Charlotte Help Wanted
Basic Charlotte Details
Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and the 19th largest in the United States. In 2007, Charlotte's population was estimated to be 671,588 and the Charlotte metropolitan statistical area has an estimated population of almost 1.5 million people. Charlotte was chosen as the "Best Place to Live in America" by relocate-america.com based on factors including; employment opportunities, crime rates, and housing affordability. Charlotte was also ranked at #8 out of the 100 "Best Places to Live and Launch" by CNNMoney.com.
Charlotte, How We Got Our Name
Charlotte earned its most used nickname "The Queen City", in honor of the German Princess Charlotte, who had become queen consort of British King George III a year prior to the city's founding. Charlotte is also nicknamed "The Hornet's Nest" as a result of the American Revolutionary War. British Commander General Cornwallis whom had occupied the city in 1780 but was driven out soon afterwards by hostile residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was "a hornet's nest of rebellion".
Buisness & Industry
Charlotte has become a major financial center with over 10 Fortune 100 companies and is recognized as the second largest banking headquarters in the United States after New York City, with Bank of America and Wachovia Corp. both calling Charlotte home. Charlotte is also a major center within the US motorsports industry, with NASCAR having multiple offices in and around Charlotte, as well as being the future home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Continuing growth in the motorsport market has influenced top professional drag racers to move their shops and business to Charlotte from more expensive areas like California and Arizona. Uptown Charlotte has seen a boom in growth over the last decade with numerous residential units being built uptown, including over 20 skyscrapers that have been completed, under construction, or in the planning stages. With the re-emergence of the uptown areas, Charlotte has seen many new restaurants, bars, and clubs opening their doors with success.
How We Get Around
Charlotte is located in south/central North Carolina, directly between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. A two-hour journey to the west takes you to the Blue Ridge Mountains; a three-and-a-half hour trip to the east, to Atlantic beaches. Within an hour's drive east of the city are some of the world's best golf courses. Charlotte is also home to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) which is the 30th largest airport in the United States as well as the main hub for U.S. Airways. Transportation within the city is handled by the Charlotte area Transport System (CATS). CATS operates light rail transit, historic trolleys, express shuttles and busses that service Charlotte and its immediate suburbs. With Charlotte's central location amongst the population centers of the northeast and southeast have made the city a transportation focal point; as well as a primary distribution center serviced by two major highways, I-85, and I-77. There is an inner beltway in the city central (I-277) as well as an outer loop (I-485) that helps ease the congestion and headaches of commuting and daily traffic issues. Charlotte Route 4 links major roads in a loop between I-277 and I-485.
So What's The Weather Like?
Charlotte has a humid sub-tropical climate that is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The coldest month of the year is January with an average daily temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month of the year with an average daily temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Charlotte is in the direct path of subtropical moisture from the Gulf, the city receives ample precipitation throughout the year but also a very large number of clear, sunny, and pleasantly warm days. On average, Charlotte receives about 43 inches of precipitation annually, including very little snow and more frequent ice-storms.
So Charlotte, What Do You Do For Fun?
With 199 surrounding neighborhoods, Charlotte's cultural scene is also booming. There are nightclubs, bars, and restaurants all with different themes and their own unique services. Charlotte also has some great entertainment for the family including, Carowinds Theme Park, Discovery Place, ImaginOn, Charlotte Nature Museum, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center to name a few. There are numerous museums, historical sites, parks, and gardens throughout the city.