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Image of the Charlotte North Carolina skyline and text that says "Considering the Queen City? 11 Pros and Cons of Moving to Charlotte, North Carolina."

Considering the Queen City? 11 Pros and Cons of Moving to Charlotte, North Carolina

Author: Jamie Milam

Date: January 23, 2025

Whether you're moving for work, a change of pace, your family, or a fresh start post-divorce—it's a big decision. So many factors determine where you decide to move, especially if you're planning to purchase a house.

Charlotte, North Carolina is steadily growing in popularity and more people are moving to the Queen City. I've lived here for 10 years and totally get why it's become a hot spot—from affordability to a great music and sports scene, there's a lot to love about this city. But, like any city, there are some less-than-ideal things to consider as well. Although they may be subjective, I'm sure you'd like to know about those in advance!

Here we'll explore the pros and cons of moving to Charlotte so you can determine if it's the right place for you.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Charlotte

When considering where to move, you've got to be intentional about your needs, wants, and goals. Where you live can deeply shape your lifestyle, job prospects, community, and other aspects of your life.

So while using this pros and cons of Charlotte list is an important starting point to figure out if it's the right city for you, I also encourage you to spend some time in reflection, considering what you're looking for in a move overall. If you are planning to buy a house, it's also a good idea to connect with a Realtor who knows the area and can help find something that aligns with your lifestyle. If you're looking for a home in Charlotte, let's talk!

To jump-start your decision-making, here are the pros and cons of moving to Charlotte, North Carolina that you need to know about.

Pros of Moving to Charlotte

Text that says "Combined with strong job prospects, Charlotte also has an affordable cost of living compared to other "smaller" big cities. From real estate to everyday purchases, your dollar can stretch further in Charlotte."

Charlotte was the #1 most moved-to big city in 2023-2024, and there's got to be a reason why! In fact, there are many reasons. Here are some of the top pros of moving to Charlotte, North Carolina.

1. Strong Job Market

One of the best reasons to consider moving to Charlotte is the strong economy and job market. It's often been cited that Charlotte is the 2nd largest banking financial center in the US after New York City. The city ranks in the top five job markets for recent college graduates and is one of the most active hubs for job growth in the tech sector.

Our area is also home to a couple of thousand manufacturing companies, offering hundreds of jobs each year across numerous departments. Healthcare and medical sciences are noteworthy sectors as well. The state is also projected to add more than 300,000 new jobs, many of which will be concentrated in Charlotte.

In short? There are great job prospects in Charlotte.

2. Affordable Cost of Living

Combined with strong job prospects, Charlotte also has an affordable cost of living compared to other "smaller" big cities. From real estate to everyday purchases, your dollar can stretch further in Charlotte. Read more in our breakdown of Charlotte's cost of living here.

3. Centrally Located

Location is so key when considering the pros and cons of moving to Charlotte. Luckily, this one falls in the "pro" column!

Charlotte is close to both the beach and the mountains—a few hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as Lake Norman and Lake Wylie—perfect for weekend getaways out in nature to hike or boat. Head a few hours east and you'll find your way to Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Wilmington for a weekend getaway.

Charlotte is also home to an international airport with numerous direct flights, making both domestic and international travel easy. It is an American Airlines hub and in 2023 was ranked as the seventh busiest airport worldwide for the number of departures and arrivals.

4) Recreational Opportunities

This next pro of moving to Charlotte really has to do with your lifestyle. There are tons of awesome recreational opportunities throughout the city. Just consider these features:

Parks and greenways (all 52 miles of them in the city!) make it easy to stay active.
The Charlotte sports scene means you always have a team to cheer for, whether it's the NFL's Carolina Panthers, MLS's Charlotte FC, NBA's Charlotte Hornets, NASCAR, and more.
A growing arts and music scene means there are tons of live music venues, theater performances, and cultural festivals to check out.
Foodies and beer lovers will never run out of new restaurants and breweries to check out. There are diverse international cuisines, farm-to-table restaurants, and family-and-pet-friendly breweries.
Families fit right in with family-oriented activities like the Discovery Place Science Museum and Carowinds Amusement Park.

5. Diversity

Charlotte ranks as the 25th most diverse among US large cities and is the most diverse in North Carolina. The city is known for our southern hospitality and diverse population, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers from all walks of life.

You'll find this in the neighborhood communities as well—from the historic charm of Dilworth to the artsy vibe of NoDa and the upscale feel of Ballantyne, Charlotte offers something for everyone, no matter your lifestyle preferences.

6. Mild Climate

Charlotte has four distinct seasons throughout the year without the harsh winters of the north or the scorching heat of the deep south. This mild weather makes for more stable living conditions and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who like to explore year-round.

Cons of Moving to Charlotte

Listen, I'm pretty biased in my thoughts about Charlotte being a great city. When I was planning on moving from Oklahoma, there were a few cities on our list to consider, and Charlotte won out pretty easily once we visited for the first time.

However, no city is perfect, and I recognize that it may be helpful for you to know the bad with the good. So here are some cons of moving to Charlotte you may want to consider.

1. Seasonal Weather

While Charlotte has a generally mild climate year-round, it does still get hot and humid in the summers, which can be a tough adjustment if you're not used to it. Snowy winters are also not typical in Charlotte, so it may be a downside for those who love experiencing snow each year.

2. Pollen and Allergies

Springtime in Charlotte is marked by pollen everywhere. Your car can get a yellow makeover with the amount that comes down! For individuals with allergies, this can be a big con of moving to Charlotte you need to consider. IQAir is a good place to monitor pollen and other allergens so you can make decisions about how to mitigate allergen exposure.

3. Limited Walkability in Some Areas

While neighborhoods like NoDa, SouthEnd, Plaza Midwood, and Uptown are pretty walkable, the rest of the city is most accessible by car. This limited walkability might not be ideal for those who can't or don't want to drive. That said, commuting in Charlotte can be done by public transit, too, as we have an extensive system of buses, light rail, and streetcars.

4. Traffic Congestion

As many residents use cars to get around, the city does experience some significant traffic congestion which can be a con of moving to Charlotte. I used to tell people that you can get to anywhere in the city in twenty minutes.

Over the last ten years, though, I'd say that's increased to maybe thirty minutes now. It's wise to drive off-peak hours and give yourself some extra time to get to the places you need to go. One accident on I-77 or I-485 can cause a pretty good backup of traffic. Always plan ahead and use your map app of choice to check real-time traffic data and commute times.

5) Large School Districts

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district is very large, which leads to some logistical challenges. For example, if the northern part of the district had worse weather than the southern part, the whole district may close schools or delay the start.

We have so many people who move here from the north that find themselves very frustrated with the district's decisions at times, but our city's infrastructure and equipment are not designed to handle significant snowfall due to its relatively mild climate. So you'll have to wait for the sun to come out and melt it away. Plus, I think the remote world that COVID opened us up to makes it easier for them to make those calls not to put any of the students or staff at risk.

Moving to a new city is a significant decision, and Charlotte offers plenty of benefits for those seeking opportunity, affordability, and community. However, it's essential to weigh these pros and cons of moving to Charlotte against your personal preferences and priorities.

If Charlotte feels like it could be your next home and you're considering buying a house, I'd love to explore the area further. Let's connect and find the perfect place to start your next chapter in the Queen City!

To finding your home in Charlotte!

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About Me

I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.

As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.

Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences for divorced, independent women, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.

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Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.

**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!