When moving to the U.S. to pursue a career, international healthcare professionals often have strong and distinct preferences of location, especially if they move with their family or on their own. A popular area of choice is Charlotte, North Carolina and its surrounding areas. This is due to its combined offering of a lively and bustling city feel paired with a quieter, more suburban environment.
As many of our international nurses and medical technologists live and work in the area, and have established a community with their families, fellow international healthcare professionals and local neighbors, this article features details around the location and what appeals to the Conexus MedStaff healthcare professionals that now call it home.
Cost of Living
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. but still offers a lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. Home to a diverse population of approximately 2.7 million people in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area, the cost of living is 20% less expensive than New York with rent being almost 40% lower in Charlotte than New York – just to put cost into perspective.
While cost of living is lower than other large cities, it is still a good idea to budget and plan financially for a move to the U.S.
Weather and Seasons
Weather in the local area varies from hot and humid summers to mild winters, and occasional snowfall. The area experiences all four seasons and springtime flurries make way for the state’s most beautiful blooming event – the North Carolina Azalea Festival that showcases over 100,000 brilliant-colored blooms.
Many people enjoy living in North Carolina as it is outdoor-friendly throughout the year and features nearby parks, nature reserves and breathtaking hikes all within close driving proximity.
What to Do and Family-Friendly Activities in Charlotte
Charlotte and its surrounding suburbs offer a multitude of activities for both families and individuals. Charlotte is famous for its NASCAR museum, where visitors can learn about the history of stock car racing. It is also a hot spot for sports teams, food, craft breweries, unique coffee shops, and has a vibrant nightlife.
It is probably most well-known for its many green spaces. Freedom Park, the city's largest park, is a perfect spot for picnics and family activities. Gastonia, a local suburb of Charlotte, is known as “The Bloom Town of the Carolinas” – a beautiful location to explore if you love flowers. Additionally, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, another suburb of Charlotte, is an excellent spot to get a glimpse of nature. There are tons of family-friendly exhibits, the garden is open year-round, and it features 110 acres of gardens.
Lake Norman, located about 45 minutes from Charlotte in a suburb called Cornelius, offers boat or kayak rentals so you can spend the day on the water with family and friends, while the U.S. National Whitewater Center is also nearby and offers rafting, kayaking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Diversity in the Area
Charlotte was recently ranked as one of WalletHub’s 2023 most diverse cities in America, ranking eighth out of 501 cities across the U.S. With a growing population and a thriving economy, Charlotte serves as a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. From the strong African American presence to the growing Hispanic and Latino population, the cultural influence is evident in the multitude of restaurants, festivals and community events that celebrate different traditions.
Charlotte and its surrounding suburban areas offer a wide variety of living options, each with its unique character, atmosphere, and attractions. Whether you want to experience city life, or the beauty of natural areas and charming small towns, there is something for everyone in the Charlotte area.
Are you an international nurse or medical technologist looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Learn more about how Conexus MedStaff can help you and apply today.
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