If you're considering living in Charlotte, North Carolina, you probably have lots of questions. Maybe you wonder about the strength of the city's economy, and whether it's expanding or contracting. And if you're planning on buying a home, most home shoppers want to know about the Charlotte cost of living and available job opportunities. Read on to learn more about the Queen City to see if it's the perfect place for you and your family to call home.

Cost of Living in Charlotte

Charlotte has over 872,498 residents within the city limits. The entire metro area (known as Metrolina) has a population of 2,525,305 and includes parts of North and South Carolina. With a metro area this large, the cost of living can vary depending upon where you’re looking to purchase a new home. Overall, compared to other states in the US, Charlotte cost of living is average. For example, the median price of a home in the US is $231,200. Charlotte’s median home price is $228,800.

When comparing living in Charlotte with the price of homeownership, there are several things to consider, such as employment, schools, and livability. Areavibes.com calls Charlotte the #1 big city in North Carolina and one of the top-10 best cities for housing in the state. With unemployment low and the median household income higher than the US average, Charlotte home builders are busy keeping up with the demand for newly built homes. 

Let’s take a look at some specific towns in the metro area and compare the price of living in Charlotte and newly built homes in planned communities. That will give you the data you need for planning your budget if you’re in the market for new construction.

Charlotte (Queen City) is known for having top-paying jobs in the banking and healthcare sectors. Major employers include Atrium (formerly Carolinas HealthCare System), Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. Newly built homes are affordable and start at $305,000.

Huntersville has a population of 56,212 and is about 20 minutes from Charlotte. There’s a variety of large employers in Huntersville, including Davidson College with 750 employees, Novant Health with 690 employees, and Metrolina Greenhouses with 650 employees. New homes start at $346,000.

Matthews has a population of only 32,117. New homes start at $445,990. Matthews is a desired area for families with children because of top ranking Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Stallings has a population of only 15,647 and is known for its high-quality schools, easy commute, and low taxes. This quaint town has affordable homes starting in the mid-$300s.

Waxhaw has a population of 15,147. Close to Charlotte, big employers, and in the top school district of Union County, new homes start at $554,000.

Charlotte Climate

The Queen City climate is known for being mild -- not too hot and not too cold. When you’re living in Charlotte, you’ll enjoy four seasons.

• Winter temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees with about 6 inches of snow a year.

• Springtime temperatures range from 40 to 70 degrees, with March getting the most rain at over 4 inches per year.

• Summer heats up to the high 80s with humidity. Although newcomers might not be used to the moisture at first, they find with air conditioning, summer clothes, and plenty of water they do fine.

• Fall temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees with beautiful trees changing colors.

Recent City Growth

After Jacksonville, FL, Charlotte is the largest city in the Southeastern United States, mainly due to its affordable cost of living, a wealth of job opportunities, the mild Charlotte climate, and a beautiful environment. In 2017 and 2018 alone, there were more than 13,000 new residents. In addition to Charlotte’s impressive growth, the surrounding cities are growing even faster.

Overall, this popular metro area is continuing its expansion into the future, which keeps Charlotte home builders busy. If you’re considering living in Charlotte, check out three of the fastest towns on the outskirts. If you dream of settling in a small town, but being close to a big city, you’ll surely find the perfect place to call home.

Fort Mill is a city experiencing fast growth. It has a population of 17,557 and offers planned communities with affordable new homes. You can find townhomes starting at $222,990 and single-family homes starting at $346,990. Homeowners love the safe, small-town atmosphere of Fort Mill.

Indian Land currently has 24,200 residents and is expanding. It’s one of the fastest-growing parts of South Carolina. Two of the reasons for this are the Lancaster County School District, which is highly rated. Plus, the availability of newly built affordable homes starting at only $253,990.

Marvin’s population is only 6,490 and you’ll appreciate this small community that offers luxury townhomes starting at $400s. Close to the Queen City, you’ll have everything you could want.

Ready to learn more about Charlotte home builders? Check out the beautiful new Pulte Homes in Charlotte, NC.

Contributed to Your Home blog by Carol Youmans

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Published 11.27.19