Looking for affordable housing options in Charlotte? Our guide has everything you need to know about staying on budget.
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina; however, with this boom in popularity, it also means it’s getting harder to find budget-friendly housing, especially if you're living alone.
We’ve discussed where to find affordable apartments in Charlotte, NC, how much they cost, and some options for affordable housing in the city to get you started.
Charlotte is predicted to reach the 1 million population mark by 2028¹ thanks to job opportunities, education, and quality of life. This fast population boom, however, brings a high demand for housing.
Cheap apartments in Charlotte are hard to find in areas such as NoDa and Uptown, with listings often being taken in days and prices becoming more expensive.
Typically, the cost of housing in Charlotte varies according to the location and size. For one-bedroom apartments, rent could cost anywhere from $1,200 upwards. You can find cheaper apartments in Charlotte, but they are likely to be further away from the city centre.
If you're looking for affordable housing in Charlotte, then it’s best to choose shared housing or check out these neighborhoods below.
Avoid areas such as Uptown and South End, as these are popular and have higher rental prices. Some affordable Charlotte neighborhoods we recommend are -
Ballantyne West - Ballantyne West consists mainly of family homes and some apartments with a nice suburban feel.
Chantilly - This neighborhood has a high quality of life with low traffic, perfect for a work-life balance.
Sardis Wood - Sardis Wood is heavily sheltered by trees and close to the greenway, with a mix of retirees, families, and young couples.
Providence Crossing - This neighborhood has many large family homes, with some being used for shared housing, which can save money.
If you still want to live in one of the wealthier neighborhoods closer to the city centre, then try the following housing options to save money -
Shared housing with roommates in Charlotte - Shared living reduces utility bills and rent, and can be a great way to save money if you are moving to Charlotte for work alone. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people. Shared housing platforms like ours at Alcove allow you to explore different housing options online and match with roommates.
Studio apartments - Compared to one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments tend to be slightly cheaper since they are smaller, although still more expensive than shared housing options. They are the better choice if you want to live alone.
Choose locations further from town - The further away from the city centre, the cheaper it gets when looking for housing around the suburbs. Some of the neighbourhoods we mentioned, like Ballantyne West, have great affordable housing options.
There are some tips and tricks you can implement to make finding affordable housing in Charlotte easier, such as -
Begin early - Make sure to begin your house search at least 3 months before your ideal moving-in date, which gives you enough time to find budget-friendly options before they are all taken.
Make sure utilities are included - Ensure your housing rent includes bills like water and internet. At
Alcove, our rent includes high-speed wifi and all utilities, as well as furnishings, washers, and dryers.
Choose shared housing - Shared housing doesn’t just save you money, it gives you a chance to meet new people and friends where you are moving.
Be flexible with location - When possible, be flexible with location. If you are looking away from the city center, however, make sure transport is accessible and included within your budget.
By choosing a shared housing platform like us at Alcove, you don’t have to sacrifice location and comfort, allowing you to rent your dream room at a fraction of the cost of renting a whole single-bed apartment.
Not only does your rent include all bills and utilities, but we also have flexible leasing terms and roommate matching to ensure you are compatible with those you are living with.
Whether you want to stay in Charlotte temporarily or move there for work, our platform makes finding shared housing opportunities easy, allowing you to manage your application, rent, and more all in one place.
Check out our listings in Charlotte, NC here.