Charlotte, NC, is one of the most popular places to move to in the United States. More than 3,000,000 people relocated to the city from other parts of the country. The Queen City offers residents countless amenities, activities, and job opportunities.
Investing in Charlotte, NC, is a great idea for any investor looking to get started with their portfolio or those seeking to grow it. The crown jewel of the south exudes charm and bustling energy. It's one of the best cities in the state for raising a family.
This guide will discuss why this city is the best for raising a family. Whether you're looking for a second property, rental home, or something else, don't overlook this hidden gem.
Excellent Public School System
Nearby schools are one of the first things families look for when searching for rental properties. There are ten school districts in Charlotte. The districts include the following:
- Private schools
- High schools
- Elementary schools
- Middle schools
There is also one university and nine colleges in the area. Some of the schools offer specialized education that focuses on serving children with learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD.
Some of the top-rated schools in the city include:
- Piedmont High
- Bain Elementary
- Irwin Academic Center
- Olde Providence Elementary
These schools are rated at the top in Charlotte. Charlotte also has an 85% high school graduation rate. That figure is 4% higher than the country's average.
Numerous Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Multiple safe and friendly communities are ideal for families in Charlotte. Let's talk about some of the most popular ones.
Beverly Woods
Beverly Woods features sprawling manors and ranch-style homes. There are also top-rated schools in the area, like Quail Hollow Middle School. If you're looking for a suburban feel, look no further than Beverly Woods.
South Park Mall is a popular place for people to go. You can check out high-end stores like Burberry and Nordstrom. It's also the biggest mall in the city.
The Harris YMCA is the best place to work or grab a smoothie. You can also head to Park Road Park to walk your dog or take the kids to the park.
Beverly Woods also boasts some amazing dining spots. Some popular eateries include:
- Baoding
- Rusty's Deli and Grille
- Zoe's Kitchen
- La Michocana Natual Ice Cream
Ballantyne West
Ballantyne West is one of the best neighborhoods in the city. You'll find trendy townhouses, contemporary houses, and modern apartments in this welcoming community.
There are lots of job opportunities in the area due to the location of Ballantyne Corporate Palace. Companies like Synchrony Financial, ESPN, and Cigna call it home.
Hall Family Farm is a popular location for families to visit during the weekend. You can go on a hayride, pick strawberries, or explore the corn maze.
The Ballantyne Country Club is great for going swimming or playing gold. Carolina Place features great stores, like Barnes & Noble and REI.
Are you looking for outdoor activities? Elon Park is a wonderful place for enjoying a picnic or going fishing.
Chantilly
Chantilly is a thriving neighborhood located right outside Uptown Charlotte. It's a wonderful spot for families that are looking for a small-town vibe while still being close to amenities. You'll find affordable cottages and bungalows in this quaint community.
There are numerous family-friendly activities you can participate in. Some of them include:
- Hockey at Bojangles' Coliseum
- Cake at Villani's Bakery
- Storytime at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
- Acai bowl at Rico's Acai
- A big dog from Lupie's Cafe
Olde Providence North
Contemporary homes with expansive yards line the streets of Olde Providence North. It's the perfect neighborhood for growing families. It's a heavily wooded area that offers residents private yards full of outdoor space.
Some of the activities you can fill your days with in Olde Providence North are:
- A game of soccer at Olde Providence Park
- Pizza at Brixx pizza
- An afternoon at Kinetic Heights
- French cuisine at Cafe Monte
Myers Park
Myers Park is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city. 100-year-old trees tower above Tudor and Colonial Revival homes. It's also home to Myers Park High School, one of the best schools in the city.
The Queens University of Charlotte is also located in this neighborhood. The college provides people with numerous job opportunities. It's also an option for college-aged students who want to stay close to home.
Enjoy outdoor space at Wing Haven Gardens. This place is a bird sanctuary and historic garden. Spend hours perusing the walking trails throughout the park.
You can also take your kids over to Discover Place Nature. Check out their scavenger hunts, where you can learn about local animals while going on hikes.
Grab a bite to eat at local favorites, such as:
- Little Spoon Eatery
- Amelie's French Bakery and Cafe
- Sabor Latin Street Grill
Make Game Day a Family Activity
If your family loves sports, then you'll love living in Charlotte. Charlotte Panthers' games are a family-friendly event. Don't expect the big game to get wild like they might in other cities.
Some of the things you should know before heading to a football game include:
- Countless kid-friendly dining options at Domino's, Savor, and Krispy Kreme
- Download the mobile app ahead of time to make ordering easy
- Private nursing rooms on each level
- Family restrooms with a diaper changing station
- The Atrium Health Fit Zone is perfect for kids to stretch their legs
- "Tag" your kid with your seat location with their Tag-A-Kid Program
The fun doesn't stop with football. Charlotte also boasts a basketball team called the Hornets.
If you're a fan of college sports, you're in luck. The Carolina and Duke rivalry is very important to sports fans living in the city.
Charlotte Is Pet-Friendly
With more than 70% of households owning a pet, the chance that you have a furry friend is very high. There are six dog parks located throughout Charlotte.
On top of that, the yearly Woofstock event is a popular attraction for residents and tourists. This dog-friendly event includes:
- Local vendors
- A silent auction
- Shelter and rescue animals
- Adoptable dogs
- Food trucks
- Microchip clinic
- Great music
Affordable Housing
The cost of living in Charlotte is 3% less than the national average. Overall, housing expenses are around 11% lower than in other places in the country.
The median home price for a house in Charlotte is about $355,765. The average monthly rent price lands at about $1,087.
While rental and housing prices might be a bit more than in other areas in the United States, you need to factor in the costs of other items. You'll save money in areas like groceries and gas. Experience all the perks of living in a big city at a fraction of the price of other towns like Seattle and Atlanta.
Countless Employment Opportunities
It's important to know what jobs will be available when moving to Charlotte. More than 20,000 jobs have been added to the market in Charlotte in recent months. There are numerous jobs available in various industries throughout the city.
Some of the types of companies you can work for fall into the following industries:
- Healthcare
- Tech
- Finance
Wells Fargo and Bank of America have headquarters located in Uptown Charlotte. Novant Health and Atrium Health are two of the biggest employers in the city. There are numerous job opportunities at medical centers, hospitals, pharmacists, and more.
Wonderful Climate All Year Long
There have been extreme winters in Charlotte from time to time, but the weather is generally mild in the city. That's because Charlotte is located 30 miles from the Appalachian Mountains and 100 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. This location creates unique weather patterns and climates in the city.
The average high temperature in Queen city is around 71 degrees. The average low falls to around 41 degrees. The city experiences around four inches of rain per month throughout the year.
Close Proximity to Various Amenities
The neighborhoods in Charlotte are filled with lots of restaurants, outdoor spaces, shops, and more. You might never want to leave the comfortable oasis you've created. However, if you decide to venture out, you won't have to drive far to check out some spectacular sights.
Charlotte is a few hours' drive away from some big cities, like:
- Greensboro, NC
- Atlanta, GA
- Durham, NC
- Chesapeake, VA
- Raleigh, NC
Charlotte is also a little over four hours away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park is located right between North Carolina and Tennessee. You'll find fields of wildflowers and lush forests if you decide to make a weekend trip out there.
Myrtle Beach is the closest access to the ocean from Charlotte. Brunswick Island is also a similar distance away. It's around three and a half hours away.
Delicious Eateries
We've mentioned some of the best spots to eat while living in Charlotte. The area is best known for its food scene. The city ranks in the top third of cities for foodies.
The River's Edge is located on the banks of the Catawba and Whitewater Rivers. The restaurant features amazing views and flavorful food. If you're looking for craft beers, you'll want to make the River's Edge your Friday night spot.
One of the things Charlotte is known for is its BBQ. Midwood Smokehouse has three different locations throughout the city. The menu features classic dishes, like hushpuppies, brisket sandwiches, and pork ribs.
If you're looking for an upscale dining experience to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, head over to Fig Tree. This cozy and romantic spot offers elegant dishes, like eggplant ravioli or lamb carpaccio. Pair your meal with a bottle of champagne or French wine.
Activities Fun for the Whole Family
Whether you want a night out on the town or a fun afternoon for the kids, there's never a shortage of things to do in Charlotte. Let's discuss some of the top activities you can add to your to-do list.
Outdoor Fun
Freedom Park is one of the best places to visit in the city. It includes 98 acres of public land. Another name for it is Charlotte's Central Park.
Some of the things you can partake in at the park are:
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Lake
- Walking trails
- Soccer
A popular spot in the park is the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden. The garden was planted by local gardeners. It includes shady spots, native plants, and vibrant colors.
Crowders Mountain State Park includes rugged terrain, amazing views, and towering cliffs. There's also a visitor's center where you can experience interactive programs and exhibits.
Arts and Entertainment
There are two locations for the Mint Museum in Charlotte. The Mint Museum Randolf was the first art museum in the state. It was opened in 1963.
Another location, the Mint Uptown, is a gigantic five-story museum. You'll find sculptures, artwork, digital art, and installations. There's also a section that features furniture, jewelry, and textiles.
Vibrant Nightlife
You can check out local live music, go dancing, or watch a show at nighttime in Charlotte. The Roxbury is the city's top dancing venue. It's a retro club that plays throwback hits that you haven't heard in years.
For those looking for a major club experience, journey over to Tequila House. It's a Latin-inspired club filled with dancing across three floors.
Local Events
There are city events, sidewalk festivals, and local art shows to fill your days in Charlotte. For example, Charlotte Pride takes place from August through November. The large-scale event includes things like pride concerts and a film festival.
The Charlotte Jazz Festival takes place every year and is a major tourist draw. International and local superstars take to the stage during this event. Concerts are spread out over one week, and some of them are free.
Partner With an Experienced Property Management Company When Investing in Charlotte, NC
Investing in Charlotte, NC, is a great way to increase your rental income. Families continue to flock to the area. If you're looking to grow your investment portfolio, look no further than this wonderful city in the south.
Bottom Line Property Management provides comprehensive property management services to landlords and property owners in Charlotte. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
