Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charlotte, NC
Thinking of moving to Charlotte, NC? With a fast-growing population of nearly 900,000, Charlotte offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a median home price around $368,000 and average rent at $1,480. The city enjoys mild winters, 62% sunny days, and a reasonable average commute of 27 minutes. While crime rates are above national averages, Charlotte stands out for its diverse community, solid educational opportunities, and reputable healthcare facilities. Get the full scoop on cost of living, schools, weather, and more below to help plan your move to the Queen City!
Demographics - Charlotte, NC
Demographics - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is a dynamic city of nearly 900,000 residents with a youthful median age of 34.6 and a balanced gender ratio. The population showcases rich diversity, with significant White and Black communities and 18% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This multicultural atmosphere offers newcomers a welcoming and vibrant environment.
Population:
897,720
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.1%
Black:
34.7%
Asian:
6.7%
Others:
19.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte's cost of living sits just above the national average, with a median home value of $368,000 and average rent at $1,480. Utilities and everyday expenses remain competitive, and North Carolina's flat 4.75% income tax rate provides a measure of predictability for budgets. Residents benefit from affordable transportation and healthcare costs compared to many other large cities.
Median House Value:
$368,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.1
Grocery:
99.5
Housing:
103.2
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
97.4
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
101.6
Crime
Is Charlotte, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Charlotte are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 142 chance of experiencing violent crime and a property crime rate of 3,805 incidents per 100,000 people. While most neighborhoods are safe, it's wise for newcomers to research specific areas and take common-sense precautions. The city continues to invest in public safety and community programs to address these challenges.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
703
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,805
Crime Index:
4,508
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 142
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Charlotte, NC year-round?
Charlotte enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city sees about 62% sunny days each year and receives an average of 43 inches of rainfall, offering residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Seasonal temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs near 90°F in summer.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Charlotte's neighborhoods are home to a mix of professionals and families, with a typical household income of $68,400 and a poverty rate of 11.5%. Nearly 44% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree, and average commute times are under 27 minutes. The community is diverse and well-educated, supporting a lively and inclusive local culture.
Median Income:
$39,700
Household Income:
$68,400
Family Income:
$86,800
Per Capita Income:
$39,700
Income Male:
$48,500
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.6%
Commute Time:
26.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
43.9%
Education
How are the schools in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte offers strong educational options, including highly regarded public schools like Myers Park High School and a range of private institutions. The city is also home to major universities such as UNC Charlotte, providing higher education opportunities to over 30,000 students. Families and students can expect diverse academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Public Schools
Name:
Myers Park High School
Street:
2400 Colony Rd
Phone:
980-343-5800
Students:
3,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.7
Name:
Jay M. Robinson Middle School
Street:
5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Phone:
980-343-6944
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Charlotte Latin School
Street:
9502 Providence Rd
Phone:
704-846-1100
Students:
1,500
Colleges
Name:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
City:
Charlotte
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
30,100
Name:
Queens University of Charlotte
City:
Charlotte
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Charlotte boasts excellent medical care, anchored by major hospitals like Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is robust. The city's healthcare system is recognized for quality and comprehensive services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center
Address:
1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone:
(704) 355-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Address:
200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone:
(704) 384-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte's housing market features a median home price of $368,000 and an average rent of $1,480 for a two-bedroom unit. Over half of residents own their homes, and the city has seen steady appreciation rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. New construction and low foreclosure rates reflect a healthy and growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$368,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
North Carolina residents can access DMV services through the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Raleigh but serving Charlotte online and through local offices. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and titling. The DMV provides convenient online options and statewide support for new arrivals.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.