Charlotte, North Carolina — often called the “Queen City” — has rapidly grown from a quiet Southern town to one of the most dynamic and desirable cities to live in the United States.
With its thriving economy, family-friendly vibe, and blend of modern urban life with Southern hospitality, it’s easy to see why people from all over the country are flocking to Charlotte.
Charlotte offers a little something for everyone, but what really sets it apart are its unique neighborhoods and highly rated schools.
Read on to discover why Charlotte is such a great place to live — and where exactly you might want to settle down.
You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Live Next. In this guide, we suggest the things to consider when thinking about which city would best suit your lifestyle and needs.
A Booming Economy and Career Opportunities
Central Business District, Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a major financial hub, second only to New York City in banking assets.
It’s home to Bank of America’s headquarters and Wells Fargo’s East Coast operations, as well as other corporate giants like Honeywell, Duke Energy, and LendingTree.
In addition to banking, sectors like tech, healthcare, education, and clean energy are booming. Companies of all sizes are moving to Charlotte, bringing with them job opportunities and economic growth.
For professionals, this means a wide variety of job options and career paths.
The city also boasts a lower-than-average cost of living when compared to other major metro areas like Atlanta, Dallas, or Washington, D.C.
Charlotte is known for its great Educational opportunities. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district serves over 140,000 students and includes some of the top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.
Here are a few of the best schools in the area:
Top Public Schools in Charlotte
Ardrey Kell High School (South Charlotte): Known for its high academic performance, strong athletics, and college prep programs.
Providence High School (East Charlotte): Consistently ranked among the top 10 public high schools in North Carolina.
Myers Park High School (Central Charlotte): A popular choice for families seeking strong academics and a well-rounded student experience.
Jay M. Robinson Middle School and Community House Middle School: Highly rated feeder schools that prepare students for success at top high schools.
Top Private and Charter Schools
Charlotte Latin School and Charlotte Country Day School: Two of the most prestigious private schools offering top-tier academics and extracurriculars.
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy: A charter school for gifted students with rigorous academic programs.
Providence Day School: Known for its international curriculum and college prep focus.
Families moving to Charlotte often choose their neighborhood based on proximity to these schools, which brings us to the next big reason why moving to Charlotte is such a great idea.
You may also like to read: How to Find a Good School After Moving Home. In this guide, we look at the things to consider when choosing a new school, how to find the best schools, and how to transfer your kids to a new school.
Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Each neighborhood in Charlotte offers a unique lifestyle, from trendy and urban to quiet and suburban. Here are some of the best areas to live.
Ballantyne
Vibe: Upscale, family-oriented, suburban.
Why live here: Ballantyne is one of Charlotte’s most sought-after neighborhoods for families. It offers top-rated public schools (like Ardrey Kell High), modern shopping centers, golf courses, and a strong community feel. It’s also home to Ballantyne Corporate Park, making it ideal for those working in finance or tech.
Dilworth
Vibe: Historic charm meets modern luxury.
Why live here: Just minutes from Uptown, Dilworth features tree-lined streets, bungalows, and beautiful historic homes. It’s walkable, with local cafes, shops, and access to Freedom Park. It’s perfect for professionals or families who want urban convenience with a neighborhood vibe.
SouthPark
Vibe: Chic, polished, and professional.
Why live here: Home to Charlotte’s upscale SouthPark Mall and luxury condos, this area is great for those who want easy access to work and play. Schools like Sharon Elementary and Alexander Graham Middle are highly rated, and the area is close to some of the best private schools in the city.
Downtown Charlotte, NC
Myers Park
Vibe: Historic elegance and prestige.
Why live here: With its stately homes, wide boulevards, and top-notch schools, Myers Park is often considered one of Charlotte’s most elite neighborhoods. It’s close to downtown but feels worlds away with its quiet, tree-shaded streets.
NoDa (North Davidson)
Vibe: Artsy, creative, eclectic.
Why live here: Known as Charlotte’s arts district, NoDa is filled with murals, music venues, craft breweries, and creative energy. Popular among young professionals and artists, it’s a walkable, colorful community with tons of personality.
Huntersville & Lake Norman Area
Vibe: Relaxed, lakeside living.
Why live here: Just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, Huntersville offers larger homes, excellent schools (like Lake Norman Charter), and access to Lake Norman — a hotspot for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Charlotte offers easy access to nature with over 230 parks, more than 50 miles of greenway trails, and proximity to lakes and mountains. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular outdoor spots include:
Freedom Park (Dilworth): Ideal for picnics, biking, and events.
Crowders Mountain State Park: Just 30 minutes away and perfect for hiking and rock climbing.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: A one-of-a-kind recreation facility offering whitewater rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, and live music events.
Charlotte has a thriving cultural scene with something for everyone:
Museums: The Mint Museum, Discovery Place Science, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
Sports: Home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and MLS’s Charlotte FC.
Food Scene: A mix of Southern comfort food, international cuisine, farm-to-table dining, and award-winning BBQ joints.
The city also has a vibrant brewery scene, especially in South End and NoDa, making it a great place for craft beer lovers.
You may also like to read: Tips for Moving to a New State. In this guide, we share tips for moving to a new state, an interstate moving checklist, share the average moving costs, and things to do to make settling into a new state easier.
Should I Move to Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte, NC, ticks nearly every box: great jobs, top schools, affordable cost of living, charming neighborhoods, and a lifestyle that blends energy and relaxation, great community spirit, and an abundance of outdoor pursuits.
Whatever your reason for moving, the Queen City would seem to be a great choice.
Be sure to visit our home moving blog, which will make every aspect of your move cheaper, easier, and safer. Good luck with your move and your new life in Charlotte, NC.
*At MoveAdvisor we will connect you with a professional moving company. Please note that we may not be affiliated with
and you may be speaking with another licensed provider.
We use cookies to optimise your experience.Accept and close or Learn more
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment