traffic congestion can be problematic in the downtown area and key access points. Of course, there will always be bad sides. For example, if you spend $100 on clothes or shoes youll need to pay an extra $6.00 no matter how much you buy. 2. NASCAR made this city home for many years. flickr/John Rees. One of the most notable is the fantastic education system available to children and young adults. The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 2.6%, which is better than the national average, but higher than other major cities like Boston (1.8%) or Atlanta (2%). Avg. I mean, the brilliantly beautiful changing leaves are alright. You can peruse through racks upon racks of well-curated items that are sure to make any outfit stand out from the crowd! However, many of the locals are reserved and difficult to get to know. With a still growing population diversity and a median age of 34, Charlotte was ranked the most diverse city in North Carolina at the start of 2020 and the population is currently as follows: I agree to receive FREE real estate advice. Please view our Disclaimer for more details. #JEAH! One time, I had a driver pull up next to me and throw what appeared to be a beer at my car window, causing me to swerve onto the shoulder. Is Clermont Florida a Good Place to Live? 2. So, if youre looking for fun things to do in Charlotte, you definitely need to eat out. Job growth overall has been at 2% since 2010, which compares favorably with Detroit at 0% or St. Louis at 1%. From hipsters to southern debutants - uh, we're all basically the same, y'know. com com 716-397-8862 or 716-485-3679. You could look into podcasts or playlists of your favourite artists as your time in your car might increase if you move here. For these reasons, most Charlotte residents rely on their cars to get around. Pro: the job market in the city is on an upwards trajectory. And that is that more and more companies will look at the city as a new hub for investments. The moment you get off the plane, you are met with people preaching and handing out pamphlets. And not just by a little bit: renters can expect to pay almost $400 more than what they would in other cities around the country. A considerable number of investing companies can only mean growth in its economy and finances. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. Living in the Queen City, though, you'll likely eat out a lot. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.). Here, I will discuss a few things you must consider before moving. The beach is only 3 and a half hours away from Uptown Charlotte and the mountains are about 2 hours away. NFL fans have much to enjoy in Charlotte--it's the home of the Carolina Panthers! With these aside, moving to Charlotte is ideal even if you are raising a family. Charlotte has a history of managing hurricanes and their aftermath. Here's why. The cost of transportation is cheap in Charlotte. If you dont work in finance or tech, your job opportunities could be slim. Also, more and more people are using the citys public transportation system. - South End for easy rail access, lots and condos, walkability to restaurants and bars. The best way to avoid this problem is to live and work as close together as possible or work from home with a telecommuting job. The economic struggles are obvious in the statistics. Notable neighborhoods. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'combadi_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');If you want the mountains, it is about a couple of hours away by car to Asheville. Some of the top golf courses in the city of Charlotte include the Quail Hollow Club, the Charlotte Country Club, and Myers Park Country Club. The weather in Charlotte is milder compared to most cities. #7. It can be hot on certain occasions, but it can never be too hot. Sports. So lets see some cons of living in Charlotte, NC so you can decide if they might constitute as reasons not to move to Charlotte, NC. While Charlotte won't win any awards for 'cheapest American city,' our cost of living is affordable. 10. Cost of living. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours. Port Charlotte, located in southwest Florida, is a small and quiet town. As we already noted, in Charlotte you get access to both the beach and mountains. A person making $20 an hour would need to work 60 hours just to make enough to pay one month's average rent. However, localities can add as much as 3%, potentially topping out at a 9% hit to your wallet . If you adore the ocean, you can have it close to you. 7. The winters are also mild and short. The lower unemployment rate is good news, especially for those seeking jobs in Charlotte. Yes, thats how traffic is for Charlotte but some people may find it as a con. As a Charlotte resident you can also use Meet Up, an app for people to engage with other people who are interested in the same activities. Although Charlotte, North Carolina, is home to an affordable housing market, finding the right apartment isnt always easy. Charlotte is a great city, like most places it has issues..Have you ever thought . Theyre everywhere. Social assistance, insurance, and retail industries are also doing well. Many families and young professionals live in Charlotte and residents tend to lean liberal. Having a growing melting pot of diversity, creativity and southern charm, an abundance of beautiful parks and nature, while also hosting metropolitan skyscrapers, its no wonder why people love the city of Charlotte! However, like every city, Charlotte has its own set of perks and challenges that a future resident should be aware of. From its roots as a small trading post known as Charlotte Town to its modern-day status as an international hub for art, culture, commerce, education, and entertainment, Charlotte NCs history is truly something to behold! Another perk of living in Charlotte is the low cost of living compared to other large cities. The article begins with a brief introduction and highlights the things Charlotte city is famous and known for! Charlotte is a major hub for big-name corporations and as a result, has one of the highest rates of cost of living. Charlotte, NC. Its not always a fun experience for out-of-towners, but if you know where youre going, there are some great restaurants and shops to be found, with that said, if you need help finding anything (or anyone), just ask a local theyll be more than happy to help. The Panthers are the five-time NFC South champions, so even if you're not a Panthers fan now, you may just become one. Two of the top employers in the city are Bank of America and Wells Fargo. In 2018, about 873,000 new residents flocked to Charlotte to live and work. Among the cities of North Carolina, the city of Charlotte manages to stand out through its position as a commercial hub, sports hub and artistic culture. It is not the most expensive either. Higher Education When Living In Charlotte, 18. If you move to Charlotte, NC youll notice that you get more house for your money,, meaning that youll spend less money but get a bigger home when compared to other similarly sized cities. It is also a Gamma+ global city. Foliage schmoliage. citylightsrooftop.com. Between 2010 and 2018 the Charlotte metro area became the 7th fastest-growing metropolitan area in the US. Like & Share with friends and family and see what they have to say about the Queen City. Statewide, the rate is 6%. The soil in and around Charlotte is made up of a lot of clay, which can make it difficult to grow vegetables. In a recent study by MITs Lab for Social Machines, researchers found that commute times had increased by 50% over five years and that drivers spent 3-4 hours more each week sitting in traffic than they did five years ago. As one of the largest cities in North Carolina, Charlotte is home to hundreds of delicious and unique eateries. Whether youre coming from New York in search of a more peaceful community or youre moving from Salisbury, NC seeking a job in financial services, Charlotte is the perfect mix to make everyone feel confident that they found exactly what they are looking for. However, it can be on certain occasions. While it is a sought after destination for people looking to relocate, living in Charlotte, NC has both pros and cons. Charlotte residents share what it's like navigating eating at restaurants while living with an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, egg, milk or other food allergens and having to carry an epi pen . This means that the cost to live in this city is astronomically high. Whether youve recently moved to Charlotte or have been living in the area for years, you might not be aware of some of the bad things about Charlotte NC that exist. Also Read // 8 Good and Bad things about living in Alabama. Its not unusual to spend an hour or more on a commute from one side of the city to the other, and thats only if youre lucky enough to find a lane thats moving at all. Established in 1768 by Queen Charlotte, this city has grown to become the largest city in North Carolina and the second-largest banking center in the United States. It is the same as the national average. It has a lower cost of living than other major cities. Find a Yoga class, a festival, explore the culinary diversity, go hiking with friends or catch a match at the Bank of America Stadium or at a bar. Catch a Panthers game at the Bank of America Stadium, situated comfortably on 33 acres and located right off I-277. Furthermore, in March of 2020 the numbers kept growing. Make sure you set your schedules around it. 3. Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care. Winters are mild and brief but it does snow from time to time. If youre determined to try your hand at gardening, you might want to start with plants like sunflowers, which are easier to grow even if the soil isnt perfect. Abundant outdoor activities. The cost of living is 3.98% lower in Charlotte, NC. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't imagine living in Asheville without a car, but it's easy to get where I need to go. But with anything in life, there's good and there's bad. Pay attention and invest in the next new, hot and happening neighborhood in an effort to make better revenues. It is never frigidly cold. The overall median sale price rose 7.5% to $215,000, though the number of homes available for sale dropped by 3.9%. Seeing as the homes that are currently sold get a median price of $261,900 its likely that the effects of the pandemic did not manage to affect the actual real life value of homes yet, but we can only predict a possibility of a 1.2% decrease by 2021. Dont take our word for it, go find out for yourself. Today they're permanent residents of the country and considering naturalization."We're just a couple of normal people. Rent Trends. In fact, the continuous population growth affected the real estate market in a good way. Weather. Its population is still growing having surpassed 873,000 residents as of 2018 which is also the reason why the city is constantly changing and reinventing itself. Its a melting pot thats still melting and mixing, combining cultures as it tries to find its own definition.