LIVING AND WORKING IN…. Charlotte, North Carolina What’s the Weather Like? Demographics: Population: Ratio (2010): Female Persons: Male Persons: Bachelor’s degree or higher (2010): 792,862 51.7% 48.3% 39.4% Quick Facts: Average Annual Income: $46,820 Unemployment Rate: 6.3% Average Work Commute Time: 30.2 minutes Average Annual Incomes in Charlotte by Industry Fun Fact: Charlotte is nicknamed the Queen City. Check out these links! 101 Fun Things To Do In Charlotte NC Living in Charlotte, North Carolina Guide to Moving to Charlotte, North Carolina Top Employers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Carolinas Healthcare Systems Wells Fargo Company Bank of America Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools Novant Health Walmart & Sam’s Club Stores City of Charlotte Duke Energy Corp Food Lion LLC Harris Teeter Corri Smith Background Charlotte Geneseo major and graduation year: Spanish and Business, 2007 Current Employer: Heist Brewery Job Title: Director of Marketing, Sales & Events Job Description: Manage all marketing efforts, internal, external and social; plan all Heist events as well as private events on and off-site. Manage staff and intern; Manage sales and distribution accounts; MORE Corri’s perspective on Charlotte What’s the job climate in Charlotte for individuals in your career field? It's pretty tough, you have to be good at what you do; because Charlotte is a relatively small city you have to be discreet in considering job changes. There are lots of opportunities, but being an active job seeker is key. What made you decide to live and work in Charlotte? I had visited many times and have a cousin that lives here; decided to try it out. Upstate NY, particularly where I grew up doesn't have that much to offer in terms of jobs or opportunity. What’s the cost of living like in Charlotte? How difficult is it to find affordable housing? You can live however you want, if you want to live cheap you get a roommate and live outside of the center city; if you want to live extravagantly, you live alone in a stellar condo uptown. I have friends with jobs of all calibers that choose how they want to live regardless of their salary. It's really a matter of convenience; if you want to live closer to the center of the city it's going to cost you more. If you don't care about proximity you can find extremely affordable housing. Having a roommate makes things a lot easier in terms of finding affordability as well. What is the culture/nightlife like in Charlotte? There are different neighborhoods in CLT that have different atmospheres. The people who want to be seen and want to be popular hang uptown; the people who want live music and good food but don't care about who's around hang in Plaza Midwood/Noda. People who want something low key but closer to the city choose to hang in southend. There is always something going on: a concert, a gallery opening, a comedy show, a restaurant or club opening, etc. Bars close at 2, strip clubs open later. How is the transportation system? Charlotte is definitely a city to drive in. There is a bus system but it's not sophisticated. They are putting in above ground rail system but it's slow in development and not something to count on being totally useful for at least 5+ years. What are the most rewarding aspects of living in Charlotte? Everyone is a transplant, so you never feel like you don't belong. It's a transient city and everyone is growing up with the city; it's great for young people, entrepreneurs, families, etc. What are the most challenging aspects of living in Charlotte? Finding enough to do; finding lucrative jobs outside of working in a 9-5 bank job. What would be your number one piece of advice for a recent Geneseo graduate wishing to live and work in Charlotte? NETWORK. It's small enough where you can't go anywhere without knowing someone; it's important to meet the right people and build your business (social or professional) on that. It's a great city! Beautiful weather, fun people, lots to do, safe and growing!