Yes it is true the Queen city was voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the best places to retire. Charlotte, NC. has so much to offer retirees as well as young professionals and families. When Forbes did the study it based it on certain attributes that made it decide where was the best places for people looking to spend their retirement.
Among the top reasons was the realtively low cost of living in Charlotte. Taxes are reasonable (some people might say they are cheap). Housing prices are relatively low and your purchasing power in Charlotte is at the highest it has ever been.
But, Charlotte also offers a lot of other great reasons for people to retire here. Weather was another factor. Becuase of our location just east of the Mountains and the fact we are far enough inland form the ocean; we do not get the extreme weather other parts of the country experinece. yet we do enjoy a beautiful fall, spring and summer months. The winters here are mild with a spot of cold for approximately 2 weeks every year. Otherwise the weather here is very conducive for outdoors people.
Third reason was activities. Charlotte area is home to 53 public gold courses and 22 private golf courses. In addition there are numerous parks and tennis courts scattered throughout Charlotte. Charlotte is a biker friendly town and has numerous greenways for people to enjoy a stroll through park like settings. In addition Charlotte is home to a professional basketball team (Charlotte Bobcats), Professional Football team (Carolina Panthers) Triple A baseball team (Charlotte knights) and a high end minor league hockey team (Charlotte Checkers).
If sports are not for you; Charlotte offers numerous musuems, art gallaeries, and is home to the Daniel Stowe Botantical Garden. In addition there is rarely a weekend where you can not find an event going on at one fo the many parks throughout Charlotte from arts and crafts to wine tasting. there is somethign goign on just about all the time for soemoen in Charlotte.
The last reason they gave Charlotte a high mark was the medical care. Charlotte has one of the top medical systems in the United States. With two major hopsital groups (Carolina medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital) positioned throughout Charlotte and numerous doctors and specialists in charlotte; healthcare is one of the fsatest growing areas of Charlotte right now.
Forbes magazine realized what so many people have realized for years. With the low cost of housing and the ample acitivites, coupled with the mild climate and the great emdical care....Charlotte is truly a Queen city for retirees.
