The ABCs of Charlotte Schools, Child Care, Senior Housing
Relocating to Charlotte? This checklist of resources will help you settle in faster and covers everything from Charlotte NC schools and child care to senior housing, taxes and weather for an easier transition to life in the “Queen City”. Here’s the insider’s relocation primer to Charlotte from A-Z! Moving is tough, especially to an unfamiliar place. Scroll through the entire alphabet or skip ahead and save yourself some running around by using the links below. Soon, you’ll be so knowledgeable you may be mistaken for a native Charlottean!
A
Animal License – Newcomers have 30 days after establishing residency to get licenses for their dogs and cats. Licenses are available from the Animal Control Bureau located at 8315 Bynum Ave, or call (704) 336-3786.
B
Building Permits – If you’re planning on doing a little remodeling, and aren’t sure whether or not you need a permit, call (704) 336-2831 first.
C
Child Care – Child Care Resources, Inc. offers free assistance in finding and selecting child care to meet your family’s specific needs. Call (704) 348-2181 for referrals to the accredited child care centers located near your home or employer.
Churches and Places of Worship – Charlotte has over 700 churches located within the city. Neighborhood churches provide a variety of opportunities to their members, from daycare and youth education to groups for singles, young adults, parents and seniors.
The Clergy Association of Charlotte-Mecklenburg can provide information about churches in your area. You may also want to contact one of the denominational headquarters listed below.
Phone: (704) 376-7782
Denominational Headquarters
- Advent Christian – (704) 545-6161
- AME Zion – (704) 332-7600
- Baptist – (704) 375-1197
- Catholic – (704) 370-6299
- Christian & Missionary Alliance – (704) 543-0470
- Church of God – (704) 394-6333
- Church of the Nazarene – (704) 537-8801
- Church of Religious Science – (704) 531-7993
- Episcopal – (704) 333-0387 or (704) 332-4171
- Greek Orthodox – (704) 334-4771
- Islamic Center of Charlotte – (704) 537-9399
- Jewish – (704) 366-5007
- Lutheran – (704) 372-7317
- Moravian – (704) 334-1381
- Presbyterian – (704) 535-9999
- Salvation Army – (704) 334-4731
- Seventh Day Adventist – (704) 596-3200
- Unitarian – (704) 366-8623
- United Methodist – (704) 535-2260
Cost of Living – Calculate the cost of living in Charlotte compared to where you’re living now. Overall housing values in the Mecklenburg County have risen with the area’s steady growth. As of July 2022, the average price for a home in Mecklenburg County was $400,000.
Crime Analysis – Call (704) 336-4043 to get the crime rate for specific areas or streets in the Charlotte area, or check the NC Sex Offenders Registry or Crime Information , and put in the ZIP Code of the area you want to search.
D
Deed Forms – These North Carolina Deed and Security forms are formatted to meet the statutory requirements of North Carolina.
Drivers License – Newcomers have 30 days after establishing residency to get their NC Drivers License.
- 6016 Brookshire Blvd – (704) 392-3266
- Hwy 29 North – (704) 547-5787
- 201 W. Arrowood Rd – (704) 527-2562
License Plate Offices
- 6016 Brookshire Blvd – (704) 399-8306
- 6058 E. Independence Blvd, and Hwy 495 – (704) 455-9517
- 4200 South Blvd – (704) 525-3832
E
Employers, Charlotte NC– Charlotte offers a productive work force for companies concerned about the quality of their products or services.
The number of firms locating in Charlotte during the last ten years is evidence of the quality of Charlotte’s work force. Presently, nearly 300 of the nation’s largest industrial and service corporations listed by Fortune magazine have facilities in Mecklenburg County. A quality work force attracts quality corporate citizens.
- Wells Fargo Corp.*
- Carolinas HealthCare System*
- Bank of America Corp.*
- Duke Energy Corp.*
- Delhaize America Inc./Food Lion LLC
- Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
- Ruddick Corp.*
- U.S. Airways Group Inc.
- Springs Industries Inc.
- Winn-Dixie Charlotte Inc.
- Presbyterian Healthcare/Novant Health Inc.*
- Freightliner, LLC
- Fieldcrest Cannon
- Northeast Medical Center
- Bi-Lo LLC.
- Corning Cable Systems
- BellSouth Corp.
- Phillip Morris USA
- CaroMont Health
- Belk Inc.*
- Compass Group North America*
- CommScope Inc.
- Solectron Technology Inc.
- Continental Tire North America*
- International Business Machines Corp.
*Headquartered in Mecklenburg County
F
Fire Districts – To find out which fire department services your neighborhood, and to determine your homeowner insurance rating, call (704) 336-2441.
G
Government – The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County govern independently. If you’re unsure which government agency would handle your question, call (704) 366-7600.
H
Healthcare – No matter where you live, you’ll find high-quality healthcare facilities nearby that offer everything from primary to emergency care.
- Carolinas Medical Center – (704) 355-2000 / (704) 355-4084
- Lake Norman Regional Medical Center – (704) 663-1113 / (704) 662-3755
- Mercy Hospital – (704) 379-5000 / (704) 379-6045
- Mercy Hospital South – (704) 543-2000 / (704) 379-6045
- NorthEast Medical Center – (704) 783-3000 / (704) 783-1231
- Presbyterian Hospital – (704) 384-4001 / (704) 384-4295
- Presbyterian Hospital Matthews – (704) 384-6370 / (704) 384-6515
- University Hospital – (704) 568-6000 / (704) 355-4084
Healthcare Referral Services:
- CareConnection – (704) 384-4111
- Charlotte Dental Society – (704) 376-0847
- Mecklenburg County Medical Society – (704) 376-3688
- United Way Hotline – (704) 377-1100
History – Although settled by the Scotch Irish in the 1740s, the Charlotte area also felt the strong influence of German colonists who came south about the same time. In fact, the city owes its name to German born Queen Charlotte, wife of England’s King George III, and the county to her birthplace of Mecklenburg. That’s also why Charlotte is referred to as the “Queen City” and why the new NationsBank building has a crown architecturally incorporated in its design.
From its modest beginnings as a small village, Charlotte abruptly attained city status with America’s first discovery of gold in 1799. It was also the first small step in establishing the city as a financial center. Charlotte quickly became the gold mining capital of the country until the California Gold Rush fifty years later. It was about that time that the cotton industry moved south from New England. By 1903, the Charlotte area was clearly defined as a textile leader.
But the real driving force propelling business activities was the arrival of the railroad. Today, Charlotte is a major distribution hub and is at the center of the largest consolidated rail system in the U.S.
In 2013, the estimated population of Charlotte according to the U.S. Census Bureau was 792,862, making it the 16th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 23rd largest in the US and had a 2013 population of 2,335,358. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2013 U.S. Census population estimate of 2,493,040.
As a result, Charlotte has emerged in this new millennium as a financial, distribution and transportation center for the entire urban region. In addition, Charlotte has developed into a major wholesale center with the highest per capita sales in the United States.
Hotels – Make your reservations with one of our Hotel Partners to visit the Charlotte area.
I
International Resources – International House at (704) 333-8099 provides Charlotte’s international residents with available services that meet the needs of our diverse cultural community.
J
Jobs – The City of Charlotte maintains a telephone job line at (704) 336-3968 with updated information on openings in the City Government. The Main Library at (704) 336-2725 also has information on job openings in the Charlotte area.
K
King George III – In 1768, Charlotte was named in honor of the wife of King George III of England, Queen Charlotte from Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany. But on May 20, 1775, Thomas Polk declared Mecklenburg free from English rule with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Cornwallis later condemned Mecklenburg County as a “Hornets’ Nest” of anti-British hostility.
L
Libraries – Get complete information on the Mecklenburg County Library network website or call the Main Library at (704) 336-2725.
M
Medical Care – The Mecklenburg Medical Society at (704) 376-3688 can refer you to member physicians who are taking new patients.
N
Neighborhood Watch – The surest way to deter neighborhood crime is an ongoing Neighborhood Watch program. Call (704) 336-2310 to start one in your neighborhood.
O
Old Settlers’ Cemetery – Owned by the city from the 1700’s and located behind the First Presbyterian Church at 5th St. and Poplar, Old Settlers Cemetery is the resting place of our early settlers including Revolutionary War hero Thomas Polk, and many Civil War veterans.
P
Property Records – Search flood zones, tax information and ownership history at Polaris the Charlotte-Mecklenburg property ownership and land records online system.
Q
Queen City – Named for Queen Charlotte in 1768, the economic history of the Queen City was founded in textiles, transportation, and commerce, symbolically represented by three of the four sculptures at “The Square”, the intersection of Trade and Tryon in the center city. The fourth sculpture represents The Future. Charlotte also ranks as the nation’s 2nd largest banking center and 6th largest wholesale trade center. Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County.
R
Relocation – Call Carolina Buyer’s Agent at (704) 366-0542 or (800) 304-9266 to get the services of a Exclusive Buyer’s Agent or a rental specialist who can help you locate the neighborhood or apartment community that matches your lifestyle. Make your reservations with one of our <a name=”>to visit the Charlotte area. And finally, change your address with the USPS at MoversGuide.
S
Schools – Compare NC End-of-Grade student performance and attendance zones for the Elementary, Middle and High schools in Charlotte and the surrounding area. For an information packet on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, call their Public Information Center at (980) 343-3000. Call Pupil Assignment at (980) 343-5335 with your address or visit Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to confirm what school your children will attend. Visit SC Schools for York County School information.
Private School Information is available from the Division of Non-Public School Information or by calling (919) 733-4276. For an information packet on the Mecklenburg Area Catholic School System, call 704-370-3273. Call (919) 715-1730 for information on Charter Schools.
Charlotte area Colleges and Universities offer traditional, non-traditional, and continuing education programs.
- Barber-Scotia College – (704) 789-2900
- Belmont Abbey College – (704) 825-6700
- Central Piedmont Community College – (704) 330-2722
- Davidson College – (704) 892-2000
- Gaston College – (704) 922-6200
- Johnson C. Smith University – (704) 378-1000
- Pfeiffer University – (704) 521-9119
- Queens College – (704) 332-7121
- UNC-Charlotte – (704) 687-2000
- Wingate – (704) 233-8000
- Winthrop – (803)323-2221
Senior Resources – Call Ageline at (704) 522-8899 for free referral services for older adults. For information about recreation, health and wellness programs, and employment opportunities for seniors, call Senior Services at (704) 522-6222. SeniorOutlook.com and Retirenet.com provide information on a wide range of retirement communities in the Charlotte area. Centralina Area Agency on Aging publishes a Consumer’s Guide to Housing and Long-Term Care – (704) 348-2715 or (800) 508-5777. Finally, compare NC vs SC retirement benefits here: Dueling Carolinas.
T
Taxes – Get up-to-date Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, or York county area property tax information. An additional Municipal Service Districts tax applies to residents who live in the center city and own real property. Call (704) 336-6879 for the property tax rates outside Charlotte city limits. For more information contact the City-County Tax Office – (704) 336-4600.
Start here for an overview of the Charlotte Bus Line System, and to access the corresponding schedules. The Charlotte region’s first Light Rail Service is called the LYNX Blue Line. It is 18.9 miles long and operates from I-485 at South Boulevard to UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City.
U
Charlotte
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water/Sewer/Trash: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Concord
- Electricity: City of Concord – (704) 920-5555
- Water/Sewer: City of Concord – (704) 920-5555
- Gas: Public Service Co. of North Carolina – 1-877-776-2427
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: City of Concord – (704) 920-5555
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Cornelius
- Electricity: ElectriCities (east of I77) – (704) 948-0550 or
Duke Energy (west of I77) – (800) 777-9898 or EnergyUnited – (704) 892-0278 - Water/Sewer: Town of Cornelius – 704-336-2564
- Gas: Public Service Co. of North Carolina – 1-877-776-2427 or
Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882 - Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: Waste Management – 1-800-927-8362
- Cable: Adelphia Cable 888-683-1000
Davidson
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Public Service Co. of North Carolina – 1-877-776-2427
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: Chambers Container Company – (704) 596-6930
- Cable: Adelphia Cable 888-683-1000
Huntersville
- Electricity: ElectriCities (east of I77) – (704) 948-0550 or
Duke Energy (west of I77) – (800) 777-9898 or EnergyUnited – (704) 892-0278 - Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: Town of Huntersville – 704-875-6541
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600 or Adelphia Cable 888-683-1000
Indian Trail, Stallings
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water/Sewer: Union County Public Works – (704) 296-4210
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: ABCO Rubbish Removal and Demolition – (704) 756-8651
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Lake Wylie
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water/Sewer: Carolina Water & Sewer – (704)-525-7990
- Gas: York Natural Gas Authority – (803) 222-7218
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: Harris Waste Management Group – (803) 831-5442
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Matthews
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898 or Union Electric – (704) 289-3145
- Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: Action Garbage Service – (704) 821-7578
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Mint Hill
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898 or Union Electric – (704) 289-3145
- Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: Residential Collection Service – (704) 376-9359
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Mooresville
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water: Town of Mooresville – (704) 663-3800
- Gas: Public Service Co. of North Carolina – 1-877-776-2427
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: Town of Mooresville – (704) 664-4278
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Monroe
- Electricity: City of Monroe – (704) 282-4609
- Water: City of Monroe – (704) 282-4609
- Gas: City of Monroe – (704) 282-4609
- Phone: Verizon – (800) 483-4000
- Trash: Trinity Waste Systems (704) 291-7872 – (704) 394-1353
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Mount Holly
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898
- Water: City of Mount Holly – (704) 827-3931
- Gas: PSNC – (877) 776-2427
- Phone: BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: City of Mount Holly – (704) 827-3931
- Cable: Spectrum – (877) 566-4892
Pineville
- Electricity: Town of Pineville – (704) 889-2291
- Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte – (704) 336-7600
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: Town of Pineville – (704) 889-2001 or BellSouth – (888) 757-6500
- Trash: BFI of Charlotte – (704) 394-1353
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Waxhaw
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898 or Union Electric – (704) 289-3145
- Water/Sewer: Union County Public Works – (704) 296-4210
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: Action Garbage – (704) 821-7578
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
Weddington
- Electricity: Duke Energy – (800) 777-9898 or Union Electric – (704) 289-3145
- Water/Sewer: Union County Public Works – (704) 296-4210
- Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas – (704) 525-3882
- Phone: Windstream – (704) 847-9055
- Trash: Action Garbage – (704) 821-7578
- Cable: Spectrum – (704) 377-9600
V
Voter Registration – To register, you must be 18 years old, and a resident of NC for 30 days before an election. Register at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, 741 Kenilworth Ave, (704) 336-2133, or any branch of the public library.
W
Weather – The average year-around temperature is 62 degrees with average summer highs in the mid-80’s and average winter highs in the low 50’s.
[forecast]
X
eXpressway – Also known as the outerbelt, I-485’s 63 mile route will encircle Charlotte, and the entire project is scheduled for completion in 2010. Call (704) 336-3917 for earlier completion dates on specific interchanges.
Y
Yesterday – In the 1750’s, Thomas Polk led a group of Scots-lrish Presbyterians from Pennsylvania down the old Trading Path to settle at the old Indian crossroads of what is now the intersection of Trade and Tryon in the center city.
Z
Zoning – Want to start a business in your home? Call zoning first at (704) 336-3569 to make sure you can operate your business inside residential zoning.
