What you need to know about moving to (and living in) Charlotte

The latest season of Netflix’s wildly popular dating reality show Love is blind everything is at a standstill. Besides the question of “Who will end up together?” people also ask bigger questions, like “Was it gaslighting?” and “Did he really have a girlfriend when he proposed to someone else?” and, of course, “Do you think Chelsea looks like Megan Fox?”

If you’ve found yourself curious about what it’s like to live in Charlotte (or the East Coast), who could blame you? Let’s take a look at what makes the Queen City a popular destination for vacationers and home seekers alike. And maybe you and your friends can even plan a trip to the city and visit the Lost and Found bar. IYKYK.

Main industries: Banking and financial services, tech/fintech and manufacturing.

According to Zillow, the average price (as of January 31, 2024) for a home in Charlotte is $385,951 — a number that has risen 2.7% over the past year. If you’re a home buyer with your sights set on Charlotte, you’ll need to prepare to eventually make a decision (or offer) fairly quickly as 17 days is the median for a home to go into pending status, Zillow reports.

While more than a third (35.8%) of Charlotte homes sold for more than list price in December 2023, don’t panic about your budget just yet. Zillow data also shows that nearly half (48.6%) of homes sold for less — a sure sign that there may be room to negotiate if you find a home you love in the Queen City.

Want to rent an apartment in Charlotte instead? According to Rent Café, you can expect to pay an average of $1,653 per month for a 941-square-foot one-bedroom apartment—slightly lower than the national rental average. You can lower the price if you rent a smaller studio, and you will expect more for a two- or three-bedroom.

Charlotte is a big city with a lot of fun to show! Here are just a few of the many cultural and entertainment opportunities you can enjoy.

There is a much longer list of museums to visit, but here are a few to get you started.

There are home teams to root for in every major sport, including:

The NASCAR Hall of Fame also parks here in the Queen City, where the organization got its start.

While some of the bigger names play at the Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium, there are many other smaller venues that welcome music acts from all genres. And of course, there are plenty of festivals throughout the year, including the Charlotte Jazz Festival.

Charlotte is also home to a variety of theaters, including the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, which offers numerous stages for touring and local productions.

Nature lovers will have plenty to do in Charlotte. Top destinations include Little Sugar Creek Greenway, McDowell Nature Center and Preserve, and Freedom Park. Those who enjoy fishing and boating will find a home at Lake Norman.

Charlotte has a little bit of everything on the menu. Sure, you can enjoy classic comfort food like Southern barbecue, but there are plenty of other world cuisines, including Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean.