While it is the most populous city in North Carolina and a developing urban center, Charlotte retains its Southern charm and hospitality, all while being a lovely melting pot of cultures and customs. Those moving to Charlotte, North Carolina will find its’ many diverse neighborhoods are made up of people from all over the country and beyond. Everyone is welcome and can easily become part of Charlotte’s eclectic community. The community is passionate about cultural events and up-and-coming artists, the economy and financial sector, and the latest sports events.
This urban center is the third fastest-growing large city in the country and that fast-paced development attracts many people. If you’re looking to move to Charlotte NC, know competition for apartments is fierce! It’s best to get started with your research ASAP. This guide should help you in knowing everything you need to as a soon-to-be renter when moving to Charlotte NC.
Table of contents
- Real Estate Market Overview
- Housing costs in Charlotte NC
- Neighborhoods in Charlotte NC
- Tips for finding an apartment in Charlotte NC
- Cost of Living in Charlotte NC
- Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
- Moving Companies in Charlotte, NC

Real Estate Market Overview

Being a renter comes with flexibility that should not be overlooked. If it’s your first time living in Charlotte, or you’re just now moving to Charlotte NC, it’s likely you’ll want to rent around and get the feel of the city and its many neighborhoods before deciding to settle down in a certain place. When you’re looking for apartments, it’s important to first get to know the market, so here are some details to keep in mind.
Housing costs in Charlotte NC
The average rent in Charlotte is around $1,290 per month, but prices vary according to location and apartment size. A studio apartment can start for as low as $800 a month, or around $1,200 in central Charlotte. You can also find a 2-bedroom apartment in a neighborhood that’s further from downtown at around $950. So, prices really depend on what you need from the apartment you’re searching for. However, if you’re looking to become a homeowner, the median price for a home in Charlotte is around $330K.

Neighborhoods in Charlotte NC
Although life is lived at a fast pace in the heart of the city, there are many different neighborhoods in Charlotte, ready to fit all lifestyles. You can investigate their location a bit more with this map. Many areas have a suburban feel and are rather family-friendly, including Concord, Mint Hill, and Huntersville. For those looking for a more artistic, bohemian neighborhood, NoDa is the perfect home, with its prolific arts scene and eclectic mix of buildings. Young professionals would likely enjoy Ballantyne—home to Ballantyne Corporate Park. Ballantyne is a dream destination, with a mix of office and residential space, as well as great schools.
If you’re looking for neighborhoods that are close to the city center, Myers Park or Dilworth could be perfect. Both areas are adorned with historical buildings and have a rich cultural heritage despite being close to Charlotte’s heart of innovation. Yet, if you want to be in the middle of the action, Uptown is the place for you. It encompasses both Charlotte’s downtown area and the central business district, so you’re sure to be close to many headquarters and experience a truly urban center.
Tips for finding an apartment in Charlotte NC
When you’re browsing for apartments, you will first want to create a budget, so that you can filter through the options and find your best fit. To that end, first, decide on a location. Are you going to work remotely? If so, you might want to rent a larger apartment closer to the suburbs of Charlotte. If you need to go to an office, then consider finding an apartment that’s close to public transit options. Charlotte residents are rather dependent on cars and public transport to move around, so keep that in mind.
After deciding where you’ll live, decide on the amount of space you need. Are you renting solo, with family, or with roommates? Determine how many rooms you need to have for comfortable living, but don’t go too big, as that will only end up costing you more in terms of both rent and utilities. After prioritizing your needs, you can actually use a rent calculator tool to help you out in determining your budget.
Start your search early to get a feel of the market, but not too early. You don’t want to fall in love with an apartment that will be unavailable by the time you’re moving. Use a secure platform, with verified listings, so that you steer clear of rental scams. This is especially true if you’re coming in from a different state or country, or you don’t have as much experience renting. Remember to also check your credit score before moving to make sure your rental application will be approved. In Charlotte, you would need an average of 670 or higher to get approved. Although, as more people come in and competition gets tougher, you might need a higher credit score.
Cost of Living in Charlotte NC
Charlotte has the reputation of being affordable for a large city. The estimated cost of living for a single person (excluding rent) would be around $960 per month. Since it is a big city, there is no shortage of restaurants or delivery options, and if you cook at home, you’ll likely drive that bill down. Utilities average at around $150 without internet (which depends on your provider and preferred bundle). A one-way ticket for public transit in Charlotte is around $2.20, whereas a monthly pass is around $87. Sometimes you can get lucky and deals on public transit as well.
Charlotte has a rapidly developing job market, being home to many corporate headquarters. There are a lot of jobs in finance since it’s the second-largest banking center in the U.S. As such, you’ll likely find a good job to help you cover these bills.
Employment & Education
Speaking of the job market, many companies call Charlotte their East Coast home, including Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Bank of America, and Centene Corporation. The city spans a very diverse job market including companies from the food industry, packaging, transportation, and retail companies. Charlotte is also home to the country’s Formula One team, and it is a large center for the motorsports industry. Charlotte is home to many energy-oriented organizations, and is called “The New Energy Capital.” It houses more than 240 energy-related companies. The top employers in the city are Atrium Health, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Bank of America, Duke Energy, and the city of Charlotte.
For students moving to Charlotte, NC for educational opportunities, or for those moving with family, Charlotte has many diverse options. The public school system serving Charlotte is the second-largest in the state, and it is recognized as a high-quality educational system. There are many colleges and universities in Charlotte as well, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Queens University of Charlotte, and the Central Piedmont Community College. For those interested in research, the North Carolina Research Campus is located to the northeast of Charlotte, and it includes both universities and corporate entities that have the same goal: to improve research and development and help support advancements in different fields.
If you have just moved here, you’re probably looking for jobs in Charlotte, NC hiring immediately. For university and college students, you can find high-paying jobs as a mover with UniMovers.
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Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has plenty to offer everyone. Its museums, for instance, are eclectic and diverse. You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon admiring the art galleries of Mint Museum, engaging with mind-stimulating, interactive exhibitions at the Discovery Place Science, or have fun at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. For history buffs, the Levine Museum of the New South is the perfect destination for a quick history lesson on North Carolina and the South.
Relax and disconnect from the busy world in one of Charlotte’s lovely parks. This includes the very central Freedom Park just south of downtown or First Ward Park in Uptown. The larger McDowell Nature Center and Reserve is a center for preserving local flora and fauna and a perfect destination for camping and hiking. For more entertainment, head to the Hornets Nest Park. Here you can enjoy many sports fields and courts, as well as a BMX track, disc golf, and fishing lakes.
Lastly, after enjoying your day in the city, you need to delight in Charlotte’s restaurant scene! From authentic Southern comfort food and traditional dishes to niche local boutiques serving either pastries or only vegan and vegetarian options, you can find everything you like. Grill, delis, and even fast food are very popular options and fun experiences. If you’re looking for fancy meals and a trendy atmosphere, there are plenty of options waiting for you in Uptown, NoDa, or Dilworth.
Although it’s rapidly developing, Charlotte is still very easy to love and call home. The city has a place for everyone, whether you’re moving to Charlotte alone, with family, with kids, or with friends. You won’t get bored in a place like this!
Moving Companies in Charlotte, NC
Of course, when you move, you will likely need to find an affordable moving company in Charlotte NC. There are plenty of options when looking for movers in Charlotte. We recommend determining a budget and shopping around to find a good choice. Finding a good moving company is not as hard as it may seem. Just take a look at the company’s reviews, and you’ll certainly find a high-quality moving company for your needs.
FAQs
What to know about Charlotte NC before moving there? ›
- #1 Charlotte is a fast-growing city. ...
- #2 Charlotte's economy is a Southeast standout. ...
- #3 Charlotte's economy accounts for 26% of the state's GDP. ...
- #4 The big economic drivers range from banking to beer. ...
- #5 There are jobs here. ...
- #6 You may work in Uptown.
You'll find far more square footage, better locations, and commutes as well as a higher quality of life thanks to the affordability of Charlotte! The basic cost of living in Charlotte is lower than the national average by about 8% making the Queen City a great place to live!
What is a good salary to live in Charlotte NC? ›The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,435 a month, meaning an income of $61,479 a year is needed. The average for a two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,647 a month, meaning an income of $70,582 a year is needed.
How much money do I need to move to Charlotte NC? ›How much money do you need to live in Charlotte? In Charlotte, the analysis determined homeowners need income of $80,070 to follow that budgeting advice, while renters need $82,999. The reported local median income of $58,202 is well below what is needed to easily buy or rent in the area.
What part of Charlotte is the safest? ›- Ballantyne West.
- Barclay Downs.
- Chantilly.
- Plaza Midwood.
- Providence Crossing.
- New York, NY. Nearly 9,000 New Yorkers moved to Queen City between 2015-2019.
- Greensboro, NC. Just over 4,000 people from Greensboro moved to Charlotte.
- Winston-Salem, NC.
Charlotte's most affordable neighborhoods include Ballantyne West, Chantilly, Sardis Forest, Providence Crossing, and McAlpine.
Why is rent so high in Charlotte? ›Apartment management companies blame the rising rents on the cost of business and inflation but those decisions are costing some renters their homes.
What is considered middle class in Charlotte NC? ›The median household income in Charlotte is $53,637.
It's complex and diverse, often divided into multiple subclasses — upper middle class, lower middle class and the working middle class. For a single person in Charlotte the middle income tier ranges from $22,000 to $67,000.
FY2022 Income Limit Category | Number of Persons in Family | |
---|---|---|
1 | 3 | |
Extremely Low | $19,800 | $25,450 |
Very Low | $33,000 | $42,400 |
Low | $52,750 | $67,850 |
What salary do you need in Charlotte to afford a home? ›
Researchers found a person would need to earn $61,479 to afford a one-bedroom apartment or $70,582 to afford a two-bedroom apartment based on the average fair market price in Charlotte. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,435, according to the study.
Is Charlotte racially diverse? ›The Charlotte Observer reports via Census data, Charlotte residents are 47% white, 35% Black, 15% Hispanic, 7% Asian and 17.2% were not born in the U.S. Raleigh is the second-most diverse city in the Tar Heel State.
Is Charlotte overpriced? ›Data from July 2022 shows the price ballooned to $397,000. New research from Moody's says Charlotte homes are overvalued by 44%.
Why are people moving to Charlotte? ›With a strong economy, balanced cost of living, educational and entertainment opportunities, and beautiful weather, it's one of the top cities to relocate to. Whether you're considering buying in a new home community in Charlotte or building on your lot, you'll love your new lifestyle.
What is the racial makeup of Charlotte NC? ›Population | |
---|---|
Female persons, percent | 51.7% |
Race and Hispanic Origin | |
White alone, percent | 44.7% |
Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 35.2% |
Charlotte's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 32.1°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 90.1°F.
Where not to live in Charlotte? ›- Pinecrest.
- Lincoln Heights.
- Lakewood.
- Tryon Hills.
- Grier Heights.
- Seversville.
- Smallwood.
- Plaza-Shamrock.
The Dilworth, Myers Park, and Eastover areas make up the most expensive home-buying zip code around Charlotte. The median value of a home is up more than 11 percent over the last year.
What are people from Charlotte called? ›Residents are referred to as "Charlotteans".
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or North Carolina? ›Lower Cost Of Living
Texas is known for its affordable prices on essentials such as utilities, food, and especially housing. But, when you move east to North Carolina, you can expect to find an even lower cost of living, and some pretty affordable essentials.
Which state is better to live in North Carolina or Georgia? ›
...
Cost of Living.
North Carolina | Georgia | |
---|---|---|
Overall | 90.6 | 93.4 |
Grocery | 96.5 | 95.5 |
Health | 107.5 | 95.5 |
Housing | 81 | 80.7 |
Living in Charlotte offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Charlotte there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Charlotte and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Charlotte are above average.
Is Charlotte better than Raleigh? ›If you're looking for a safe place to raise a family with plenty of job opportunities and the feel of the suburbs, Raleigh is a good choice. If you're interested in tech or finance jobs, want more action and fun, or appreciate big-city living, Charlotte may be in your future.
Can you live in Charlotte without a car? ›Yes, you can live in Charlotte without a car, but it is better with one, especially a little red convertible.
Is Charlotte a good place to live 2022? ›A: Charlotte, NC, is a lovely place to live. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong financial industry, relatively mild climate, and up-and-coming food scene, it's no wonder it was one of the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Charlotte? ›It's cheaper to buy than rent in all but three counties in the Charlotte market. While it's still more affordable to buy a home than it is to rent in most places across the U.S., that gap is narrowing.
Is Charlotte cheaper than Asheville? ›Good News! The cost of living in Charlotte, NC is 0.2% higher than in Asheville, NC.
What city in NC has the cheapest rent? ›- Fayetteville.
- Kannapolis.
- Greensboro.
- Concord.
- Wilmington.
- Wake Forest.
- Chapel Hill.
- Durham.
For the first time in 2022, there was a month over month dip in rent prices in August. According to a report by Rent, Charlotte also saw a year-over-year decrease in average prices. In August there was a more than 27 percent decrease year-over-year in average rent prices on two-bedroom apartments.
Is Charlotte getting gentrified? ›With Charlotte being a major Sunbelt boomtown, Biddleville is in the midst of gentrification, a process where wealthier people move into a community and typically displace current inhabitants as a result.
Is Charlotte landlord friendly? ›
North Carolina landlord-tenant law is typically landlord-friendly. There are currently an estimated 10 million residents in North Carolina.
What is upper class in Charlotte? ›In Charlotte, you'll need to earn $129,044 or more to be considered a “rich” person in the top 20% of the city's over 850,000 residents. In Raleigh, you'd need to make at least $131,513. Charlotte's ultra-rich, or the top 5% of earners, make way more: $483,726 on average, according to the analysis.
Does Charlotte have a low cost of living? ›Charlotte's housing expenses are 18% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 6% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 6% lower than the national average. Charlotte has grocery prices that are 1% lower than the national average.
How much does the average person make in Charlotte? ›The average salary for jobs in Charlotte, North Carolina is $60,511 (USD) per year or an hourly rate of $29 (USD).
What salary is considered middle class in NC? ›State | Household Income Range for Middle Class | Middle Class Share of State's Income |
---|---|---|
New Jersey | $39,920 - $197,868 | 45.8% |
New Mexico | $18,986 - $96,249 | 46.1% |
New York | $30,797 - $176,842 | 43.1% |
North Carolina | $22,507 - $104,011 | 45.7% |
...
Cost of Living Comparison Between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC.
City | Cost of Living Index |
---|---|
Charlotte, NC | 73.27 |
Atlanta, GA | 72.8 |
New York, NY | 100 |
Prague | 52.83 |
- If you are homeless or will become homeless in the next 14 days, contact NC 2-1-1.
- For assistance with rent or utility payments, contact Crisis Assistance Ministry at 704-371-3001.
- If you need help finding rental housing, contact housingcollab.org/ at 1-877-428-8844.
Another guideline to follow is your home should cost no more than 2.5 to 3 times your yearly salary, which means if you make $30,000 a year, your maximum budget should be $90,000.
How much should you make to afford a $200 000 house? ›What income is required for a 200k mortgage? To be approved for a $200,000 mortgage with a minimum down payment of 3.5 percent, you will need an approximate income of $62,000 annually. (This is an estimated example.)
What is the best paying job in North Carolina? ›Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
1 | Consultant And Sales Representative | $208,837 |
2 | Vice President, Products & Marketing | $204,285 |
3 | Revenue Officer | $187,021 |
4 | President & Chief Technology Officer | $176,740 |
Is N.C. raising minimum wage in 2022? ›
North Carolina Minimum Wage for 2021, 2022. North Carolina's state minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the current Federal Minimum Wage rate.
What are the cons of moving to North Carolina? ›- There is limited public transportation. Public transportation in North Carolina is not as developed as in other states. ...
- The state is prone to natural disasters. ...
- There is traffic in larger cities. ...
- The roads and infrastructure are in poor condition. ...
- The weather is unpredictable.
While North Carolina often gets hit by hurricanes, Charlotte is located far enough inland to avoid the worst of it. The area is also considered low risk for other dangerous natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Charlotte NC? ›Charlotte's most affordable neighborhoods include Ballantyne West, Chantilly, Sardis Forest, Providence Crossing, and McAlpine.
What is a livable salary in NC? ›1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (1 WORKING) | |
---|---|---|
0 Children | 1 Child | |
Living Wage | $17.14 | $30.93 |
Poverty Wage | $6.19 | $10.56 |
Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
- Raleigh. Population. 469,124.
- Wilmington. Population. 117,643. ...
- Durham. Population. 285,527. ...
- Charlotte. Population. 879,709. ...
- Winston-Salem. Population. 250,320. ...
- Greenville. Population. 88,728. ...
- Hickory. Population. 43,532. Median home price. ...
- Asheville. Population. 94,067. Median home price. ...
Under North Carolina law, to qualify for in-state residency, you must show that you: Have established your legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina, and. Have maintained that domicile for at least twelve (12) consecutive months before the beginning of the term, and.
Which city is safest in NC? ›5 Safest Cities in North Carolina | ||
---|---|---|
City | Population | UpHomes Safety Rank |
Fuquay-Varina | 36,736 | 1 |
Apex | 62,911 | 2 |
Holly Springs | 43,524 | 3 |
You can't go wrong for the most part when it comes to comparing the weather between North and South Carolina. They are both mild, comfortable places to live. Since South Carolina is closer to the equator, it has a bit warmer temperatures than North Carolina and is likely more ideal for going to the beach year-round.
Is North Carolina a Republican or Democrat state? ›North Carolina was the only state in the 2020 election in which Donald Trump won with under 50% of the vote. In the 2020 election, North Carolina was 5.8% right of the nation as a whole. The state last voted Democratic in 2008 and furthermore, it had last voted more Republican than neighboring Georgia in 2000.
Is Charlotte NC muggy? ›
While not too hot, the summer in Charlotte can be brutally muggy, especially in the middle of July when both the humidity and temperature reach their peak. Unfortunately, muggy days also mean muggy nights because the dew point keeps humidity levels from dropping even as the temperatures do.
Does Charlotte NC have alligators? ›Most of North Carolina's alligators are found in the southeastern corner of the state, excluding the Outer Banks. A Carolina Coastal Review study suggests the farthest west they might appear would be Richmond County, though none have been recorded past eastern Scotland County. That's four counties away from Charlotte.
What is the hottest month in Charlotte NC? ›What is the hottest month in Charlotte? According to the National Weather Service's averages, which use data dating back to 1871, July is typically the hottest month in Charlotte, with an average temperature of 78.5 degrees. August is a close second, with an average temperature of 77.3 degrees.