Discover Queen City

Charlotte: Where Southern Sweetness Meets City Style

Nestled in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Charlotte blends Southern grace with metropolitan pace — and residents love every corner.

Welcome to Charlotte — North Carolina’s largest city, one of America’s fastest-growing urban centers, and a place where Southern charm blends seamlessly with modern living. Nicknamed the “Queen City,” Charlotte is a place where Southern hospitality isn't just a phrase — it's a way of life that infuses every corner of the city.

Living Your Best Life in the Queen City

Charlotte residents enjoy four distinct seasons — with temperate winters and warm summers — so you can play in the outdoors year-round (or relax as you take it easy).

For just one example, Freedom Park is a sprawling 98-acre urban oasis located in the heart of Charlotte. Often called the “Central Park” of Charlotte, it’s a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. And no wonder — with paddleboat rentals, miles of winding trails, plenty of idyllic picnic spots, and lots of seasonal events, there’s always something to do.

Looking for something a little more exciting? The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor facility located just outside of Charlotte that offers a more pulse-pounding experience. Sprawling across 1,300 acres along the Catawba River, it features the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, more than 50 miles of scenic trails, towering rock-climbing walls, and even a breathtaking canopy zipline. Whether you want to go kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, or hiking and biking, don’t miss USNWC.

Culture lovers will find plenty to savor in Charlotte’s thriving arts scene. For example, the Mint Museum — North Carolina’s oldest of its kind — has a gorgeous collection of American, contemporary, and ancient art that’s more than worth checking out. Or visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, showcasing 20th-century modern art from European and American masters in a beautiful terra cotta building.

The performing arts also thrive in Charlotte, with the Blumenthal Center hosting roof-raising Broadway shows, electrifying concerts, and down-to-earth local productions. And the city’s music scene is lively, too, with everything from grandiose symphony orchestras to edgy indie rock bands in intimate venues.

Looking for Sports and Recreation? Game On!

Sports fans, rejoice! Charlotte is home to two major professional teams: the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, out of Bank of America Stadium, and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, at Spectrum Center. You can’t go wrong at either place for heart-pounding excitement and great game-day experiences.

For racing fans, Charlotte is nothing short of heaven. Check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame, dedicated to the sport’s history and legends, and the nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway for some high-octane thrills.

Charlotte’s recreational offerings go beyond traditional sports, too. The city’s proximity to the majestic Appalachian Mountains makes it easy to get to incredible hiking trails and outdoor adventures. For example, water lovers can enjoy activities on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, both just a short drive from the city center.

Inside the city limits, Charlotte’s always-growing network of lush greenways and parks offers opportunities for jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The city’s commitment to outdoor recreation means residents have many ways to stay active and get outdoors.

Charlotte at Work: Innovation and Opportunity

Charlotte’s economy is robust, making it one of the leading cities in the South for growth and opportunity. The city is a major banking hub, second only to New York City in the US. This is reflected in the presence of Bank of America’s global headquarters and the other prestigious financial institutions that call the Queen City home.

Beyond banking, Charlotte is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Lowe’s, Honeywell, and Duke Energy. This concentration of big companies has created a strong job market across many industries and built an economy strong in finance, tech, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Savor the Many Flavors of Charlotte

Charlotte’s culinary scene is as eclectic as the city itself, with a delicious option for every taste. Traditional Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or fried chicken are taken to new heights in many of the city’s restaurants, while visionary chefs are pushing the boundaries with fusion concepts and modern techniques.

At Midwood Smokehouse, barbecue lovers can enjoy meats smoked for hours over local hickory wood. Their menu has classics, like succulent chopped pork and brisket, but also caters to health-conscious diners with crisp, fresh salads.

 For seafood fans, ROCKSALT Restaurant in Park Road Shopping Center is an exquisite way to get your fix. Their wood-fired grill and oyster bar serves daily fresh fish specials and oysters from the Rappahannock Oyster Company with local drinks — and they’ve got a great brunch, too.

The city’s craft beer scene is nicely represented by Sugar Creek Brewing Company, where Belgian-inspired ales are poured in a fun, casual atmosphere. And Garden Co., from Monday Night Brewing in South End Charlotte, has 40 taps of award-winning beers and Neapolitan-style pizza in a big, dog-friendly space.

For dessert, Jeni’s Ice Creams is open late and serves heavenly scoops — like Burnt Orange Dreamsicle, Blackout Chocolate Cake, and Lemon & Blueberries Parfait. And if you want to combine dining with entertainment, Queen Park Social in South End has games like Skee Ball and bowling to go along with food and drink for lively groups.

Conveniently Connected

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest in the country, serving as a major hub for domestic and international travel. With many direct flights to destinations worldwide, residents and businesses stay exceptionally well-connected all year round.

Inside the city, the LYNX light rail system connects Uptown Charlotte to surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. This has spurred development along the route and created vibrant, transit-oriented communities. 

Charlotte is also proud of its pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, especially in Uptown and NoDa (North Davidson). These areas have a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces and are largely car-free, so you can walk, roll, or bike to your heart’s content.

You’ll also find several major interstates in the area — both I-77 and I-85 run through the city, and I-40 is just a few minutes away. These and Charlotte’s many transportation options mean residents can get around the city (and beyond) with ease.

Vibrant Queen City Culture

Charlotte is famous for its Southern charm and hospitality, helping both newcomers and long-time residents feel at home. You’ll see this in Charlotte’s many neighborhoods, where community events and local gatherings build strong social bonds.

 Annual events show off the city’s creativity — like the Charlotte SHOUT! festival with its dazzling art installations, electrifying music performances, and immersive interactive experiences. And Charlotte Pride, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the Southeast, proves the city is as inclusive and diverse as any bigger metropolis.

In Charlotte, Your Future Is Just Around the Corner

Charlotte is a city that has it all. Strong economy with plenty of chances for career growth — and a superb quality of life? Check. A diverse community, rich culture and plenty of recreational activities so everyone can find “their thing?” You bet.

It’s the Charlotte lifestyle that you’ll enjoy most. Start your day in the tree-lined streets of Myers Park, the morning sun filtering through a canopy of hundred-year-old oaks. Later, enjoy an artisanal coffee in NoDa, surrounded by colorful murals and the buzz of creative conversations. Grab some lunch, then watch as Uptown comes alive when the sun goes down. Charlotte truly is a canvas for you to paint your perfect day. This isn't just a place to live — it's a place to make a life.

Whether you’re drawn to the professional opportunities, the family-friendly atmosphere or the exciting lifestyle, Charlotte has you covered. As the city continues to grow and thrive, Charlotte is the perfect city to call home.

Insider Guides – Charlotte, NC

Discover the best of Montford and get the best tips for living in Charlotte, NC, with our Insider Guides. We’ve created them just for you to give you the inside scoop on dining, shopping, entertaining, and living. Brought to you by the in-the-know team at Emerson at Montford Park.