Considering a move to Charlotte or Mecklenburg County? When buying a new home, you want to ensure you live in a great neighborhood. Cost of living, job opportunities, and things to do are all important considerations when picking your next home. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Charlotte and beyond. Keep reading to discover if this affordable and steadily growing city is for you.
Reasons to Move to Charlotte, NC, and Mecklenburg County
Living in Charlotte is unlike most other big cities in the South. This area is desirable because of its relatively low cost of living, ample job opportunities, and clean green spaces. Here are the top reasons why people are buying homes in Charlotte and the greater Mecklenburg County area.
Low Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Charlotte, NC is about two percent lower than the national average. However, when you look at the details, it's easy to see why Charlotte is so affordable. For example, the cost of transportation is seven percent lower, while housing is 11 percent lower than the national average. Even groceries are cheaper here, so your salary goes much further in Charlotte than in other big cities.
Strong Job Numbers
The South is seeing a surge of new residents, thanks in part to a healthy job market. According to recent data, Charlotte saw 3.3 percent unemployment at the end of 2024, and it's outpacing other booming cities like Atlanta and Austin.
The industries seeing the most growth are leisure and hospitality, education and health services, financial activities, mining, logging, and construction. All in all, Charlotte offers a diverse array of job opportunities to appeal to different demographics, making it ideal for homebuyers who want gainful employment.
World-Class Education
Charlotte is well-known for having some of the best universities in the country. The University of North Carolina, Northeastern University—Charlotte, and Johnson & Wales University all have campuses in the city, and each school has a distinguished reputation and history. There are also numerous public and private institutions located throughout Mecklenburg County, such as Davidson College and Queens University of Charlotte.
Ample Natural Spaces
One of the big reasons to move to Charlotte, is how green and luscious it is. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation ranks Charlotte as one of the top ten cities for wildlife. The city has 35 miles of hiking trails, 21,000 acres of parks, and 27 nature preserves. It also helps that the city is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving it a vibrant natural landscape. Moral of the story, if you love the outdoors, you'll love living here.
Small Town Feel
Typically, moving to a big city comes with various "big city problems." Those issues can include garbage on the streets, densely packed buildings, and subpar air quality. Fortunately for its residents, Charlotte doesn't experience any of these problems. The city was recently named one of the cleanest in the nation, and it consistently has , particularly for its population size.
These elements help contribute to the "small-town feel" you get when living in Charlotte, NC. Because the city has so much greenery, spacious sidewalks, and little trash, it seems smaller and more intimate than other metropolises.
Great Dining
One of the advantages of living in a bigger city is access to more amenities and restaurants. Charlotte is home to some of the best dining options in the South, catering to a wide variety of tastes. If you want Southern comfort food, check out Supperland, but if you’re searching for a slightly more upscale experience, Hestia should fit the bill.
The city is also home to many casual restaurants that offer exquisite dishes at affordable prices. You can find everything from sushi and ramen to good old-fashioned barbecue. No matter your taste preferences, Charlotte has it all.
Varied Recreation and Entertainment
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte features plenty of attractions and entertainment, catering to a large audience. Some of the city’s include:
- Carowinds Amusement Park
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- US National Whitewater Center
- Truist Field
- Discovery Place Science Museum
In addition to these attractions, Charlotte is home to many annual festivals and entertainment experiences, including the Carolina Renaissance Festival, HeroesCon, and the Taste of Charlotte. On any day, you can enjoy brewery crawls, haunted tours, scavenger hunts, and more.
Popular Places Near Charlotte for New Homebuyers
While central Charlotte has the most action, there are many unique cities in Mecklenburg County. Whether you want to live in a small town or a more natural area, there’s a place for you. Here are our top three picks for places to live in Mecklenburg County.
Monroe
Monroe is a great place to live, boasting small-town charm and an abundance of local attractions, including a revitalized downtown district centered around a historic Victorian Courthouse, dozens of restaurants, shops, entertainment and the Treehouse Vineyards, a treasured winery nestled on a scenic 200-year-old farm. You’ll also love the endless recreational opportunities, such as parks, picnics, playgrounds, Bearskin Creek, the Downtown Connector Greenways and much more. Monroe is also considered a hub in the thriving aerospace industry.
Salisbury
If you want to get outside the main urban areas of Charlotte, Salisbury is the perfect place—featuring a location about 40 miles north of downtown. Salisbury is known as a college town, as it's home to Catawba College and Livingstone College. There are also a few golf clubs, attractions like NC Transportation Museum, and plenty of outdoor adventure at High Rock Lake.
Mooresville
Mooresville, NC, is known as “Race City USA” for its NASCAR presence. Mooresville is located about 25 minutes from Lake Norman and 35 minutes from downtown Charlotte, making it ideally placed among natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and employment hubs. Lowe's Corporate and Ingersoll Rand are just two of the major employers in the area. Mooresville boasts a diverse food scene, from down-home BBQ to sushi. You’ll also find breweries and specialty ale shops in the area.
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Living in Charlotte, NC, and Mecklenburg County Has Its Perks
As you can see, living in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area offers a blend of city and outdoor living. Plus, with ample job opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and tons of attractions and amenities, Charlotte is an ideal place to call home.
If you’re looking for a new home in Charlotte, check out our new construction homes! We offer quality homes at competitive prices in several popular areas in Mecklenburg County.
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