Charlotte Apartments and Rentals

Some say you only need to visit Charlotte once. Why's that? Because after you experience this city's charm, you'll end up moving here for good. Charlotte is the home of NASCAR, big banking, and mega-churches-but that doesn't quite do "Queen City" justice. Charlotte apartments and rentals also connect you with a down-home community that's big on doling out enthusiastic welcomes. How will you feel about this friendly city? Visit once and find out!

"Charlotte Town" was named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of British King George III. They married shortly before the town's incorporation in 1768. Queen Charlotte is also the source of this burg's nickname, "Queen City." Charlotte's other nickname, "the Hornet's Nest," arose during the Revolutionary War. When occupying British General Cornwallis got the boot from ornery Charlotte residents, that's what he called the place. After the Civil War, Charlotte became a center for cotton processing and a hub for the railroads. Then banking boomed here in the 1970s. North Carolina Nations Bank transformed into Bank of America and became the countries largest.

If you aren't familiar with Charlotte, downtown here is known as Uptown. During the day, it's all business. In the evening, however, nightlife takes the reins. From this central district, neighborhoods radiate out in all directions. NoDa, or North Davidson, is where to go for gallery hopping and great local restaurants. Myers Park is all about high-end housing. Need to do your shopping? Head to SouthPark and check out the mall.

Charlotte is best known as the second largest banking center in the United States, just behind New York City. Bank of America is based here and Wells Fargo operates their East Coast Operations in town as well. If you're not in the financial industry, don't worry. Major employers in Charlotte exist outside of banking. Big names include Lowe's, Goodrich Corporation, Nucor, and Duke Energy. This city is also hot for motorsports-you may end up working for NASCAR. Energy and trucking are other industries of note in Charlotte.

If you're hoping to learn a thing or two in this town, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the city's largest educational institution. There are quite a few other respectable schools in the area, too, including Davidson College, Charlotte School of Law, Johnson C. Smith University, and Queens University of Charlotte.

Charlotte comes in slightly below the national average when it comes to cost of living. You can score yourself a Center City loft, a cute Craftsman bungalow in Dilworth, or one of the many apartments around town. The average two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte rents for $1,039 a month. The vacancy rate here has been hovering near ten percent, which helps keep prices low.

When the workday is done, Charlotte locals relax in two key ways: they go to church and they go to the speedway. Queen City is known for its active religious life-you'll find places of worship just about everywhere you look. You'll also be living close to the races. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is located here, as is the Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you prefer your sports without engines, the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA both play in town.

Charlotte residents also take advantage of the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Head there to try your hand rafting the world's largest man-made recirculating river. Carowinds is the nearest amusement park. For a quieter day out, visit the Billy Graham Library, Discovery Place, or check out a show at NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

If you're seeking a celebration in Charlotte, you won't have to look far. This city keeps busy with religious festivals, sporting events, and many other species of family-friendly fun. Among the highlights of the local calendar you'll find the Taste of Charlotte, the Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues festival, and the Food Lion Speed Street 600 Festival. Need more? The Festival in the Park has been happening annually for near 50 years, bringing music, food, and art to the good people of Charlotte.

If you're considering renting a Charlotte apartment, why not let Rent.com® offer some assistance? Take a look through our listings to discover what kind of housing awaits you in Queen City.