Employers are back in the driver’s seat when it comes to where employees are moving, and Charlotte is seeing an influx of new residents because of it.
By the numbers: On average, 157 people move to the Charlotte region daily, according to a recent report by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. That’s up from 117 in 2024 and nearly double 2021 figures.
What the experts say: Catharine Pappas, VP of Relocation at Dickens Mitchener, has been helping people move to Charlotte since 1994. She’s had a front-row seat to Charlotte’s explosive growth, and is starting to see pre-pandemic migration trends remerge – largely driven by the return to office, she says.
Flashback: During the pandemic, the majority of corporate roles went remote, and employees were free to work from home – wherever that was. Charlotte saw a huge influx of new residents from California and New York, seeking a lower cost of living and more green space, with access to big city amenities.
But that’s changed, Pappas says. Companies have pulled back on remote work. Hybrid is trending, and a full return to office is on the horizon, Pappas predicts.
- While plenty of retirees move to Charlotte to be closer to family, the majority of moves are corporate relocations, once again, Pappas says.
- And the majority of moves to Charlotte are regional. UHaul data from the first half of 2025 show most people came from South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York or Maryland.
What’s next: Banks will continue to attract young talent, and health care, construction and clean energy are emerging as top industries, drawing top talent from all over the region.
The bottom line: In 2026, as industries grow and remote work continues to fade, Charlotte will continue to be a hot spot for corporate relocations.
