A magnet for millennials, the state’s largest city is exploding with growth. Whether cheering on the Carolina Panthers or Charlotte Hornets or visiting one of Charlotte’s many museums, recreational and cultural opportunities abound. Outdoor enthusiasts run, walk and bike along a growing network of greenway trails. Boaters enjoy Lake Norman, the state’s largest body of water. And the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a haven for kayaking, rafting and zip-lining, as well as outdoor concerts and festivals.

ATTRACTIONS

• U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte
• Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord
• Carolina Panthers NFL team, Charlotte
• NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte
• Charlotte Hornets NBA team, Charlotte
• Carowinds amusement park, Charlotte

EVENTS

• Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, Huntersville, April
• Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Charlotte, May
• Circle K Speed Street, Charlotte, May
• Carolina BalloonFest, Statesville, October
• Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville, October-November
• Christmas Town USA, McAdenville, December

COUNTIES

Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union

INDUSTRIES

• Business and financial services
• Corporate headquarters
• Aerospace and defense
• Textiles
• Energy
• Automotive manufacturing