Moving to Charlotte: A Complete Guide
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Just like its world-renowned motor speedway, Charlotte is growing, and fast! In a city full of sports, music, food, entertainment, and all under a luscious tree canopy, it’s easy to see why this is the third fastest growing city in the United States. And if you’re moving to Charlotte, you need the right information.
Here at U-Haul, if Ballantyne is calling you, or you’re coming from across the country, we’ve got decades of moving experience, so you can know you’re making the right move.
Before you start racing to Charlotte, these tips could turn your move from being stuck in the pit to finishing like a champion.
Cost of Living Overview
In 2024 alone, Charlotte authorized nearly 26,000 new housing units due to its rapid growth while its rent and home prices stayed 15% lower than the national average. This means unlike other rapidly growing cities in the nation, Charlotte is more affordable and flexible for those relocating.
Housing: Charlotte is a more renter friendly metro than most, as one-bedroom apartments range from $1,050-$1,350. For two-three-bedrooms, prices range from $1,250-$1,600. In the Charlotte metro area, houses cost an average of around $390,000. Houses on the east side of Charlotte are cheaper, while houses in South End and southern Charlotte are above average.
Utilities: From the months of June to October, heat and humidity run rampant in Charlotte, and this is when utilities are going to cost the most. Expect to pay between $150-$200 for electricity during the summer months and less than $100 outside of summer. Water and Wi-Fi run between $30-$60 throughout the year.
Transportation: More than 95% of Charlotte’s population own cars and having a car in Charlotte is highly recommended, but public transportation/rideshare can get you to where you need to go. Charlotte is also very widespread, and you’ll be frequenting highways and toll roads, so expect to pay around $200-$300 a month just for gas.
Where to Live
One of the great aspects of Queen City is how diverse rental and home ownership options are. Outside of some dense suburbs, rental properties are all over Charlotte allowing for more flexibility when it comes to your move. However, there are some areas that tend to favor certain lifestyles.
Young Professionals: The best places for 20–30-year-olds to move are going to be Uptown and South End. These areas are right along the Lynx light rail system and can be walked around without a car. There are also several national companies headquartered in Uptown, including Bank of America and Duke Energy.
Families and Long-Term Residents: Those looking for places that are only a 15-minute drive from South End but want a more suburban feel should consider South Park and Barclay Downs. There are also tons of great neighborhoods in south Charlotte close to beltways and highways, making it a quick trip to wherever you need to go.
Budget Minded Movers/Students: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the most prominent university in the Charlotte metro. College students should stick to the University City and College Downs area, and those looking for an affordable housing option should consider Concord.
The Charlotte Housing Market
In 2025, the Charlotte housing market, like many other large metros around the county has started to cool down. This means more housing options are available, more negotiating power, and more time for decision making. For buyers and renters looking to move to Charlotte, this is great news because it keeps more money in your pocket.
Types of Housing: Most of the recent housing developments in Charlotte are traditional two-three story homes as well as large condominium and townhome development. These new homes range in price from $300,000 to $600,000 across the Charlotte area.
Housing Programs: Charlotte offers housing programs for first-time home buyers that make it easier for residents with lower incomes to become homeowners. Charlotte even takes you through homebuyer education courses to make sure that you stay informed about your homebuying process. This program can assist in down payments, insurance, and mortgage payments.
Planning the Move
Most of those who moved to Charlotte in 2024 did not live in either of the Carolinas before, and if you’re in this category, it could impact your moving timeline. Whenever you’re moving between states, be aware of how soon you need to:
- Change your residency
- Make a realistic budget
- Plan what you’ll need for your move
Secure the Variables: When moving, always make sure that housing, employment, and savings are checked off. These are the three things to get done first before getting any moving equipment or further planning.
Know Your Future Space: Make sure at least one month before a planned moving date that housing is secured; most apartments can push out move-in dates around a month after a lease is signed. Once that is covered, go through your stuff and remind yourself how big your new space is and if some space-saving changes need to be made.
Pro-Tip: Want to make more of your one-way truck or trailer rental to Charlotte? Check your local U-Haul and participating affiliate locations to see if you could be eligible for a free month of storage!
Securing the Equipment: When you have your move-in date set, then start the reservations and purchasing equipment and moving supplies. With U-Haul you can make a reservation in person, on the U-Haul app, or website ensuring flexibility for your move. You can also rent moving supplies for your move such as furniture dollies and furniture pads.
How to Pack: When packing, get your necessary boxes, tape, and additional supplies after your move-in date is set. If your move-in date is one month out, take every weekend up to the move-in date packing the non-essentials so it reduces overall stress and can increase flexibility for your move.
Life After the Move
Anytime you move to a new place, having a plan is crucial to making sure that you steadily work in your new environment. Knowing your routes to work, the grocery store, a local hangout spot, can make all the difference. There all also tons to do in Charlotte so making another plan to see everything can ease even more stress.
Charlotte Traffic: According to a recent Forbes article, Charlotte ranked 2nd in the country for cities with the hardest commute. Charlotteans commute nearly 30 minutes a day to and from work. With one of the worst walking and biking scores in the country, make sure you plan your routes to avoid the traffic and actually enjoy the drive.
All the Activities: Charlotte has seven different sports leagues across the city with the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte Knights all playing right in Uptown. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is also a great place to enjoy some racing history. Just outside of Uptown is South End. This is where you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars, and concert venues.
Take it Easy: The vibe of Charlotte is known for being laid-back. There are tons of parks around the Charlotte area that are great for walking, biking, and enjoying a nice picnic. With the Charlotte weather being moderate for most of the year, go out and enjoy the tree canopy and some sun.
Make Moving to Charlotte Easier with U-Haul
Moving Across State Lines: For a long distance move to Charlotte, U-Box Containers are a fantastic option for those looking for more flexibility in their move. Take as much time as you need loading your U-Box Containers and U-Haul will deliver right to your new home when you’re ready!
Self-Storage Solutions: If you need a storage solution, let U-Haul step in! There are 20 U-Haul storage locations in the Charlotte metro area, so wherever your new home is, convenience is closer than before.
Peaceful Moving Help: Moving Help allows you to focus on the move in more ways than before. You get to select the type of Moving Help you need to complete your move with affordable options for your needs.
Plentiful Truck Rentals: Whatever size van or truck you need when moving to Charlotte, U-Haul has. If you’re moving to a studio apartment or a 4-bedroom house, U-Haul has different size trucks and trailers to meet your needs.
Every Move Needs Supplies: U-Haul has whatever moving supplies you could need on your move to Charlotte. Worried about a TV getting scratched? The Ultimate TV Packing Kit has you covered. This goes for all your essentials such as dishes and glasses, clothes and shoes, and your delicate picture frames.
Moving Made Easier®
U-Haul has the largest selection of trucks for your move.
What are the income and property taxes like in Charlotte?
For property taxes, Mecklenburg has a property tax calculator on their website to help you budget and Charlotte has a 4.5% flat income tax rate.
What are the best neighborhoods in Charlotte?
Ballantyne, South End, and southern Charlotte are considered by most to be the best areas to live in due to proximity to Uptown, city life, and schools.
What is Charlotte traffic like?
Expect to start experiencing longer commutes in Charlotte due to smaller highways and more than 95% of the population commuting by car.