Charlotte vs. Raleigh

Charlotte vs. Raleigh

Charlotte vs. Raleigh

Which NC City is Right for You?

North Carolina is a fantastic place to live, offering a blend of natural beauty, southern charm, and growing urban centers. But when it comes to choosing a city, the decision between Charlotte and Raleigh can be tough. Both offer unique advantages and drawbacks. This blog post breaks down the key differences to help you decide which city might be your perfect match.

Homes For Sale in Charlotte, NC:

Overall Vibe

Charlotte: Charlotte pulses with a high-energy, cosmopolitan vibe. As the state’s largest city and a major financial hub, it has a distinctly “big city” feel, drawing comparisons to Atlanta or even a smaller-scale New York City. You’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene with trendy rooftop bars, breweries, and live music venues. The city boasts upscale dining, from acclaimed chef-driven restaurants to trendy bistros and international cuisine. Charlotteans are often young professionals, career-driven and embracing a fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle. There’s a sense of constant motion and opportunity in the air.

Raleigh: Raleigh, while still a growing city, cultivates a more laid-back and approachable atmosphere. Known as the “City of Oaks,” it boasts a strong sense of community and a focus on education and technology. With a large student population thanks to NC State University, as well as Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill nearby, there’s a youthful energy and a vibrant arts and culture scene. However, the overall pace is slower and more relaxed compared to Charlotte. People tend to be outdoorsy, taking advantage of the many parks and green spaces. It’s a city where you can find a balance between work and leisure.

Job Opportunities

Charlotte: Charlotte’s economy is powered by the finance industry. It serves as the second-largest banking center in the United States, with major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquartered here. This translates to abundant opportunities in finance, insurance, real estate, and related fields. However, the city is not a one-trick pony. Charlotte is also seeing significant growth in healthcare, technology, and energy sectors, attracting major companies and startups. The city’s strong business environment provides ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and those seeking career advancement.

Raleigh: Raleigh is a major player in the Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the largest research parks in the world. This renowned hub brings a wealth of jobs in technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research. Giants like IBM, Cisco Systems, and GlaxoSmithKline have a strong presence in RTP. Government and education are also significant employers in the area, with state government offices and several universities providing numerous jobs. Raleigh’s diverse economy offers a range of opportunities for those with specialized skills and advanced degrees.

Proximity to the Beach

Charlotte: Charlotte is landlocked, which is a drawback for beach lovers. It’s roughly a 3-3.5 hour drive from both the Atlantic Ocean (with popular destinations like Wilmington and its beaches) and the Outer Banks, known for its wild beauty and charming towns. While not ideal for spontaneous beach trips, weekend getaways are definitely doable. Many Charlotteans own vacation homes or make regular trips to the coast to get their dose of sun and sand.

Raleigh: Raleigh is also inland, but its location in the central part of the state puts it slightly closer to the coast than Charlotte. Expect a 2-3 hour drive to popular beaches like Wrightsville Beach, known for its surfing and lively atmosphere, and Atlantic Beach, with its family-friendly vibe and beautiful shoreline. The Crystal Coast, with its charming towns and quieter beaches, is also within easy reach.

Outdoor Activities

Charlotte: Charlotte offers a dynamic mix of urban and outdoor activities. Within the city, you’ll find an extensive network of greenways for biking and walking, connecting parks and neighborhoods. Parks like Freedom Park offer scenic trails, playgrounds, and green spaces for picnics and relaxation. For thrill-seekers, the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and more. The nearby mountains, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, are just a few hours away, providing endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring nature.

Raleigh: Raleigh is renowned for its abundance of parks and green spaces, earning it the nickname “City of Oaks.” Umstead State Park, a sprawling natural area with hiking trails, camping sites, and lakes, is located within the city limits, offering a true escape into nature. The city has numerous lakes, including Falls Lake and Jordan Lake, perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Raleigh also boasts a growing network of greenways for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easy to explore the city and stay active.

Traffic

Charlotte: Like any major city, Charlotte has its share of traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour. The city’s rapid growth has put a strain on its infrastructure, and commuters can experience significant delays on major highways and thoroughfares. The city has a light rail system (LYNX) that connects the airport to downtown and some surrounding areas, and a bus network provides service throughout the city. However, many residents rely on cars for their daily commute.

Raleigh: While Raleigh is also experiencing growth and increased traffic, it’s generally less intense than Charlotte’s. The city’s layout is more spread out, with less concentration in the downtown core. Raleigh has a bus system that serves the city and surrounding areas, and it is currently developing a bus rapid transit system to improve public transportation options. However, a car is still the most convenient way to get around, especially for those living in the suburbs.

House Inventory + Prices

Charlotte: Charlotte’s housing market is highly competitive, with a relatively low inventory of homes for sale. The city’s strong job market and desirable lifestyle have attracted many new residents, driving up demand for housing. Home prices have been on the rise in recent years, making it a more expensive market than Raleigh. You’ll find a variety of housing options, from modern condos in uptown to charming bungalows in historic neighborhoods and spacious homes in the suburbs.

Raleigh: While Raleigh’s housing market is also competitive, it generally offers more inventory and slightly lower home prices compared to Charlotte. The city has experienced significant growth and development, with new homes and apartment complexes being built to accommodate the influx of residents. You’ll find a range of housing options, from historic homes in established neighborhoods to new construction in planned communities. The suburbs offer more affordable options and larger lot sizes.

The Queen City or the City of Oaks: Which NC Crown Will You Wear?

Ultimately, the best city for you depends on your individual priorities and preferences. Charlotte offers a fast-paced, career-driven environment with big-city amenities, a thriving nightlife, and a focus on finance and business. Raleigh provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a strong emphasis on technology and education, abundant outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. Consider your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and budget when making your decision. Both cities offer a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a welcoming Southern spirit, so you can't go wrong!
Let’s Connect Today!

Phone:

704-631-3977

Email:

info@thefinigangroup.com

Visit Us:

3440 Toringdon Way, ste 205

Charlotte NC 28277

Charlotte vs. Raleigh

Which NC City is Right for You? North Carolina is a fantastic place to live, offering a blend of natural beauty, southern charm, and growing urban centers. But when it comes to choosing a city, the decision between Charlotte and Raleigh can be tough. Both offer...

Featured Suburbs

Featured Neighborhoods

Have Good Credit? New Rule Will INCREASE Cost of YOUR Mortgage

Have Good Credit? New Rule Will INCREASE Cost of YOUR Mortgage

Are you ready for some mind boggling news? A groundbreaking new rule is set to hit the scene on May 1st, and it’s turning the status quo on its head. Brace yourself, those with good credit scores and higher down payments will be hit with higher mortgage payments by $40 to $60 a month! Meanwhile, riskier borrowers are set to benefit from reduced fees and more favorable terms. Yes, you heard that right. The system is being flipped on its head, and it’s bound to cause a stir.

This is a big deal, folks. We’re talking about major changes in the way we think about home lending. The implications of this rule are far reaching and could impact millions of Americans across the country. If you’re a prospective home buyer, you need to read up on this new regulation to understand how it could impact your future mortgage payments.

 

Get ready for an eye opening experience! Take a moment to watch the video above and dive into the accompanying article to gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening and how it will impact you. It’s crucial to stay informed and aware of the changes taking place around us. This video and article combo will give you the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the game. So don’t wait, dive right in and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the ever changing landscape of our world!

 

 Whats Going On? 

 

The result of this new rule, according to industry leaders is pricier monthly mortgage payments for home buyers with higher credit scores and who plan on putting more money down. This is flipping the norm on its head! 

Under the new rule, higher credit buyers with credit scores ranging from 680 to 780 will see a spike in their mortgage payments and with applicants who place 15-20% own experience the biggest increase in fees. 

The Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) will enact changes to fees known as loan level price adjustments (LLPA) on May 1st that will affect mortgage originating and private banks nation wide – from Wells Fargo to JP Morgan Chase.

Loan level price adjustments (LLPA) are upfront fees based on factors like the borrowers credit score and the size of their down payment.

Under the revised LLPA pricing structure, a home buyer with a 740 FICO credit score and a 15-20% down payment will face a 1% surcharge, an increase of .75% compared to the old fee of just .25% 

When absorbed into a long term mortgage rate, the increase is equivalent to slightly less than a quarter percentage point in the mortgage rate. On a $400,000 loan with a 6% mortgage rate, buyers can expect their monthly payment to rise by about $40 a month. 

Meanwhile buyers with credit scores of 679 or lower will have their fees slashed, resulting in more favorable rates. For example, a buyer with a 620 FICO credit score with a down payment of 5% or less gets a 1.75% fee discount. This is a decrease from the old rate of 3.5% for that bracket. When absorbed into the long term mortgage rate, that equates to a 0.4% to 0.5% discount.  

 

“Find what moves you”
Contact us today

What To Expect?

 

These new rules, starting May 1st, 2023, will affect home purchases and refinances! But will only affect home loans that have over 15 year term. So, if you’re planning on purchasing a home with at 15 year mortgage, then you’re in the clear! 

 

What they’re really doing is turning things upside down. They are penalizing home buyers with better credit and more money down to subsidize home buyers with lower credit and less money down.  

The fee structure changes are the latest of several moves by the FHFA aimed at boosting affordability for what the agency calls its “Mission Borrowers” : Defined as first time home buyers, low income borrowers, and applicants from underserved communities.  

What The Experts Are Saying:

Ian Wright, a senior loan officer at Bay Equity Home Loans says: “These changes do not make sense. Penalizing borrowers with larger down payments and credit scores will not go over well.” He continues “confusing borrowers is never a good thing.”  New home buyers who were planning on putting more money down, sometimes saving for years, will get penalized. This will entice many to choose to put less money down on a home. 

The President of the National Association of Realtors, Kenny Parcell, says “In the wake of a 3% increase in mortgage rates NOW is not the time to raise fees on home buyers.” FHFA director, Sandra Thomas, says that the changes will increase pricing support for purchasers and borrowers limited by income or by wealth. Sandra says that his overall fee change is minimal.  

In the wake of rampant inflation and housing affordability at its lowest level in history, every dollar counts. It seems they couldn’t have picked a worse time for this change.

 

Charlotte North Carolina Housing Market. Mortgage rates in March 2023

Overall, lower credit buyers will still pay more in LLPA fees than high credit buyers, but the latest change will close the gap. This will also help many low income, low asset, and low credit score buyers obtain mortgages.

I for one think the core of the issue is the lack of financial education, across the board, at a young age. This seems to be more of a band-aid, rather than getting at the root cause of the problem. 

Selling A House Shouldn’t be Stressful

There is a pro-active way to sell your home that gets results

Are you looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate?  We would love to be your real estate resource of choice!  Give us a call, text, or email today, we would love to chat about your real estate goals. 

 

Join our weekly newsletter:

⚡️ https://mailchi.mp/thefinigangroup.com/the-finigan-group

Contact us through:

📱Call/Text Direct (704)-631-3977

📧Email: info@thefinigangroup.com

💻Website: www.thefinigangroup.com

 

Follow us on Social Media:

👋 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/joshfinigan/

👋 Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/TheFiniganGroup/

👉 Subscribe for more Videos: https://www.youtube.com/joshfinigantv 

✔️ CHECK ME OUT ON GOOGLE https://g.page/TheFiniganGroup?share

👉 Search for Homes For sale in the Greater Charlotte Area at https://www.ChooseCharlotteHomes.com

 

🏠 WANT TO TALK REAL ESTATE? Fill out this contact form here https://thefinigangroup.com/contact-us/

🏠 FREE HOME VALUATION https://thefinigangroup.com/home-value/

Sign Up To Our News Letter Below

So you don’t miss any of the most up-to-date info 

On the Greater Charlotte Area

* indicates required