Whether you’re considering a career switch to real estate or are trying to grow your existing business, it’s critical that you understand the nuances of each neighborhood within your targeted area. Here’s what you need to know about the Charlotte real estate market.
Key Takeaways
- Charlotte’s Real Estate Market is Thriving – Rapid population growth and strong home sales make it a prime market for agents.
- Neighborhood Selection is Key – Matthews, Monroe, Denver, and Concord offer strong income potential and growth opportunities.
- High Earning Potential – Charlotte agents earn $118K–$127K on average, with home sales expected to grow 15.7% in 2025.
- Success Tips for Agents – Build a local network, choose the right brokerage, and get licensed through Superior School of Real Estate.
Overview of Charlotte, NC
If you live in the area, you already know that Charlotte, North Carolina, is a rapidly growing city known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and continuous development. As the largest city in the state, your home serves as a major financial hub, home to corporate headquarters like Bank of America and Truist. Charlotte has also emerged as a prime destination for business relocations, ranking as the nation’s second-best city for corporate headquarters.
The city is experiencing a significant population boom. According to the State of Center City report published in January 2025, an average of 117 people moved to Charlotte every day in 2024, making it the top city in the nation for net inbound migration.
Charlotte offers a variety of attractions that appeal to residents and visitors alike. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy professional teams like the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, featuring the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Mint Museum, and the NoDa arts district, known for its galleries, live music, and craft breweries.
Outdoor recreation is another highlight of Charlotte. Freedom Park provides a scenic retreat in the heart of the city, while the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers adventure sports like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Nearby Lake Norman is a popular boating, fishing, and hiking destination.
Key Charlotte Stats:
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (FRED, November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $113,613 (World Population Review, 2024)
- Cost of Living: 2% lower than the national average (PayScale, 2025)
With its booming job market, influx of new residents, and diverse entertainment options, Charlotte remains a top destination for businesses and individuals seeking opportunity and a vibrant lifestyle.
Introduction to the Charlotte Real Estate Market
The housing market in Charlotte, NC, is strong. According to current Redfin statistics, in January 2025, the median sale price of a home in Charlotte is an even $400,000 (up 2.8% YoY). Unlike other communities where higher prices lead to sluggish sales, the number of homes sold also increased 12.3% YoY.
While this high-level overview of the Charlotte real estate market is valuable for North Carolina real estate brokers, having a deep understanding of local market conditions is essential to best serve your clients.
How to Choose a Target Neighborhood for Your Real Estate Business
A lot goes into selecting a target neighborhood for your real estate business. After all, if all agents selected neighborhoods based on the average sale price alone, Dilworth, with an average home value of $743,096 (Zillow January 2025), would have brokers standing on every corner.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details of Charlotte neighborhoods, here are some key metrics to consider when choosing the right area to focus your real estate business,
1. Market demand & sales activity
- Look for neighborhoods with high transaction volume and strong buyer demand.
- Check historical trends in home sales, price appreciation, and days on the market.
2. Price point
- Consider whether you prefer working in luxury, mid-range, or entry-level markets.
- Higher-priced areas may yield larger commissions, but lower-priced areas can offer more frequent transactions.
3. Growth & development trends
- Choose areas with strong economic growth, new construction, and infrastructure improvements.
- Proximity to job centers, schools, and amenities can drive future property value.
4. Target client demographics
- Identify neighborhoods that align with your ideal clientele (first-time buyers, investors, luxury clients, etc.).
- Understand the local demographic trends, including income levels, family size, and lifestyle preferences.
5. Competition & market saturation
- Analyze the number of active agents and brokerages in the area.
- High competition might mean a crowded market, while an underserved area may provide more opportunities.
6. Rental vs. homeownership trends
- If you specialize in investors or property management, areas with high rental demand may be ideal.
- Neighborhoods with higher homeownership rates may offer steadier opportunities for traditional home sales.
7. Personal interest & expertise
- Choosing a neighborhood where you have knowledge, passion, or personal experience can make marketing and client engagement more authentic.
- By evaluating these factors, you can identify the best neighborhood to build a successful real estate business that aligns with your strengths, goals, and market opportunities.
Top Charlotte, NC, Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents
What is the best neighborhood in Charlotte for real estate agents? That depends on your niche, target demographic, and interest. (For example, do you specialize in fix and flips? Luxury homes? Rentals?)
However, here are some trending neighborhoods that may deserve a glance.
1. Matthews, NC
- Market overview: Home values increased 4.0% YoY (Zillow, January 2025)
- Average income of real estate agents: $121,227 (Indeed, January 2025)
- Key neighborhoods and opportunities: Providence Plantation, Brightmoor, and Sardis Plantation
- The revitalization of downtown Matthews offers mixed-use development and commercial real estate opportunities.
2. Monroe, NC
- Market overview: Home values increased 2.7% YoY (Zillow, January 2025)
- Average income of real estate agents: $120,670 (Indeed, January 2025)
- Key neighborhoods and opportunities: Lakeview Estates, Wincrest, and Downtown Monroe
- Ongoing redevelopment efforts make this a prime area for investors and commercial real estate opportunities. In addition, Monroe’s expanding suburban footprint provides substantial opportunities for new home sales.
3. Denver, NC
- Market overview: Home value increased 2.2% YoY (Zillow, January 2025)
- Average income of real estate agents: $127,861 (Indeed, January 2025)
- Key neighborhoods and opportunities: Verdict Ridge, SailView, and Westport
- With its proximity to Lake Norman, Denver presents excellent opportunities for waterfront and investment properties.
4. Concord, NC
- Market overview: Home value increased 2.0% YoY with plenty of listings (Zillow, January 2025)
- Average income of real estate agents: $118,626 (Indeed, January 2025)
- Key neighborhoods and opportunities: Laurel Park, Cabarrus Country Club Area, and Afton Village
- Concord’s affordability and proximity to Charlotte continue to attract buyers looking for more space at lower prices. In addition, there are strong opportunities in commercial real estate due to tourism and business expansion.
Income Potential and Career Opportunities for Real Estate Brokers in Charlotte, NC
As a new or existing broker, you may wonder if you should focus on new home sales or investment properties. Luxury estates or commercial real estate? Regardless of your decision, there’s money to be made in Charlotte real estate.
In fact, REALTOR.com recently published a list of the top housing markets in 2025. Three regions of NC made the list. (Greensboro/High Point #10, Durham/Chapel Hill #13, and Charlotte/Concord/Gastonia #14).
The editors of REALTOR.com estimated that home sale counts would increase by 15.7% in 2025 while home prices would increase by 10.1%.
Is Charlotte a good place to be a real estate agent? All indicators say, “Yes!”
Tips for Succeeding as a Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
It’s time to act if you want to take advantage of Charlotte’s hot housing market. Here are some tips for those getting started.
Tip 1: Build a strong local network.
Successful real estate brokers have robust networks. They know a lot of people within and outside the industry. Get to know the people in your community!
Tip 2: Interview with several brokerages.
Real estate brokers in North Carolina have to work under the supervision of an experienced professional. Interview several brokerages before signing on with one. There are pros and cons of working with small and large brokerages.
Tip 3: Choose the best real estate school.
Superior School of Real Estate offers all the courses you need to get licensed and stay licensed in North Carolina. We offer in-person classes, livestream, or at-your-own-pace courses and packages that include audio narration, exam prep materials, and a course textbook. Financing is available. Get started today!
