The City

Ready to explore Charlotte? At the center of the New South, our city blends homespun hospitality with metropolitan attractions to create an ideal location for college students.

It was recently named one of the best places to live by Money magazine, and the most livable city in America by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The Queen City’s focused growth and southern ambiance is a magnet for the young and talented. More than 270 of the Fortune 500 companies have offices here.

Close to three million people visit Charlotte each year to experience its cultural, entertainment, history and ideal location right between the Carolina beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Queen City has a thriving urban environment but maintains a distinctive small town feel with picturesque neighborhoods and idyllic weather. 

No matter what your interests, from pro sports to dining to the arts, you’re sure to find it.

Looking for something to do? How about a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, or a Carolina Panthers or Charlotte Bobcats game? Take a trip to Carowinds amusement park, golf at one of 50 area courses or go to one of the dozens of outdoor concerts and festivals held throughout the year.

These are just some of the many ways to kick back and have fun – whether you’re visiting for the weekend, or choosing our campus as your new home. Find out more about what’s going on in Charlotte.

Culture
A blend of new and traditional, these cross-currents create a vibrant cultural community that produces 55,000 performances and events annually. Catch a new-age bluegrass band at the funky Neighborhood Theater, take in the arts scene on Gallery Crawls at NoDa, or listen to live bands at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

Discovery Place is one of the top science museums in the nation and includes an IMAX. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center features national touring Broadway productions. From Blues, Brews & BBQ to Shakespeare at the Green, the Reel Soul Film Festival to the Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival, it’s all happening in the Charlotte.

Dining
Nation's Restaurant News named Charlotte one of the "Top 50 Cities That Sizzle." At the city’s center, JWU is expanding possibilities and palates, making dining out in Charlotte an adventure for food fanatics. Charlottecritic.com combines a complete Charlotte restaurant directory with restaurant reviews on the best Charlotte restaurants of all types and ethnicities.

Sports
A national sports hub, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Checkers and Charlotte Knights, and serves as home base for the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR Nextel Cup events.

Recreation
From white water rapids to 180 mph thrills, Charlotte’s recreational offerings are ample. Swing through the manicured links of internationally renowned golf courses or chill to the whirl and whir of Paramount’s Carowinds amusement park.

Scale the rock walls of Inner Peaks Climbing Center to reach indoor heights or ride the rapids at the 307-acre U.S. National Whitewater Center the world's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. For a tamer sail, canoe at Cane Creek Park.

Shopping
From the top names in manufacturer and retail outlets, to upscale boutiques and unique shops nestled in neighborhood shopping centers, destination malls, antique villages, art galleries and outdoor markets, Charlotte offers a full scale shopping experience with a cosmopolitan range of retail options. The city’s destination shopping malls include Carolina Place Mall, Concord Mills, Northlake Mall and SouthPark Mall.

Weather
Avg. temp: 88°F summer, 50°F winter; avg. 214 sunny days a year.