Living & Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina

MEET THE NEW SOUTH

Welcome to Charlotte, a dynamic city that combines world-class amenities with warm Southern hospitality. The striking skyline of Charlotte immediately grabs your attention.

The remarkable and varied architecture not only symbolizes a diverse city that means business, but also one that characterizes the progress and opportunity of the New South.

That’s the beauty of a city that also leaves lasting impressions. Charlotte attracts newcomers from all over the world and beckons visitors to return soon. As North Carolina’s No. 1 travel destination, over 14 million people visit the Charlotte area each year.

Recently named by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of the top “Hot Cities” in the nation for nightclubs and entertainment, you’ll find exciting restaurants and nightlife but also a wide range of arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, and excellent shopping. You will find safe, tree-lined streets, walking trails, lakes, parks and nature preserves.

Charlotte has experienced both a renaissance and rejuvenation in many areas. What’s new or better in Charlotte? Dining. Four star restaurants and small intimate bistros can be found throughout the Center City and surrounding neighborhoods. Johnson &

Wales University’s arrival is strengthening the city’s culinary and hospitality industry.

Getting around Charlotte just got easier. Thanks to a new mode of transportation that is both greener and cleaner called light rail. Running through Center City, as well as ten miles south to Charlotte’s suburbs, the LYNX Blue Line will soon run north, east and west connecting all points in the Queen City. The Gold Rush, Charlotte’s rubber-wheeled trolley that travels through Center City Charlotte, gets you anywhere you need to go free of charge.

The epicenter of Charlotte’s architectural history is along tree-lined Queens Road, lined with sprawling, classical homes. Several other neighborhoods -- including Plaza Hills, Elizabeth, Dilworth and Biddleville --have made great efforts to preserve their historic residences, built in Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian and “bungalow” style, among many others.

LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

Charlotte’s culturally enriched tapestry offers possibilities as limitless and diverse as its people and lifestyles. Fine art, hands-on science exhibits, historical sites and renowned botanical gardens – Charlotte’s museums and cultural attractions are among the finest in the country.

The US National Whitewater Center, a public park featuring whitewater rafting, mountain-biking trails, climbing centers and more has adventure enthusiasts and the weekend warrior raving about all of its thrills.

A sports fan’s dream, Charlotte is home to the NFL Carolina Panthers and the NBA Charlotte Bobcats. Two major NASCAR races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May and October have the city’s streets packed with dedicated NASCAR fans. Charlotte is the hub of the NASCAR industry and is soon to be the home of the state-of-the art NASCAR Hall of Fame. Currently 82 percent of Nextel Cup teams, 72 percent of Busch Series teams and 55 percent of Craftsman Truck teams are based in the Charlotte region. Charlotte also is home to the ECHL Carolina Checkers and United Soccer League-two Charlotte Eagles.

CHARLOTTE HAS STYLE

From the top names in manufacturing and retail outlets, to upscale boutiques and unique shops nestled in neighborhood shopping centers, Charlotte offers a truly unique shopping experience with a wide range of retail options.

Destination shopping malls and centers can be found in almost every corner of Charlotte. Concord Mills offers retail outlets with sought after designer names in addition to the outdoorsman paradise, Bass Pro Shop.

Northlake Mall offers favorite stores with dependable brands, located in one of Charlotte’s most booming areas. And destinations like Birkdale Village and Phillips Place showcase specialty stores with alfresco character.

Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Dilworth and Myers Park have main street appeal and one-of-a-kind finds at galleries, high-end boutiques and more. And furniture happens to be a regional specialty. Fabulous selection and the latest designs in furniture are only a short drive away.

REGIONAL HEALTHCARE

The Charlotte region is served by large hospitals, smaller clinics, a wide-range of specialists, and some nationally renowned teaching and research institutions. While the spectrum of medical services available to area residents has grown, the cost of health care remains below the national average.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Charlotte’s health systems as some of the best in the country: Carolinas Medical Center ranks 36th in the nation in Orthopedics and 40th in Urology. NorthEast Medical Center has also been recognized as one of Solucient’s Top 100 Teaching Hospitals.

FIND YOUR PLACE

Vibrant and robust, Charlotte continues to build upon its reputation as a world-class city through arts, science and historical attractions, eclectic dining, unique shopping, and entertainment options. Imagine yourself living and nursing in the Queen City—Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Information and photos courtesy of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitcharlotte.com.

Charlotte Fun Facts

• Named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, Charlotte is also known as the Queen City.

• Charlotte is the birthplace of Rev. billy Graham. A library offering tours of his childhood home is open to the public.

• Over 60 percent of the U.S. lives within a 2 hour flight of Charlotte.

• Charlotte is one of the top financial centers in the nation, second only to New york City. The headquarters of bank of America and Wachovia are located here.

Major Medical institutions

Carolinas Medical Center 704-355-2000

Presbyterian Hospital 704-384-4000

Veterans Affairs Medical Center 910-822-7059

Gaston Memorial Hospital 704-834-2000

NorthEast Medical Center 704-783-3000

Charlotte’s location in the Piedmont Region, sheltered by the Appalachian Mountains, provides a mild and predominantly sunny climate.

Average January temperature: 39.3

Average July temperature: 79.3

Average year-round temperature: 60.1

Average annual precipitation: 43.1 in.