Why you'd want to live in Charlotte

A charming yet sprawling Southern city, Charlotte is a pleasant urban area nestled in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, within a few hours’ drive of both the Appalachian Mountains and North Carolina’s white sand beaches. The city has a strong economic identity – it’s the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. behind New York City – that’s helped drive consistent population growth for decades. Charlotte takes pride in its cityscape, defined by a handful of skyscrapers. But the city’s essence is perhaps better captured in its diverse neighborhoods and suburban areas, each of which has its own style and flair. Although its economy and rapid development make Charlotte a thoroughly 21st century metro area, Southern charm is still very much alive, and making friends with neighbors isn’t the Sisyphean task it can be in other large cities. Its geographical location, generally temperate weather, relative affordability and local culture are all draws to the Queen City. Pro sports representation in the NBA and NFL give residents something to root for, while museums, parks and an exploding brewery scene offer more diversions for people with varying interests. One thing Charlotteans may take for granted is the city’s cleanliness. There’s a certain pride residents take in their city, and even the downtown area is more well-kept and free from trash and graffiti than visitors might expect. Perhaps it has something to do with the flora; neighborhoods like Myers Park and Dilworth are adorned with large, old trees that give way to bustling intersections and commercial developments. It’s an apt metaphor for Charlotte, a city with both Old South and modern cosmopolitan influences. via realestate.usnews.com