Located within Mecklenburg County in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte is the 16th largest city in the US by population. Home to over 790,000 residents, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and provides both locals and tourists with an array of cultural and professional opportunities. The Charlotte metropolitan area, which includes a sixteen county region of the state, features nearly 2.5 million inhabitants. Business owners seeking rental properties for lease in this area of the state, including office space for rent and commercial space for rent, will be rewarded with a wide variety of affordable, advantageously positioned locations that are guaranteed to provide passionate entrepreneurs the foundation they need to succeed. The various neighborhoods of Charlotte are currently home to retail shopping establishments, office complexes, business centers and a variety of other professional enterprises.

The median household income level in Charlotte is approximately $50,000, slightly higher than the state average of $45,000. Charlotte is commonly considered one of the region’s most prominent financial centers, and currently hosts the regional headquarters of both Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Common occupations for residents of Charlotte include positions in industries including finance, insurance, construction, healthcare and education, among others. The current unemployment level in Charlotte is slightly below state averages, although both figures remain above the nationwide levels. For those seeking secure corporate careers, Charlotte may prove to be ideal. The city is home to eight Fortune 500 companies as well as a variety of energy-related enterprises. In 2013, Forbes listed Charlotte among its top choices for the best place to establish a business or career. Recent studies have shown that nearly 10% of the local population here is currently living below the poverty line.

Charlotte is also the primary home of NASCAR, the nation’s most popular motor sports organization. Roughly 75% of NASCAR’s logistical operation is based here, proving itself to be yet another significant job creator in the area. Alongside the other professional sports organizations in the city, NASCAR’s presence in Charlotte ensures a regular influx of enthusiasts into the city.

Charlotte also hosts a number of large higher education institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These colleges and universities are a significant source of both employment and financial gain, as students from across the country and world seek enrollment here on an annual basis.

Charlotte is not only is a vibrant economic hub, but also hosts countless cultural attractions that serve to attract both tourists and entrepreneurs who are eager to tap into a more educated and sophisticated demographic. Popular museums in the area include the Bechtler Museum of Art, Discovery Place, the Mint Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South. A number of performing arts organizations also call this area home, including Opera Carolina, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the North Carolina Dance Theater and Charlotte Shakespeare, among others.

Charlotte is currently home to two professional sports teams: the Carolina Panthers (football) and the Charlotte Hornets (basketball). These organizations have proven themselves to be a significant source of income for the local economy, and both teams regularly draw large numbers of individuals from both the city and state at large.

The Charlotte Area Transit System currently provides comprehensive public transportation services for residents of the city.

The origins of Charlotte can be traced back to 1755, when the first European settlers arrived in this area of what was then a British colony. Following the closure of the American Revolution for Independence, Charlotte was home to the first ever American gold rush. This area of the country hosted gold prospectors from across the country until 1848, when the California Gold Rush began. The financial industry that now drives a substantial portion of the local economy here was first established in the 1970s. In terms of control of assets, Charlotte is now considered the second largest financial headquarters in the country, trailing only behind New York City. Charlotte was placed in the public spotlight in 1989 following the devastating arrival of Hurricane Hugo, which caused significant damage to public buildings and private residential properties around the city.

According to recent demographic studies, the city of Charlotte is predominantly Caucasian, although several other ethnic groups are featured prominently in the area. These figures are markedly different than those obtained in the 1970 census, which reported the population of Charlotte as nearly 70% Caucasian and 30% African American. As the city’s economy continues to expand, it is likely that the levels of diversification that have already been seen will continue on. The per capita income of Charlotte’s residents is approximately $30,000.

As can be seen in virtually all of the major cities in the United States currently, Charlotte is in the process of further developing pre-existing industries as well as nurturing new business enterprises that will allow the city to remain competitive in the upcoming years. Experts agree that Charlotte is rapidly becoming the hub of trucking and freight transportation for businesses that regularly engage in commerce with major East Coast cities, including Boston, New York and Philadelphia. There are now more than 240 energy-related companies operating in Charlotte, helping the city to earn the title of “The New Energy Capital” of the United States.

Charlotte’s well developed infrastructure and rapidly expanding economy have transformed this city into a “go-to” destination for business owners seeking an opportunity to secure affordable rental properties that remain highly visible and likely to yield positive financial results. The downtown region of Charlotte is likely to be the best possible rental location for businesses that rely upon sustained pedestrian traffic. Corporate entities will also find this region of the city to be the most conducive for their own needs and interests. Those seeking to establish a presence in Charlotte will find the leasing prices here very budget-friendly.

• Charlotte, NC Travel & Tourism
• City of Charlotte, NC Home Page
• Charlotte, NC Chamber of Commerce
• Charlotte, North Carolina – City Data