What is the population of Charlotte?
The population of Charlotte, the city, is approximately 675,000. For the Charlotte metro area of 9 counties consisting of Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Lincoln, Stanly, Cabarrus Counties, it is 1.6 million. See our population tables.

Are there any universities or colleges nearby?
There are several colleges and universities in the Charlotte.  The University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) in Charlotte is the largest and is located in the NE corner of Charlotte off Exit 45 from Interstate #85.  Queens University is located near the "Uptown" (downtown) area of Charlotte.  Other schools in the area are JC Johnson, Piedmont Community College, and Johnson and Wales University.

How far is it from the mountains?
The nearest moutainous area is only about 85 miles North at Sparta or 100 miles to Boone and Blowing Rock. The Boone area is the major ski area of North Carolina.

How far is it from the ocean?
Wilmington, NC and nearby Mytle Beach are only 200 miles away. Nags Head is about 250 miles.

What is the weather like?
Charlotte has a mild four seasons. Not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer. Humidity is bearable because it :"burns" off by mid-day and doesn't hang around like on the coast. The average snow fall is 6 inches and the area is so large that areas of Charlotte haven't seen 6 inches in last five years.. ie... Lake Norman area.

Who are the largest employers in the Metro Charlotte area?
Charlotte ontributes much of its' economic strength from the the many national, region offices, local corporations, including the US Headquarters for many foreign companies within 40 miles of Charlotte. Bank of America, Wells Fargo ( formerly Wachovia Bank), GMAC, Carolinas healthcare System, The Charlotte Observer newspaper, Wal-Mart, Nucor, Ingersoll Rand, IBM, Belk, Charlotte mecklenburg Schools, Duke Energy, Family Dollar, Lance Inc, and m,any more. We are in the process of developing an employment department for our visitors. Check back with us later.

Are there any major events during the year?
NASCAR Week, and the Lowes Motor Speedway NASCAR Races are two of the biggest. In addition, there are numerous annual festivals in Charlotte, Matthews, Mooresville, and Lincolnton.

What the property taxes like?
Property taxes have a wide range of rates between the counties from $.0942 to $1.42 per hundred full tax on city and county. See our local and state tax page.

What major attractions are in the Charlotte region?
Carolina Raptor Center, Carowinds Theme Park, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Historic Latta Plantation, Charlotte Museum of History, The Mint Museum, and Lowes Motor Speedway are just a few of the many attractions in the area. Visit our Area Resources page for more.

Why is Mooresville called the NASCAR capital of the world?
Almost 90% of the NASCAR race teams have their shops within 20 miles of Mooresville, just 26 miles North of Uptown Charlotte on Interstate #77.

How far is Lake Norman from Uptown Charlotte?
Lake Norman is 15 miles North of Charlotte on Interstate #77.

How have home prices held up during the recent housing debacle?
Charlotte homes prices held up very well versus the rest of the country untill mid 2008 when they went "South" too.  Between March, 2008, and March, 2009, prices have plunged 16.1%, the greater part of the decline since August, 2008.  The average price declined from $227,840 to $191,046. But the good news is prices have settled down and leveled off in the $180,000's, this essentially brings prices down to 2003 price levels in 6 months.

Does Charlotte have any major sports teams?
Yes, it has the Carolina Panthers, once of the NFL football teams. In addition, there is the Charlotte Bobcats, one of the NBA basketball teams.

What are the schools like in the area?
Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, has numerous good schools as well as do the surrounding communities. There is a diversity of educational opportunity in the public as well as private schools in the area. Visit our school pages to view school choices and comparisons between communities and counties.

Why is Charlotte called the "Queen City"?
Charlotte is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who had become queen of British King George III the year before the founding of Charlotte; hence, the nickname, "Queen City".