North Carolina: Charlotte
Can I get some information on the state of North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina is where Charlotte is located. It doesn't matter if you are looking for apartments in east Charlotte or a city suburb, it can be helpful to know a little information about the state itself before you get started. North Carolina's population is approximately 9,222,414 people, about 700,000 of which are located in the Charlotte area. The state borders Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. Major industries in North Carolina include tobacco, furniture, brick, textiles, paper, cotton, hay and peanuts, among others. The Great Smoky Mountains run through this state, and Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashore are both located here as well. Professional sports teams that call this state home include the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. The 12th state to enter the Union, North Carolina is also home to a good deal of early American history. |
Moving to Charlotte
How is Charlotte in terms of renting an apartment?
In terms of rentals, Charlotte has plenty of places to choose from. Whether you want to live in a high-end apartment right in the heart of the city center, or prefer renting a small studio on the outskirts of town, there will be something here to meet your needs. People who enjoy suburban living will also find satisfaction in the areas around Charlotte, such as Denver or Mount Holly. There are many lovely towns dotted around the city that make for an easy commute downtown. Living in North Carolina can be a wonderful experience for those coming from a colder climate such as Illinois or Maine. It can also be nice for those who have to deal with the heat all year, like in Florida or Texas. With a more temperate climate, this state has fewer severe weather swings than many other places in the nation. In addition, the coast of North Carolina has 300 miles of barrier island beaches to explore for those who love the water. |
Getting around Charlotte
Is Charlotte a good city to live in if you don't have a car?
People searching for Charlotte apartments will be happy to know that there is a good network of public transportation available. This can be especially good news for those without a vehicle. Based on a grid system much like Chicago, finding places is easy and navigating the downtown area is no problem on foot. Also, the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail runs seven days a week and connects south Charlotte with the bustling downtown area. The Charlotte Trolley is another travel option, and one that is especially good for those new to the area. The "Gold Rush" trolley is a great option if you are heading over to Tryon Street for the afternoon, as it runs up and down the street. Charlotte also has a bus service called CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System), and it operates over 40 routes in the area. Getting around is no problem with all of the options available in this city. |
Apartments in University City
Is there a good spot to look for rentals near the University of North Carolina?
If you are a student going to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, searching for apartments in Northeast/University City area makes good sense. The school itself has over 23,000 students and it is made up of seven colleges, making it a popular place to go to college. Living close to the school can cut down on travel expenses, and many students choose to find a place nearby as opposed to looking in other areas of Charlotte. With the area growing quickly, there has been an increase in retail development here, making it even more convenient to live in the region close to the school. University Place is a great place to look for rentals in the area, and it offers restaurants, a man-made lake and shopping. Concord Mills is another popular shopping spot in this region. Those looking for a little bit of rest and relaxation can get away to Reedy Creek Park, a 727-acre nature preserve, or to one of the other parks dotted throughout the area. |
Gastonia and Mount Holly
What are Gastonia and Mount Holly like?
Apartments in Gastonia/Mount Holly make a good home base if you work in downtown Charlotte. Both of these cities are located to the west of the city center and are within a short drive. The towns are also positioned near the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Gastonia is home to the U.S. Whitewater Center, the biggest facility of its kind in the world. It is located on the Catawba River. Mount Holly is closer to Charlotte than Gastonia. A mere 20 minutes from the downtown area, this city is also located along the Catawba River. Both these cities are situated within Gaston County, an area with a population of approximately 190,000 people. With over 95 parks and recreation facilities, this region is full of opportunities for a little bit of rest and relaxation. Other draws in this area include the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the Carolina Harley-Davidson Museum and Crowders Mountain State Park. |
Outside Charlotte
What are some of the choices around Charlotte for suburban living?
If you are searching for apartments in Northwest/Charlotte areas such as Hickory and Lincolnton, it may help to expand your search in other places as well. The region around Charlotte has much to offer in terms of suburban living. Places to the south, such as Rock Hill and Fort Mill, can also be great spots to find a good rental. To the east of the city there are towns such as Gastonia and Kings Mountain that offer good apartment living close to Charlotte's downtown area. Northeast of the city you can find gems like Concord and Salisbury, and there are some small towns located east of the city center as well. Finding a good place to live is easy here, which means that you can exhaust all of the options before settling on a final choice. Take a drive around and look at some of the suburban areas to see which might be a good match for your tastes, or do a little research on what is available there in terms of apartment living. |
Northeast of Charlotte
What cities are located to the northeast of Charlotte?
Just outside of the Charlotte city center to the northeast, there are more opportunities to find apartments in Concord/Kannapolis. These two cities offer proximity to the downtown area along with a more suburban feel, and apartments here are not difficult to find. Concord is a fairly large city with a population of over 70,000 people. Rocky River Golf Club is just one example of the outdoor recreation opportunities that are located right in this alluring town. Kannapolis is a little farther out from downtown Charlotte and is a bit smaller than its neighbor, Concord. With a population of over 40,000 people, it is located less than 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. This city is the hometown of Dale Earnhardt as well as the North Carolina Research Campus. The park service in this town is terrific, and the town also offers residents a variety of summer events that include movies, concerts and other live arts. |
Introducing Charlotte
What is Charlotte like?
With a population of 700,000, Charlotte, also known as "The Queen City," is the largest city in North Carolina and the 20th largest in the nation. Even though it has a large urban area, there are also numerous suburban regions that offer easy access to the city and its amenities. If you're looking for an apartment, Charlotte has plenty of different places to investigate. With mountains and ocean nearby, this region of the state is a beautiful place to live. Charlotte's climate is moderate and the city misses much of the severe weather that is sometimes seen along the coast in this area. With a below-average cost of living and good housing options for renters, this big city makes a great home. There are 6.9 million residents within 100 miles of Charlotte, so anything you need is right there for the taking. |
Marvelous Mint Hill
What is Mint Hill like?
When you look for apartments in southeast Charlotte area, be sure to investigate Mint Hill. Located just a short distance from the city, this town has a population of approximately 20,000 people. Although it is a smaller town, Mint Hill offers some advantages that can't be found in many other areas. Besides a charming atmosphere, the proximity to four airports is a really nice perk. Wilgrove Air Park is to the north, Monroe Regional Airport is to the south, Goose Hill Municipal Airport is to the southeast and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 19 miles west of the city. Two parks are located in town, and there is also a vibrant arts community. Art shows and gallery receptions take place on a regular basis in Mint Hill. Although it is primarily a residential area, there are nearly 300 businesses and professional services available in the town. A good alternative to city living, but with downtown Charlotte nearby, Mint Hill can be a terrific place to look for rental property. |
Beautiful Tega Cay
What is Tega Cay like?
Those looking for apartments in southwest Charlotte may want to consider going across the border to South Carolina to look as well. There are many lovely cities in this region that offer good proximity to the Charlotte downtown area. One of the towns in this area is Tega Cay. The city's name is Polynesian for “beautiful peninsula," and that certainly describes the look of the city. Located on the lovely Lake Wylie, Tega Cay is a very pretty place to live. The city provides the recreational opportunities and the kind of atmosphere that one might expect from a town that is situated on a lake. There is a marina here, along with walking trails, four waterfront parks and three boat launching areas. A 27-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts and several city parks also add to the allure of the area. Besides being a beautiful place to live, Tega Cay has a community feel that is palpable, which can be a nice alternative to living in downtown Charlotte. |
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Sunny Charlotte
What is the climate like in the Charlotte area?
Those searching for a good Charlotte rental spot will be happy to know that the area they have chosen to live has beautiful weather. With an annual accumulation of less than six inches of snow, winters here are typically mild. Summer months bring sunshine and bright skies with only about 36 days of temperatures over 90 degrees per year. This type of climate lends itself to outdoor recreation, and although snow is sparse, those who have their hearts set on skiing can head into the mountains if they really want to hit the slopes. Lake Norman is close to Charlotte and there are many parks and natural spaces in the area as well. Hiking, fishing and boating are all popular activities for those living in the region. In terms of temperatures, the average high temperature in January is 51 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 32 degrees F. June brings an average high of 87 degrees F with a low of 77 degrees F. It's safe to say that those who are renting in or around Charlotte will be pleased with the climate. |
The Fort Mill Area
What is the Fort Mill area like?
The Fort Mill area is a great place to look for rentals, and although the city is located in South Carolina, it is just a short drive from Charlotte. Situated next to the I-77 corridor, the town has a population of approximately 9,400 people, so it is on the smaller side. Even so, apartments in Fort Mill Area are not hard to find, and there are other cities nearby as well, including Rock Hill and Pineville. There are a number of nice parks located in town, such as Harris Street Park and Calhoun Street Park, the newest addition to the system. The parks include picnic areas and play equipment for children. Good schools and a sense of community are some of the reasons that Fort Mill is a fast-growing city. Still, the small-town atmosphere contributes to the allure of this town, and the surrounding area also has much to offer those looking to find a rental within driving distance of Charlotte. |
The Hickory Area
What is the Hickory area like?
Those searching for apartments in Hickory Area will find there is a lot to like. This neighbor of Charlotte is a fine place to live all on its own. The location of the city allows for quick access to the downtown area for those who need to commute to work. With a population of over 40,000 people, this town is just the right size for apartment living. It is easy to get around on foot here and a small town charm is ever-present. A number of vineyards are located in this area, as well as numerous parks. Lincolnton is another city in this region, and it is a bit closer to Charlotte. This town has a population of approximately 10,000 people, and it is near numerous recreational opportunities. Lake Norman is in the immediate area, offering fishing, sailing and other water activities. The South Mountains are also close to the city. These towns are both located to the northwest of Charlotte, beyond towns such as Gastonia and Dallas. |
The Lake Norman Area
What is the Lake Norman area like?
Those looking for the "lake lifestyle" can search for apartments in Mooresville/North/Lake Norman area. This entire region is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation, and it is located just to the north of Charlotte. Mooresville is just to the east of Lake Norman and it has a population of approximately 26,000 people. This city is situated 25 miles outside of Charlotte and is nicknamed "Race City USA" because it is home to so many NASCAR racing teams. Lake Norman itself is 34 miles long and it stretches through four counties in the region. With a 520-mile shoreline, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Besides typical water-based activities such as fishing, swimming and boating, there are also numerous restaurants and shops in the nearby towns. Cities that are located on Lake Norman include Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, and each has something unique to offer. |
The Rock Hill Area
What is the Rock Hill area like?
Rock Hill is a South Carolina city with a population of over 64,000 people. It is only 20 miles to the south of Charlotte, making it a possible home base for those who work in the city. Apartments in Rock Hill area are not difficult to find, and the area has a certain charm to it that makes it an enjoyable place to live. The I-77 corridor is nearby, making the commute to downtown Charlotte a quick and easy one. Rock Hill is located in York County, along with the towns of Clover, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Tega Cay and several others. This is a beautiful area that offers a mixture of outdoor recreation, arts and culture. Many of these towns also have historic buildings and structures that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Looking for rentals in this area can make a lot of sense for those who don't mind a short commute to Charlotte for work. |
Salisbury and Rowan County
What is the Salisbury-Rowan area like?
Located in Rowan County, Salisbury is a small town of approximately 25,000 people. Apartments in Salisbury can be a good choice, since the city is only 35 minutes from Charlotte. High Rock Lake and Tucker Town Lakes are located in this area so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational pursuits. The Yadkin River Trail and Yadkin Valley Wine Region are also a part of Salisbury-Rowan County. There are 24 parks in the region, with features such as walking trails and playgrounds, and two large nature preserves are here as well. The Rail Walk Art District, Waterworks Visual Arts Center and a lively performing arts community round out the options for entertainment and recreation in this area. There are also a number of historic attractions, and antique stores are plentiful in this region of the state. With just a short drive over to Charlotte's city center, Salisbury-Rowan County is a super spot to look for rentals. |
The Uptown Charlotte Area
What is the Uptown Charlotte area like?
If you are looking for apartments in Uptown Charlotte (which is also known as "Center City"), take a peek at the Second Ward area. This section of the city is currently undergoing a good deal of development and this means increased options for residential living. The growth of this area is due in part to the relocation of the convention center to this section of the city. One fairly new addition to the Second Ward is "The Green," a park area that adds some natural beauty to this part of the city. The borders of the Second Ward include E. Trade Street, Tryon Street and I-277. Tryon Street is a well-known business and entertainment district in the area. Housing development in the Uptown Charlotte region has continually increased, and between 2000 and 2010 there will be over 7,000 new units added to the landscape. This means that rental opportunities will continue to increase for some time to come. With the explosion of development in this section of the city, there has also been a boom in retail stores, with many new shops opening their doors. |
Southeast of Charlotte
What towns are located to the southeast of Charlotte?
If you are searching for a rental to the southeast of Charlotte, apartments in Indian Trail/Monroe are something that you may want to consider. Both of these towns are just outside the downtown area, so they make a great place to live if you need to commute for work in the city. Indian Trail is growing by leaps and bounds, and with over 16,000 households, there are plenty of rental properties to choose from. Monroe has a population of over 36,000 people, and it is a lovely town. Tree-lined streets and historic homes combine with salons and shops to give the city both charm and interest. The Highway 74 corridor is where most of the hustle and bustle is located, leaving the rest of the town with more of a sleepy, suburban feel. Matthews is another city in this region near Charlotte, and Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Pineville are just to the west of this area. |
Charlotte and Art
Where should I look for rentals if I want to be near art and culture?
If you love art and want to find a good apartment to rent, Charlotte can offer you the best of both worlds. The city is big enough to have world-class art, yet not so large that you will be paying the high rents you might find in cities such as New York or Chicago. Performing arts here are plentiful, with over 65,000 shows and events taking place each year. There is ballet, opera, theater and live music in the many different venues that are located throughout the city center. The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center offers shows in both the Belk Theatre and the Booth Playhouse, just one example of the locations where you can find great entertainment. The Mint Museum of Art and Mint Museum of Craft + Design provide visitors with various exhibits, and there are also museums in the area that give a glimpse into history. The downtown section of the city is the best place to look for rentals if being near art and culture is something that is important to you. |
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