Austin, TX, The Live Music Capital of the World, versus Charlotte, NC, The Queen City. These two southern cities battle for the winning title. While both cities differ in many ways, they also have a few things in common. So let’s take a look at these two vibrant destinations to see how Austin and Charlotte compare against each other.
Quick Stats
Charlotte Stats
- Population Density: 2,836.9 people per square mile
- Median Household Income: $65,359
- Unemployment: 7.8%
- Median Age: 37.6 years old
- Average Commute: 27.1 minutes
- Average Home Value: $406,169
Austin Stats
- Population Density: 3,006.4 people per square mile
- Median Household Income: $75,752
- Unemployment: 6.8%
- Median Age: 35 years old
- Average Commute: 27.4 minutes
- Average Home Value: $504,273
Size & Location
While the two southern cities are more than 1,100 miles apart, they have much in common regarding population and geography. Austin and Charlotte have similar population numbers and are located only a short day’s drive from a relaxing beach day.
Charlotte Geography & Population
The 309 sq. mile city of Charlotte hosts a population of 879,709 residents. The larger metropolitan population of Charlotte holds 2.6 million residents. While the city is inland, residents who want to enjoy the breeze off the Atlantic Ocean with friends and family are only a 3 1/2 hour drive to Myrtle Beach.
Austin Geography & Population
Comparatively, Texas’s capital city, Austin, hosts just under 1 million residents in over 326 sq. miles. with the larger metropolitan region rising to a population of 2.2 million. Like Charlotte, Austin is also landlocked but a fun day trip to coastal cities like Galveston or Corpus Christi is a mere 3 1/2 hour drive from the heart of downtown.
Industries & Local Economy
Charlotte Economy
Charlotte is a city with a thriving economy that has been steadily expanding and growing with no signs of slowing down. The city is known as a hub for large financial institutions; so much so that the city is the second-largest banking center in the United States, following New York City. Bank of America is one of many prominent companies to call the city home. In addition, various large corporations have established a presence here including
- Wells Fargo
- Truist
- Honeywell
- Microsoft
- Lowe’s
Not only is Charlotte at the top of the financial industry, but they are also a significant center for the motorsports industry. The city proudly hosts the NASCAR Hall of Fame, numerous Formula One teams, and the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Austin Economy
Austin, on the other hand, features an economy revolving around technology and defense. The city is home to numerous large companies such as
- Amazon
- 3M
- Tesla
- Hewlett-Packard
- Dropbox
- Cisco Systems
As a result, Austin has graced the Forbes list of best cities numerous times throughout the past ten years. In 2019, Austin was ranked 9th on the Best Places for Business and Careers list. The trend has continued as more tech companies hop on the bandwagon. Additionally, other industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology, are ramping up their presence in the bustling city of Austin.
Things To Do
<H3>Charlotte Entertainment & Culture
Charlotte has a rich southern history and provides endless opportunities to explore the culture and lifestyle of the charming North Carolina city. So whether you’re passionate about history, music, sports, food, or the arts, there are plenty of activities to fill your day. A few local favorite places to experience are
- The Historic Rosedale
- Charlotte Liberty Walk
- 7th Street Public Market
- The U.S. National Whitewater Center
Finish your day with a delicious meal from Kindred Restaurant, Hello Sailor, or Camp North End, all of which have chefs nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award.
Austin Entertainment & Culture
While Charlotte is a tough competitor, it’s hard to beat Austin’s title of The Live Music Capital of the World. Austin is the place to be if you’re a music lover. In addition to hosting the infamous Austin City Limits, the city has more than 250 music venues sprinkled across the city. From classical to country-western, residents of Austin can enjoy a variety of artists at their favorite venue. Not only does Austin pave the way in the music scene, but the outdoor recreation and nightlife opportunities are limitless. Just a short drive from downtown Austin is Lake Travis, a beautiful deep blue reservoir that many Austin residents escape to on a sunny afternoon.
How To Choose Between Austin and Charlotte?
Choosing between Austin and Charlotte can be a tough choice depending on what you are looking for in a city. Both cities offer amazing local culture and diverse landscapes. If you find yourself leaning towards Austin, check out our Lake Travis homes and see if you can find your dream home in the beautiful Texas Hill Countryside.
Lakeside At Tessera
If you’re considering a move to Austin, check out our Lake Travis homes tucked into the Texas Hill Country. With all the amenities at your fingertips, you can experience the best of Austin right outside your front door. Contact us today for more info, and check out our Lake Travis custom homes!