Charlotte’s growing reputation as a financial services powerhouse just got another boost. AssetMark Financial Holdings, a national provider of wealth management technology and investment solutions, has announced plans to establish its East Coast hub in Charlotte, bringing 252 high-paying jobs and a $10 million investment to Mecklenburg County.
Real estate investors, take note: this is more than just a corporate expansion—it’s a signal of continued economic momentum in one of the Southeast’s strongest markets.
- Company: AssetMark Financial Holdings
- Location: Charlotte, NC (Mecklenburg County)
- Jobs Created: 252
- Average Salary: $110,518
- Capital Investment: $10 million
- Incentives: $1.94 million Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) over 12 years
- Projected Economic Impact: $1.2 billion (statewide, over 12 years)
📍 Why Charlotte?
AssetMark’s CEO Lou Maiuri pointed to Charlotte’s skilled talent pool, deep bench of financial services expertise, and high quality of life as key reasons for selecting the city as its East Coast hub.
Charlotte already houses the headquarters or regional offices of financial giants like Bank of America, Truist, Ally Financial, and LPL Financial—creating a dense ecosystem of professionals in operations, compliance, technology, and wealth advisory services.
AssetMark joins a wave of recent expansions by financial and fintech firms capitalizing on the region’s world-class airport, diverse housing stock, and business-friendly environment.
📊 Impact on the Area
💰 Salaries vs. County Median
The $110,518 average salary far outpaces Mecklenburg County’s individual median income (~$45,945). That signals real buying power—and ripple effects across housing, retail, and local services.
📈 Investment vs. County Norms
For an office-focused project, a $10 million capital investment is substantial, particularly as more firms embrace hybrid work. That vote of confidence in Charlotte’s urban office market is welcome news for commercial landlords and local government tax rolls alike.
🏘️ What It Means for Housing and Retail
AssetMark’s move will generate demand well beyond Charlotte’s city center. Expect professionals relocating to or within the region to consider commuter-friendly neighborhoods with good schools, lifestyle amenities, and convenient access to I-485 and I-77.
Submarkets and counties likely to see the greatest benefit include:
🌆 Inside Mecklenburg County
- South Charlotte (Ballantyne, SouthPark): executive housing, top schools, proximity to office parks
- Uptown & South End: multifamily growth, walkable amenities, transit access
- North Charlotte / University Area: affordability plus access to tech talent
🏘️ Surrounding Towns and Counties
- Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson (North Mecklenburg)
- Matthews, Mint Hill (Southeast Mecklenburg / Union County)
- Fort Mill, Rock Hill (York County, SC) – attractive for cross-border movers seeking lower taxes
- Belmont, Mount Holly (Gaston County) – growing with mixed-use development and riverfront amenities
- Mooresville (Iredell County) – draws Lake Norman professionals and dual-income families
These areas are already popular with high-income professionals—and AssetMark’s expansion will only deepen demand for both for-sale homes and executive rentals, along with nearby shopping centers, restaurants, and professional services.
🏡 Final Takeaway for Investors
AssetMark’s Charlotte expansion confirms what we at NC Capital Group continue to see across North Carolina: well-capitalized companies are placing long-term bets on high-growth communities.
For real estate investors, this means:
- New workforce housing demand in desirable suburbs
- Higher retail traffic in neighborhood centers
- Greater stability and appreciation potential in residential and mixed-use properties
As job and income growth ripple through the region, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties stand out as smart places to invest—especially for those focused on cash flow, asset appreciation, and long-term community impact.
Sources
Phil Neari, CPM, is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and has been active in the commercial real estate and property management business for over 30 years. He holds the prestigious Certified Property Manager designation (CPM) awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. Phil is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Phil is Broker in Charge of our Winston-Salem office and oversees property management and leasing activities. He also provides advisory services to select buyer and tenant representation clients as well as identifies potential investment and development properties.