Charlotte: The Queen City
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina with a population of 872,498 people as of 2018’s estimates, is a city that attracts residents for a multitude of reasons. Among its most notable features is its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Charlotte offers multiple greenway biking paths catering to cyclists of all levels, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located here, offers the region’s best single-track mountain biking. Beyond biking, Charlotte provides opportunities for kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, rafting, and more, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The quality of life in Charlotte is another compelling factor. With all the city’s amenities within easy reach, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The cost of living in Charlotte is just below the national average, with housing costs approximately 4 percent lower than the national average, making it feasible to find your dream home in this vibrant city.
Charlotte is rapidly becoming a hub for young entrepreneurs and businesses. Home to thriving startups like Cloud Castle Group and Boxman Studios, as well as major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, the city’s economy is diverse and booming. It ranks seventh on Forbes’ list of Best Places for Business and Careers, assuring a plethora of job opportunities.
Some of Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods include Uptown, First Ward, Dilworth, and Ballantyne West.
Raleigh: The City of Oaks
Raleigh, also known as the City of Oaks, has a population of 469,298 as of 2018’s estimates and shares Charlotte’s rapid growth. This capital city of North Carolina offers numerous reasons why people choose to make it their home.
Raleigh shines as the third-ranked city on Forbes’ Best Places for Business and Careers list, with a diverse and dynamic economic climate. This makes it an especially attractive destination for those starting or changing careers. The Raleigh-Durham area, including Research Triangle Park (RTP), is home to a wide range of firms spanning biotechnology, technology, and medicine, ensuring ample job opportunities.
World-class healthcare is another compelling reason to move to Raleigh. The city hosts some of the nation’s finest medical care and research centers, including Duke University Medical Center and UNC hospitals. These healthcare institutions feature renowned doctors and provide access to top-tier medical care.
Raleigh also stands out in terms of affordability. The cost of living in Raleigh, North Carolina, is notably lower than that of most comparable cities across the nation. As property prices have risen nationwide in recent years, more people are moving to Raleigh for a better quality of life and career prospects at a more affordable cost of living. Owning a home in Raleigh is accessible thanks to fair property taxes.
Popular neighborhoods in Raleigh include Oakwood, Cameron Village, Boylan Heights, Hayes Barton, Mordecai, North Hills, and Brier Creek.