**The Best Thing About Charlotte? Work Hard. Play Hard.**

Charlotte is a small town with big city feels. Most known for being the biggest banking city outside of NYC and SF, Charlotte can also be summed up with the phrase “banks and beer.” The city boasts a relatively low cost of living alongside ample job opportunities in banking and medical fields. If you work that hard, you have to play harder. If anyone asks a local what there is to do in Charlotte, they’ll probably roll their eyes, take a big breath, and rattle off one of the many tourist attractions Charlotte is known for: go to a Panthers or Hornets game, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, go to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, or visit the Bechtler Museum Modern Art. You’ll say thank you and then they’ll continue on their way to one of the amazing, and likely dog-friendly, breweries in Charlotte with their faithful companion to enjoy the amazing weather. 

**The Worst Thing About Charlotte?**  Making room for all the expansion.

Charlotte is not exempt from the same lack of city-planning that plagues it’s larger southern counterparts (we’re looking at you, ATL). Locals will complain about traffic getting exponentially worse as time goes on and a lot of that has to do with trying to make room for the vast amount of people who are looking to make Charlotte their new home. As expansion takes over the city, many Charlotteans are moving to the suburbs to get away from rising costs of living and constant construction. 

**How You Living?**  District Pride.

Charlotte has a number of distinct districts for soon-to-be transplants to call home! Young and looking for local hangs? Look no further than Southend. Full of breweries, apartments, and bars, the younger crowd tends to move here for the easy commute to Uptown or Ballantyne. Have change to spare and want a more upscale feel? Dilworth is for you! It’s home to Charlotte’s old money and, if you can afford it, you can buy a home on a gorgeous tree-lined street near tons of nice bars and cafes. If you don’t mind rolling your sleeves up and doing some work, Wilmore may be for you. It’s full of historic craftsman homes and homes perfect for the zealous DIY-er. Bonus that it’s close to the highway!

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Be a part of something bigger!

As with most hidden gem cities, you want to move before it's too late! More than that, Charlotte has been called a city "searching for its soul as it grows'' and that couldn't be more true. Although life-long Charlottans are few and far between, everyone who moves here moved here for the gorgeous weather, affordability (relatively), and the ease and allure of the many weekend getaway spots. Don't count Charlotte out - as it grows, we think it'll find its place amongst the best little cities in the US.


Charlotte

The Hornet's Nest

**The Best Thing About Raleigh?**  Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round That Old Oak Tree

Everybody knows about the tech scene in the Research Triangle (Raleigh is one of the three in the triangle) but what most are surprised by is that when you fly into Raleigh it is hard to even see the city through the dense trees that line the streets. This makes the city spectacularly green and beautiful, and creates a smaller town feeling as a result of how each block is protected by the massive oaks. It also gives the city a suburban feel, and so particularly family friendly. They also provide homes, yards, walks, and parks lots of shade during the hotter months of summer. 

**The Worst Thing About Raleigh?**  Competition
The toughest thing for Raleigh is the fact that there are such popular cities nearby. Durham and Chapel Hill, the other two cities in the Research Triangle are better places for the younger professionals looking for more active social scenes and greater diversity of activities and culture. It means that Raleigh can feel transient as people slide through on their way to these other cities. 

**How You Living?**  Treelined Streets

This is a bit redundant but it goes without saying that the big selling point about the type of home and neighborhood you’re likely to live in is the stunning oaks that make your city neighborhood feel like a suburb. The Five Points neighborhood might be the best example of this: dominated by colorful Craftsman bungalows surrounded by beautiful parks, but also with newer apartment buildings popping up, and emerging artsy commercial spots within walking distance. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  It Ain’t Slowing Down

Let’s assume for a minute that North Carolina is going to keep growing and nothing is going to slow it down. Given that circumstance, Raleigh is possibly the best choice among the other “hotter” cities. It’s prices have risen for sure but relative to Charlotte, Chapel Hill, or Durham, you’re still getting in pretty early in Raleigh. 


Raleigh

City Of Oaks

**The Best Thing About Winston-Salem?** 

Some city perks, while also feeling like you’re in the country amid historic mansions and estates.
You’re just a few short hours from the beach and as well as the Smoky Mountains. This is the kind of place that has local stuff to do but still a quiet, laid back pace.
Winston has some treasures. One is Salem Lake, a large lake with a seven mile trail around it, surrounded by lots of woods. Another is Reynolda Gardens, the former home of RJ and Katharine Reynolds. There's a large green lawn out front (great for a picnic) and lots of walking trails. The house itself is a home to a museum of American art. The downtown transformation has been amazing, including repurposing of old tobacco factories.

**The Worst Thing About Winston-Salem?** 

Pollen and humidity can be wicked. 

**How You Living?** 

W-S is the kind of town that married people who are starting families like. An easy but fun lifestyle, quiet but things to do, food-centric with craft brews and pressed juice and overall, above par schools. 

Buena Vista is the hot-spot. Homes there can be much larger than they look on tree-lined streets. Also, stately homes dating to the 1920’s and before with very large square footage and very large, meticulously landscaped lawns.
Nearby is an equally stately but somewhat less lofty area called West Highlands. The fringe areas of this neighborhood border on busy highways and retail establishments so some streets are more desirable than others. This neighborhood is quite hilly which adds to the character but might be daunting for those who like to walk.
Ardmore is one of the few walkable neighborhoods, a charming vintage neighborhood filled with mostly cottages that are well designed and well detailed but more modest than those found in Buena Vista. Several nice small parks, very close proximity to medical facilities.
There are funkier, artsier, eclectic Victorian, gentrified areas that are desirable including West End,  West Salem, parts of Washington Park. These areas feature wood-sided Victorian and Craftsman style homes.
The best burbs tend toward the river to the west. Lewisville, Advance and Clemmons offer lower taxes and more house on more land for your money. Good schools, too. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Avoiding big city life/traffic and having enough to do without having everything possible at your fingertips. And Raleigh and Charlotte a short hop away. 




Winston-Salem

Old & Lovely

**The Best Thing About Asheville?** Mountain Living

Asheville is a haven for the outdoor adventurer. While there are lots of things to love here, hiking the mountain trails like Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Loop, Art Loeb Trail, & Linville Falls (did we mention all the waterfall hikes?) is tops on most resident and visitor lists. When you’re done with your trek you’ll also find a great foodie scene and plenty of amazing wine and craft beer, so don’t go thinking this is a one-note city. 

**The Worst Thing About Asheville?** When It Rains, It Floods
The surrounding mountains act as a giant funnel delivering water into Asheville and causing river and creek banks to overflow. Streets tend to flood and if your home is in a lower valley you can expect some water damage. One word of caution: pick a home that isn’t amidst the low lying land. 

**How You Living?** Nestled

Asheville is “nestled” in the Blue Ridge Mountains and no matter where you live that feeling dominates your sense of place. 

The Central Business District has a lot of condo options if you favor downtown living. If a good walkscore to restaurants, shops and art galleries is your thing then you’ll be fine here. Outside of downtown are beautiful neighborhoods like Montford, North Asheville & Grove Park that have large historic homes or Arts & Crafts bungalows. Retirees should check out Beaverdam, while hipsters or artsy-folks should look at West Asheville, which is home to the arts scene, and has its own downtown area with music, bars and great restaurants.  

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** It Ain’t The Villages (or Florida for that matter)

This is primarily a point for those looking for a place to retire. They say that you’re either a Villages person or you’re not (Google The Villages in Florida to see what we’re talking about). If you think of Florida as a giant version of The Villages and you decide there is no way you can handle that, then consider Asheville. Pre and Post-Pandemic moving trends are driving growth here so if you’re considering the move we’d recommend doing so post-haste. 


Asheville

Land Of The Sky

**The Best Thing About Greensboro?** Getting out there

Though Greensboro may feel like a suburb, many people there treat it like the country. It’s just a few hours from the Appalachian Mountains and Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks are nearby and there are lots of opportunities to get outside and on the numerous lakes. In fact, the entire city is dedicated to the environment, implementing eco-friendly initiatives to protect it in transit and other areas. 

**The Worst Thing About Greensboro?** Different life for different folks

Greensboro can be hard for people with less financial means. The city has a lot of history and is very diverse and is known as somewhat of a “melting pot,” but it remains unfortunately segregated and divisive. It’s also considered one of the more dangerous cities in North Carolina. 
 
 
**How You Living?** 

Families in Greensboro can have a well-balanced life with plenty to do and see, and lots of reasons to be outside. The state parks are great, and there are lots of family-oriented activities like the Greensboro Science Center, which also has a nice zoo. There are several universities close by and lots of young people infusing energy into daily life.
 
**Why You Should Move Here Now?**

Greensboro is a nice sized city and is in the process of growing. There’s no particular emphasis on any industry but people can get decent jobs and income. Also, the public schools are considered to be above the national average. 


Greensboro

Just A Hike Away

**The Best Thing About Chapel Hill?** - More than just the Tar Heels

The University of North Carolina and the legendary Tar Heels are the two reasons most people hear about Chapel Hill, and for good reason. An elite university with a legendary sports program is something any city would be proud of, and Tar Heel pride runs deep. But Chapel Hill is so much more than just the ‘Heels. The economy stretches beyond the university with health, finance and tech being major sectors of employment here. Chapel Hill is beautiful, the housing market is stable, and reasonably priced for all of the opportunities this city has to offer. Low crime rates, high paying jobs, and a foodie scene make Chapel Hill a great place not just for students, but families and young professionals as well.

**The Worst Thing About Chapel Hill?** The Clash of Ideologies.

Being a major academic institution in the south, Chapel Hill has some conflicting characteristics. Conservatives complain CH is too progressive with affluent, close-minded liberals who won’t listen to them. Liberals complain CH is too conservative with too many racist, close-minded conservatives who won’t listen to them. Basically if you aren’t willing to stand in line next to a family wearing “Black Lives Matter” t-shirts OR fill up your gas tank next to a couple wearing MAGA hats, you’ll probably find Chapel Hill frustrating in one way or another. 

**How You Living?** College Apartment or Small Town Vibe

Apartments near the college can be difficult to get with all of the competition, even if you are a student. Most housing away from campus is single family homes, with most of the buildings built when the city expanded in the late 20th century. Housing prices are generally right around the national average, and the quality public schools around town make Chapel Hill a great place for families. Two common complaints about living here are that drivers are notoriously bad and that parking availability is abysmal outside of residential streets.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** - The Perfect College Town

Let’s end by circling back to the positives of Chapel Hill. It’s a great college town with a variety of work and living options, and a unique atmosphere that provides options for people from all walks of life all for a reasonable price. That isn’t changing anytime soon. 



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