As the second-largest city in the south, it is no surprise that Charlotte, North Carolina, has a lot to offer. With nearly 1,000,000 citizens, the Queen City is still considered a small metropolis, but residents would argue there’s nothing small about this city. From the vibrant nightlife and diverse culture to its reputation as a growing financial hub, Charlotte garners a lot of attention and is considered the third fastest-growing major city in the U.S.
If you’re looking to move to a culturally diverse city with growth potential, Charlotte, NC, is a great choice. Even if you’ve already planned your move to North Carolina, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about moving to, living, and thriving in Charlotte.
What’s the Weather Like in Charlotte
If you’re looking for a warmer climate but still want to enjoy the seasons, Charlotte, NC, is right for you. Charlotte still enjoys the four seasons, with the warmer season lasting from May to September and the colder season stretching from November to February. The average high temperature is 89 degrees, while the average low is 34 degrees. If you’re not a fan of snow, you’ll be happy to know that snow is a rare sight in Charlotte—although it’s not out of the realm of possibility from December through February.
The Charlotte, NC, Workforce
When you move to Charlotte, it’s important to check the current job market, even if you have employment already lined up. Fortunately, Charlotte has a healthy job market with a projected growth estimate of 45.5% over the next ten years. In fact, Charlotte is home to seven Fortune 500 companies, including Bank of America, Honeywell, Lowe’s, and more.
What are Great Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte has many neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Whether you want to be near nightlife, good food, or a quiet area to raise a family, a neighborhood in Charlotte is sure to fit the bill. However, if you’re asking us to narrow down our favorites, these neighborhoods would be on our list:
Uptown
Uptown is a versatile neighborhood for everyone because of its variety – it is divided into four distinct and unique wards, which merge where Trade and Tryon meet. The first ward is primarily residential and comprised of stunning homes on tree-lined streets, but it is also home to the ImaginOn Children’s Library and Theater and First Ward Park. The fourth ward, which is predominantly residential, is also ideal for those seeking a little more peace. The second ward is known for its “going out” and late-night scene. There are many different dining and bar options.
Uptown has something to offer all different Charlotte residents. Check out Uptown Charlotte to learn more about life in each Uptown wards.
SouthPark
SouthPark is a versatile neighborhood that boasts an estimated 18,000 residents. A big draw for this neighborhood is SouthPark Mall, which features 1.8 million square feet of shopping. In addition to the shopping and residents, SouthPark is home to several businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and more.
Midtown
Located between Uptown and the residential neighborhoods of Cherry, Elizabeth, and Dilworth, Midtown is one of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets. The Little Sugar Creek connects Dilworth and Freedom Park to this fast-growing neighborhood. There are future plans to connect Midtown to First Ward, Uptown, and Cross-Charlotte Trail.
Dilworth
Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Mecklenburg County, Dilworth is the first streetcar suburb outside the four wards. Dilworth is set up on a grid system, similar to the four wards, and is often referred to as the eighth ward. The streetcar offers convenient transportation to local restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops, and offices. If you’ve dreamed of living in a bungalow or colonial-style home, there are plenty of homes of these styles to choose from. The shady oak trees and sidewalks make Dilworth a walkable neighborhood for families.
University City
If you’re making a move to Charlotte, NC, for school, University City gives you quick access to the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus. Within University city, you’ll find Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills Mall, and the only Ikea between both North and South Carolina. This neighborhood is also a perfect fit for those working at University Research Park.
Plaza-Midwood
Calling all first-time home buyers! If you’ve just moved to Charlotte and want to put down roots, this neighborhood is great for first-time homebuyers, but it’s also a haven for pretty much everybody. Not only is Plaza-Midwood a mere mile from downtown Charlotte (Uptown), but it also has its own distinct vibe, from funky restaurants and eateries to vibrant culture.
Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
There’s no shortage of things to do in Charlotte, making it a big draw for many tourists and residents alike. If you want the charm of a small town with all the amenities of a large city, you can find it in Charlotte. From history tours to concerts to unique restaurants, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Unleash Your Inner Foodie
Charlotte is brimming with unique restaurants and eateries. From casual to upscale, there are plenty of local spots to check out. Plus, with the North Carolina weather, dining al fresco can occur almost all year round. If you’re new to the area and unsure where to start your culinary adventures, you can check out Charlotte Food Scene for an array of recommendations.
A few of our favorite restaurants include:
- Stoke: Mouthwatering, scratch-made Southern cuisine, including breakfast and brunch options
- Kindred: Contemporary cuisine in an instaworthy atmosphere
- Supperland: Self-proclaimed “Southern Steakhouse meets Church Potluck” with a lot of whimsical Southern charm (plus, they even have a speakeasy)
Become a North Carolina Sports Fan
If you’re a sports fan, you will enjoy living in Charlotte. The Queen City is home to two professional sports teams, the NBA Hornets and NFL Panthers, and multiple minor league sports teams. There’s a Charlotte sports team to cheer for, whether you like basketball, football, hockey, soccer, or baseball.
Find Your Favorite Cocktail or Brewery
You’ll have no problem finding your new favorite club or cocktail bar if you enjoy nightlife. If you prefer an afternoon hangout happy hour spot, there are plenty of fine breweries to choose from. Need a list to get you started? Check out these popular hot spots for fun, dancing, and tantalizing libations.
Charlotte is chock full of breweries for every beer enthusiastic. Some recommendations?
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte’s oldest (and largest) craft brewery
- Armoured Cow, whose menu also features gluten-free selections and ciders
- Catawba Brewing Company, a local hotspot comprised of good beer, chill vibes, and skyline views
If you’re not craving a beer and are seeking a different type of drink, stop by The Crunkleton, Idlewild, or The Royal Tot for a hand-crafted beverage (or two). These are just a few of the many options Charlotte has to offer. The city’s bar scene has something for everyone – from those looking for a quick pint to the most refined cocktail.
Get in Touch with the Great Outdoors
Connecting with nature is often a feature many city dwellers miss out on, but in Charlotte you can get a little bit of nature mixed in with your city lifestyle. Take a stroll through Park Road Park and enjoy one of the eight basketball courts, two horseshoe pits, six baseball fields, five picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds, trails, tennis courts, or the eleven-acre lake.
Prefer to get a little closer to nature? Check out the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where you can whitewater raft, kayak, zipline, and so much more. Looking for something a little tamer? Take a stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which includes a gorgeous orchid conservatory and garden trails.
Explore the Art Scene
Art can be found practically anywhere in Charlotte, whether it’s an art gallery or a mural in your neighborhood. As one of the most diverse cities in the nation, there’s no shortage of contemporary art galleries and cultural centers to explore—you just need to choose where to start. If you’re having a bit of decision paralysis, these installations and galleries are a must-see:
- The Firebird at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
- MoRA Art Trail
- Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Demand Space in Charlotte with Prime Storage
Ready to make Charlotte, NC, your home? Then it may be time to plan on how you’ll get your belongings to their new destination!! We all know that moving can be stressful, but it’s even more so when you don’t have moving and packing equipment or a place to store your belongings.
When your new Life Demands Space®, count on Prime Storage to have everything you need to make a home in Charlotte. With units ranging from 5×5 to 10×20, you’ll have no problem finding the space you need. Storage units can come in handy while you’re living in temporary housing while searching for a home or even storing items you no longer have space for or don’t want to take up space in your home. We also have your packing essentials covered, from boxes to bubble wrap to packing tape.
We have four Prime storage facilities in the Charlotte area:
- Self Storage in Charlotte on Bob Beatty Road
- Self Storage in Concord on Derita Road
- Self Storage in Rock Hill on Cherry Road
- Self Storage in Rock Hill on Hearn Street
Rent your Charlotte storage unit online now or give us a call to find out more information today!
