If you’re moving to Charlotte, NC, and not from the South, here’s the good news: Most people aren’t. The area has become a melting pot from all around the country, making it easy to get acquainted in no time.
And it is no wonder. Charlotte is one of the USA’s largest banking hubs, has a popular climate with all four seasons represented, and is home to sports teams in baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. Charlotte has a long history with NASCAR events, too. It hosted the first-ever professional stock car race in 1949. Today, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the center of the city is a favorite attraction among residents and visitors.
From its charming bungalows and vibrant nightlife to commercial hubs and family-friendly communities, it’s no wonder Charlotte made Forbes’ list of 10 places people are moving to right now. More recently, Charlotte was ranked among the top 10 cities in the world for quality of life. But where exactly is everyone moving when they come to the Queen City?
Choosing a home base will be one of the most important decisions you make when moving to Charlotte. For this reason, we have put together a guide to help you get acquainted with the area.
First, Let’s Get to Know Your New City
Charlotte was a hotbed of Revolution during the War for Independence, but President George Washington wasn’t impressed. He visited Charlotte in the 1780s and called it “a trifling place.”
But that has changed. The first gold rush in America started here in 1799, which resulted in the federal government opening a branch of the US Mint. Today, that historic building is home to the Mint Museum.
There were so many gold mines, it was said that Charlotte’s streets were paved with the precious metal. You may even recognize the Queen City’s streets from their appearances in movies and TV shows, like Homeland.
Final fun fact: Charlotte has been selected twice to host presidential nominating conventions. First by the Democrats in 2012, and then again by the Republicans in 2020.
Next, Explore These Charlotte Neighborhoods:
Whether you’re looking for a quick commute to work, waterfront property, activities for your kids, or parks with shade even sweeter than the sweet tea, there are hundreds of neighborhood options in Charlotte. We’ll show you around some of the best.
Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
Already know where you’re moving to in Charlotte? Jump to our need-to-know facts about your new city.
Eastover
Location: Southeast Charlotte
Population: 2,710
Known for: Historic homes and estates, beautiful scenery and peaceful neighborhoods
If you’d like some distance from the hustle and bustle of the city but still enjoy the convenience of a short drive to town, the Eastover neighborhood is for you. Eastover is considered one of the most historic districts in all of Charlotte. (It was the first suburb where homes were built with driveways!)
This residential community features beautiful homes, elegantly shaded lots, and some of the friendliest neighbors in all of Charlotte. While Eastover has a rich history dating all the way back to 1927, its familiar faces welcome newcomers with open arms. You’ll soon come to find why this neighborhood is one of the most sought-after areas in North Carolina.
Eastover also offers local shops and restaurants, beautiful parks, and proximity to schools. Not to mention the business and entertainment opportunities in Uptown Charlotte are just minutes away. Eastover residents love that they can count on quick commute times and spend their evenings kicking back and relaxing.
Eastover Schools
In the Eastover area, you’ll find Armstrong Elementary, Eastover-Central, and Eastover Elementary. Built in 1953, Eastover Elementary School was the first elementary school in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) district to successfully implement a uniform policy.
After elementary school, students enter Alexander Graham Middle School followed by Myers Park High School. Parents have a niche option with Charlotte Engineering Early College, a highly rated public school offering grades 9-11.
Uptown Charlotte
Location: Central Charlotte
Population: 30,000
Known for: Thriving business and entertainment center, four wards, heart of Queen City
Uptown Charlotte—otherwise known as Charlotte City Center—is the heartbeat of the Queen City. First things first, why in the world is downtown called Uptown?
“Uptown was originally the highest point of elevation, and the city grew around it,” notes Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett. “When people came to this area, they were actually going up.”
The area is split into four neighborhoods, or “wards,” by the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets. The streets originally divided Uptown into four quadrants for political purposes so each area had its own representative, but the names for the quadrants stuck. Fourth Ward is home to an historic district, featuring beautiful Victorian homes. Since then, Uptown has come to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city center has transformed drastically over the last 50 years.
Living in Uptown Charlotte
While it’s home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, you certainly don’t need to be a NASCAR aficionado to enjoy Charlotte’s top attractions. The Uptown district hosts the city’s most popular museums including the Mint Museum and Discovery Place, along with 7th Street Public Market and some of the area’s best restaurants. And, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is only a short drive away from Uptown.
There is truly something for everyone in this Charlotte neighborhood. From small tech startups to Fortune 500 companies, Uptown offers endless creative and entrepreneurial opportunities in addition to a booming banking scene. Charlotte has created jobs at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC and Fifth Third. Tens of thousands of people travel there to work and play each day, but Uptown also offers phenomenal places to live. From high-rise condos to revitalized Victorian homes, residents enjoy the fast-paced vibe and friendly community.
Uptown Schools
Charlotte has 175 primary and secondary schools. Children can attend their neighborhood schools or charter schools. Low-income students are also eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. For higher education, you want to take note of universities in the Uptown district including Johnson & Wales University, Central Piedmont Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Ballantyne East
Location: South Charlotte
Population: 8,489
Known for: Upscale suburban homes, thriving business community, family recreation and leisure
Nestled on 2,000 acres of land adjacent to the South Carolina border, Ballantyne is one of Charlotte’s newest upscale communities. In a city of newcomers, Ballantyne is the ultimate newcomer hub. Though the area is part of Charlotte, most locals view Ballantyne as a city within itself—with its own country club, a PGA-ranked golf course, and plenty of opportunities to live, work, and play without leaving the area.
It’s home to Fortune 500 headquarters and more than 35 Fortune 500 companies, such as Wells Fargo, Premier, and TIAA. Ballantyne Corporate Park is a nationally recognized business community offering endless amenities, community events, wellness benefits like biking trails and a state-of-the-art YMCA, and more than 6 million square feet of office space.
While this mini-city tends to do its own thing, most residents appreciate the fact that Uptown is just 20 miles north. Sidewalks and bike paths offer easy trips to dining, shopping, and recreation without long commutes and with less bustle than Uptown.
Ballantyne Schools
If you’re planning to raise a family in Charlotte, you have several options for schools in or near Ballantyne. Ballantyne Elementary, Ballantyne School of Music, and Hawk Ridge Elementary all have excellent reviews. Ardrey Kell High School also has an A+ overall rating with 2,701 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1.
Myers Park
Location: South Charlotte
Population: 11,500
Known for: Prestigious mansions, oak tree-lined streets, old money
Tucked away between Dilworth and South Park is one of the Queen City’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods, Myers Park. Between its tree-lined streets, historic mansions, and curving driveways, families will fall in love with the area in no time. With homes in styles from colonial to Tudor, it has that classic Southern feel. Myers Park Country Club, with its Donald Ross-designed golf course, is a jewel in Charlotte’s crown.
A Local’s Take on Myers Park
Charlotteans consider the Myers Park neighborhood to be one of the city’s most affluent locations. Nearby you’ll find the 98-acre “Central Park” of Charlotte, Freedom Park. From a 7-acre lake and paved trails to athletic fields and beautiful scenery, the park is a favorite of joggers, sightseers, and families. If you enjoy running, walking, or being outdoors, Myers Park is the perfect place to take a stroll and get in some miles. The Booty Loop has become one of the best routes in Charlotte due to its traffic-free intersections and scenic route.
When you’re not burning the calories, keep in mind that Myers Park is best traveled by car or bike. While Uptown Charlotte is just a few minutes away, the neighborhood was intended to be an auto-oriented suburb. You would need to travel to Uptown for public transportation options.
Myers Park Schools
In this neighborhood, residents can attend Myers Park Traditional Elementary and Myers Park High School. As far as higher education goes, it is liberal arts at the Queens University of Charlotte, a historic school noted for its gorgeous scenic setting.
SouthPark
Location: South Charlotte
Population: 60,792
Known for: Luxury retail, delicious eats, a mix of urban and suburbs
Just six miles south of Uptown sits SouthPark. World-famous evangelist Billy Graham was born in the area. Charlotte’s most visited attraction, The Billy Graham Library, is nearby. The library’s free Journey of Faith tour takes about an hour and a half. The SouthPark neighborhood is one of the safest areas in Charlotte and boasts some of the best schools, shopping areas, and lowest crime rates around. If you’re moving to Charlotte with a family and enjoy living luxuriously, the SouthPark neighborhood just might be for you.
What it’s Like to Live in SouthPark
If you enjoy shopping until you drop, the SouthPark neighborhood has everything you need. At nearly 1.8 million square feet, the SouthPark Mall is the largest shopping mall in Charlotte and all of North Carolina. It’s home to Nordstrom’s, Macy’s, and many more distinguished shops.
Here you will also find the famous Quail Hollow Golf Course where the Wachovia Golf Tournament is held each year.
SouthPark offers a great residential area and also one of the largest business districts in Charlotte with approximately 40,000 employees. The neighborhoods are elegant, established, and nestled away with wooded lots and tree-lined streets. Whether you want to avoid traffic or you want to raise a family in a semi-urban atmosphere, SouthPark is a wonderful place to call home.
SouthPark Schools
SouthPark offers the state’s top-rated schools in safe, walkable neighborhoods. Residents of SouthPark attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Sharon Elementary, Selwyn Elementary, Beverly Woods Elementary, Alexander Graham Middle, and South Mecklenburg High School.
Matthews
Location: Southeast Charlotte
Population: 30,000
Known for: Small-town charm, artsy vibe, sense of community
If you’re moving to Charlotte while raising a family, the Matthews neighborhood might be for you. This award-winning suburban town offers beautiful (yet affordable) homes, great schools, a short commute, low taxes, and convenient access to everything Charlotte has to offer.
Matthews’ residents enjoy its proximity to many of Charlotte’s business and entertainment opportunities. Just 10 miles from Uptown with several major roads and bus routes to get you there, Matthews also has access to a full calendar of family-friendly festivals and events. During warm weather, you can take in the Food Truck Fridays and Concert series. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa, photos with the Easter Bunny, and Not-So-Spooky Halloween. Matthews Alive is an annual four-day art and activities festival for the whole family.
The McDowell Arts Center hosts classes and gallery shows, and the year-round community farmers’ market is the oldest in the area. In the summer, Stumptown Park offers family-friendly events like concerts and movies. Lake Wylie is also just 20 miles west, making the perfect weekend trip.
Despite its recent growth and popularity, Matthews still has a quaint, small-town feel. The community-oriented city has been called one of the best suburbs to live in and also one of the safest cities in North Carolina.
Matthews Schools
Matthews’ residents are part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. Schools include Matthews Elementary, Crown Point Elementary, Mint Hill Middle and David W. Butler High School. Public charter schools include Matthews Charter Academy and Socrates Academy. There are also a number of religious schools nearby.
Plaza-Midwood
Location: East Charlotte
Population: 3,500
Known for: Historic district, family-friendly community
Plaza-Midwood is nearly a century old and full of rich history, yet it’s also urban and hip. The heart of Plaza Midwood features the historic Van Landingham Estate and one of America’s most prestigious country clubs, the Charlotte Country Club.
If you’re looking to get involved in your community, the Plaza-Midwood Neighborhood Association is one of the most active in all of Charlotte. It maintains a neighborhood watch program, a community garden and events like school fundraisers, clean-up days and festivals.
Residents of Plaza-Midwood also have access to some of the largest employers in all of Charlotte. American Airlines, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Carolinas Healthcare System are all just a short drive away.
Who Lives in Plaza-Midwood?
Plaza-Midwood offers unique shopping and dining opportunities with a diverse neighborhood. Residents range from single professionals who work Uptown to couples just starting their families. From festivals to local events and food trucks, there is always something going on in this neighborhood.
Charlotte has a burgeoning beer culture, with more than 30 breweries spread across the county. Many of them are within a few minutes of Plaza-Midwood. You’ll also enjoy its pedestrian-friendly streets that allow you to take a stroll with your dog or baby any day of the week.
Plaza-Midwood Schools
Plaza-Midwood has a 93% high school graduation rate and a high livability score. Public school students living in this neighborhood will attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including the historic Garinger High School.
Huntersville
Location: North Charlotte
Population: 51,700
Known for: Outdoor and water recreation, excellent schools, active families
Just 15 miles north of Charlotte, the historic Huntersville sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Norman, Charlotte’s largest lake. At 32,510 acres, it’s larger than the Sea of Galilee. The area features a range of housing options from cottages on wooded lots to beautiful single-family homes with waterfront views. Families moving to Charlotte who happen to be outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating year-round.
Huntersville has every amenity imaginable including 18 parks, gyms, and multi-purpose facilities. Among the town’s most popular parks is the Historic Latta Plantation, featuring 1,200 acres of historic sites, nature preserves, trails for biking, hiking or horseback riding and access to Mountain Island Lake. Huntersville is also conveniently located within minutes of major interstates 77 and 485.
Huntersville, NC, is the perfect place to soak in the sun and raise a family. It’s one of Charlotte’s safest suburbs, too. Simple commutes, ample farmland, and easy lake access make this neighborhood a great place to call home.
Huntersville Schools
Huntersville is known for having some of the best schools in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. North Mecklenburg High, Huntersville Elementary, Torrence Creek Elementary and Barnette Elementary all sit high on the list of public school rankings. Davidson College, a prestigious liberal arts college, also sits just miles north of the Huntersville neighborhood.
Dilworth
Location: South End
Population: 7,600
Known for: Historic bungalows, friendly neighborhoods, low crime rates
Dilworth is Charlotte’s oldest streetcar suburb, dating all the way back to the late 1800s. Residents have preserved the structures and history that give Dilworth its charming character.
Located just south of Uptown, the neighborhood is unlike the rest of the bustling city. Residents can practically walk to attractions like locally-owned shops, restaurants, and incredible nearby parks. It’s also common to see neighbors sitting on their front porches, taking an evening stroll, and waving friendly hellos as you pass by.
Dilworth residents will enjoy the close proximity to East Boulevard, Bank of America Stadium, Epicentre, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Newcomers will have plenty of housing options from renovated historic homes to beautiful rebuilt bungalows and Queen Anne-style homes.
Despite its down-home feel, the real estate market is hot. Average home prices for Dilworth are around $511,670 and the cost of living is 33% higher than the average for Charlotte.
Dilworth Schools
The public schools in Dilworth are part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. Top-rated schools in the Dilworth area include Dilworth Elementary (K-4) and St. Patrick Catholic School (K-8).
Living in Charlotte, NC
Now that you know some of the best places to live in Charlotte, let’s talk about buying a home and building a career.
Charlotte by the Numbers:
- Charlotte’s population is 808,834.
- The median age in Charlotte is 33.
- The average temperature in Charlotte is 59.8°F.
- The average annual salary is $50,150.
- 41% of Charlotte residents are from out of state.
- On a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100, crime in Charlotte is a 54.
- Overall livability in Charlotte is 72.
- Over the past 10 years, 888,000 people have moved to the Charlotte metro area (estimated at 60 per day).
- The median home price is $213,983.
- The median monthly rent is $935.
- US News ranked Charlotte:
- #14 Fastest-Growing Places
- #20 Best Places To Live
- #25 Cheapest Places To Live
- #32 Best Places To Retire
The Job Market
Charlotte’s economy is a job-producing machine. Several Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in Charlotte, including Bank of America, Duke Energy, and Wells Fargo. Forbes also named Charlotte one of the happiest cities for young professionals. It’s a magnet for families and Millennials alike. Thumbtack named Charlotte as the 11th best city for Millennial entrepreneurs. The longer residents stay in Charlotte, the more their work and play converge equaling to greater life happiness.
“Charlotte is an employment destination,” notes Rebecca Tippett, director of Carolina Demography at UNC Chapel Hill’s Demography Center. “The area has net in-migration at all age groups, but it’s concentrated at 18 to 34. Most people are coming after college with degrees, and our presence of jobs pulls people here.”
Cost of Living in Charlotte
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economics, Charlotte’s cost of living is lower than most comparable cities. This is due to lower housing costs than tech hubs like Seattle and Denver. While Charlotte offers affordable living, realtors in the area can quickly sell houses for $500,000—a great sign that the community is doing well. Houses go up into the millions too.
Education
Charlotte has some of the best school districts in North Carolina with great options for primary school, high school, and even university levels. There are both private and public education options available with high ratings for both academics and equity.
Recreation
Charlotte has its share of rain, 41.6 inches per year, but it also has 219 sunny days annually. So, there are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy. Within a two-hour drive, you can be in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee, where Harrah’s Casino offers gambling opportunities. A three-hour hop from Charlotte gets you to North Carolina’s coast. Consider a visit to Wilmington, NC. This coastal college town has a youthful vibe and abundant history.
We’ve already mentioned indoor attractions like Discovery Place with its IMAX Theatre, museums and shows. You could also try Charlotte’s historical city tour and its comedy tour. There are food and wine tours and a handful of distilleries, too. There are seasonal events along with regular concerts and sporting events. You can check out current events and grab a free city guide at Charlotte’s Got A Lot.
Is Charlotte Safe?
Like most major cities, crime is something to be aware of if you’re moving to Charlotte. But crime is on the decline. Though there are certain parts of town where you wouldn’t want to walk alone, residents feel that Charlotte is overall safe, friendly, and welcoming.
So, is Charlotte a good place to live?
Taking all factors into consideration–great schools at both primary and university level, healthy job and housing markets, and declining crime rates – Charlotte is a great place to live. Just over the last two decades, Charlotte has become a magnet for millennials, young professionals, and growing families.
Ready to Move to Charlotte?
Whether you’re moving to Charlotte for a job opportunity or starting your own family, moving can be one stressful experience. If you need help with the logistics during your move, Life Storage offers monthly storage rentals in Charlotte with great features and amenities to help with the transition to your new home.
Population Source:
Area Vibes
Updates:
- Revised June 18, 2020, with new information from Charlotte expert, Harry Hoover.
- Revised November 22, 2019, with new information from Charlotte expert, Lori Hill.
- Originally published October 11, 2017.
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