North Carolina

If you ask a Queen City local what living in Charlotte, NC, is really like, they’ll regale you with tales of four beautiful seasons and a friendly, small(er)-town feel with a big-city skyline. If you’re thinking of uprooting your life to move there, though, you’ll want more than just a sentence of niceties. Here's our list of 22 things to know about living in Charlotte.

There is truly so much to enjoy about the state of North Carolina that so many people make the decision to call the Tar Heel State home each and every year. In fact, 165,000 people flocked to North Carolina in the months from July 2023 to July 2024 alone, taking the population over the 11 million mark. So moving to North Carolina sounds like a no-brainer, right? We think so. But just like anywhere else, there are pros and cons of living in North Carolina. For a more well-rounded picture before making the move, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re thinking about moving to a thriving southern city that offers an affordable cost of living, abundant job opportunities, and a friendly and diverse population, then you can’t go wrong living in Charlotte, NC! But if you’re considering relocating, it’s essential to learn the pros and cons of living in Charlotte, so you have a more well-rounded view and can make the right decision for you and/or your family. Here are 16 things we think you should know.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation — with big-city perks plus natural beauty — North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh has been ranked in the top 10 best places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report. City residents experience a blend of traditional and modern living, but those living in cities near Raleigh can enjoy these perks, too — and often with a lower cost of living. Explore the top 10 cities near Raleigh and what each has to offer with this guide.

 Is North Carolina a good place to retire? With its rich history, beautiful mountain views, stunning coastlines, and a fabulous arts, music, and entertainment scene — not to mention its favorable tax benefits and low cost of living — current retirees living in North Carolina would likely answer yes. But where are the best places in NC to retire? Read on to find out!