Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Charlotte, NC

Two Queen Cities: A royal shift from Buffalo to Charlotte 

Buffalo, NY, and Charlotte, NC, are two of a handful of North American cities that claim the title of “Queen City.” Each earned the distinction for a different reason (we’ll get into that shortly), but both are currently rated among the country’s 30 best places to live, according to U.S. News. Get an idea of what to expect when you move from Buffalo to Charlotte. Then, discover an easy and efficient long-distance moving option that won’t break the bank. 

How Buffalo and Charlotte earned their crowns 

Buffalo is also known as the Queen City among its many nicknames because it was once the largest city along the Great Lakes. On the other hand, Charlotte was named for British queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the consort to British King George III, when the city was founded in 1768. 

Charlotte reigns in size and population 

Charlotte’s population more than triples that of Buffalo (865,000 to 276,000), but with 300 square miles of land area, there’s plenty of room to roam. Buffalo sits within just 52 square miles, creating a much higher population density. 

Opportunities for finance professionals 

Charlotte is the second-largest banking hub in the U.S., behind New York City, so job prospects are strong for people who work in finance. If you're considering those paths, there’s also a growing technology sector and a wave of entrepreneurial activity. Other top industries in Charlotte include energy production (a large employer in Buffalo), manufacturing, automotive and health care. 

Retire (or rehome) that cold-weather gear 

Moving from Western New York to Central North Carolina means leaving behind epic snowstorms (over 90 inches per year) for a place that rarely gets a dusting. Charlotte’s average high winter temperatures reach the low 40s, so you won’t need a snow shovel or heavy coat. Summers, meanwhile, are hot and humid. And if you’re concerned about fall foliage withdrawals, Charlotte holds its own in that category with spectacular fall colors to enjoy. 

Explore your new city 

Like Buffalo, Charlotte offers a friendliness and neighborly vibe, only on a larger scale. People are drawn to the city for its southern hospitality, local culture, temperate weather, and affordability. While Buffalo is just 20 miles from iconic Niagara Falls, the Piedmont region of North Carolina is only a few hours’ drive from white sand beaches and the Appalachian Mountains.  

In Charlotte, you’ll discover a bustling downtown area and a diverse collection of neighborhoods. Here are some fun ways to get acquainted with your new hometown: 

  • Head to Carowinds, a famous amusement park on the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Test your mettle by riding Fury 325, North America’s longest steel roller coaster. 
  • Explore the Plaza Midwood and North Davidson (NoDa) neighborhoods for art scenes and restaurants. 
  • Satisfying your inner thrill-seeker at the U.S. National Whitewater Center for whitewater rafting, trails for running, hiking and biking, yoga, ropes courses, and more. 
  • Take in panoramic views from Crowders Mountain. 
  • Watch NASCAR stars race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 
  • Catch the NFL’s Panthers, NBA’s Hornets or Charlotte FC of MLS in action. 

Discover affordable higher education options 

The State University of New York at Buffalo, the state’s flagship, is a highly rated and affordable public university. Those looking for similar options can easily find them in and around Charlotte. A recent Forbes study found that full-time in-state tuition at North Carolina’s public two-year colleges was the second lowest in the country. And for public four-year colleges, North Carolina ranked fifth among the least expensive states. 

Keep more of your money — and your peace of mind — with U-Pack 

With so much to see and do in Charlotte, you don’t want to be tapped out by an expensive long-distance move. When you choose U-Pack, you save by doing some of the work on the front end — loading your belongings into our equipment — while we handle the 650-mile drive from Buffalo. You’ll typically have your stuff in just a few days! Contact a U-Pack service center near you to learn more!