According to the US Census Bureau, Charlotte, NC is among the fastest-growing cities in the USA. People flock here for the mild weather and friendly people as well as an affordable cost of living.
Are you among those moving to Charlotte, NC, soon for work or a change of scenery and unsure about what to expect?
Keep reading to find out more about moving to Charlotte, NC, pros and cons, including how to find the best homes for rent in Charlotte, NC.
1. Best Places to Live in Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte metropolitan area offers plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. Both the up-and downtown areas are awash with things to do and business opportunities.
Some of the more upscale neighborhoods close to the city center are Ballantyne and Plaza-Midwood, while Chantilly, Sardis Forest, Ballantyne West, Providence Crossing, and McAlpine offer more affordable rentals.
A little off the beat you'll find Gastonia, about 22 miles from the heart of the city. This small town boasts all the amenities of a big city wrapped up in a selection of mom-and-pop local businesses as well as chain stores.
It's a friendly, safe place with a warm community spirit, affordable homes for rent, and an affordable cost of living.
Concord, NC is another great choice for work opportunities with a rapidly growing economy, located about 26, miles from the Charlotte metropolis.
2. Homes for Rent in Charlotte, NC
Rental prices in Charlotte NC remain below the national average despite rising prices across the country. The average rental in this city is currently around $1,559, which is below the national average.
When you move to Charlotte, you'll find no shortage of options when it comes to housing styles.
Some of the most popular options include single-family bungalows, lake homes, as well as modern and historic homes for rent. There's a good selection of condos, apartments, and townhomes available, too.
Take a look at our comprehensive list of extra tips for finding your perfect home in this part of the world.
3. Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte and North Carolina offer a much more affordable cost of living than many places in the U.S. Overall, costs are on a par with the national average when it comes to healthcare, with everything else slightly lower than the norm.
It costs around $950 per month, excluding housing costs, for day-to-day expenses, and the average salary is around $4,000 per month.
So, if you shop wisely for a home rental, you can live comfortably in Charlotte and still have some money left over for your enjoyment.
4. Utility Companies in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte gets most of its electricity from nuclear power plants located on the city outskirts. There is also a large hydroelectric facility at Lake Norman, to the north of the city.
Most Charlotte, NC homes get their electricity from Duke Energy, although the state is one of the top providers of solar energy nationwide, thanks to its net metering program, tax exemptions, and solar rebate incentives.
There are enough solar power installations in the state to power over 1 million North Carolina homes, so there's a chance you could find a rental with this cost-saving initiative up and running, too.
Charlotte Water supplies most homes in the city, and Piedmont Natural Gas powers most of North Carolina. Earthlink and AT&T are the major internet providers in this part of the world.
You can set up or transfer these utilities online, which helps ease the transition when moving to Charlotte, NC.
5. Employment in Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area is one of the top places to go job hunting according to Money Geek.
Here you'll find several major company headquarters, including Compass Group USA, Bank of America, Honeywell, and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings.
The unemployment rate in this area is 3.7%, and it's decreasing every month as the pandemic wanes. Since Charlotte is a hub of banking in the US, those looking for jobs in this field, as well as financial services, will find plenty on offer.
Other major employers in Charlotte include the manufacturing, energy, and automotive industries.
6. The Best Schools in Charlotte
The city falls within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district, which has 175 institutions to its name.
Several schools in this area feature regularly among the state's best educational rankings. These include:
- Ardrey Kell High
- Providence High
- Northwest School of the Arts
- Providence Spring Elementary
- Irwin Academic Center
There are several exceptional private schools in and around Charlotte, too, most notably Charlotte Country Day School, Anami Montessori School, and Providence Day School.
Many of these schools have pass rates above 95% and also boast excellent sports programs for students.
7. There's Plenty to Do in the Area
Charlotte residents are sports-obsessed, and you'll find there's always a game of something on the go at over 30 stadiums in this city. Some of the most popular sports in this area include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and golf.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway offers a thrill a minute while numerous parks offer tranquil walks and picnic areas. Adventurous nature lovers can head to Lake Norman State Park or Reedy Creek Nature reserve for interesting outdoor excursions.
Top museums in the city include:
- Billy Graham Library
- Freedom Park
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place Science
- Levine Museum of the New South
If you enjoy the arts, you'll love to spend time at the Arts and Science Council, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Charlotte Ballet theater, and the children's Theatre of Charlotte.
The city hosts regular events and festivals to look forward to, too.
Find Your Ideal Home for Rent in Charlotte, NC
Now that you know what to expect when moving to Charlotte NC, the real work starts. You'll find plenty of helpful information on our pages to help smooth the transition, so browse away for more answers to your questions.
One of the first things to finalize before you head this way is finding somewhere to stay.
Start your search for the best homes for rent in Charlotte NC by browsing our selection of available rental properties right away, and get in touch if you need any assistance.
