Relocating to Charlotte, NC?

In 2005, 36,000 newcomers called Charlotte, NC home. Are you planning to relocate? Just moved to the Queen city? Need some help figuring it all out?

Here are a few tips to help you find your way in Charlotte:

  • Visit Main Street Charlotte, the official visitor and relocation center located on the corner of Second and Tryon in Uptown (that’s the Center City/downtown area). It’s definitely worth the trip. I stopped in on a pre-move visit and purchased a Relocation Packet, perused the branded items, and picked up information about housing, schools, neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, and more. You can order the Relocation Packets and sign up for the Newcomer Newsletter online. The website also includes links regarding the Quality of Life in Charlotte with a Cost of Living Index, Real Estate Statistics, Property Taxes, and information about Healthcare. There are even walking tours – try it with a guide or follow the self-guided tour.

Tip: Parking in the garage on Second Street is validated. If you’re unfamiliar with Charlotte’s Uptown streets, ask the parking attendant or the Main Street Charlotte guide for directions on how to get to where you want to go. While it’s easy to get to, the one-way streets and no right turns (that’s right, I said no right turns) at some intersections can make for a confusing return trip.

  • Every October the Charlotte Observer publishes their Living Here guide. It’s full of information about the area including an interactive map of the different regions highlighting features about each (I found a walking tour of Uptown I hadn’t seen before). There are sections titled Resources for seniors, Finding quality child care, Ten ways to know you’re from Charlotte, Calendar of Festivals, Demographics, Major news publications, On the Radio Dial, and more.
  • Familiar with all the “Peach” Streets in Atlanta? That’s how Charlotte feels about “Queen” Street. You’ll find several. To make it even more of an adventure, the roads twist and turn on themselves and change names frequently. Get yourself a city map and keep it in your car. You never know when it will come in handy.
  • Not sure which neighborhood you want to live in? Charlotte is a suburban city, a collection of neighborhoods, with a small urban center in the Uptown area. Finding the right neighborhood needn’t be confusing.
    • Check the Charlotte Quality of Life Study to find out if your potential neighborhood is listed as stable, transitioning, or challenged. The study evaluates social, crime, physical and economic conditions in Charlotte’s neighborhoods.
    • The Charlotte Official Visitors Guide, published annually by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, has a wonderful listing of Charlotte’s neighborhoods plus a plethora of information about Charlotte. Click here to download a .pdf version or to order a free copy by mail.
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