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Deciding to relocate can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when comparing places to call home. For those considering a move between the vibrant cities of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of what each location offers.
We aim to provide valuable insights into living in Charlotte versus Atlanta for individuals at the early stages of their moving process. By examining various aspects of these cities, we hope to assist readers in making an informed decision that aligns with their lifestyle preferences and priorities.
Why listen to us? We have movers in Atlanta, movers in Charlotte, and movers, well…in a lot of other cities. We love learning about new cities, and sharing what we’ve learned!
Schools in Atlanta vs. Charlotte
The quality of education is usually a top priority when moving to a new city. Atlanta and Charlotte offer various educational opportunities, but some notable differences exist.
Atlanta is reputable as a hub for higher education institutions, making it an attractive choice for students seeking post-secondary options. Renowned universities such as Emory University and Georgia Tech offer world-class education across various fields in Atlanta.
Atlanta has public and private schools known for their academic rigor in primary and secondary education. The Atlanta Public School system serves over 50,000 students with numerous magnet programs that cater to diverse interests and talents. These schools have a 40% average math proficiency score and 45% reading proficiency. Schools in Charlotte are among the top 50% of North Carolina public schools, with an average ranking of 6/10. The average ranking for schools in Atlanta is 5/10, falling in the bottom 50% of Georgia public schools.
Charlotte also offers excellent educational prospects with its robust public school system; for instance, Mecklenburg County Public Schools provide comprehensive K-12 education. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) have also implemented specialized programs like STEM-focused academies to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Moreover, Charlotte is home to esteemed universities, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, presenting further educational opportunities.
Want to learn more? Read our guides to Charlotte Schools and Atlanta schools.
Transportation
Charlotte and Atlanta are metropolitan areas that experience traffic congestion. Atlanta is known for its heavy traffic during peak hours, especially on major highways like I-285 and I-85. Commuters may experience delays during their daily routines. A commuter in Atlanta will spend an average of 39 minutes one way, for about 19 miles. 12% of commuters spend over an hour going to work, whereas 8% spend less than 10 minutes.
While Charlotte also faces some traffic challenges, it generally has less severe congestion than Atlanta. The average commute time in Charlotte is 25.7 minutes when traffic is heaviest near Uptown. However, growth within both cities means rush hour delays are becoming increasingly common.
Public Transportation Systems
Atlanta boasts MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), comprising buses and trains serving various parts of the city. MARTA offers convenient access to downtown areas, major attractions, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – one of the busiest airports globally.
Charlotte’s public transportation system includes CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System), operating buses throughout the city, and light rail services known as the LYNX Blue Line. While not as expansive as MARTA’s network yet rapidly expanding with future expansion plans underway – CATS provides reliable transport options for commuters within specific areas.
Airports Connectivity
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is usually busy due to its numerous domestic and international connections. This connectivity makes traveling from Atlanta relatively convenient, with many direct flight options available.
On the other hand, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a hub for American Airlines, offering excellent connectivity across North America and several international destinations. The airport’s efficiency and shorter security lines make it an attractive option for frequent flyers.
Bike and Pedestrian Friendliness
Both cities have tried to enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure in recent years. Atlanta has implemented the BeltLine project, comprised of a network of multi-use trails connecting neighborhoods and parks. Charlotte has also invested in expanding its greenways, providing recreational paths for cycling or walking enthusiasts.
Read our guide to pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Charlotte and Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods.
Jobs and Economy
Both Charlotte and Atlanta offer diverse industries that contribute to their thriving economies.
Known as the business capital of the Southeast, Atlanta has a robust economy bolstered by several prominent industries. It’s home to Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and Home Depot. These companies provide employment opportunities across various sectors, such as finance, logistics, transportation, and retail.
Atlanta has also emerged as a film production hub, with significant studios setting up operations in the area. This growth has increased job prospects within the entertainment industry.
Moreover, healthcare plays a significant role in Atlanta’s economy, with world-class medical facilities like Emory Healthcare attracting skilled professionals nationwide.
While historically known for its banking sector due to being home to Bank of America and Wells Fargo East Coast headquarters – Charlotte’s economy has diversified.
Finance remains one of Charlotte’s strong suits; however, it also boasts thriving sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy (including renewable energy), information technology (IT), automotive engineering, research & development, biotechnology & life sciences – fostering innovation-driven job growth.
Entertainment
Regarding entertainment, both Charlotte and Atlanta offer various options to suit diverse tastes.
Nightclubs and Restaurants
Atlanta is renowned for its lively nightlife scene, courtesy of numerous nightclubs. Popular areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Edgewood Avenue are known for clubs and lounges that attract partygoers throughout the week.
Similarly, Charlotte offers a thriving nightlife with trendy bars in neighborhoods like Uptown Charlotte, offering a mix of upscale venues and casual hangouts. The city also has a diverse culinary scene featuring restaurants serving Southern comfort food and international cuisines.
Read our guide to Atlanta’s nightlife to learn more.
Live Entertainment
Both cities offer an abundance of live entertainment options. Atlanta’s Fox Theatre hosts Broadway shows, while the Mercedes-Benz Stadium attracts major concerts by world-renowned artists.
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is a cultural hub hosting Broadway tours and other artistic performances in Charlotte. The PNC Music Pavilion brings notable musicians to town during the summer concert season.
Dating Scene
As dynamic urban centers with young professional populations, Charlotte and Atlanta offer active dating scenes, each city provides countless opportunities for meeting new people through social events such as speed dating nights or themed singles gatherings hosted at various venues throughout the year.
Outdoors
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Charlotte and Atlanta have their fair share of natural attractions. From parks and green spaces to proximity to mountains or beaches, these cities offer opportunities for residents to connect with nature.
Check out our guide to Atlanta’s parks to learn more.
Access to Parks and Green Space
Charlotte takes pride in its extensive park system, offering numerous options for outdoor enthusiasts. Freedom Park is popular with expansive walking trails, sports fields, and a picturesque lake. The U.S. National Whitewater Center provides an avenue for thrilling adventures like whitewater rafting and mountain biking.
Atlanta also has an impressive selection of parks, such as Piedmont Park, perfect for picnics or strolls. Additionally, the Atlanta BeltLine offers miles of scenic trails connecting various neighborhoods while promoting active lifestyles.
Distance to Beaches and Mountains
While neither city is directly located on the coast or within mountains, they provide reasonable access to these natural wonders. Charlotte and Atlanta are just a few hours’ drive away from stunning Atlantic Coast beaches like Myrtle Beach (for Charlotte) or Tybee Island (for Atlanta).
For mountain lovers, Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains are approximately two hours away from Charlotte by car. At the same time, North Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest presents picturesque hiking trails within similar driving distance from Atlanta.
Cost of Living
Regarding data from Bestplaces.net, Charlotte has a median home price of $ 381,800, much higher than Atlanta’s $ 364,300. Also, Charlotte’s cost of living is 99.7%, while Atlanta’s cost is 109.4%, compared to the United States’ 100% average. The overall cost of living in Charlotte is lower than in Atlanta.
Safety
Security is essential for any residential area. Charlotte is among the cities with the highest crime rates in America, with a rate of 40 per 1,000 residents. Enderly Park has a notoriously bad reputation, with a violent crime rate 292% higher than the national average. Its dense population contributes to higher criminal activity likelihood since the concentration of visitors and residents is high.
The crime rate in Atlanta is 50 per 1,000 residents, making it also one of the most dangerous cities in America. A resident has a one in 20 chance of becoming a property or violent crime victim. The most dangerous neighborhood is Oakland City, with a violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people. Its overall crime rate is 29% higher than the national average. Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas and public transportation if you are a visitor.
We have guides to Atlanta’s safest neighborhoods and Charlotte’s safest neighborhoods if you want to learn more.
Do You Need Help Moving?
As you navigate this exciting transition, remember the importance of reliable moving services. Bellhop Moving Services can help ensure a smooth and efficient relocation process. With their professional expertise and commitment to exceptional customer service, Bellhop Movers can handle all aspects of your move carefully and efficiently. Whether you need assistance with packing, unpacking, loading, or unloading heavy items during the moving process – our team of trained professionals is ready to assist.
We can help with long-distance moves to Charlotte, or long-distance moves to Atlanta.
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