We know that Charlotte is the place to live.
But we were curious about how newcomers come to find themselves in the Queen City and how they choose where to live.
So, what brings you to town?
Not surprisingly, our expert panel of Helen Adams Realty REALTORS® says that people are
looking to settle in Charlotte for many reasons.
“Because of the mild winters” is a common response, as is the proximity to the beach
and mountains, and access to an international airport and world-class healthcare facilities.
Another biggie is the overall aging population – folks want to be close to their kids and grandkids but still be able to enjoy all the things retirement has to offer; Charlotte is an ideal location for multi-generational living.
REALTOR® Anne Dabrowski agrees, saying, “Schools and quality of life are two big reasons. I recently helped a family moving to Charlotte from abroad just so their kids could have an American education. Lots of other folks are moving to Charlotte because of the mild winters, easy access to travel, and a ton of stuff to do whether you favor outdoor activities and fitness, arts and culture (read: beer sampling), or family-friendly fun.”
“One thing that often surprises newcomers is Charlotte’s tight-knit community. Unlike larger cities like New York or LA, it’s not uncommon to find connections and shared experiences with people you meet, making the transition smoother and more welcoming,” REALTOR® Marlene Billesdon.
New in town? Here’s your tell…
Pine straw. Yes, it’s a thing. “One of my favorite questions from newcomers to
Charlotte—and one I find especially funny since I grew up here—is, ‘What is pine
straw?’ It’s as if they’ve never seen it before! This question always tickles me because
pine straw is everywhere here in Charlotte and throughout the South,” says REALTOR®
Adrienne Priest.
Including the pine straw-laden and tree-lined streets, Charlotte has so much to offer that it can be difficult for someone unfamiliar with the area to decide where they want to live. One of the many benefits of working with a trusted local realtor is that they double as a tour guide when someone is new to the area. Interestingly, the process can be more about identifying what a client doesn’t like as much as what they do.
Anne says, “I do a full tour that includes homes, neighborhoods, and local businesses! I usually start in Elizabeth or Dilworth and follow the sprawl out towards the client’s areas of interest, that way they see what’s out there and can start to put the pieces together on what they like, and more importantly, what they don’t like. If clients have school-aged kids, I work with them to set up school tours in the areas they are considering. We’re really lucky to have such a diverse public school system as well as lots of private options – sometimes falling in love with a school that fits their kid’s exact needs helps them hone in on which part of Charlotte they want to focus on.”
Marlene agrees and shares her customized tips for helping clients identify areas to consider, “For clients drawn to the lake life, I suggest exploring the restaurants and scenic spots around Lake Norman, Mountain Island, or Lake Wylie. For clients leaning toward a city vibe, I give them a different set of suggestions of things to do, like checking out Uptown, the arts scene in NoDa, local favorites in South End, etc. A trip to the Whitewater Center is a must for everyone; it’s a local treasure for outdoor adventure and leisure.
Why Newcomers Buy vs. Rent
While a knowledgeable agent can lead you through the home-buying process, the reason for the move sometimes dictates whether new-to-town buyers decide to rent or buy.
“The pattern of home-buying in Charlotte really depends on the individual buyer. Some are eager to jump right into house hunting and make a purchase, while others prefer to rent for six months up to a year, taking their time to get to know the area first. Renting has become increasingly popular in recent years, partly due to Charlotte’s limited housing inventory,” says Adrienne.
The trend tends to be that if the client is relocating due to work, they are more likely to buy, versus someone who is moving to the area to retire who may take more time to shop around and rent until they find the right fit.
Regardless of the motivation for the move, Anne encourages potential buyers to consider the home appreciation rate in Charlotte saying, “A lot of people rent first thinking it’s a safe option that lets them get a feel for the city without fully committing. That being said, the average annual appreciation rate in Charlotte is more than 5% and, in most areas, rent is about the same amount (if not more) as a mortgage payment. Of course, there are costs associated with homeownership in terms of repairs and improvements – but chances are most of the things you would do to improve or repair a property will increase the value of the home beyond the average annual appreciation value. “
“Many people are drawn to Charlotte’s reputation as a vibrant city with ample opportunities for sports, culture, dining, and shopping. Charlotte has truly grown into a highly livable and desirable city for so many. From the light rail and lakes to nation-leading breweries and James Beard Award-winning chef-run restaurants, Charlotte truly has something for everyone,” says REALTOR® Adrienne Priest.
Realtors help avoid costly mistakes, especially for those new to the area
The Carolinas real estate market presents a lot of opportunities but also has its quirks. Adrienne explains that newcomers are often surprised by the concept of the due diligence fee and due diligence period when discussing the home-buying process. “North Carolina, along with South Carolina (which has a similar but slightly different approach), is one of the few states that has this system.”
The due diligence fee is a non-refundable payment made directly to the seller when the contract is signed. This fee compensates the seller for taking their property off the market while the buyer conducts inspections, appraisals, financing steps, repair negotiations, and any other evaluations needed before closing. The due diligence period, on the other hand, is a time frame agreed upon by both buyer and seller to complete these pre-purchase tasks. During this period, the buyer can cancel the contract for any reason—or even no reason at all—and would forfeit their due diligence fee to the seller. If they close on the home, the fee is credited towards the purchase price.
Are the holidays a good time to buy and move to Charlotte?
Depending on the reason for your move, you may not have a choice of ‘when’ to do it. However, contrary to the belief that the Holidays are not a great time to buy, Adrienne wisely points out, “This season is actually an excellent time to buy or sell: there’s less competition, as some buyers take a break and many sellers are hesitant to keep their homes listed through the holidays to avoid accumulating days on the market. However, holiday buyers tend to be highly motivated—they need a home and are ready to make a purchase!”
The Charlotte market is strong right now, with buyers and inventory being somewhat in balance. While homes are spending a little more time on the market, this is a plus for anyone moving to town as it gives buyers more time to evaluate their decision and the area.
“I think now is a fine time to move to Charlotte. You’re not going to have the crazy spring market, meaning less inventory and fewer buyers – but that’s perfect for someone trying to learn the city and (maybe) shop around for a deal,” REALTOR® Anne Dabrowski.
Ready to make a move?
Buying a house can be scary and stressful at the best of times – let alone trying to do it in a city new to you. Partnering with an agent ensures not only that you’ll make your first new connection in town, but that you will have someone on your side guiding you through the neighborhoods and the idiosyncrasies of the Charlotte real estate market.
If you’re ready to call Charlotte home, reach out to the trusted local experts at Helen Adams Realty.
