5 Reasons People Are Moving to Charlotte Today
Charlotte, North Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of popular places people are moving to, but you’d be wrong to overlook it. Charlotte is actually becoming quite the desirable location for a lot of young buyers, and there is no shortage of reasons why.
From job prospects and affordability to the sense of community and the multitude of activities available, Charlotte is a rapidly growing, thriving, and increasingly attractive option for those who are fed up with paying too much in other cities.
- A recovering market
Having previously been named the 10th most competitive in America, it’s no surprise that the job market in Charlotte has actually been in an upswing in recent months, with their economy being positioned very well for recovery. Finance, transportation, construction, and business services are on the upswing, thriving, and looking for employees, so for professionals affected by their own local economies, a move to Charlotte may make great financial and professional sense.
The overall unemployment rate was down to 8% as of October, which is a positive sign, especially in comparison to other more severely impacted cities. Charlotte is so attractive to young professionals, that at the moment it’s one of the cities with the fastest-growing population in the United States. If you’re looking to bet on a city to recover well in the future, bet on Charlotte.
- Everything is local
What people are really looking for, when moving to Charlotte, is a more local, community-based lifestyle. Especially after experiencing the pandemic change in lifestyle, more and more people are ready to move away from cities and closer to smaller communities they can be in touch with. Why travel for your groceries, job, or entertainment, when it’s all already here?
From fresh organic produce from local farmer’s markets to friendly local coffee shops and cute bars to socialize at in safer times, Charlotte really nails the local offerings of everything you need, within driving distance. This is especially important if you’ve got a family – who wants to drive an hour to drop the kids off at the daycare? Millennials always choose local, whether it’s clothes, produce, or schooling.
- Proximity to the city with the perks of suburban life
That being said, if you do need to pop into the city for one thing or another – whether it’s shopping, work, or entertainment – it’s right close by. It really is the best of both worlds to be able to live in a lovely suburb but to also have easy access to the city.
You have all the advantages of a larger home, safe neighborhoods, and friendly neighbors, while also being able to escape to the city for a night out with friends, an evening at the theatre, or a fancy dinner in a nice restaurant. That’s not something you encounter everywhere, so it’s a very appealing feature that draws people to Charlotte more and more.
- An affordable lifestyle
Speaking of the suburbs, one of the most attractive things about Charlotte, and North Carolina, in general, is its affordability. While a cost of living index of 99/100 may not seem that advantageous, keep in mind that comparable areas have a cost of living much above average. By choosing to live in Charlotte, you’re potentially saving thousands of dollars a year.
Expect Charlotte homes to cost around $228,800, but to offer much more space than the same would buy you further North, so you get more bang for your buck. In addition, you’re paying less for other bills like groceries and transportation, and even internet and cable.
- A thriving sports scene
Sports are a major part of the local culture in Charlotte, so if you’re a sports fiend, you’ve come to the right place. The Panthers and the Hornets are the local teams you can catch here on a regular basis, not to mention Carolina-Duke games.
And if you’d like to get in on the action, both children and adults can join sports programs and teams, play in competitions and tournaments, and get involved. The competitive spirit is definitely encouraged, but casual play is just as beloved – there are special events organized for family fun days, so everyone can partake.
Bottom line
Charlotte did not used to be a go-to destination for people looking to make a move, but it can actually be a great option for a lot of young singles and even families. North Carolina’s been developing in the right direction, with great job prospects, an affordable lifestyle, and plenty of local entertainment. Charlotte offers all of that and more.