The Queen City Today
Charlotte has more Headquartered Fortune 500 companies than all but five other U.S. cities - two of these eight companies have relocated to Charlotte in recent years. In the past 10 years alone 8,928 new firms have opened in Charlotte creating 77,327 new jobs and investing $7.4 billion in new facilities. These companies call Charlotte home for a reason.
Weather and Climate
Just as Charlotte's location offers residents the benefits of both the mountains and the ocean, it also offers
the best of all worlds in weather. This makes the city's weather one of its strongest assets, attracting visitors and
new residents alike. The year is filled with days which invite you outside to enjoy the clear blue sky and bright
sun; the perfect backdrop to Charlotte's beautifully landscaped neighborhoods, commercial areas, parks and lakes.
The area's climate can best be described as moderate, pleasant and sunny. Forget about the winter blues of our northern neighbors or the stifling summer heat of our southern friends. In Charlotte, the weather entices you outside all year round.
| Weather Averages | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 51 |
| July | 71 | 90 |
Relatively speaking, Charlotte is not the sultry South many think it to be. The city's normal summer humidity is 74%, compared to 80% in the central interior of the United States, 77% in Jacksonville, Florida, and 76% in Houston, Texas.
Severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, is a rarity in Charlotte.
Heathcare
Charlotte's quality health care facilities and
outstanding competent physicians and health professionals serve more than one million patients a year. In a rapidly
evolving industry driven by research and technology, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is on the cutting edge, offering the
most sophisticated treatment, and utilizing state-of-the-art medical technology. Prominent national and internationals
specialists have been attracted to Charlotte to teach and to conduct research in such specialties as laser surgery, heart
disease, organ transplantation, orthopedics and spinal cord injuries.
There are six major hospitals located in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg areas representing two health care systems - Carolinas HealthCare System and Presbyterian Healthcare.
Financial Powerhouse
Charlotte is first and foremost a banking city.
With more than $1.1 trillion in assets, it is the second largest financial center in the nation, behind only New
York. By comparison, Atlanta has assets of only $127.9 billion and Miami $12.6 billion. Two of the nation's largest
banks, Bank of America and Wachovia, are headquartered here. Each is ranked by Forbes magazine. In total, 24 banks with
more than 229 local branches, as well as a Federal Reserve Branch, are located in Charlotte. Our banks provide a wealth
of services to commercial and individual customers and are leaders in the financial services industry.
Transportation Hub
Charlotte is served by an excellent state and federal
highway network, including major north south and east-west interstate arteries, and a modern, expanded international
airport terminal. In addition, eight major airlines offer direct and nonstop daily flights to 155 cities.
International travelers appreciate the nonstop flights to Frankfurt, London, Toronto, Mexico and the Caribbean. Each
year over 11.8 million passengers board planes at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, ranking it the 17th
most active air transportation center in the nation.
The Charlotte region is also the center of the country's largest consolidated rail system. Two major rail systems, Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation, link 27,000 miles of rail between Charlotte and 22 eastern states. Each offers piggyback facilities combining with 300 trucking firms located here. Direct connections are provided to the Ports of Wilmington, Morehead City and Charleston.
| Population | 2003 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| City | 579,176 | 803,137 |
| County | 773,299 | 1,063,127 |
