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Reasons to Move to Charlotte, NC


Charlotte, NC, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for its attractive job market, affordable living costs, and educational opportunities. The thriving job market offers employment options in various fields like engineering, IT, legal, and healthcare. Living in Charlotte, NC, comes with nationally low housing, utility, and grocery expenses. From leading universities to statewide, top-ranked public and charter schools, families can ensure a quality education for their children, when moving to Charlotte. 

The city offers endless enjoyment for recreational enthusiasts, from biking and whitewater rafting to epic music festivals and performance venues, ensuring entertainment for both you and your children. Navigating Charlotte is a breeze with CATS Bus Service, operating nearly 24/7, and a light rail connecting city points for convenient transportation. Keystone Custom Homes provides living options in Charlotte, ensuring residents find the perfect home in areas like Saybrooke  and Waterfront at The Vineyards on the shore of Lake Wylie.  

Is Charlotte a Good Place to Live?

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Charlotte is considered one of the best places to live in the United States. One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, its expanding job opportunities continue to attract newcomers. 

In addition, moving to Charlotte, NC, provides a unique living experience through its rich cultural scene and culinary sophistication.  Featuring art museums, performance venues, diverse dining options, and upscale establishments, Charlotte is an exciting place to live. Keystone Custom Homes builds homes in some of the best places to live in Charlotte, NC. 

What to Know Before Moving to Charlotte 

Considering a move to Charlotte, NC? Let's explore the reasons listed above that make Charlotte an excellent choice for your next home:

Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte boasts fantastic features, but how much does it cost? Groceries are below the national average, with a family of four spending around $700 a month. Transportation from a bus and rail system has an average one-way cost of just $2.20. The city offers entertainment options with varying prices, from a $15/adult movie ticket to free admission to local parks. Overall, Charlotte's cost of living is slightly below the national average, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a balanced cost of living!

Best Family Communities & School Districts in Charlotte 

Discover excellent educational opportunities in Charlotte, NC, with Keystone Custom Homes located in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District (CMS). CMS, the second-largest school district in North Carolina, provides quality education to over 147,000 students, making it the eighteenth-largest in the nation.

The district gained national recognition, with several CMS high schools acknowledged by Newsweek as one of the top 100 best schools in the United States. The availability of advanced classes for students was noted to be a key factor in CMS schools earning recognition. The district is not only recognized for its academic achievements but also celebrated for its focus on diversity and integration through programs such as magnet schools. 

Unique and Historical Neighborhoods


Uptown Charlotte

Known as the central business district, Uptown Charlotte is the heart of the city, featuring a range of diverse urban experiences. Attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, museums, theaters, and a lively dining scene provide endless entertainment for locals and visitors alike. 

Ballantyne

Located in southern North Carolina, Ballantyne is celebrated for its upscale living. This suburban town features exclusive golf courses, high-end shopping destinations like Ballantyne Village, and numerous parks and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for visitors and residents alike. 

North Davidson (NoDa)

NoDa, North Carolina's art district, showcases a creative community with galleries, studios, live music and entertainment, community events and festivals, and trendy shops and boutiques. Experience art comes to life in NoDa, where creativity thrives. 

University City 

Located in northeast Charlotte, University City holds a diverse corporate presence, featuring the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University Research Park, and major corporations. University City also provides entertainment options, including amphitheaters for concerts and shopping and dining, making this town perfect for any individual. 

Living in Charlotte, NC, presents a variety of neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and attractions, offering a perfect living area for anyone. Explore custom home options and find your perfect home in North Carolina on our New Homes for Sale in NC page. 

Rich Arts and Culture

Filled with culture and arts, Charlotte offers new discoveries for the culture enthusiast. Living in Charlotte, NC is an adventure, with something new to watch and explore at every corner.  

From music festivals to food events and art museums, Charlotte showcases a vibrant culture. Performance venues provide locally produced shows and Broadway productions. And, of course, the public art throughout the city attracts the interest of tourists and residents alike. 

Dynamic Financial Center 

Charlotte thrives as a financial hub, boasting diverse financial institutions. This city has reached reputable heights, competing for the second spot with San Francisco, while New York holds the top position. 

The corporate headquarters of the country's second-largest bank by assets, Bank of America, is located within the city. Other Fortune 500 companies in Charlotte, such as Lowe's, Duke Energy, and Nucor, contribute to making life in Charlotte, NC, ideal for those seeking a career in the financial services industry.

Thriving Job Market 

A wide variety of career opportunities are available for those thinking about life in Charlotte, NC. Beyond finance, a spectrum of industries is offered in the Charlotte metro area, including technology (IT), real estate, healthcare, and more. 

In recent years, Charlotte experienced a significant increase in job opportunities, fueled by the city's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure. The government stands out as a top employer, providing jobs to thousands with attractive compensation packages, and the private sector remains a source of career opportunities for many. 

Reliable Public Transportation

Life in Charlotte, NC is made easy with its reliable public transportation options. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers a range of bus services, including local, express, and regional routes. Operating nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, CATS buses offer connectivity throughout the city nearly 24/7. Additionally, the city boasts a light rail system, linking areas such as South Charlotte, Center City, NoDa, and the University of North Carolina. 

Flourishing Restaurant Scene 

Living in Charlotte, NC, is a culinary adventure, offering diverse dining experiences for every palate. From healthy options like VelTree, where soul food meets a fully vegan menu, to upscale dining like Aura Rooftop Lounge, where delicious food and drinks come with stunning views of the Charlotte skyline, there is an abundance of culinary delights to explore. 

Charlotte's nightlife comes alive with vibrant bars and clubs. Spots like Roxbury Nightclub, contribute to the energetic pulse of the city and provide opportunities to connect with fellow residents and visitors.

Plentiful Recreational Activities

Charlotte, NC is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering an array of outdoor activities. With numerous parks, walking trails, and recreational spots, endless activities are available such as hiking, whitewater rafting, biking or trail running, and more. Lake Wylie, just a short drive away from the city, adds additional opportunities for water-based activities and scenic getaways.Keystone Custom Homes provides homesites on the shore of Lake Wylie for those looking to experience recreational life in Charlotte, NC. 

Enjoy Mild Weather & All Four Seasons

While the climate is unpredictable most days, it generally remains moderate and pleasant. Temperatures tend to stay comfortable, with summer highs rarely surpassing 95 degrees and winter lows hardly dropping below the 20s. Those living in Charlotte, NC can enjoy frequent sunshine, with an above-average 218 days of sun - perfect for recreational outdoor activities and events. 

Happy Community

What truly sets Charlotte apart is its vibrant community and welcoming residents. Charlotteans are known for their friendliness, genuine care, and strong work ethic, eager to live their best lives and support others in doing the same. Additionally, the strong sense of community adds to the city's welcoming environment, making life in Charlotte, NC truly distinctive.  

Moving to Charlotte? Build Your Dream Home with Keystone Custom Homes

Interested in new homes in Charlotte, NC? Choosing to build with Keystone Custom Homes offers various options tailored to match your lifestyle and budget. With over 30 years of experience, our team will guide you through the process of choosing from our award-winning floorplans. Start turning your dream home in Charlotte into a reality by visiting our Charlotte, NC city page today.

Explore two community locations in Charlotte, NC with waterfront and inland homesites available to begin your new home journey. Community locations include Saybrooke at Lake Wylie and Waterfront at the Vineyards on Lake Wylie. Contact our team to get started!