Charlotte draws newcomers from all over the country with its booming economy, abundant jobs, pleasant climate and quality of life. If you’re moving to Charlotte, NC, we’ve created a few tips to help you acclimate to your new city. Check out Marsh Properties’ Relocating to Charlotte guide below.
Get to Know Charlotte’s Unique Neighborhoods
Although Charlotte has boomed over the past few decades, the city is still very neighborhood-driven, each with its own distinct personality. Here are some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods:
- Uptown: The central business district with high-rise offices, arts and culture, restaurants nightlife and professional sports.
- South End: Revitalized industrial area along the light rail line that draws young professionals. Here’s where you’ll find Marsh Properties communities of The Edge and The Brinkley.
- Dilworth, Sedgefield & Myers Park: Tree-lined, historic neighborhoods just outside of Uptown with charming homes as well as plenty of new development. These historic neighborhoods are home to the Marsh communities of The Lexington Dilworth, Sedgefield Apartments, Elmhurst at Sedgefield, Queens at Granville, Providence Flats, Providence Altondale and Salem Village.
- SouthPark: Upscale neighborhood a few miles south of Uptown with luxury apartments, mid-rise office buildings, desirable restaurants and SouthPark mall. In SouthPark, you’ll find Strawberry Hill and Heathstead, as well as Park Place in nearby Montford Park.
- Ballantyne: Newer suburban area known for its corporate offices and top-rated schools. In Ballantyne, you’ll find Providence Park.
- NoDa & Plaza Midwood: Historic neighborhoods that embrace their artsy side with eclectic shops, restaurants and nightlife.
- University City: Area of northeast Charlotte around UNC Charlotte that draws families and major businesses.
Enjoy the Weather
Many Northerners come to Charlotte for milder winters, while Floridians may come to experience four seasons. Although Charlotte summers are humid and hot, winters are mild with occasional ice storms, which often shuts the city down. Spring and fall are extremely pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. However, for those with allergies, spring can be brutal, with pollen coating everything.
A Financial Hub
As the headquarters of Bank of America with a major presence for Wells Fargo and several other banks, Charlotte is one of the largest banking centers in the country. Along with a growing fintech and startup presence, Charlotte is also home to major healthcare businesses of Atrium Health and Novant Health, and energy provider Duke Energy, which is also headquartered here. Networking is huge in Charlotte – professional groups and meetups are active and welcoming. Marsh Properties features many apartment communities located close to major Charlotte employers.
Embrace the Outdoors
In spite of not being on the coast nor in the mountains, Charlotte boasts some amazing outdoor spaces. The city’s ever-expanding greenway system is popular for walkers, joggers and bikers. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor adventure playground, with whitewater kayaking and rafting, ziplining, ropes courses, mountain biking and even ice skating during the colder months. Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Mountain Island Lake and the Catawba River are great for boating, kayaking or paddleboarding. Marsh Properties communities also value outdoor spaces and proximity to parks and greenways such as Freedom Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Growing Culinary Scene
As the city has grown, it’s added amazing restaurants serving up a wide range of cuisine, from Southern food with a modern twist to Asian- and Latin-inspired to classic steakhouses. Over the past decade, a number of new restaurants have flocked to South End, Plaza Midwood, SouthPark and Ballantyne, while Optimist Hall is a destination for food stall cuisine. Particularly for trendy restaurants, make reservations for popular spots — weekend walk-ins can be tough.
Education Matters
If you are moving with children, consider school zones for public schools or proximity to private schools. Zoning for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools can change from year to year, so be sure to check current maps. Many Marsh Properties communities are zoned for excellent public schools – ask leasing offices about school assignments and transportation options.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
A major American Airlines hub, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers tons of direct flights. Although it’s one of the busiest airports in the country, CLT is extremely efficient, in part due to recent expansions that have improved traveler experience and traffic flow.
Cost of Living
Although its cost of living has increased over the past couple decades, Charlotte provides an excellent cost of living compared to New York, Washington DC or Atlanta. Compared to other Southeast cities, it’s mid-range. Build in a realistic moving budget, as new arrivals often underestimate housing and commute costs. You’ll find that many Marsh Properties communities provide an excellent value in some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Find Your People
As the city welcomes 157 new residents every day, you’ll find that most Charlotteans are welcoming, as many residents are transplants. Neighborhood events, gyms, parks and breweries are the easiest points of entry for meeting new people. Most Marsh Property communities host regular social events that make it easy to connect with neighbors and build relationships close to home. Be sure to check with your leasing office for upcoming events.
Your Dog is Welcome Here
Charlotte is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the Southeast, with miles of greenways and trails that make daily walks easy and enjoyable. Marsh Properties communities are pet-friendly, some with on-site dog parks and even pet spas so you can pamper your pup. Dogs are welcome at many local breweries, patios and neighborhood spots, making it simple for owners to socialize while out with their pets. The city also offers numerous off-leash dog parks, along with abundant veterinary, grooming, training, and daycare services.
Things to Do
From the NFL Panthers and NBA Hornets to Charlotte FC and the minor league Charlotte Knights, the city has a strong, passionate sports culture that brings residents together year-round. Game days create a lively atmosphere across Uptown, with bars, restaurants and public spaces buzzing with excitement. Beyond sports, Charlotte offers a rich arts and culture scene, including the Charlotte Symphony, local theater productions, museums and festivals throughout the year. Together, these experiences give the city an energetic, well-rounded entertainment scene for all interests.
Relocating to Charlotte offers the best of both worlds – a fast-growing city with distinct neighborhoods, strong job opportunities and an active, outdoor-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn by career growth, affordability or quality of life, Charlotte has something for everyone. With a little planning and local insight, you’ll feel right at home in the Queen City.
Marsh Properties offers apartments for relocation in Charlotte. Start your Charlotte journey and find your first apartment with Marsh Properties.