There is an endless list of reasons people choose to move to Queen City. Whether you have your eyes focused on a lucrative career opportunity with a major corporation headquartered here or you simply can’t wait to live somewhere with an extensive number of museums and performing arts centers, you are probably looking forward to being able to call yourself a “Charlottean.” If you are moving to Charlotte, NC, this guide will fill you in on everything you need to know to help make the transition as smooth as possible. After all, making the decision to move is hard enough, moving shouldn’t have to be! Be sure to consider Flatrate and put our experience to work for you.
Sunshine and Four Seasons
“Hello, Sunshine!” is something you will be saying a lot if you are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. Clear blue skies and an abundance of sunshine are two things this city is known for. The winters are mild, rarely dropping below 30 degrees for a low, but you may need to deal with a few bad hair days with the hot, humid summers. Of course, you can always just throw on a hat and not worry about it! Snow primarily falls in January and February, so if you are planning a move in the middle of winter make sure you are ready for changing weather and road conditions.
Cost of Living
One of the most attractive things about Charlotte is the low cost of living. The city is about 23 percent lower than the national average, with inexpensive housing playing a leading role in this figure. If you are moving to Charlotte, NC, you will also be thrilled to know that healthcare and utilities are priced considerably below average, as well.
Getting Around North Carolina
You can easily have a car in Charlotte. Unlike in some major cities, parking spaces are plentiful here. That being said, the public transportation system is fantastic enough to rely on, if you choose not to drive a car. Bus and rail are provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Both of these networks are quite extensive and thoughtfully designed, so getting around the city is a breeze, even for a newcomer. There are even historic streetcars that you may want to ride occasionally for a special treat.
The city also has a number of highways that intertwine. After moving here, you definitely want to spend a day driving around and getting lost. At the very least, make sure you know your route for work on the first day, so you’re not late. The sooner you get out and explore the fast Charlotte will feel at “home.”
Some of the highways and streets can get beyond congested during certain times of the day. If you hire experienced movers in Charlotte, they will likely be well aware of what routes they need to avoid at certain hours of the day. As a rule, I-77, I-85, and I-485 are highways to stay clear of between 8 am and 9:30 am and 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm Also, you definitely do not want to schedule your move during NASCAR events.
Popular Areas in NC
Moving to Charlotte, NC means having to select a neighborhood to move to, which is not easy to do. The good news is there are many fantastic neighborhoods to choose from. The bad news is you have to manage to pick one.
- Dilworth – Known for its tree-lined streets and main strip with retro shops and great restaurants, Dilworth is a historic neighborhood with lots of renovated homes.
- Elizabeth – There are actually homes in this neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a hotspot for those who work at Mercy or Presbyterian hospitals.
- Matthews – Do you dream of a rural environment where your neighbors are a little farther away and there is plenty of room for a garden? Matthews is just outside of the city and an area you would likely be interested in.
- Myers Park – Tree-lined streets and oversized houses make up this affluent area.
- Steele Creek – This is one of the fastest-growing areas of Charlotte. Four years ago this community was barely developed. Now it has become one of the most preferred places to live in the city.
- Southern Charlotte – This previous farmland has been thoughtfully developed in the past 25 to 30 years. It echoes classic charm.
- University City – “The University of North Carolina at Charlotte” is the only six words you need to know about this area.
- South End – This neighborhood offers an intriguing blend of old and new. Older factories and mills have been renovated to create this moderately new community. There’s a harmonious blend of new and old here that work together to give South End a unique feel.
- South Park – Known as one of the most bustling areas of the city, South Park is home to a huge business district and several Fortune 500 companies.
NC Employment Options
Charlotte is the country’s second-largest banking center. It is beat only by New York City. There are also eight Fortune 500 companies, including Bank of America, Duke Energy, Lowe’s, Family Dollar, SPX Corporation, Sonic Automotive, and Domtar. Of course, an abundance of jobs is created through Coca-Cola, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Cardino Foods, and Chiquita Brands International. Search for Charlotte jobs.
Setting Up Utilities
Prior to actually moving to Charlotte, NC, you want to have your utilities transferred or connected, depending on your service. If you are only moving from the next city over this may not be a big deal, but if you are moving from far away, you do not want to arrive after a long journey to find your utilities aren’t turned on.
- Electric – All electricity in Charlotte is provided by Duke Power some suburbs outside the city use Union Power and the city of Concord Electric.
- Gas – Piedmont Natural Gas will be your gas company in the city. Otherwise, you may have York Natural Gas Authority or Public Service NC.
- Water – The Department of Water and Sewer through the City of Charlotte provides water within city limits. Folks living outside the city will have the City of Concord Water Department, Union County Public Works, and Carolina Water and Sewer to choose from.
- Sanitation – Solid Waste Services provide curbside trash removal to city residents. If you move to one of Charlotte’s suburbs, Action Garbage or the City of Concord Solid Waste Services will take care of your trash removal.
Cable and Phone
Time Warner Cable is the most popular cable option. It also bundles Internet through Road Runner. There is also Dish Network and DirecTV. For phone service, you can choose between Bell South and Wind Stream.
License and Registration
After moving to the area, you need to obtain a North Carolina license within 60 days. You will have to apply at a branch office. You will need proof of residency, liability insurance, social security number, and age. You will have to take a written road test, as well as a vision test.
Registration needs to be done within 30 days or when employment is accepted. Some feel you may need to pay including cleared title, license plate, registration for transfer of plate, and highway use. In North Carolina, you are required to carry a minimum of $30,000 for bodily injury in insurance.
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