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How to make moving from NYC to Charlotte, NC a breeze
Moving from New York City to North Carolina may not cause a drastic change in how you live. Although you may not experience any cultural shock, the entire relocation process can be a challenging undertaking if you don’t plan every aspect of the move. That’s why we’ve come up with a detailed guide to help you in moving from NYC to Charlotte, NC, and make sure your moving adventure remains stress-free. So, let’s get moving!
What are the Perks of moving from NYC to Charlotte, NC?
A recent study conducted by Charlotte Regional Business Alliance shows that most people moving to Charlotte, NC belong to New York. It’s not a surprise as Charlotte, NC is an attractive place to stay and offers many advantages.
Whatever might be the reason behind your move, it’s essential to get to know your destination very well. Let’s have a look at the factors you need to take into account before moving to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
- People: People living in this area claim that they’re happier than most major cities in the US. That’s probably because of more opportunities and better quality of life that you can get from moving into the city. That’s why the energy and vibe you can feel with people are quite motivating.
- Employment opportunities: When it comes to a place that offers well-paying jobs, Charlotte, NC is one of the best options. The city’s unemployment rate is low, and workers’ salary is higher than the U.S. average. If you have a background in Finance, Insurance, Health Care, Real Estate, or Technology, you can choose a variety of employment opportunities in this area.
- Weather: Weather has to be one of the best things about Charlotte, as you can see Carolina blue skies year-round. Overall, Charlotte offers warm climate conditions. The annual average temperature is 61.5 degrees, and the average yearly precipitation is 43 inches – distributed evenly throughout the year. The good part is that the Winters are not as harsh as other parts of the country.
- Affordability: Another reason to love Charlotte, NC, is its extremely affordablilty. Both houses and living costs are almost 50% lower than New York. It’s no surprise that the average age of people moving to Charlotte is nearly 31. These millennials are looking to buy a house, plan to raise a family, and get better career opportunities – Charlotte offers it all.
- Neighborhoods & Outdoor Activities – There are 19 neighborhoods in Charlotte, which makes it a bit harder for you to narrow down your home options. Plus, you can find comfort, creativity, and convenience in many neighborhoods located in the downtown area.
You can find many historical sites, parks, restaurants, and events to plan outdoor visits with your family. Some of the most attractive ones are the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and the Nascar Hall of Fame. The year-round warm weather means that your children are not stuck at home during winters.
Living in NYC vs. Charlotte: Which one is Better?
Should you move from NYC to Charlotte or stay in NYC? Well, there’s no one-word answer to this question as it all depends on your priorities. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help you. Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
| Parameter | New York | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Not only in the US, but New York is the most expensive city globally. | The cost of living in Charlotte, NC is 43.6% less than NYC. |
| House Prices | New York tops the charts when it comes to housing prices. The average housing price is $760K. | The median house price in Charlotte, NC is $374K, less than half of New York. |
| Weather | There are 224 on average yearly sunny days in New York and witnesses 46.6 inches of rain on average. It also sees 25.3 inches of snow every year. Overall the weather remains pleasant, but it can get quite cold during the Winter. | Charlotte averages 218 sunny days and 43.1 inches of rain, on a yearly average. It witnesses just 2.3 inches of snow on average. Thanks to its location, Charlotte, NC remains a warmer place. |
| Per Capita Income | As per 2019 data of the government, the per capita income in NYC was $39,828, marginally higher than that of Charlotte, NC. | $38,000 was per capita income in Charlotte, NC. It is almost equal to NYC. |
| Crime Rate | The crime rate in NYC is less compared to Charlotte, NC. | The crime rate is quite high compared to NYC and the national average. |
| Unemployment Rate | 11.2% | 4.9% |
| Average Commute Time | 40.78 minutes | 25.3 minutes |
New York has its charm but you can see why many are moving to Charlotte, NC. Not only it is significantly less expensive, but it also offers almost equal economical opportunities. You will surely miss the buzz of the city, but you are in for a treat if you are looking for a peaceful way of living. It is an excellent place to raise a family without the high loving costs of NYC.
Here’s what ex-New Yorkers living in Charlotte, NC have to say about their experience:
“I used to live in NYC from 2010 to 2014. Like a lot of other New Yorkers – I grew tired of the high NY state and city tax, riding in crowded subways, paying outrageous amounts for everything and the really cramped spaces.
I moved to Charlotte, NC in 2014 and I absolutely love it here. Overall – it is a pretty nice and safe city, with a fusion of liberal and conservative values. Sure – this is the south; some people have guns and some people have pickup trucks. No matter what – everyone is usually polite. If you are polite and courteous to people – they will return the favor.
P.S. there are some bad neighborhoods here that you don’t want to walk about alone in the night. Just like there are some bad neighborhoods in the Bronx or Queens. If you exercise good judgement – you will not get in any trouble.” Raghupathy Srinivasan (click here to read in full)
“We moved here in 2002. If you like a small city on the ocean that has most of everything except a college football team Wilmington is great and near the ocean. For finance related jobs Charlotte. Vibrant growing city with nice neighborhoods. Uptown is a great place to live. For tech jobs you might want to check out Raleigh Durham area or NC’s tech triangle. Also if you are into artsy crafty stuff and like the mountains you might want to look at our mountain areas, Boone, etc. Walk along a street and say “good morning” and , no matter who you say it to you will get a “good morning” back. Yea the grass is always greener somewhere else but over all, and i have lived East, West, North, and now South NC is a bargain. Note it is a right to work state, low taxed, and no budget deficit. Come on down.” Ken Badoian on Quora
What to do when moving from NYC To Charlotte, NC or vice versa?
With hundreds of miles away from NYC to North Carolina, the moving process can be overwhelming. However, with proper planning, preparation, and organization, the transition will be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are the things you need to do when you decide moving from Charlotte, NC to NYC or the other way round:
Make your budget carefully: It’s best to set your budget in advance to give way for the moving costs as well as the post-relocation expenses during the first few months in one of the attractive southern cities of the United States. By having a budget in place, you’ll have a good idea of how much money you’re going to spend for your move to North Carolina.
Declutter – A long-distance move becomes more costly if you bring all of your stuff with you. To save more money and avoid transporting unnecessary boxes, find time to sort through your things, and get rid of those you’ll no longer use. You can organize a garage sale and earn some income or donate your stuff to a charity near your home. Remember, the more you declutter, the better.
Collect packing supplies ahead of time – Running back and forth to buy packing supplies can be a complete hassle on your end. Before you start packing, get hold of all the materials you need. Check whether you can ask for durable boxes from grocery stores for free or at a lower price. Don’t forget to buy packing tapes, markers, and bubble wraps for delicate items. The earlier you prepare for the supplies, the smoother the packing process will be.
Pack smartly – Plan a strategy for the entire packing job. Whether you’ll pack by room or by priority, the decision is up to you. What’s important is that you stay organized from start to finish. If possible, pack the non-essential items first followed by the essentials. Be sure to bring what’s only necessary and leave the unwanted ones behind.
Label the boxes – Moving far away is a daunting process and you can’t handle the stress if you find out that some of your boxes are missing or misplaced. To prevent this complication during the process, take inventory, and label your boxes appropriately. Detailing your boxes accordingly means it’ll be easier for you to unpack and fill your new space.
Have a quick visit to your new city – Knowing your new place beforehand can make any adjustments much more manageable. As you explore the wonders of your new city, you can set your expectations in advance, making the relocation a breeze.
Should you hire movers or do it yourself?
There’s no doubt that moving is a stressful experience and that’s why many people think of hiring moving companies. You also might be going through the same dilemma and looking for an answer. Let’s have a look at various factors you must consider in the decision-making process:
| Factor | Hire Movers | Do it Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Stress & Time | It takes a lot less time and reduces stress as your moving process is in the hands of experienced professionals. Plus, you don’t have to lift a single thing when you hire movers. | It can be an overwhelming experience as it has many moving parts. It often takes a considerable time as you will be dealing with a lot of unexpected things. You will have to do a lot of heavy lifting and it can tire you out. |
| Moving Tools & Equipment | Moving companies have all the required stuff to help you make your move. | You will have to purchase a lot of things or work with less effective tools. |
| Comparative Moving Cost | It is more costly than moving yourself but it’s not always the case. | It is usually less expensive than hiring a moving company. It might not involve moving fees but you need to consider the stress and time that go into it. |
| Additional Expenses | Moving doesn’t involve any additional expense apart from the fuel charges. | Along with the equipments and fuel expenses, you also need to consider the accommodation and food expenses you will incur along the way. |
| Moving Costs (in numbers) | Local Moving: $1,100 to $2500 Long Distance Moving: $5,000 to $8,000 | Local Move: $1,300 to $1600 Long Distance Move: $4,000 to $7,000 |
Why should you hire a moving company for moving from NYC to Charlotte, NC?
Unless you have a few boxes to move to a nearby location, there’s every reason to hire a moving company. Moving companies have experience of moving delicate items and can face challenges that you cannot even think of. Not only your valuables are safer, but you can also be at peace and deal with things that will need your attention after your move.
It might cost you additional money but the difference is not huge. Plus, costs are not measured in money but also in terms of your mental health and the time you spend after it. If we do the math, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that hiring good long distance NYC movers is worth every penny. But not all moving companies are the same, which brings us to our next point.
READ ALSO: Move yourself or hire movers: Here’s how to decide
How to hire a reputable NYC moving company?
As we saw in the previous section, the best way to make your move fast and easy is by hiring experienced movers. These professionals have the tools and equipment to ensure all your belongings will be transported safely. By seeking help from them, you may have easy access to a wide variety of packing materials.
On the other hand, finding a suitable moving company requires a lot of time and effort. You may need to do some research to make sure to choose the right one. Here’s what you can do to hire the perfect fit for the job:
- Ask for referrals from friends, relatives, and neighbors who had previous moving experience
- Request for moving estimates from various moving companies and compare prices
- Check the company’s license status and insurance coverage
- Check the company’s website and go through online reviews on independent platforms
- Get some references or a list of previous clients whom you can call for verification
- Know about the moving company’s experience in the industry
- Get familiar with the company’s offerings and policies
Final Words
With a booming economy, peaceful living, lesser living costs and picture-perfect mountains, Charlotte, NC offers you a unique package. By hiring reliable NYC movers and learning about what Charlotte, NC has to offer, you can make the process of moving from NYC to North Carolina enjoyable and an experience to remember.
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