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Are you searching for the ideal location to start, relocate, or expand your business? One with a business-friendly environment, a skilled talent pool, and a great quality of life for you and your family? Look no further than Charlotte, NC. Leigh Brown & Associates outlines six reasons Charlotte is the perfect place for you and your business to call home.

Think of the Charlotte Real Estate Voice by Leigh Brown & Associates as your weekly resource for getting the scoop on what’s going on in and around Charlotte and Concord. Reach out today for more info!

Lower cost of living

Despite recent growth in the housing market, Charlotte remains an affordable destination for workers in a number of industries, from the financial sector to IT and the service trades.

Demand, however, is expected to push home prices up, according to Axios Charlotte. In fact, Charlotte ranked fifth as Zillow’s hottest markets for 2022. Best Places notes that the median home price has reached $301,300; the silver lining is that home appreciation has increased 18.6% over the last year. Plus, the relative affordability of mid-range Charlotte communities gives entrepreneurs more leeway to take risks and lowers the cost of talent. The overall cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, as is the unemployment rate. 

High quality of life

Getting more for your money isn’t the only thing to love about Charlotte. Transplants move to Charlotte for its rich history, outdoor recreation, local food and wine, agricultural scene, arts community, and so much more. That’s great news for families, who are guaranteed to find plenty to do in the region, as well as business owners who capitalize on the diverse economy and sense of community.

A skilled talent pool

Charlotte has a high concentration of colleges and universities contributing to a robust talent pool for area employers. The region alone is home to 10 four-year and 22 two-year colleges and universities. Prominent Charlotte colleges and universities include:

A vibrant economy

As the second-largest banking center in the U.S. (New York City being no. 1) and seven Fortune 500 companies calling it come, it’s no wonder the Charlotte is home to hundreds of major employers including:

  • Bank of America
  • Honeywell
  • Atrium Health
  • Wells Fargo
  • Credit Karma
  • Dole Food Company
  • Lowe’s
  • Duke Energy

Support for local businesses

That community spirit combined with a business-friendly environment makes Charlotte a great place to start, relocate, or expand a business. In addition to the support of the local community, Charlotte business owners have access to information and business assistance via:

  • The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
  • Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College
  • The Small Business & Technology Development Center 
  • Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
  • The City of Charlotte’s Economic Development Department’s Business Innovation Department

Access to incentives and financing

Eligible Charlotte businesses can also take advantage of incentives such as:

  • Business Recruitment and Expansion grants
  • North Carolina performance-based incentive programs
  • Carolina Small Business Development Fund 
  • Charlotte Angel Fund

Need business financing? Check out these seven opportunities to get your operation off the ground.

Quick start business resources

Are you ready to start, relocate, or expand your business in Charlotte? Use these links to get started:

Live, work, play — Charlotte really does have it all. Whether you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or established executive, consider Charlotte for your business’s home. With the region’s recent growth and relative affordability, there’s never been a better time to launch a business in Charlotte.

When it comes to the Carolinas, we are here to help you figure it out. Email my team at One Community Real Estate®, Leigh Brown & Associates, or reach me directly at 704-507-5500 today!

~ Leigh Brown