CHARLOTTE OVERVIEW

Due to its convenient mid-Atlantic location and rapid growth, Charlotte has earned the title of “International Gateway to the South.” The city is one of the top five fastest growing in the country, and the fastest on the east coast. It has developed from a cotton and tobacco growing region in the pre-Civil War era into the second largest financial center in the United States. Several Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Charlotte area, including Bank of America and Wachovia.

Though the city has been remade through the years, it is still deeply connected with its roots. Two of Charlotte’s major streets, Trade and Tryon, intersect at the crossroads of the two Native American trading paths on which the city was built. On the outskirts of the now metropolitan downtown area, Charlotte’s neighborhoods are full of antique factories and the grand luxury Southern residences from another time.

While exploring Charlotte and its surroundings, it would be easy to imagine yourself traveling through time and visiting places separated by many miles. Dilworth has a traditional neighborhood feel infused with trendy restaurants and boutiques, while the landscape of the esteemed Myers Park area is dominated by soaring oak trees standing amongst mature estates.

Whatever your interests, there is something for you in Charlotte. From down home Southern barbeque to high finance, it’s all here.