A Summary Of Things To Know Before Moving To Charlotte NC. Not Many People Talk About It, But You Absolutely Must Know About It!
Charlotte is known as the Queen City, named after Britain’s Queen Charlotte Sophia.
It has more than 830,000 people, ranking it 11th in the U.S. Charlotte is also one of America’s fastest-growing cities, with an estimated population of 880,000 people in 2018. The Queen City has grown by more than 10% since 2000 and continues to grow faster than the national average.
The region also boasts low unemployment rates (3%), affordable housing prices (median $180K), and an abundance of jobs in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy services, banking/finance, retail, etc.
Packing up and moving to Charlotte NC is a big decision. You’re leaving behind the familiar, trading in your old home for an unknown one. We get it! It’s natural to have some reservations about making such a huge change. But don’t worry–we’ve got you covered with 8 tips about moving to Charlotte, NC.
1. Consider Your Housing Options In The Charlotte NeighbourHoods That Are Closest To The Business District
In recent years, downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods have seen an increase in development and renovation. The housing density in Charlotte is less than that in larger cities, making moving to Charlotte an ideal choice for families who want to enjoy a safe neighbourhood while remaining close to downtown amenities.
Before moving to your chosen Charlotte neighbourhood, learn about local housing costs, employment rates, and transportation options to choose the best location for your family’s moving to Charlotte needs.
And if you’re moving from a larger city and want to also experience some of the same amenities, consider moving to Charlotte neighbourhoods that are close to Uptown or South End. These areas have been transformed in recent years with new luxury high-rise condominiums and townhomes. In addition, most neighbourhoods are within a walkable distance to the business district, so you’ll be able to dine out or go shopping easily and conveniently from home.
2. Know Your Numbers! The Cost Of Living Is One Of The Most Important Things To Know Before Moving To Charlotte, NC
One of our favourite things to know about before moving to Charlotte, NC? The cost of living– and cost of groceries! We’re serious! But why groceries then? It’s funny that we’re talking about this because you’ll be spending about 5% less on food than if you were living elsewhere in the state of North Carolina. That’s a big deal when you can cut down groceries expenses and reallocate the savings to other types of expenses.
Monthly expenses for two adults in Charlotte, NC are about $2,992. Housing is the most significant expense, costing $1,623 per month. Transportation ranks second at $686 for two people, while household operations (utilities, housekeeping services), groceries, and personal care costs come out to about $592 each.
In general, the cost of living in Charlotte, NC is still considered affordable compared to major cities like Houston, and New york. The median home price in 2017 was $180,000, and the median rent price for a 2 bedroom apartment was $1,410 per month. As the city continues to rank as one of the top 10 most affordable cities in America, more families, students, and business owners are moving into Charlotte each day, looking for homes for sale on an average of <$500K.
3. Learn The Latest Smart Relocation Tips About Moving To Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has many amazing neighbourhoods and community amenities! Most people that have relocated to Charlotte find the entire process of moving stress-free and easy! Here are some tips about moving to Charlotte, NC, that could be helpful for you!
Use Google Maps, Duh!
If you’re moving to Charlotte without the help of any professional movers, you’ll definitely want to use Google Maps for directions. This fantastic software is, needlessly to say, free and has turn-by-turn navigation and live traffic updates to help you avoid congestion.
You’ve Finally Moved In, But Your Car Is Not Ready Yet? No Problem!
While in town, you have other options that make commuting a breeze, such as bike-sharing and ride-sharing. The city Light Rail Line System (LYNX) connects South Charlotte to Center City.
Know Your Commuting Time To Avoid Being Late
Transportation is a huge deal. Charlotte, NC, is the 9th most congested urban area in America, with an average commute time of 32 minutes. According to Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), daily traffic congestion has been increasing steadily over the past several years, and it may continue to do so moving forward.
4. Get Used To The Changing Weather In Charlotte NC
Charlotte, NC, is known for its pleasant spring and autumn weather, with a slightly humid climate that is subtropical. The area experiences four distinct seasons each year.
Summers in Charlotte is hot and humid–not quite tropical, but close! It’s not uncommon to have days reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week of summer. The Queen City gets about 48 inches of rain a year, which generally comes as a mix of afternoon thunderstorms and evening showers.
So, keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms which can be swift-moving or even tornado-producing depending on the season.
In the winter months, expect chilly nights and some snowfall if you’re lucky! But don’t be fooled–the city gets very little snow compared to major metropolitan areas located further north of the Mason-Dixon line.
According to Weather Atlas, be prepared to expect the warmest season in July, with an average temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coolest season falls in January with an average temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Charlotte’s growing season lasts about 243 days?
5. The Ultimate Food Aventures In Charlotte NC Finally Revealed For You To Explore
So, you’re an avid foodie looking for crazily delicious food to grace your taste bud? Charlotte’s Central Business District (CBD) is full of great places to eat! Everything from classic American comfort food like hotdogs and burgers to delectable Jordanian dishes like shawarma and kabobs.
Charlotte has mouth-watering international cuisine in every corner, serving traditional Brazilian feijoada, Ethiopian injera bread, and lentils, Cuban sandwiches, roast pork, or Jamaican jerk chicken. The city is well-known for its rich southern heritage, including traditional foods like country ham and fried chicken.
One of the most authentic North Carolina barbecues that locals would highly recommend to newcomers is the pulled pork and ribs, seasoned with a vinegar-based sauce. It’s flavourful, luscious, and juicy that each bite makes you want to have another bite!
If you’re looking for upscale dining with a contemporary twist, head over to the Tryon House restaurant, where they serve modernized versions of French classics.
6. Who’s The Best? Find Out All The Best Sports Teams In Charlotte, North Carolina!
For the sports fanatic, you might be interested to find out the big names within the local sports community. There are three pro sports teams, each with its own fan base.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers got the name from Charlotte’s location in the North Carolina Panther State. The Panthers are an American Football League team, and they play from August through December.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are a National Basketball Association Team that plays from October through April. The Hornets call the Time Warner Cable Arena home court in the city’s Arts & Entertainment District.
Charlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights are part of the Minor League Baseball association, and they play in Uptown at BB&T Park.
It is interesting to know that North Carolina’s love for sports goes beyond professional teams too. There are local colleges such as UNC-Charlotte and Davidson College who both have competitive basketball and lacrosse teams. If you are a sports fan, you will definitely not be left out!
7. Head Out For Outdoor Adventures And Activities During Your Leisure Time
There is an abundance of outdoor activities in Charlotte, North Carolina. Besides the beautiful weather, there are many things to do outdoors here. Charlotte’s weather also makes it easy to get outside and enjoy some fun activities in the fresh air. The best months are usually around late March to October where the weathers are mostly warm.
If you love hiking, there are plenty of places in Charlotte. For starters, Freedom Park is a beautiful place to go for a hike, and it’s very close to the centre of the city. Another option you can explore is Kings Mountain, where it can be challenging for beginners.
For those moving to Charlotte with younger family members, there are several well-maintained parks for you to take a break while your kids play! There are also several playgrounds throughout Charlotte, so it’s easy to find one near you. For example, you can check out the Third Ward Park! It has two playgrounds and a large open field, perfect for running around and playing sports!
8. Allow Yourself To Get Lost In The Museums At Charlotte NC
If you are deeply intrigued by learning the history of cities or the local arts scene, Charlotte has several museums to keep you occupied and entertained! Here’s 3 of them:
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art houses an impressive permanent collection of primarily 20th-century art pieces by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin. They have 2 special exhibits every year, one featuring work by a modern artist and another showcasing “modern” furniture, jewelry, glass, or ceramics.
The Bechtler is known for its architecture, which features a sloping roofline and white exterior walls to match the neighbouring Mint Museum of Craft + Design. The award-winning building was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron with Charlotte’s Lord & Taylor in mind. It opened in 2010, but Charlotte’s art scene goes back to the 1960s with Keith Sonnier and Mary Reid Kelley.
The Mint Museum Of Craft + Design
The Mint opened in late 2005 and is dedicated to working, teaching, and collecting craft and design worldwide. There are more than 14,000 objects in their permanent collection, and they offer free First Friday tours at 5:30 pm on the first Friday of each month.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center For African-American Arts + Culture
This free museum explores the contributions of African Americans in North Carolina and the South. It was founded in 1991 to recognize African-American artists, performers, and patrons from all over North Carolina. The museum’s permanent collection focuses on regional history from 1890 to 1970, but it also hosts traveling exhibits from around the United States.
Conclusion About Moving To Charlotte
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this blog post. Charlotte is a city that has it all. Its vibrant atmosphere, unique culture, and welcoming people will make you feel right at home. If you have one takeaway from it, what would that be? Do you know of anyone that has a big dream of moving to Charlotte?
Share this blog post with them! Let us help show people why Charlotte is a fantastic place to live in. Contact us today for assistance on your relocation needs.
If you require assistance in moving, Sanelo has a few options available to help you get started:
To find out more about other cities in the area, check out our other guides:
We’ve also compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about Charlotte to help get you started on your relocation process!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Charlotte NC
Is Charlotte, NC An Excellent Place To Move To?
Charlotte is an amazing place to live in. It has its own unique culture and atmosphere. When moving to Charlotte, you’ll find that local events are constantly popping up. There’s plenty to do for adults and kids alike, and the weather is always pleasant. Not only because of its great (and growing) job opportunities but also for the unique culture and welcoming people. There’s something for everyone here!
If you need help in moving to contact us!
What Is A Good Salary In Charlotte?
There are a lot of job opportunities in North Carolina and especially in Charlotte! The average salary for an individual moving to Charlotte is $58,448 per year. The median household income in Charlotte is around $54,000, with a total of 7 out of 10 households over the age of 25 having a high school diploma or at least some college education.
Does Charlotte, NC have Four Seasons?
Charlotte is mainly known for its Four Seasons year-round. Summers are usually hot and humid (similar to Florida), but winters are much milder. The coldest Winter Charlotte typically experiences are lows in the 30s°F and highs in the 50s°F. While there may be a couple of days where the temperature drops below 20°F, it would typically snow 1-3 times a year. Read more in point 4 of this article!
What Is The Coldest Month In Charlotte?
The coldest month in Charlotte is typically January. The average low temperature for this month is 32.1°F, and the average high temperature is 51.3°F. Regardless of rain or shine, we’ll make sure that your belongings are safe and protected during the relocation process. Read more about our Shipment Protection.