Happy April!
If you’re feeling the “adulting” pressure of buying a home, I did some research to figure out the actual numbers, and what I found is…complicated.
In today’s Charlotte Invite, you’ll find:
The real math on buying vs. renting in Charlotte
Charlotte SHOUT! starts this Friday
Mobile pickleball 🧐
I found your next $12 yoga class
- Happy reading! Bethany
If you’d be sad if this newsletter stopped hitting your inbox:
Should you buy a home in Charlotte right now?
Honestly, the answer depends on more than just your paycheck.
Two new studies dropped recently that give us some real data on what it's actually like to be a young buyer (or renter) in Charlotte right now.
First, the space situation.
This study broke down how much a $400k home gets you across 100 U.S. cities. The national median is 1,820 square feet. Charlotte comes in at 1,722 square feet - so not horrible! But compared to our neighbors:
Greensboro buyers get 2,520 sq ft for $400k
Winston Salem buyers get 2,263 sq ft for $400k
Raleigh gets the least space in NC at 1,689 sq ft for $400k
Compared nationally, Charlotte fell solidly in the middle with $400k in Detroit getting you 5,000 sq ft and Manhattan getting you 267 sq ft.
And what about renters?
The median rent in Charlotte as of January 2026 was $1,485 which is a 2.4% decline compared to this time last year. This creates a balanced market where renters have lots of choices, and landlords don’t have to offer deep discounts.
Another study found that 82% of Gen Z adults in Charlotte rent and 18% own a home.
How are y’all affording this?
The cost of living rose 20% over the past five years, but Gen Z incomes also grew by 210% during that period.
Charlotte is growing fast, and that’s a double-edged sword, but if you find a career you like that also pays well, you can definitely keep up.
Just so you know…
🦐 South End just got a new type of cuisine: Creole. Kristy’s Creole Kitchen is opening at 1300 South Blvd on April 10. They’ll offer a cocktail menu with Louisiana classics like a hurricane and a fishbowl, along with food of course.
Inside Kristy’s Creole Kitchen
🥗 A new Black-owned restaurant is opening at Camp North End this Saturday. Sage & Citrus will offer protein bowls, smoothies, sandwiches and a variety of plant-based options.
🥳 Charlotte SHOUT! kicks off on Friday. It’s a 17 day art festival taking over Uptown with putt-putt, see-saws, food fests, live music and more. Most events are free, but here’s a guide to some of the best.
Weigh in
Last week, I asked how much you’re spending on wellness each month. 42% said they spend less than $50/month, and 28% said they spend over $300!
Now I want to know, where do you stand on the buy vs. rent debate?
Events
Here are our top five:
MUSIC: Friday 🥁 Enjoy live music at Birkdale Village and get a drink from their taproom (note there’s usually lots of families but it’s still a good vibe)
FOOD: Saturday 🍩 Food trucks will line up on Levine Ave for Charlotte SHOUT! Expect donuts, greek food, elote and more.
MARKET: Saturday 🛍️ Front Porch is back and now it’s in the West End and will have over 100 vendors.
SILENT DISCO: Sunday 🥳 silent disco 🤝 walking tour. Groove through Charlotte SHOUT! activations with fun dance moments and learn interesting facts about the city.
PICKLEBALL: Sunday 🎾 a mobile pickleball experience is coming to Lenny Boy Brewery. It’s open play and paddles/balls are provided.
A budget-friendly weekend
Here’s your $50 weekend schedule:
On Friday, catch Charlotte SHOUT!’s opening night in Uptown. ($0) Grab a drink at one of the nearby bars after ($12)
Dog lovers, start your Saturday at Mothers Comfort Food for brunch where dogs are invited with free pup cups. Brunch runs around $25.
Then drop the dog off at home and enjoy free entry to all the museums in Uptown: the Mint, Gantt Center, and the Bechtler.
Sunday, head to a yoga class at Feel Better Yoga. All their classes on Sunday’s are only $12!
The total for this weekend comes to around $49!
LMK how / if you’re finding this newsletter helpful!
That’s it for this week.
What’d you think? Love it? Hate it? Either way we want your feedback - email [email protected] with your thoughts.
