Charlotte is ranked one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. Every day, residents arrive to enjoy its history and opportunities.
Founded in 1768, when King George III still ruled the Colonies, the new city was named after the King’s wife, Queen Charlotte. Her birthplace — Mecklenburg, Germany — became the county’s name.
If your career will be relocating you to Charlotte soon or if you’re moving for personal reasons, you may be wondering about the current state of Charlotte commercial real estate for lease.
We’ll look at average rents for several one-bedroom apartments, so you’ll have a ballpark estimate of your monthly rent and how much living space will be on offer.
And, in addition to learning about the city’s lifestyle, you’ll learn what to expect from landlords and property managers.
Here’s a preview of the Charlotte lifestyle, and what to expect after you move.
An Introduction to the Piedmont Region
Charlotte is located within the 600-mile Piedmont region of the Eastern United States. The region is intersected by a variety of rivers, stretches between New Jersey and Alabama, and is east/southeast of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Residents enjoy a warm, subtropical climate, an attractive cost of living, and plenty of leisure opportunities.
- Sports are popular with residents, as Charlotte is the home of the Carolina Panthers football team and the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
- Here’s a positive you may not be aware of: 44.78% of Charlotte’s adult population have at least a bachelor’s degree – over twice the national average.
- You’ll have opportunities for networking and taking your career to the next step here, as well as time for socializing, attending sporting events and relaxing.
When shopping for an apartment or other multifamily unit for lease, here is what you need to know.
Average Prices for One-Bedroom Apartments in Charlotte
While the current average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is around $1,520, this reflects a price increase over 2021. However, apartment prices in the city vary greatly by area and amenities.
A recent survey of average rental pricing in Charlotte produced the following statistics for one-bedroom apartments:
- From $695 to $1,000: 6%.
- From $1,001 to $1,500: 37%.
- From $1,501 to $2,000: 41%.
- Over $2,000: 16%.
As in other cities, renting in a trendier area of Charlotte will probably cost more than other neighborhoods.
For example, a one-bedroom in the historic, highly-rated Dilworth district will probably cost more than the average Charlotte apartment. Expect to pay at least $1650 a month or more.
Going Uptown, a favorite place for young professionals? High-rise apartments with all the amenities, including in-house café and concierge services, are available for over $2,000 a month.
If you’re looking for a bargain-priced apartment, plenty of choices priced at $1,100 and below are available. Most offer the standard amenities of parking, on-site laundry facilities, and a shared swimming pool.
Want to know how much square footage you’ll get for your rent? Here’s some good news.
Come Home and Relax: How Much Living Space You Can Expect
The average size of a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is just over 940 square feet, which is more generous than other more expensive cities.
However, no matter which neighborhood has your preferred vibe, rent price, and amount of living space, you’ll want to research its safety. Here are some resources.
Renting in a Safer Neighborhood
Like any other medium-to-large city, Charlotte consists of a combination of safe and not-so-safe neighborhoods.
The 76-acre Camp North End is a combined market, musical venue and business center, converted from industrial space.
Newcomers may not be aware that a safer, low-crime neighborhood may be just a mile or two away from a neighborhood with much higher crime statistics.
However, checking out a neighborhood’s potential safety has become easier. For example, websites like Area Vibes and Neighborhood Scout allow you to check out neighborhood crime ratings.
When you’ve prepared a shortlist of neighborhoods that fit your budget and personality, you may have a choice of landlords or property managers.
Neighborly Landlord or Corporate Management?
Most modern apartment complexes are owned by corporations and managed by a team of property managers.
This is because most multifamily commercial real estate is usually purchased by a corporation or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
The only exceptions? Rentals in smaller buildings, such as duplexes, are often owned by a landlord who has purchased the building as an investment property.
Landlords of smaller properties often inhabit one of the apartments within a duplex, triplex, or four-unit “quadraplex”.
If you prefer a smaller building with character, check out older Charlotte neighborhoods such as Elizabeth or suburban areas like Cotswold.
You may also be able to search online for duplex rentals where you’ll only have two or three neighbors instead of dozens.
Ready to start moving? Here are a few reminders:
Reminders for Renting in Charlotte, NC
If you’re looking for a home with a temperate climate, stable job market, and educated neighbors, Charlotte will most probably offer the lifestyle you prefer.
Residents also enjoy a slightly lower cost of living than the national average.
However, the city has limited public transportation and the nightlife isn’t what you’ll find in bigger cities.
