Charlotte Market Trends in July 2025

Charlotte’s Wage Growth Outpaces Expectations

Charlotte’s labor market hit a milestone in July 2025 as a record number of local jobs now pay over $100,000 annually, signaling significant wage inflation and high demand for skilled workers. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, this surge in six-figure roles is being driven by continued growth in industries like financial services, technology, healthcare, and professional consulting.

The article highlighted that more than 25% of new job postings in Charlotte in Q2 2025 offered salaries above $100K a sharp increase from previous years. “For all occupations, the median income in the Charlotte metro area rose 18.2% from $57,270 in 2021 to $67,690 in 2024. There are 103 jobs in the Charlotte region that pay at least $100,000.” the report stated. Tech and financial firms, in particular, are boosting compensation packages to secure talent in Charlotte’s rapidly diversifying economy.

The trend also reflects Charlotte’s emergence as a major East Coast metro for high-skilled, high-income jobs, placing it in the company of cities like Atlanta and Austin. With more six-figure jobs available across sectors, the Queen City is becoming a more attractive destination for upwardly mobile professionals and relocating executives alike. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Citigroup and AssetMark Double Down on Charlotte

Two financial powerhouses Citigroup and AssetMark announced major expansions in Charlotte this month, reaffirming the city’s standing as a national finance and fintech hub.

Citigroup, one of the largest banking institutions in the world, is making a formal commitment to Charlotte by expanding its real estate footprint and building out local operations. “As we reviewed our real estate footprint in the United States, Charlotte stood out as a location where we had a unique opportunity to invest by establishing a formal presence,” said Edward Skyler, Citi’s head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs, in the release.” Axios Charlotte & Charlotte Business Journal.

At the same time, AssetMark, a California-based wealth management platform serving financial advisors and their clients, announced plans to grow its Charlotte office by adding jobs in client service, operations, and technology. “This will create a better working environment for our existing colleagues as well as allow us to further tap into the deep pool of talent in this market. Charlotte Business Journal.

Combined, these expansions represent hundreds of new jobs and signal a broader trend of institutional investment in Charlotte’s workforce, infrastructure, and livability. The city continues to attract companies looking for scalable growth in a market that blends top talent with affordability and accessibility.

Charlotte Ranks #1 for Business in America

In a major win for the state and a clear validation of Charlotte’s business climate North Carolina reclaimed the No. 1 spot on CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business in America” list in July 2025. The ranking reflects excellence across multiple categories, including workforce quality, access to capital, cost of doing business, and infrastructure.

According to Axios Charlotte, Charlotte played a central role in North Carolina’s rise to the top. The city’s continued influx of corporate relocations, booming real estate market, and growing innovation economy were key differentiators. CNBC’s methodology also gave high marks to the state’s efforts to attract major tech, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing employers, many of whom are building in and around the Charlotte region.

“Last year’s second-best ranking didn’t stop North Carolina from attracting a “steady stream” of new business in 2025, from JetZero to Amazon, which CNBC acknowledged in its report. Just this week, Citigroup and AssetMark announced a Charlotte expansion that will create more than 700 total jobs in exchange for millions in incentives. Last month, the California startup BuildOps announced plans to open a 290-person office in Raleigh in exchange for state and local incentives” the report noted. Charlotte’s deep talent pool and competitive cost structure are helping fuel that success and positioning the Queen City as one of the most desirable places in the U.S. to launch or scale a business. (Axios Charlotte)

Medical Education Advances with Atrium’s First Class

In a milestone moment for Charlotte’s healthcare and academic ecosystem, Atrium Health’s new medical school officially launched its inaugural class in July 2025. The school developed in partnership with Wake Forest University School of Medicine is the first four-year medical school in the Queen City and represents a major step forward in advancing healthcare education, workforce development, and biomedical innovation in the region.

According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the medical school welcomed a diverse and highly qualified group of students who will train at Atrium’s Charlotte-based facilities. “We are creating an environment where students can thrive academically and clinically, while also contributing meaningfully to the health of our communities,” said Dr. Roy Strowd, vice dean for undergraduate medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The institution will offer students hands-on learning in advanced clinical settings, with a strong emphasis on serving underserved populations and innovating in community-based care models.

Beyond its educational impact, the school is expected to become an anchor for Charlotte’s life sciences economy, attracting faculty, research funding, and biotech partnerships. This marks a transformative moment for the city’s position in healthcare innovation not just regionally, but nationally. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Ballantyne Tower Sale Signals Office Market Rebound

In a promising indicator for Charlotte’s office sector, a Class A office tower in Ballantyne was recently sold to a national investor, signaling renewed confidence in the region’s commercial real estate market. According to WCNC, the sale of the Ballantyne Tower points to increased demand for high-quality, amenity-rich office spaces even in a post-pandemic era of hybrid work.

Analysts say this transaction reflects broader investor belief that Charlotte’s office market is stabilizing, especially in submarkets like Ballantyne that offer a strong mix of live-work-play amenities. “The market is realizing these assets will create significant investor returns as companies want to occupy these buildings with their employees in the office,” said JLL Senior Managing Director Ryan Clutter. “Ballantyne Tower represents this sector of the office market.” The sale also supports a wider trend of companies relocating or expanding in suburban Charlotte, where access, parking, and modern design make Class A buildings particularly attractive. As the Queen City continues to grow as a corporate destination, prime office assets in well-positioned nodes like Ballantyne are regaining appeal among both occupiers and investors.
(WCNC)

Hospital Systems Compete for Future Growth

Charlotte’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a competitive shakeup as the region’s two largest health systems Atrium Health and Novant Health are both seeking state approval to add more hospital beds in Mecklenburg County. According to The Charlotte Observer, both systems submitted certificates of need (CON) to North Carolina regulators in July, aiming to expand their inpatient care capacity amid rising population and demand for medical services.

The race for expansion underscores the pressures on Charlotte’s healthcare infrastructure. Atrium, already one of the Southeast’s largest providers, is looking to bolster its dominance, while Novant is focused on broadening its footprint and patient reach in strategic suburban locations.

With Mecklenburg County’s population projected to grow by over 500,000 in the next two decades, the need for more hospital beds, emergency services, and specialty care is expected to intensify. The outcome of the CON process could shape not just the healthcare delivery landscape, but also regional economic development, workforce needs, and future partnerships across the medical sector.(Charlotte Observer)

Hospitality and Culture Get a Boost from the NAACP Convention

Charlotte’s status as a national convention destination was on full display in July as the city hosted the 2025 NAACP National Convention, drawing thousands of attendees and delivering a significant economic boost to the local hospitality sector. Held at the Charlotte Convention Center, the event attracted leaders, activists, and professionals from across the country for a week of programming, networking, and cultural engagement.

“This event showcases the growth, diversity and vibrancy of Charlotte while delivering a substantial boost to the local economy,” Mike Butts, executive director of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer. “The NAACP National Convention is one of the most significant events on the Charlotte Convention Center’s 2025 calendar.” The convention filled hotels across Uptown and spurred increased traffic to restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail throughout the metro.

Local business owners also praised the impact. “The economic impact will be great for residents and its hospitality community,” said Jon Dressler, owner of Rare Roots Hospitality Group with several restaurants uptown including Fin & Fino and Dogwood Southern Table and Bar at The Westin Charlotte hotel. (Charlotte Observer)

Beyond economic value, the event highlighted Charlotte’s role as a center for cultural exchange and social justice advocacy. Hosting the NAACP convention for the second time in recent years reinforces the Queen City’s ability to welcome major national events while showcasing its evolving identity as a progressive and inclusive urban center. (Charlotte Observer)

Charlotte’s Restaurant Scene Heats Up

Charlotte’s culinary landscape continues to expand with new restaurants opening across Charlotte’s culinary scene continued its hot streak in July with a wave of new restaurant openings that are reshaping the city’s food and beverage landscape from innovative fine dining to playful, family-friendly concepts.

In Uptown, acclaimed local chef Sam Hart opened Spaghett, an Italian-forward restaurant blending traditional pasta dishes with elevated, chef-driven presentation. Known for his immersive dining experiences, the restaurant is quickly generating buzz among Charlotte’s dining enthusiasts, adding depth to the city’s growing fine dining sector (Charlotte Business Journal)

In Lower South End (LoSo), Henrietta’s is set to open as part of a growing intersection between food, social activity, and recreation. Tied to a nearby pickleball facility, Henrietta’s will offer elevated Southern comfort food in a high-energy, casual environment. (Axios Charlotte)

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s sweet tooth will soon be satisfied with the arrival of the city’s first MilkShake Factory, opening soon in Uptown. The Pittsburgh-based dessert chain will bring its nostalgic, handcrafted milkshakes and sundaes to one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods. According to Axios Charlotte, the shop’s sleek, vintage-inspired interior and menu of gourmet shakes are expected to draw both locals and tourists alike (Axios Charlotte)

From chef-led kitchens to concept-driven eateries, Charlotte’s restaurant boom reflects the city’s broader evolution dynamic, fast-growing, and increasingly a destination for culinary innovation.

Conclusion: Charlotte Moves with Confidence into Q3

July 2025 confirmed that Charlotte is operating on all economic cylinders. With rising wages, expanding financial institutions, medical innovation, cultural tourism, and stabilized real estate fundamentals, the Queen City continues to attract investment, talent, and national recognition. As we move into the second half of the year, all signs point toward resilient, well-rounded growth that benefits both businesses and residents .

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