Charlotte, affectionately nicknamed the Queen City, is the largest city in North Carolina and is growing rapidly. Charlotte is an awesome city to live in because it gives residents the feeling of city living with a small town flair.

Charlotte offers its residents an awesome social scene, great school systems, gorgeous parks and outdoor venues, an amazing restaurant scene and so much more. Holding the 14th spot on the Business Insider’s 50 Best Places to Live in America list, Charlotte continues to impress those who move here. Check out the reasons why below.

1. You will find a neighborhood to fit any personality.

When you move to Charlotte, you will have your choice of unique neighborhoods to take up residence. Whether you enjoy living in a chic high-rise apartment or are looking for land and a yard to settle into, Charlotte is sure to offer the neighborhood to fit your lifestyle.

2. Charlotte is experiencing awesome corporate growth which means tons of job opportunities.

In the last 10 years Charlotte has become a major financial hub and is now the second largest financial banking center in the U.S. after New York City. Charlotte is proud to host several Fortune 500 companies in the area. Ranking number two in the U.S. for potential economic growth and among the top 10 locations for start-up companies, Charlotte is not lacking in career and job opportunities. In 2017, the unemployment rate was at 4.6%, the lowest it’s been since 2009. Experts only expect the corporate growth to continue, so if you’re looking to move for a new job, Charlotte should be at the top of your list.

3. The food and beverage scene is spectacular.

Charlotte is a city for "foodies" as new restaurants are opening each day and cuisine options are endless. There’s always a hot, trendy spot to try for date night, and there are also tons of more causal, family restaurants all over town too. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas, sushi, tacos, you name it – there’s a restaurant in Charlotte you need to try.

With dozens of breweries located in various Charlotte neighborhoods and more opening each day, there’s no shortage of places to grab a beer in the QC. Distilleries, wine bars and craft cocktail venues are also popping up everywhere you turn, which is great for residents who enjoy going out for drinks.

4. We are close to the mountains and the beach.

The city of Asheville is only a two hour car ride away and has some of the most gorgeous mountain views in North Carolina. If you venture into downtown Asheville you’ll find tons of shops and amazing mountain restaurants. The Biltmore Estate is also in Asheville and is a must see for tourists.

Charleston, S.C., one of the quaintest, most historic beach towns in the South is only 3.5 hours from Charlotte, and the North Carolina coast is about the same distance. It’s easy to head to the beach for a weekend getaway at a moment’s notice. Charlotte residents love packing their bags and heading out for some fun in the sun with these vacation spots so close.

5. The weather is great – most of the time.

Residents in Charlotte enjoy wonderful weather year around. Centrally located in North Carolina, Charlotte is a place that experiences four seasons and particularly beautiful Spring and Fall seasons, with temperatures ranging anywhere from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at these times of year. Winters are mild with occasional snow, and summers are warm and hot, perfect pool or beach weather. If you are looking for a mild climate and four gorgeous seasons then Charlotte is the place for you and your family.

6. Charlotte is not lacking in sports teams.

Charlotte is a great place for sports enthusiasts. Our city hosts a pro football team: the Carolina Panthers, a pro basketball team: the Charlotte Hornets, a minor league baseball team: the Charlotte Knights, and a minor league hockey team: the Charlotte Checkers.

Charlotte often makes the list to host large annual sporting events like the PGA Golf Championship, the Belk Bowl Game, the NBA All-Star Game and the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament. If you are a sports fan, you will have your pick of sporting events in Charlotte.

7. Your fur-babies will love how pet-friendly Charlotte is.

If you’re a dog mom or dad, you won’t have to worry about leaving your pup at home when you go out in Charlotte. There are currently more than 150 restaurants in Charlotte that allow dogs on their patios and most of the breweries do too.

There are three "Dog Bars" in the city which are built specifically for the pups to play while their owners enjoy a drink, and there are 6 off-the-leash dog parks in or around town. Your pup will love getting out and about while you both enjoy the city.

8. There are tons of things to do outdoors.

If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty for you to take advantage of in Charlotte. Home to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, this Charlotte attraction offers residents a chance to spend the day here rafting, kayaking, biking, hiking, zip lining, rock climbing and more.

And if the whitewater center isn’t enough for you, Charlotte has many outdoor nature preserves, walking trails and greenways for those who like to explore the more natural elements of their city.

9. The cost of living in Charlotte is 2% lower than the national average.

Not only does Charlotte have plenty to offer its residents in dining, entertainment and outdoor activities, but it also offers a lower cost of living than many places. This year, the cost of living in Charlotte is 2% lower than the national average, which is great for the economy and your wallet. As one of the more affordable larger cities on the East Coast, more and more people are moving here each day.

10. There’s an epic music scene.

There are plenty of music venues in Charlotte that add harmony to the city’s social scene. Whether you enjoy big concerts at amphitheaters or small standing room only venues, Charlotte offers both for all music lovers.

The PNC Music Pavilion is one of Charlotte’s larger venues that has the ability to host 19,500 people for large concerts. Smaller venues like the Fillmore, the Evening Muse or the Charlotte Uptown Amphitheater also host great artists, but give visitors a more intimate atmosphere and smaller crowd. No matter what kind of music you like, you’re likely to find a concert in Charlotte to enjoy.

11. Charlotte is a melting pot of transplants.

Not originally from Charlotte? Don’t worry, neither is anybody else! You’ll find that when you meet people in the Queen City, it’s rare that you’ll run into a true Charlotte native. The city is such an attraction for transplants it’s become a melting pot of different ethnicities, ages, and religions. The diversity plays a huge role in the great culture of the city and makes many feel welcome no matter where they are coming from.

12. We have fascinating museums.

Charlotte embraces art, culture and learning in its many area museums. The Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art are dedicated to bringing the Queen City some of the best art and design from artists all over the globe.

Kids and adults love visiting Discovery Place and learning more about science and nature with hands-on exhibits. Some of the most popular include the Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Thinker Space Lab and the world-class aquarium in the museum.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center features exhibits about African American culture, art, music and more. This museum enriches the cultural fabric of the city and has been bringing the city four decades of exhibitions, presentations and performances. These are just a few to add to your list of museums to visit in Charlotte.

13. There are great schools and universities in close proximity.

One of the best things about Charlotte is that it offers families great school choices from elementary school up through college. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system is the second largest school district in North Carolina and the 18th largest in the nation. There are plenty of public elementary, middle and high schools for parents to choose from, as well as private or religious schools like Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin and Charlotte Catholic.

When it comes to sending your child off to college, Charlotte couldn’t be a better location. Prestigious private and public universities like Wake Forest, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, Meredith College, UNC- Charlotte, Appalachian State University, Queens University and more are only a car ride away and offer amazing higher education at in-state prices.

14. It’s a very social city, so it’s easy to meet friends.

Since Charlotte is made up of so many "transplanted" residents it is extremely easy to make friends in the city. Hundreds of Meet-Up groups exist where you can find people who share the same interests and passions you do. There are also numerous social and community organizations to join that hold regular happy hours, networking sessions and gatherings. It’s not hard at all to meet friends in the Queen City, so figure out what you like to do and get out and meet some people who enjoy the same things.

15. You’ll experience big city living and small town charm all in one.

If you live in Charlotte, you get the best of both worlds. Big city living mixed with a little Southern charm. The people are friendly, the weather is envious and the food is fried. If you’re craving the hustle and bustle of the city you can get your fix with a day Uptown. If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood or park to spend your time, you have plenty of options in our city. No matter what you are looking for, most likely, you’ll find it in the Queen City.

If you were on the fence about moving to Charlotte, we hope we’ve talked you into it. Let us know your favorite things about Charlotte in the comments.

Still need more proof that North Carolina is amazing? Check out these 12 things you'll quickly learn after you move here.