There are cities with unemployment rates that are higher than Albemarle's rate of 7.8%. Sq. 4. 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. Still, the housing market is affordable, accessible and attractive for both investors as well as new residents. Winters here are mild. This weather makes the city an ideal place for people to move in. 5,900 new listings, 4,800 pending sales and a median home price of $271,500. 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. This could be a drawback as most people go to the ocean for weekend trips and very few decide to drive all the way to Myrtle Beach in the morning only to return at night. RealEstateAgent.com is a method of Real Estate Agents and Agencies. Overall Score 6.5 /10. Going out to restaurants may cost you more, but it probably won't break your budget. While there is no guarantee these extreme weather events will happen, they are something residents should be aware of before moving to Charlotte NC. This is the case even if youve been there before; its easy to get turned around. The cost of transportation is cheap in Charlotte. 9. First, the unemployment rate here is lower than the national average. Yes, thats how traffic is for Charlotte but some people may find it as a con. 1.1 1. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'combadi_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-combadi_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');The weather in Charlotte is not extreme. 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. / One of the drawbacks to living in North Carolina is that income and sales taxes are high. Charlotte has some of the worst traffic in the country. All you need is a jacket, and youre good to go. Plus, there are no state income taxes in North Carolina so you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Like many people our age, we've traveled overseas quite a bit. If you adore the ocean, you can have it close to you. The variance may not be huge. This can make it difficult for those who rely on public transportation to get around town or commute from one side of the city to another. Sub-par K-12 education. We will discuss these more later. South Charlotte is always red because its more upper class. Charlottes downtown has a maze of one-way streets and confusing intersections, making it hard to find your way around. I mean, the brilliantly beautiful changing leaves are alright. 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. There is a dark side concerning taxes in South Carolina: Sales taxes. Its unemployment rate stands at 9.4% and its median income hovers at $30,774. Notable neighborhoods. Because the food scene is one of the biggest perks of living in Asheville! History. It will mark the "God's Plan" hitmaker's first. One pro, Introduction In Dallas, TX, affluent black neighborhoods can be found throughout the city. With an abundance of trails, parks, and greenways there are endless possibilities for adventure. Mint Hill Senior Living. Myrtle Beach is about three hours away. It will get there in due time, it just hasnt reached that point yet. Thankfully, I was able to avoid hitting any pedestrians or cars and maintain control of my vehicle until I got off the road. Average rent: The average rent for an apartment in Charlotte is $1,639 per month. Charlotte offers an abundance of opportunities to experience visual art, music, theater, dance, and more. As stated above, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and is only trumped by the city of Jacksonville, Florida as the largest city in the Southeastern U.S. Having been charted all the way back in 1768 by European settlers under the Kings rule which he named it after his wife, Charlotte, and named the surrounding area after her birthplace in Germany, which is now known as Mecklenburg county. Comment below if for any reason you think we overlooked something that just screams Charlotte, NC. So lets see what the city has to brag about and some of the reasons why you should move to Charlotte, NC. That's 6% below the national average for food and grocery. Winter brings its own set of issues with temperatures dropping into the 20s at times and snow occasionally coating roads, making travel treacherous. PRO: Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC. Comfort Zone of the Carolinas offers HVAC in Rock Hill, A new report on the financial condition of the 75 most populous cities, 5 Charlotte Area New Open Houses Worth Checking Out, See The Latest Adoptable Pets At Charlotte Area Shelters. 1. From biking along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway where visitors can experience nature through their own two wheels to kayaking on Lake Wylie where locals can spend the day relaxing on the water theres something here for everyone!Charlottes Little Sugar Creek Greenway (Creator: Roots Rated). Over the years, residents are seeing the traffic getting increasingly congested. 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. One thing that could be improved on is the lack of rich cultural roots. Albuquerque vs. Denver - Where is the best place to live? 16. Unlike places like New York or Miami, bars and nightclubs close a bit earlier in Charlotteusually around midnight, but occasionally as late as 2 a.m. That being said, downtown Charlotte is home to a few local hotspots and sports bars. The Panthers are the five-time NFC South champions, so even if you're not a Panthers fan now, you may just become one. You can also swim in the lakes in these mountains. 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. The Charlotte crime rate is 4,665 crimes per 100,000 people. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chatham, 840 Newport Center Drive Ste. Charlotte is a city that has something for everyone from the cultural amenities of the Uptown area to the outdoor activities of the greater Charlotte region. From the city of Charlotte, NC you also have a 2 hour drive to Atlanta or a 3 hour drive to Charleston,SC., both destinations deserving a visit. 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. 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. The city, beautiful and just east of the Catawba River, is a great place to live. There's a neighborhood north of uptown on Tryon (practically surrounds the area NC Music Factory is located in) that ranked #11 on highest crime rate per capita in the US, tied with 8-10 iirc and wasn't much less than Atlanta's neighborhoods which made up . 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 45-minute workout will spike your heart rate and leave you dripping in sweat but is scalable for all fitness levels. Why Should You Get Onboard the Digital Marketing Bandwagon? There are only 12% of homes on the market that is affordable and available within 5 miles of downtown Charlotte; which means that most people need to move farther out from the city if they want a place they can afford. Those small establishments give a city its own color, flair and atmosphere. Today, the state is home to the second largest banking capital in the U.S., behind only New York City, top notch universities and 11 Fortune 500 companies. There are 739 violent crimes/100k people and 3,926 property crimes/100k people. Foliage schmoliage. The winters are also mild and short. An added bonus: Saturday morning Burn Boot Camp workouts in Charlotte are co-ed, free and open to the public. While the tranquility of rural North Carolina can be a great place to recharge, many residents crave the hustle and bustle of the big city. Of these, 182,300 are categorized as facing almost certain risk. Aside from these, renowned universities also call Charlotte their home. Rising Housing Costs. Property taxes are also higher than in most areas in North Carolina because of the high quality of life enjoyed by residents. 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. According to a 2019 DataUSA study, Charlotte boasts several promising figures in terms of its job market: Now that you have learned the pros and cons of living in Charlotte NC, nows the time to find a place to stay. Some people also plant flowers or veggies in containers on their porches or balcony for an easy alternative. (8 Main Reasons). Now, the city of Charlotte, NC was named after Charlotte, wife of King George the III and its term of endearment is Queen City. Loaf of bread: $3.12. Pro: the job market in the city is on an upwards trajectory. One of the biggest cons of living in Charlotte is the traffic congestion. The development of the citys population can also lead to one thing. You can peruse through racks upon racks of well-curated items that are sure to make any outfit stand out from the crowd! #30 in Best Places to Live. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 American Dailies | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, 3. Charlotte NC (Image Credit: Extra Space Storage) Charlotte has a rich and vibrant history that is full of interesting stories and facts. C, Deer Park 77536, Real estate news, strategies and insights. But no state is perfect (no matter how much you love it), and North Carolina is no different. It is never frigidly cold. Nestled near the Southwestern border, North Carolinas largest city, Charlotte, is a place like no other. If you love food, the influences of the South are vital here. This area is BOOMING! 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. However, if you are considering relocating here, its important to understand the pros and cons of living in the city and that is why we prepared this article. Job Market. Landing is a network of furnished apartments for rent across the country. The average rent in this community-focused neighborhood comes in just under the city average at $1,247 a month, as of June 2021. 5 in the country for food insecurity. While Charlotte certainly offers the convenience of an urban area, you shouldnt expect the same nightlife as larger U.S. cities. It is never too hot. Despite having a bus and train line, Charlotte is definitely a driving city. Higher Education When Living In Charlotte, 18. What is the average home price in High Point NC? Niche, a tool that helps new residents find excellent schools, gives the Charlotte metropolitan area a B+ in the public school category, which is significantly higher than many other large U.S. cities. So, if youre looking for fun things to do in Charlotte, you definitely need to eat out. Winters are mild and brief but it does snow from time to time. 7. 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. It is no wonder that Charlotte has been the growing hub of jobs for the finance sector since 2010. Top 10 Reasons NOT to move to Charlotte, North Carolina. Before moving to Charlotte, let's get you acquainted with its charm by noting these main selling points and areas of interest. As one of the largest cities in North Carolina, Charlotte is home to hundreds of delicious and unique eateries. Black or African American: 35.09%. 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. You will want to keep a lot of mosquito repellent handy. It is also a city where you can enjoy your time outdoors. 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. 2. There are many other options for higher education, such as Johnson C Smith University, Davidson College, and the Queens University of Charlotte. Housing is also more affordable here but by only a mere 1%. Charlotte is a great city, like most places it has issues..Have you ever thought . If there is one thing about Charlotte, it is its perfect location.Here, you get to have access to beaches and mountains. 7. What is the Tax Benefits of Buying a Home? Here, you can hike or climb a mountain. The city will be on the Worst Cities for Respiratory Infections list in 2021. The same story is valid with the cost of food and groceries, which is 0.8% more affordable than the national average. Charlotte at a Glance: Population: Charlotte's population is nearly 880,000, according to the 2021 Census estimate. The overall median sale price rose 7.5% to $215,000, though the number of homes available for sale dropped by 3.9%. Charleston is the largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, the county seat of Charleston County, and the principal city in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%. Charlotte isnt a city where you can find clothing shops, quirky boutiques or even level ground salons that one can find in cities like New York. Whether for you or a loved one, Mint Hill Senior Living offers a caring atmosphere, an active community, and a comfortable, secure lifestyle for our residents. 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. Pro: Good education. Higher education is a significant factor when deciding where to live. Insider came up with a list of the worst things about living in each state, with flaws ranging from minor ones like "too many hipsters," to major ones like "a high range of drug overdoses." The . Most crime is concentrated in a few areas you can easily avoid. Those looking for a mild climate may want to look elsewhere as storms are not uncommon during the summer months with hail being a regular occurrence when thunderstorms roll through. Add to its diversity or help it find its culture. What's your top complaint about life in North Carolina? There are times when it feels like no one lives in Charlotte. Downtown is a maze. And I assure you, no sign of the growth stopping anytime soon. View All 17 Photos . It means that the air can be unhealthy and polluted. Charlotte is a great place to live, but it has a lot of room for improvement. Charlotte is famous for racing. The cost of living in Charlotte averages about 1% lower than the national average. Theyre everywhere. Another perk of living in Charlotte is the low cost of living compared to other large cities. 1. housing costs vs income rates. Many families and young professionals live in Charlotte and residents tend to lean liberal. Several jobs related to healthcare have also sprouted in the job market in recent years. The cost of living in Charlotte, NC is 2.6% higher than in Orlando, FL. Some of Charlottes best bars and clubs include: Charlotte has a stable job market and plenty of thriving industries, making it a great place to live for young professionals and those looking for job opportunities. Charlotte is only cheaper than most cities in the US by about 1.7% when it comes to utility costs. Let us start with the good things you can expect when you live in Charlotte, NC. flickr/John Rees. Furthermore, the surrounding cities that work as suburbs to Charlotte are growing at an even higher rate. Contents hide. The side effect of the melting pot and the accelerated growth is that the residents are just now beginning to form an original Charlotte culture or DNA, if you will. Now, these are predictions, estimates, expectations if the trend continues and there isnt anything to say that things would change. Many of these jobs are from the more established companies. 11. The city of Charlotte, NC is a prosperous metropolitan area that attracts people from all over the country within its borders. It is where NASCAR is. There are many areas where you can live in Charlotte, NC which means that there are also many areas where you can go. It can be hot on certain occasions, but it can never be too hot. If you are deciding where to live in Charlotte, NC, Landing is here to help. The Levine Museum of the New South showcases some amazing artifacts from throughout the regions history, while visitors can also take a stroll through Fourth Ward Park to enjoy views of uptown and learn about its past. And one of these repercussions is the traffic problem in the city. The Outer Banks region is a friendly enough resort you can also visit. For people who don't have children (like myself and my husband) we can be bored to tears on (many) occassion. Weather. You cant visit this southern jewel without learning about moonshine, NASCAR and the Fury325. The weather in Charlotte is milder compared to most cities. The soil in and around Charlotte makes it challenging to grow a garden. According to a study from US News, about 17 percent of the states population suffers food insecurity. Additionally, while the CATS bus line has over 70 stops throughout the city, riders can only hop on if they have exact changewhich is not exactly the most convenient method of transportation. Is Clermont Florida a Good Place to Live? Fortunately, you wont have to travel far for urban convenience and excitement in North Carolina! 9. 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! Traffic congestion can be problematic in the downtown area and key access points. We have a massive brewery scene. City Guide From hipsters to southern debutants - uh, we're all basically the same, y'know. We have the USNWC and lots of hikes within a reasonable distance. Living in Charlotte offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. It's not terrible. There is also the Outer Banks region which is a lean stretch of land separated from the mainland that works as a resort. Also, more and more people are using the citys public transportation system. In order for the housing market to be successful and thriving it has to satisfy the necessities of the citys possible new residents. 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. Albemarle. It is a mixture of the old and the new. In February of 2020 there were 4,700 new homes listed on the market, an increase of 2.2% since Feb. 2019, also there were 4,900 pending sales for homes which is also an increase of 24.8% since Feb 2019 and the median home price went to $263,000, an increase still of 11.9% since February of 2019. People are friendly but reserved. According to PayScale, the cost of living in Charlotte is approximately 5% lower than the national average. If youre coming from Greensboro,NC., you might find the few moments of congestion a bit annoying. The Civil War brought both Union troops and freed slaves to the area. As of March 2023, the average apartment rent in Charlotte, NC is $1,469 for a studio, $1,436 for one bedroom, $1,681 for two bedrooms, and $1,982 for three bedrooms. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Healthcare is not over-the-top expensive here. What makes Charlotte more ideal is its thriving economy. Perfect for the changing seasons and close enough for you to be able to take advantage of the best of both worlds. Home prices here are well below the national average and renters can find great deals too. 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 . The astounding lack of both character and culture in Charlotte is confusing, but it makes finding those hidden gems that much better. No matter what type of shopping youre in the mood for, Charlotte has something special waiting for you. This can be seen clearly in the way in which the city is still developing. 10. And with the US averaging a 6% unemployment rate, you can rest assured that you will easily find jobs in Charlotte than anywhere else. 10 Top Pros and cons of living in Canada vs UK. From museums to battlegrounds, Charlotte has a wide range of historical sites that make it one of the most interesting cities in America. And it continues to grow as the years go by. And as the city grows, it is becoming more diverse. Governor Seat + County Economy Recovering, Local Nonprofit Makes A Difference + Recruitment Event For Women. The Cost Of Living Reflects Charlotte's Growth. The most populous city of North Carolina, Charlotte is also the county seat for the county of Mecklenburg. The average salary in Charlotte vs Raleigh is the same: $68,000 per year. Public Transportation Doesnt Make Life In Charlotte Any Easier. In this article, we will explore the good and bad things about living in Charlotte North Carolina. Its overwhelming at first and it doesnt help that there is no shortage of churches to choose from. Relax and read it through! To give you some perspective, local rents have climbed 45% since 2010. The same type of job in the same type of company in Charlotte, NC will typically pay $61,704 . 1. For now, however, you wont find areas with communities separated by economical, racial or ethnical differences, which is good, but there also arent many ethnic restaurants or shopping areas besides from malls. Lil Wayne and Drake performed live on their joint tour last night at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina. Good news, though: houses are cheap. The unemployment rate in the city does not reach the 5% mark. Giants like Bank of America, Lowes, and the US Trust and Compass Group have their bases in Charlotte. Wood serving tray provides convenience for your daily use in the kitchen, dining room, living room, coffee table, and is also a That makes commuting to work a little bit of a challenge when in Charlotte. The cost of living in Charlotte is lower than in other cities along the East Coast. Avg. High tax burden. travel times upwards of 30 minutes to an hour, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 12.8% poverty rate, which is an 8.15% decrease from the previous year, $63,483 median household income, which is a 4.47% increase from the previous year, Booming industries such as healthcare and social assistance, finance and insurance, and retail trade. With a list of pros of living in Charlotte, NC, we also have a list of cons. In fact, the continuous population growth affected the real estate market in a good way. Required fields are marked *. Whether were talking about sports (Football - Carolina Panthers; Baseball - Charlotte Knights; Hockey - Charlotte Checkers; NASCAR; Golf), areas to explore or culture to absorb there is something happening every day. (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. There are more than 100 breweries in the area: If you like beer, youre going to love Charlotte. During this time, visitors cant enter the park and there are no services available inside. So if you're thinking of moving to North Carolina, you're not . During 2019 the real estate market in Charlotte, NC managed to increase in value by 4.5%. But, Charlotte is growing fast and the cost of living keeps edging up higher every year. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As such, your monthly paycheck can go further along. 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. Shop-till-you-drop types will love SouthPark mall, the city's upscale destination with . The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,173. The housing market in the city of Charlotte is thriving, excelling, and managing to overcome the citys crime rates. We have beautiful scenery, friendly people, an awesome culture, and great food! We have good weather. Location: 1945 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. A considerable number of investing companies can only mean growth in its economy and finances. I am so glad to see a fellow traveler. The City is a Foodie's Paradise. State: North Carolina County: Mecklenburg County Metro Area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia Metro Area City: Charlotte Zip Codes: 28269 , 28277 , 28215 , 28227 , 28216 , 28210 , 28205 , 28212 , 28262 , 28213 , 27 total Cost of Living: -0.3% lower Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) Elevation: 769 ft above sea level For those who work outside of the city, the congestion creates a bottleneck for commuters trying to enter or exit the city. 1.2 2. For example, if you spend $100 on clothes or shoes youll need to pay an extra $6.00 no matter how much you buy. Answer (1 of 22): There is definitely the stark racial divide, however - as time goes forward, it has gotten better - I live here now. There are galleries, museums, restaurants, parks, and much more. 2. The sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75% across the state, although county and local taxes can add to it. People who are living their best retired years. Recent reports show that tech jobs are abundant in the Charlotte metro area. Active retirees will love this suburb's numerous well-maintained city parks. 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. For example, if you want an apartment thats close to work, youll be paying at least $900 per month. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle.