Top 10 Reasons to Move to Charlotte in 2024

So… you’re considering moving to Charlotte, NC in 2024. Congratulations! As a resident of the Queen City I can proudly say that Charlotte is one of the best-kept secrets of the U.S. Southeast. From its location to the food to the overall quality of life it's no surprise that on average almost 100 people relocate here EVERY DAY. But just in case you aren’t swayed by numbers alone, here are the top 10 reasons you should move to Charlotte in 2024.

1. Jobs

Charlotte offers a healthy and competitive job market that has grown substantially over the last 30 years. Though the city is mostly known for banking, the healthcare, manufacturing, and airline industries also have a substantial presence here with many boasting Fortune 500 regional headquarters. Regardless of the employment sector you’re looking in, Charlotte likely has the job you’ve been looking for.

2. Healthcare

Charlotte offers some of the best and most readily available healthcare in the Carolinas. Atrium Health and Novant Health are the two largest providers that  service the area, though if you are looking for smaller practices it is not uncommon to find 1-2 doctor offices. There are plenty of specializations across the healthcare giants, with needs being met from chiropractics to cardiology to oncology and many more. In the Carolinas, your medical care is in good hands.  

3. Recreation

The Queen City is home to countless parks and recreation opportunities to get even the most stubborn couch potato active. Take a day to go boating out on the lake, or hit the rapids at our Olympic-quality White Water Rafting Center. Golf lovers have a plentiful number of quality courses to choose from, and parks can be found across the city (Charlotte has a fantastic greenway system that contains over 56 miles of trails!). For those looking for music, there is the PNC Music Pavilion, and Carowinds is a great place for amusement park lovers. It seems that everywhere you go in Charlotte there is some sort of opportunity for recreation.

4. Weather

Charlotte has a relatively mild climate that many residents enjoy. With summers averaging in the 80s F and winters in the 40s F, many visitors find the weather a healthy medium between the harsh summers of the deep south and the blistering winters of the northeast. There is of course an occasional 95+ F scorcher or the fun once-a-year snow day, but on average the Charlotte climate holds very consistent. 

5. Affordable Cost of Living

One thing that does not go unnoticed in the QC is the cost of living. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Charlotte is about 2% lower than the US average. This includes a housing and grocery discount of 11% and 3% respectively. These differences can be even larger for those moving from the New York and Boston areas as Charlotte has become a popular destination for those looking to relocate from the Northeast.

6. Location

One of the most underrated qualities Charlotte has is its location. The city finds itself situated in a fantastic spot for travel, as it is a short 2 hours to the beach and only 3 1⁄2 hours to the ocean. If you ever want a quick weekend change of scenery, all you need to do is hop in the car for a few hours and you’re there! The city is also close to Charleston (3½ hours), Atlanta (4 hours), Raleigh (2½ hours), and Richmond (4½ hours) for those looking to visit another city or nearby family.

7. Sports

Charlotte is home to a plentiful number of teams. The city is represented by three professional sports teams: The Carolina Panthers, The Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC. These teams play in the NFL (National Football League), NBA (National Basketball Association), and MLS (Major League Soccer). The city is also home to a minor league baseball team, the Charlotte Knights, and a minor league hockey team, the Charlotte Checkers. With games and events taking place seemingly every weekend, there's plenty of action to get even the most reluctant sports fan excited!

8. Brewery Scene

One of the most well-known features the Queen City has to offer is its abundant brewery scene. It seems like you can find one on every corner, and you can even find local brews in chain grocery stores around the area. Many have their own followings, and it's common for residents to argue over the best brewer in the city. Whether you find yourself in NODA, Southend, Matthews, or Huntersville, there's a brewery with a community just waiting for you to walk in the door.

9. Small Town Feel

Though Charlotte is continually rising up the list of the US’s largest cities, it still retains a small-town feel. This is due to a combination of most of the high-rise development being isolated to the Uptown and Southend areas and the unique diversity of the city’s many diverse neighborhoods. Whether you find yourself in Noda, Myers Park, or even as far north as Davidson, each neighborhood has its own unique features that make you feel like you’re a part of a close-knit community. 

10. Diversity

Cities thrive when residents are accepting and allow new ideas and cultures to flourish. Thankfully Charlotte is one of these hotspots. In 2023, Wallethub ranked Charlotte, NC as the #9 most Diverse City in the U.S., taking into account Socioeconomic, Cultural, and Economic factors among others. This is a promising sign for the city and projects a bright future for the people of Charlotte.