Moving to Charlotte, NC – Following Your CRE Investment

From its beautiful views to its charming friendliness, the Queen City of Charlotte, NC is a vibrant community packed with opportunities. Although Charlotte is full of small-town charm, it’s also a fast-growing metropolitan area. Because of this, many people are moving to Charlotte to start and grow businesses. At Regent Commercial Real Estate, we’ve seen amazing success from our clients who have followed their commercial real estate investments to this incredible city. 

Although not every real estate investment requires moving to the city that you find your perfect commercial real estate space in, if you’re going to follow your investment, Charlotte is one of the best places to move to. Between their tree-lined streets and beautiful architecture, Charlotte neighborhoods are full of friendly faces, great schools, and easy access to dozens of historic landmarks and engaging attractions. Whether you’re looking for a new office space, investing in an industrial building, or you just purchased the perfect flex real estate space, finding your dream home among Charlotte residents is an excellent way to stay close to your investment.

In addition, Charlotte has a low cost of living compared to many other large cities across the United States. We hope that this guide to moving to Charlotte, NC is a helpful aid in searching for your new home!

Charlotte’s History

Although Charlotte is currently known as one of the fastest-growing cities and a popular US banking hub, the city of Charlotte also has a long, rich history, with marks of the past being seen all over this famous and important town.

Although it’s not the state capital, Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city, with a population of nearly 880,000. It’s located in Mecklenburg County, toward the southwestern side of the state.

The “Queen City” of Charlotte was named after King George III’s wife, Queen Sophia Charlotte, and a statue of Queen Charlotte still stands at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) today.

As you explore more of the history of Charlotte, you’ll be amazed by its rich stories – from the creation of Uptown Charlotte, to its important role in the first U.S. gold rush, to its transition from farming to industrial urbanization. The more you search, the more you’ll find yourself fascinated by the hundreds of stories and history that make up the Charlotte region.

In recent years, the metropolitan area of Charlotte has become a well-known area to explore and enjoy. From Charlotte’s mouth-watering food scene to its many sporting arenas to the historic NASCAR Hall of Fame, this university city is full of things to do for individuals and families.

Charlotte’s beautiful four seasons also make it a prime location for enjoying recreation of all kinds. From hiking to fishing to camping, Charlotte and its surrounding cities are full of gorgeous natural beauty.

Popular Charlotte Landmarks and Attractions

Charlotte is full of breathtaking sights, engaging sports arenas, and rich, historical landmarks. Full of adventure, this city is the perfect place to explore – you’ll never be bored! Here are some of the most popular landmarks and attractions you may want to check out in your new city.

Bank of America Stadium

This open-air stadium boasts 74,867 seats and is located in uptown Charlotte. Home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, this classic stadium is well-used and well-loved by the community. From football games to country music concerts, there’s always an upcoming event to enjoy.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Whether you’re hooked on racing or just looking for a fun museum to explore, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is packed with educational and engaging exhibits. It honors NASCAR drivers, crew members, and team owners who have played a role in the history of racing. Stop by for the afternoon to enjoy the exhibits or grab some lunch in the café!

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Do you love the thrill of adventure? The Whitewater Center is the place to go for gripping, outdoor experiences. From mountain biking and kayaking to zip lines and white-water rafting, it’s not hard to find a new and exciting challenge to take on here. The Whitewater Center also offers ropes courses, yoga, jumps, claiming, ice skating, and more!

University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte ranks in the top 100 public universities. This growing university offers 90 bachelor’s degree programs and over 100 master’s degree programs. Whether you’re considering further education yourself or are hoping to send your child to a top-notch university close to home, UNC Charlotte is an excellent choice.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the 10 most connected airports in the world. With this airport only 6 miles away from the business district, it’s easy to get where you need to go. Whether you’re planning your next family vacation or hosting a business meeting, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a quick flight in or out of your new hometown.

Following Your Commercial Real Estate Investment

The city of Charlotte enjoys a strong economy that provides exciting prospects for young professionals and established business owners alike. Between the affordable cost of living, low unemployment rate, and presence of its strong financial sector, Charlotte is full of opportunities for both investment and employment.

Why invest in commercial real estate?

Investors love commercial real estate because of its ability to build wealth over time. Through a combination of property appreciation, debt pay down, rental income, and favorable tax laws, many of our real estate clients in the Charlotte and surrounding areas have been able to establish growing wealth through their investment properties.

Charlotte’s robust economy, affordable cost of living, and enjoyable community environment have made it a popular place for real estate investments, as property owners see increased opportunities for generating income through commercial real estate.

What types of commercial real estate are available?

At Regent Commercial Real Estate, we specialize in pairing our clients with their ideal properties that line up with their real estate goals in the Charlotte MSA (including surrounding cities in both North Carolina and South Carolina). The six types of commercial properties that we work with the most in the Charlotte area include:

• Industrial
• Flex
• Retail
• Office
• Medical
• Land

From the Lake Norman submarket north of Charlotte to Fort Mill, Indian Land, and Rock Hill, to the central business district of Uptown Charlotte, we’re here to help our clients in the Charlotte MSA and the surrounding counties meet their commercial real estate goals.

Cost of Living

Charlotte offers an affordable cost of living. While Charlotte’s cost of living is slightly higher than the North Carolina state average, it’s around 2% lower than the national average. If you’re curious about how Charlotte’s cost of living compares to your current city, check out this handy calculator to figure out how much you’ll need to earn in order to maintain your current standard of living.

Charlotte Neighborhoods

Ready to follow your CRE investment to the greater Charlotte area? Whether your neighborhood qualifications include the best neighborhoods for single family homes, the best schools (whether elementary schools, private schools, or even colleges), or low property taxes and home prices, the wider Charlotte area has something for everyone.

Here are the top neighborhoods to consider in the Charlotte area:

1. Ballantyne/Blakeney
2. Uptown
3. Myers Park
4. SouthPark
5. NoDa
6. Fort Mill
7. Indian Land
8. Steele Creek
9. Pineville
10. Dilworth

1. Ballantyne/Blakeney

The Ballantyne/Blakeney area is located on the southeast side of Charlotte at the end of the light rail. This area has a high density of suburban neighborhoods and is one of the top areas for young families as well as young professionals to purchase a home near the Charlotte, NC area.

Ballantyne is a growing area that also provides excellent opportunities for purchasing commercial space and starting a new business. Some of the top attractions in the Ballantyne/Blakeney area include the Blakeney Town Center, StoneCrest Shopping Center, Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, Bradshaw Social House, and Hall Family Farm. This growing area is a must to check out for families and professionals who are moving to Charlotte.

2. Uptown

If you love being in the center of the action, Uptown, Charlotte may be the place for you. Located in the heart of the city, Uptown is actually Charlotte’s downtown area, despite its name! This city center business district is a bustling area with an urban feel and is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Mint Museum, 7th Street Public Market, and numerous restaurants, boutiques, and opportunities for entertainment.

Uptown’s housing opportunities mainly include apartments and condos, and it’s an ideal neighborhood for young professionals who love the fast pace of the city. It’s also home to many large corporations like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Duke Energy, and more.

3. Myers Park

Myers Park is a historic neighborhood that houses many affluent homes in the Charlotte area. It’s home to Freedom Park, a 98-acre park surrounding a 7-acre lake, which is a major attraction for joggers, walkers, and families looking to spend some time in nature. The tree-lined streets and majestic houses of Myers Park make it a beautiful area for exploring and sightseeing.

4. SouthPark

Boasting some of the safest neighborhoods and schools in the wider Charlotte area, South Park is a great place for young families looking to move to the area. It’s also home to SouthPark Mall – the largest mall in all of North Carolina.

SouthPark’s safe and top-rated schools also make it a popular destination for families looking for the best school options for their children.

5. NoDa

NoDa is short for North Davidson Street and is one of the most popular areas for arts and entertainment. This vibrant neighborhood is full of art galleries, music venues, cafes, theaters, and more.

It also contains top-rated schools, restaurants, and a wide variety of local businesses. NoDa is a walkable neighborhood, and many of its residents get where they need to go by foot or bike. It also has public transportation provided by CATA buses. If you love enjoying the arts, NoDa may be the place for you.

6. Fort Mill

Fort Mill is technically located in South Carolina, but it’s close enough to Charlotte to still be considered a Charlotte suburb. It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel from Fort Mill to the heart of Charlotte.

The Fort Mill community is known for its sweet Southern hospitality. It’s full of charming, locally-owned restaurants, local breweries, and wineries. It’s also home to Anne Springs Close Greenway for nature lovers, and Fort Mill History Museum.

7. Indian Land

Located just across the South Carolina border near Charlotte, NC, Indian Land is full of peaceful, rural properties and is a good place to live for those who are looking to get some space from the city, yet still want to be close to downtown Charlotte. It takes about 45 minutes to commute from Indian Land, SC to Charlotte.

Indian Land features low property taxes, a number of major businesses, and an active adult community that enjoys the local YMCA, the local golf courses, the Andrew Jackson State Park, and the Firethorne Country Club close by.

With low crime rates, Indian Land is in the 99th percentile for safety, making it one of the top neighborhoods for peace of mind near the Charlotte area.

8. Steele Creek

Steele Creek is located in the southwestern portion of Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. With its recent real estate developments and infrastructure, Steele Creek is an excellent place to be for commercial real estate investors. Steele Creek offers a suburban feel and is close to a number of beautiful parks that provide ample opportunities for families to enjoy one another and getting outside in nature.

Steele Creek is one of the fastest-growing regions in the greater Charlotte area and is full of opportunities!

9. Pineville

Pineville, NC is a fast-growing neighborhood with a hot real estate market. This suburban area has a small-town feel, but with the benefits of a big city. Pineville is home to many young families and professionals, and most of them rent their homes.

It features highly-rated schools, plenty of diversity, new restaurants, and an enjoyable downtown area. Although it has many opportunities for shopping and entertainment, Pineville is quieter than other urban areas near Charlotte.

10. Dilworth

Lastly, Dilworth is a charming, historic city that’s located just south of Uptown Charlotte. It boasts lovely, historic homes, mature trees, and breathtaking architecture.

Homes for sale in the Dilworth area include high-end mansions, contemporary townhomes, and elegant bungalows. There are plenty of attractions nearby for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Things to Do in Charlotte

While each neighborhood of Charlotte has its specific strengths and attractions, the beauty of the Charlotte area is that there is so much to do within just a few miles – no matter where you live. From lakes and state parks to shopping centers, sports, and entertainment, there’s never a dull moment when you make your home near the Charlotte area. Here are some of the top entertainment options near Charlotte, NC, whether you’re a young professional, retired adult, or suburban family.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re looking for a way to get outside, explore something new, and bask in the beauty of the charming landscape of Charlotte, there are plenty of options to choose from! Whether you love window shopping, hiking, or the thrill of whitewater rafting, there’s always a new way to enjoy the outdoors in the Charlotte area.

Explore the neighborhoods

The neighborhoods and downtown districts of Charlotte provide well-kept, paved paths for easy walking and sightseeing near the city. Whether you want to take in the amazing architecture of the historic homes in the older neighborhoods like Myers Park and Dilwood, or you’d rather window shop around the small retail shops in Uptown, Fort Mill, or NoDa, there’s always something to see even on the main roads.

Check out the parks

The Charlotte area is home to over 200 parks that provide nearly unlimited opportunities to explore and move your body. Whether you want to hike, bike, jog, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the animals around you, there’s always somewhere new to explore and breathe in the fresh air.

Some of the most popular parks for walking include Freedom Park, Edgehill Park, Colonel Francis Beatty Park, and Hornet’s Nest Park.

Families love the splash pad at First Ward Park, the playground, sports’ fields, and memorial at Frazier Park, the splash pad and basketball hoops at Latta Park, and the amazing picnic areas, playgrounds, and games that are open to the public at Colonel Francis Beatty Park.

For those who prefer smelling the roses or who are looking for a gorgeous backdrop for photography, Romare Bearden Park, the UNCC Botanical Gardens, and Independence Park are full of gardens, fountains, gazebos, ponds, greenhouses, and other attractive horticultural experiences.

Get your heart rate up

For those who love a thrill, there’s lots to do to get your heart pumping and try something adventurous (and maybe a little scary!) outdoors in the Charlotte area.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is one of the most popular places for adventurers to get outside and get in the water, zipline, climb, and enjoy kid-friendly events like ice skating.

If you’re up for a weekend trip, you can also drive a couple hours west to the DuPont State Recreational Forest, check out the Blue Ridge Mountains, or visit Crowders Mountain State Park for fishing, hiking, and climbing.

Shopping Centers

Love to shop? Whether your favorite spots are shopping malls, local boutiques, outlets, or high-end designer stores, there are plenty of new shopping experiences to try near Charlotte.

Located in SouthPark, the SouthPark Mall is the largest mall in North Carolina, and it features over 150 stores. Whether you’re looking for shoes, jewelry, clothing, or a delicious bite to eat, it’s always fun to make a full day of exploring this huge mall.

Love outlet shopping? The Charlotte Premium Outlets feature luxury clothing, upscale fashion, and an enjoyable atmosphere where you can get some fresh air while enjoying your favorite upscale clothing options. This nearly 400,000 square foot mall is located in southwest Charlotte.

Other shopping centers in the area include the Northlake Mall, Phillips Place, Ballantyne Village, and The Sleepy Poet Antiques Mall.

No matter where you prefer to shop, there are lots of opportunities to find your favorite fashions in Charlotte.

Sports

Charlotte is home to a number of sports arenas and professional sports teams. Watching their favorite teams play is a popular pastime for Charlotte residents! From car racing to baseball to basketball, football, or hockey, there’s always something going on in the Charlotte area.

Charlotte’s professional teams include the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Charlotte Knights.

Looking to catch a game? Check out the Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center, or Truist Field, just to name a few.

Or, head on down to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for some racing!

If you’d rather grab a bite to eat or enjoy a beer while you watch, there are plenty of options for sports bars around town. Charlotte is a friendly, hospitable town, and you’ll love enjoying the game with the local residents. Some of the best bars to check out include the Selwyn Avenue Pub, Ed’s Tavern, Duckworth’s Uptown, and Hickory Tavern, just to name a few.

Restaurants and Dining

Charlotte is full of dining experiences. From food trucks to craft breweries to upscale coffee shops to fine dining, there’s always something new around the corner to try. Whether you love seafood, a good burger, Mexican, or a traditional Southern meal full of comfort foods and carbs, you won’t run out of options for dining in this incredible town.

Some of the most highly-rated restaurants in the Charlotte area include The Capital Grille, Alexander Michael’s, The King’s Kitchen, Haberdish, and Sea Level NC. Want some more ideas? Here are some more dining favorites for the Charlotte community.

Popular coffee shops include Central Coffee Co, Coco and the Director, Queen City Grounds, Undercurrent Coffee, and Not Just Coffee. Not sure what to try? Here’s an insider’s opinion on the best drinks to order at some of Charlotte’s top coffee shops.

And if you’re to try out a new brewery, you can’t miss The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing, Wooden Robot Brewery, Heist Brewery, and Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Check out more of the best breweries here!

Ready to Make Your Move to Charlotte, NC?

No matter your reason for moving, Charlotte, North Carolina is a charming, attractive place to live. Between its mild climate, beautiful scenery, hot job market, and friendly community, Charlotte is one of the best cities for young professionals and families alike.

At Regent Commercial Real Estate, we’re proud of our work in the Charlotte MSA. It’s our privilege to help our clients find the perfect commercial properties for their goals. Charlotte is full of real estate opportunities, and it’s no surprise that our real estate clients enjoy the many benefits of living near their properties in the Charlotte area.

If you’re looking for an office space rental in Charlotte, want to upgrade your commercial lease option, are looking to grow your business and purchase your own property, or aren’t totally sure what the best move is, we’re here to help. More than simply searching through a database of properties, we prioritize getting to know you and your business goals so that we can use our expertise to find the solution that makes the most sense for your situation.

For any commercial real estate needs in the greater Charlotte area, contact Regent today!