Statistics from our Multiple Listing Service for the year prior to October depict Charlotte having 11.2 months supply of homes (-10.8%) with 7,737 active listings (-16.8%). 8,446 homes (-5.1%) have closed in the past 12 months. The Charlotte region is leading the way for economic development in the South, according to Southern Business and Development. The magazine has named the area its 2011 Major Market of the Year. Deals with Seimens Energy, Hewitt Associates and Fifth Third Bancorp, which brought hundreds of jobs, propelled the region to the top spot. Last year the Charlotte region received an honorable mention, its fourth in six years. The magazine called 2010 the second best year for economic development in the South since 1994. The previous year, 2009, was th worst in the magazine's 18 year history. Comments by Eleanor Kennedy in Charlotte Observer 7/20/ll.
ZIP Codes: 28277, 28270, 28227, 28227, 28210, 28205, 28215, 28211, 28212, 28208, 81204, 28205, 28207, 28209, 28201, 28202, 28216, 28262, 28269 Approximate Location Boundaries: Bounded to the North by Iredell County (Mooresville and Statesville), to the East by Cabarrus County (Concord); to the Southeast and South by Union County (Monroe, Weddington, and Waxhaw); to the Southwest by South Carolina and Lancaster County (Lancaster, Fort Mill and Tega Cay) and to the west by Gaston County (Gastonia and Belmont).
Location Characteristics: Charlotte's economy continues to slowly rebound. Unemployment is high. The real estate market is anemic. Public revenues are challenged. We are still suffering from the loss of stock values and dividend income. However, in 2009 we added 15,542 jobs (highest number since 2003). Premier, Husqvarna and Electrolux have announced relocationing their headquarters to Charlotte. Financial service firms like GMAC, Zenta and USBank added 4,500 jobs in 2009. We fight on as the second largest banking center in America. We have new leaders like Mayor Anthony Foxx and school board Chair Eric Davis, each with fresh passion. Gov. Bev Perdue can't seem to stay away. Higher education is growing. Health care offers perhaps our greatest opportunity to further diversify the economy. At a time when air service is being reduced throughout the country, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is growing. Construction will begin on the final leg of I-485. The Monroe Bypass will begin soon making it North Carolina's second toll project in the modern era. The new Bechtler Museum of Art, the Gantt Center, Knight Theatre and the Mint Museum have all opened or will soon. The facilities are incredible gifts to the citizens of Charlotte. It is a new decade and Charlotte is different - and better in many ways. (Taken from Editorial Comments of Bob Morgan, President and CEO the Charlotte Chamber.)
Our 5 professional sports teams (Panthers, Bobcats, Checkers, Eagles and Knights) have made the city increasingly visible across the nation. Lowe's Motor Speedway is the home base for the area's NASCAR competition. Overseas flights from our international airport have made Charlotte and increasingly more diverse city, as the area continues to attract foreign firms and trade. People throughout the United States and the world have relocated to Charlotte for its unique opportunities. People who can live anywhere in the world have chosen Charlotte for our four mild seasons and its incredible beauty. Fishing, hiking and biking havens are available for the outdoor enthusiast. Lake communities, mountain regions and the beaches are all in close proximity. US News and World Report have ranked our medical facilities among the top in the nation. Active and retirement communities provide lifestyle choices. There are also 16 prestigious golf course communities in the area. Charlotte is now home to a $25 million whitewater park on the Catawba River. Imagine paddling Class III rapids less than 10 minutes from uptown! Charlotte's cultural art scene is being transformed with plans calling for a new modern-art museum, a renovated Discovery Place, an expanded Afro-American Cultural Center, a 1,200 seat theater and steps toward moving the Mint Museum of Art uptown. Charlotte Mecklenburg Public schools are among the best in the nation. CMS became the first urban school district in the U.S. to be accredited by SACS CASI, the largest accrediting agency in the world. CMS has been awarded one of three national Pride of SRA Academic Recognition Awards for elementary reading. Newsweek Magazine ranked 3 of our area high schools on the top 100 list of best high schools in America. Charlotte is now home to 7 higher learning, 4-year Institutions: Johnson & Wales University, which is the only culinary school in the region; Johnson C. Smith University, which U.S. News and World Report ranked twice as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South; Pfeiffer University which offers studies and a school of business; Queens University that U.S. News and World Report ranked as having one of the top 10 Internship and Development Programs in the country; and UNCC which provides the fourth campus of our statewide university system. In our surrounding Charlotte area we have Belmont Abbey College which U.S. News and World report ranked as one of the top comprehensive liberal arts and professional studies colleges in the South, and highly selective and nationally recognized Davidson College.
About Joye Baucom, ABR,CRS, GRI, SRES, e-PRO:
Actually being a native, I offer a wide perspective of the area and its appeal. I have been listing and selling real estate since 1980 and am associated with one of the most prominent and successful residential real estate firms in the Charlotte region. I share Dan and John's passion for service, integrity, and going the extra mile for clients and customers. They have provided a family atmosphere where relationships and old-fashioned values are tremendously important. I share their commitment to superior service and value the relationship and support as it translates into working with every seller or buyer.
I embraced the internet technology for serving our real estate needs and became an e-PRO, a technology certification held by about l% of all Realtors worldwide. With on-line home tours, you can virtually see more homes and I can link you to MLS and a system to alert you by e-mail when new homes suiting your needs come on the market or reduce their price.
My husband Don and I have lived in Charlotte since 1960. Charlotte afforded us every opportunity to establish our careers, raise our family, and enjoy life to the fullest. Many people seek retirement destinations but I feel Charlotte has it all.
These reports reflect the views and opinions of their authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Realty Times.
