Live in Charlotte

Fitness Centers

If you like physical activity but would rather not do it outdoors, you still have many options. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is one of the largest YMCA facilities in the country with 19 facilities and more than 150,000 members. It offers a wide array of activities for members of all ages and can plug you into the many fitness themed charitable events that happen annually in Charlotte.

* YMCA of Greater Charlotte | 704.716.6200


Library

The public library operates 24 branches, including several regional libraries with advanced computer and business services with state-of-the-art technology, performance spaces, classrooms and a teen center. Most locations are equipped with WIFI access.
* Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) | 704.416.0100


Philanthropy

Charlotte is well known for its philanthropic spirit, and newcomers often find that getting involved is a great way to meet people with similar interests. In addition to helping those in need find services to help them, the United Way of Central Carolinas offers an information service to help people find volunteer and charitable giving opportunities to give back to the community.

* United Way of Central Carolinas | 1.866.744.7778


Government

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are each governed by councils elected every two years in partisan elections – the Charlotte City Council and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. The city manager is appointed by City Council and oversees day-to-day operations of the city. The city’s mayor works with City Council to establish general city policies. The county manager is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and oversees the day-to-day operations of the county. City Council and Board of County Commissioners meetings are open to the public and televised live on cable channel 16.

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are each governed by councils elected every two years in partisan elections – the Charlotte City Council and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. The city manager is appointed by City Council and oversees day-to-day operations of the city. The city’s mayor works with City Council to establish general city policies. The county manager is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and oversees the day-to-day operations of the county. City Council and Board of County Commissioners meetings are open to the public and televised live on cable channel 16.

Police/Fire/MEDIC Emergencies…911 | Non-emergencies…311

Power outages 800.Power.On

All Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Agencies Charlotte-Mecklenburg government agencies include Animal Care and Control, Department of Social Services, Domestic Violence, Emergency Management, Fire Department, Health Department, Mental Health, Police Department and more.

Children & Family Services Center The Children & Family Services Center is a highly efficient nine-agency source of assistance. The agencies at this central location collaborate with each other and with agencies throughout the county to offer comprehensive services.

Crime Stoppers 704.334.1600

Federal Bureau of Investigation 704.377.9200

Poison Center 800.222.1222

Property Tax Real property tax rates are based on 100 percent of the fair-market value and are due on September 1 each year. Interest accrues beginning January 1. Property values are reassessed every four to eight years with the next revaluation occurring in 2011. Property located within the corporate limits of the City of Charlotte is taxed by both the city and county. The state does not levy a property tax.

Property tax statements for car owners are sent out within three months of registration renewals and are due by the first day of the fourth month following renewal. Call 311 if you do not receive a statement within that time.

Property taxes fund police protection, public transportation, parks, public schools, libraries, restaurant inspections, and health and welfare programs

* Charlotte-Mecklenburg Tax Collections | 311

State and Local Sales Tax A 4.25 percent state tax plus a 3.0 percent local tax makes up the 7.25 percent Mecklenburg County sales tax. Prepared food purchases carry an additional 1 percent tax, and hotel room occupancy rates carry an additional 6 percent tax.

The 2009 North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation that temporarily increases the state sales tax rate by 1 percent effective September 1, 2009 and expiring on July 1, 2011.

N.C. Department of Revenue All N.C. residents are subject to personal income taxes. The state’s individual income tax rate is based on the taxpayer’s taxable income as determined under the Internal Revenue Code.

The 2009 North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation that will temporarily require individuals who meet certain income requirements to pay a surtax on the amount of taxes they owe before any withholding, payments or credits through taxable years 2009 to 2010. Visit the N.C. Department of Revenue’s Web site to see the surtax qualifications.


Healthcare

With rising obesity rates throughout the U.S. and as citizens of Charlotte grow more aware of the importance of healthy living, organizations throughout Charlotte have placed a growing emphasis on health, nutrition and wellness. Carolinas Corporate Health & Wellness, utilizing the comprehensive resources of Carolinas HealthCare System, offers employers a full range of occupational health and wellness services. These are provided for companies in North and South Carolina as extra resources and incentives for their employees to live healthy lifestyles.

Local government got involved in the health and fitness trend several years ago by mandating sidewalks in new neighborhoods, expanding Parks and Recreation facilities, enhancing healthy choices in the public school system’s nutrition program, and creating a program called the Fit City Challenge. The Fit City Challenge offers encouragement, support and a wide variety of resources to help people exercise more, eat more fruits and vegetables, set goals and track their progress through its interactive Web site, www.fitcitychallenge.org.

Charlotte is home to many fantastic farmers markets offering produce and homemade goods from local growers and merchants in the months of growing season. Many of the city's top restaurants even use these markets to prepare their menus. Charlotte is also offering healthy eating options at groceries, as well as stores such as Earth Fare, Trader Joes and Whole Foods, which offer natural and organic foods at moderate prices.

Adequate exercise, nutrition, health screening and stress management can prevent a wide array of diseases. If you’re not already living a health lifestyle, there’s no better time than the present to start. And Charlotte is a perfect place to do it!

Before someone in your family needs immediate care, finding a physician should be a top priority. In a new city finding the right doctor can be challenging but looking at listings offered by your health insurer is the first step. In addition, asking neighbors, friends or co-workers if they can recommend any of the physicians, dentists, or other specialists on your list will be beneficial in choosing what is right for you.

If you still need help, several local services are available to help you find a physician who is currently accepting patients:

Carolinas HealthCare System Physician Referral/Telehealth Solutions - 1.800.821.1535 or 704.355.7500

Mecklenburg County Medical Society Physician/Dental Referral Service - 704.376.0847

Presbyterian Healthcare - 704.384.CARE (2273)

Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the leading healthcare organizations in the Southeast, provides a medical home for all patients through a network of more than 600 care locations. These include hospitals, healthcare pavilions, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and other specialty care facilities in North and South Carolina.

U.S.News & World Report consistently names Carolinas Medical Center as one of "America's Best Hospitals," and CMC has been named as "Charlotte's Preferred Hospital" 13 times by the National Research Corporation.

Carolinas HealthCare recently launched a new mobile website, built to support the most commonly used wireless devices. The site provides access to important and timely medical information (such as emergency department wait times) for people on the go. To view the site on your mobile device, visit carolinasmedicalcenter.org.

Presbyterian Healthcare is one of the founding members of Novant Health Inc. and represents its Southern Piedmont region with four hospitals, a network of primary care physician practices, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation and community health outreach programs. Its flagship, Presbyterian Hospital, is one of the largest private community hospitals in the region. Established in 1903, it is also Charlotte’s oldest extant hospital. It offers an array of diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic services and several specialized treatment centers, including a women’s center, a children’s hospital and emergency department, a cardiovascular institute, a cancer center and a behavioral health center. Other hospitals in the system include the Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville and Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. The Orthopaedic Hospital is one of the few in the country dedicated solely to orthopaedic injuries and diseases and, as such, is nationally recognized for joint operations such as knee and hip replacements. Visit Presbyterian online at www.presbyterian.org.

Charlotte means many things to many people — Southern hospitality, the second-largest banking center in the country, a city of trees, home of major-league sports teams, a "can-do" city filled with big dreams and friendly neighbors.

Charlotte is home to 695,995 people; Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, totals 902,803. Still more people reside nearby. With 6.9 million residents within 100 miles, Charlotte lies at the heart of a region that is the sixth largest urban area in the United States.


Religion & Spirituality

Charlotte, which has more than 1,000 houses of worship, is often known as the “City of Churches.” Religious and spiritual organizations often form the nucleus of community life for Charlotte residents and offer a variety of activities and opportunities for members of all ages. And Mecklenburg Ministries coordinates interfaith activities to build understanding and cooperation across Charlotte’s diverse spiritual community. Assistance finding a spiritual community near you may be available from one of the denominational headquarters located in the area.

  • AME Zion | 704.599.4630
  • Advent Christian | 704.545.6161
  • Baptist | 704.375.1197
  • Catholic | 704.370.6299
  • Christian & Missionary Alliance | 704.543.0470
  • Church of God | 704.364.5003
  • Church of the Nazarene | 704.540.8300
  • Church of Religious Science | 704.531.7993
  • Episcopal | 800.448.8775
  • Greek Orthodox | 704.334.4771
  • Hindu Center of Charlotte | 704-607-8412
  • Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte | 704.536.2016
  • Judaism | 704.366.5007
  • Lutheran | 704.372.7317
  • Mecklenburg Ministries | 704.347.2404
  • Moravian | 704.334.1381
  • Presbyterian (USA) | 704.535.9999
  • Seventh-Day Adventist | 704.596.3200
  • Unitarian | 704.549.0750
  • United Methodist Church | 704.525.3395

Retirement

More retirees are moving to North Carolina and specifically to the Charlotte area. Some are following their adult children who are attracted to our area’s growing progressive business opportunities. But many seniors are also drawn to the combination of favorable year-round climate, world famous golf courses, quality health care, shopping with leisure attractions and relatively close access to the beach and mountains.

There are many ways for a senior to become involved within our community. Local senior centers offer bridge tournaments, classes, meals and travel opportunities with new friends. Many churches have active programs for seniors with calendars full of trips, education classes and mentoring programs. Several multi-cultural organizations, specifically the Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Center’s Multi-Cultural Programs, offer information and fun for seniors from different countries. In addition, several organizations serve to link seniors with schools, companies and non-profits in need of volunteer expertise

While some seniors choose to purchase a home or condo, some may be interested in exploring the benefits offered by area retirement communities. Some services provided by these communities include transportation, housekeeping and maintenance, daily meals, and planned activities and trips with other residents.

One type of retirement community available in our area is the continuing-care or life-care community that offers a full continuum of care for residents, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Typically, a resident pays an entry fee with monthly fees to live in an independent-living apartment or patio home with the option to move later to a unit with higher care if needed.

Some seniors who need assistance with daily tasks but do not need more intensive nursing care may consider a domiciliary care or assisted-living community. These communities provide both housing and personalized care services to assist individuals requiring help with activities of daily living. Some of these assisted living communities also offer specific memory care for those residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

Nursing homes provide care for their residents with extended illnesses, ongoing skilled care needs and rehabilitation. As with assisted living, some nursing homes are free standing, while others are integrated into the retirement communities.

In addition to housing and care choices, Charlotte offers a supportive, diverse array of organizations and services designed specifically to help seniors and their caregivers. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Adult day care centers offering members socialization and programs while providing respite for caregivers
  • Disability services providing support and education through numerous agencies
  • Geriatric care and management groups offering professional help in assessing and identifying solutions for various senior needs and issues
  • Home health care, both medical and non-medical, for personal safety and assistance within a senior’s personal home
  • Long term care insurance specialists
  • Meals and nutrition programs located throughout the community
  • Multi-cultural programs with a wide variety of local programs and education at specific sites
  • Transportation

Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 800.508.5777 Under the Council of Government, this agency covers Mecklenburg as well as eight other contiguous counties with education and services to help and support older and disabled adults and their caregivers. AAA provides family caregiver resources, long term care facility resources, caregiving information, and training and employment opportunities for those aged 55 and older. It also provides educational opportunities and advocacy related to long term care for residents, caregivers and facilities.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Council on Aging 704.391.5216 This organization is a non-profit information clearinghouse and advocacy group for all aging-related resources and information. It offers training, on-going education, senior programs and an annual conference in May.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers Inc. 704.522.6222 Provides resources for recreation, health and wellness programs, information and counseling, and employment services for seniors. Class subjects range from computers to exercise to line dancing. Local and out-of-country trips are coordinated by the centers for participants.

Just1Call 704.432.1111 This free, one-call resource provides information and assistance resources for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. Services include information and assistance, assessment of need, referral and linkage, and advocacy.

NC care Link 800.662.7030 This is a new statewide and comprehensive resource for senior services and more.

RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) 704.522.6222 Seniors aged 55 and better volunteer and use their experience to tutor children, counsel small businesses, assist at health clinics and hospitals, distribute food to homeless or volunteer at a variety of one-time community events. The RSVP Program has affiliations with more than 40 different nonprofit agencies in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

Shepherd's Centers With various locations in Charlotte, this organization strives to provide meaning and purpose for senior adults by sharing learning opportunities and social services through many faiths and the greater community.

  • Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte 704.365.1995
  • Shepherd’s Center South 704.365.1995
  • Shepherd’s Center East 704.338.1511

Transportation

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) provides nonstop service to 128 destinations, including 27 international destinations, to approximately 35 million passengers a year. The Wilson Air Center serves corporate and general aviation needs. The airport offers shuttle and taxi service, public transit service, courtesy vehicle pick-up for motels, hotels and rental cars.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport | 704.359.4000

(800) USA-RAIL

Amtrak provides daily passenger rail service to the North and South lines that access most of the United States.

Charlotte offers drivers convenient access to the Queen City by way of its highly efficient and growing interstate highway system.

For information and locations on area highway welcome centers, visit www.nccommerce.com.

(704) 336-RIDE

Best For The first rapid transit system for North Carolina, Charlotte’s initial phase of the light rail connects South Charlotte with Center City museums, entertainment, nightlife, sporting events, and more.Service Running ten miles south parallel to I-77 and South Boulevard, the 10 mile South Corridor line operates seven days a week from 5am to 1am serving 15 stations.

Cost $1.75 each way. Children under five ride free and youth grades K-12 ride for 85¢.

(704) 336-RIDE

Best For CATS currently operates more than 40 county-wide bus line routes and transports over 18 million passengers a year.

Service Providing service options from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., plentiful and recognizable stops are located throughout the city.

Cost $1.75 each way. $2.40 each way for Express Routes. Children under five ride free and youth grades K-12 ride for 75¢.

(704) 336-RIDE

Best For These rubber-wheeled trolleys resemble historic streetcars and provide routes that run up and down Tryon Street and west along Trade Street.

Service The Gold Rush trolleys stop at marked bus stops at eight and fifteen minute frequencies from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cost Free

(704) 336-RIDE

Best For The new hybrid-electric Sprinter is the go-to green connection from Center City to Charlotte Douglas International Airport with stops in several central locations.

Service The Sprinter Bus runs every 20 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes during nights and weekends, with stops at convenient locations within Center City..

Cost $1.75 each way. Children under five ride free.

Driver's License Info Newcomers must obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence. You will be required to provide proof of your full name, age and social security number; proof of liability insurance coverage; and proof of residency.

N.C. has a graduated licensing program for drivers age 15 to 18. Licenses for ages 18 to 53 are renewed every eight years. After age 54, licenses are renewed every five years.

For a list of acceptable documentation (for proof of identity, liability coverage and residency) and DMV locations, please visit the DMV’s Web site or call the number above.

Auto Registration & License Plates Info Newcomers must obtain an N.C. driver’s license before registering a vehicle. There are some situations under which you can use a driver’s license from another state.

Newcomers must register motor vehicles. Vehicle registrations from other states usually remain valid for 30 days, but this time period varies depending on your prior state of residence. You must provide the title (unless the title is held by a lien holder) and a valid registration card from the state of prior registration. Fees for private passenger vehicles include a $40 title fee and a $28 registration fee. Registration must be renewed annually.

Vehicle must also receive an annual safety and emissions inspection that costs $30. Inspection stations are usually found at service stations, car dealerships and auto repair shops.

Driving Rules & Regulations Charlotte citywide speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted. Speed limit in school zones is 25 mph. Statewide speed limit is 55 mph unless otherwise posted.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

Child restrain devices are mandatory for children less than eight years old and lighter than 80 pounds. Children between 40 and 80 pounds can be secured with a belt-positioning booster seat. They must also sit in the back seat if the vehicle has an active passenger-side air bag and a rear seat. Children under age 16 must use a seat belt or child passenger restraint system at all times, whether in the front or back seat. Placing the shoulder belt under the child’s (or adult’s) arm or behind the back is illegal.

Vehicles must stop for school buses loading or unloading.

Drivers must burn their headlights when using windshield wipers.

Motorcyclists must wear helmets and burn head lights at all times.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines and the loss of driver’s license.


Utility Companies

City of Charlotte Electric: Duke Power - 704.594.9400
Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte - 704.336.2211
Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas - 704.525.3882
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Charlotte Dept. of Sanitation - 704.336.2673

Town of Concord Electric: City of Concord - 704.786.6161
Water/Sewer: City of Concord - 704.786.6161
Gas: Public Service - 877.776.2427
Telephone: CT Communications - 704.784.0370
Cable: Vision Cable - 704.938.5156
Trash Removal: City of Concord - 704.786.6161

Town of Cornelius Electric: Energy United - 704.892.0278
Duke Power(west of I77) - 704.594.9400
Electricities(east of I77) - 704.948.0550
Water/Sewer: Town of Cornelius - 704.336.2564
Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas - 704.525.3882
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Waste Management - 1.800.927.8362

Town of Davidson Electric: Duke Power - 704.594.9400
Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte - 704.336.2211
Gas: Public Service Co. of NC - 877.776.2427
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Chambers Development - 704.596.6930

Town of Huntersville Electric: Energy United - 704.892.0278
Electricities(Ease of I77) - 704.948.0550
Water/Sewer: City of Charlotte - 704.336.2211
Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas - 704.525.3882
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Town of Huntersville - 704.875.6541

Lincoln County Electric: Duke Power - 704.594.9400
Duke Connections - 888.333.3004
Energy United - 704.892.0278
Water/Sewer: Lincoln County (East Office) - 704.336.2211
Denver Office - 704.483.7082
Lincolnton Office - 704.736.8497
Heater Utilities - 704.489.9401
Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas - 704.525.3882
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Charter Communications - 704.735.9065
Trash Removal: Cleanwell Sanitation - 704.483.1770

Town of Mooresville Electric: Duke Power - 704.594.9400
Water/Sewer: Town of Mooresville - 704.663.3800
Heater Utilities - 704.489.9401
Gas: Public Servie of NC - 877.776.2427
Telephone: Alltel - 704.664.4123
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Town of Mooresville - 704-664-4278

Town of Troutman Electric: Duke Power - 704.594.9400
Water/Sewer: City of Troutman - 704.528.7600
Gas: Public Service of NC - 877.776.2427
Telephone: Bell South - 877.678.2355
Cable: Time Warner - 704.377.9600
Trash Removal: Benfield Sanitation - 704.872.2668

Town of Statesville Propane: Suburban Propane, 1245 Garner Bagnal - 704-872-1486
Water: City of Statesville - 704-878-3567
Iredell Water Corporation - (704) 873-1658
Telephone: BellSouth - (704) 780-2355
Cable: Adelphia Cable Co. 704-663-6632
Garbage: City of Statesville - 704-878-3415
Benfield Sanitation 282 Scotts Creek Road, Statesville 704-872-2668
County Solid Waste 354 Twin Oaks Road, Statesville 704-878-5430
Electric: City of Statesville - 704-878-3567
EnergyUnited U.S. Highway 64 East 704-871-9945
Duke Power Company (Troutman) 704-528-5118
Natural Gas: Public Service of North Carolina - 704-872-7404

Electricity Duke Energy (Charlotte, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay) 800-777-9898
York Electric (areas of York County not served by Duke) 803-684-4248
City of Rock Hill (city of Rock Hill & some surrounding areas) 803-329-5600
Energy United (North Mecklenburg) 704-892-0278
Rutherford Electric (Gaston county) 704-629-6226
Union Power Co-op (East Mecklenburg, Union counties) 704-289-3145
York County Natural Gas (all of York County) 803-329-5255
Piedmont Natural Gas (Charlotte customers) 704-525-3882

Water/Sewer Carolina Water Service (Lake Wylie, River Pointe) 800-367-4314
Tega Cay Water Service 803-548-0821
City of Tega Cay Water & Utilities (Lake Shore area) 803-548-3512
City of Clover 803-222-9495
City of Rock Hill 803-329-5600
Fort Mill water & sewer 803-547-2034
York County Water & Sewer 803-327-8639
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities 704-336-2211
Aqua NC (Southwest Charlotte) 877-987-2782
Comporium(Rock Hill, Lake Wylie, York, Fort Mill, Clover) 803-548-9011
AT&T/Bellsouth (Charlotte, Lake Wylie) 800-780-2355
Time Warner Charlotte (NC Residents) 877-566-4892

Trash Pick-Up Tega Cay 803-548-3512
River Hills & Lake Wylie 803-222-3862
Fort Mill 803-547-2034
Select Sanitation (South Charlotte & Lake Wylie) 704-588-4571
Allied Waste (Southwest Charlotte) 704-393-6900
Signature Waste Systems (Lake Wylie, Fort Mill) 704-714-9400
D&D Sanitation (Clover, Lake Wylie) 803-222-3862


Weather

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.

Friendly Winters Charlotte’s winter offers you a taste of the old man without all the shoveling, swerving and salt. Only half of the winter days fall below freezing and sub-zero (-18°C) temperatures have only occurred five times since 1878.

Snow is infrequent, with an average annual accumulation of less than six inches, but Charlotte is only two hours away from excellent snow skiing in the North Carolina mountains. Residents can enjoy the snow, without having to endure it.

Favorable Summers

The summer months lure Charlotteans outside. The bright sun and clear skies, dappled with pure white clouds, fill the summer days. Unlike cities to the south though, very hot weather conditions (90°F, 32°F) occur only 40 days in Charlotte compared to 81 days in Jacksonville, Florida and 83 days in Houston, Texas. On the average, temperatures reach 100°F (38°C) only twice a year. With an average summer temperature of 76°F (24°C) and an average daily range of 20 degrees, these inviting days are punctuated by cool nights under starry skies.

Fantastic Springs and Autumns The transformations of the seasons in Charlotte are the most breathtaking times of the year. The slow emergence of spring, from mid-March through May, provides residents with a visual extravaganza. The Carolina blue skies accentuate the pinks, reds, yellows, purples and soft whites of the spring blooms which fill the city. Those same skies, crisp and clear, provide the setting for the brilliant array of colors which paint the trees during a fall which extends well into November.

Both seasons are appreciably long, providing a slow, enjoyable gateway into summer or winter. The average frost free season lasts 216 days from mid-March to mid-November. October and November welcome the cool temperatures which invite people outside to enjoy those brilliant fall colors which rival those of New England but are unknown in the deep south.

Balanced Rainfall Once again the Charlotte climate offers the best of both worlds. The necessary rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 43 inches (107.5 cm). By comparison, Miami has 60 inches (150 cm) and Denver 13 inches (32.5 cm). The summer months host the heaviest rainfall; March is the wettest month, with 4.4 inches (11.2 cm); and November is the driest month, with 3.0 inches (7.7 cm) of precipitation.

These refreshing rains are well balanced. Only occasionally will Charlotte have dry spells, which last one to three weeks. Droughts are rare and Charlotte has never had a major flood. Though occasional lowland flooding occurs, local stream and river basins are sufficient to carry most rainfalls effectively.

Relative Humidity

Relatively speaking, Charlotte is not the sultry South many think it to be. The city’s normal summer humidity is 74 percent, compared to 80 percent in the central interior of the United States, 77 percent in Jacksonville, Florida, and 76 percent in Houston. Yearly morning humidity averages 83 percent, noon humidity 54 percent and evening humidity 61 percent.

Absence of Severe Weather

Severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, is a rarity in Charlotte. The city is located outside principal tornado zones and the typical path of hurricanes along the east coast is such that storm centers are usually at sea by the time storms reach this latitude. The few storms that pass close to the North Carolina coast have little adverse effect on Charlotte.