In its 2025 Global Liveability Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Charlotte #50 worldwide, tied with Indianapolis. This marks the first time Charlotte has appeared in the global Top 50, placing it alongside powerhouse metros like Toronto, Vienna, and Sydney—and ahead of more traditionally recognized U.S. cities like Washington D.C., Miami, and Los Angeles.
The EIU ranking evaluates 173 global cities based on:
- Stability
- Healthcare
- Culture & Environment
- Education
- Infrastructure
Charlotte earned a total score of 89.4 out of 100, signaling exceptional performance in infrastructure, livability, and economic stability. It was one of just 10 U.S. cities to make the global list, and one of only two in the Southeast.
This recognition underscores what residents and investors have known for years: Charlotte is a city on the rise, combining global appeal with real-world livability.
Why Livability Factors Matter for Real Estate Investors
When it comes to real estate investing, a city’s livability isn’t just about lifestyle—it’s a leading indicator of economic durability, population growth, and tenant demand.
Here’s how each factor directly supports real estate performance:
- Stability: Safe, well-governed cities attract long-term residents and investors. Lower crime and consistent policies reduce risk for property owners.
- Healthcare & Education: Strong public services support a healthy, skilled workforce—key for both multifamily tenants and commercial tenants.
- Infrastructure: Reliable transportation, utilities, and digital connectivity increase the desirability of locations and raise property values.
- Culture & Environment: Vibrant neighborhoods with green space, entertainment, and walkability see stronger rent growth and tenant retention.
Cities that score high on these metrics tend to attract both residents and capital, creating upward pressure on rents, low vacancy rates, and long-term appreciation.
Why Charlotte—and Its Region—Remain Prime for Investment
Charlotte’s livability score isn’t an isolated data point—it reflects years of smart growth and regional momentum. For investors, this means more than a headline. It affirms the long-term fundamentals driving value in real estate across the Charlotte metro area and surrounding regions.
Why this market continues to perform:
- Sustained Population Growth: People are moving to Charlotte for opportunity, affordability, and quality of life. The metro has added more than 100,000 residents over the past five years.
- Diverse Economic Base: Anchored by finance, energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, Charlotte offers a stable employment environment across income levels.
- Strong Submarkets: Towns like Concord, Gastonia, Rock Hill, and Mooresville are seeing growth spillover, creating opportunity in workforce housing and essential retail.
- Investor-Friendly Environment: North Carolina remains a landlord-friendly state with relatively low property taxes and a pro-growth regulatory climate.
At NC Capital Group, we continue to invest in multifamily housing and neighborhood shopping centers in and around Charlotte. The EIU’s global ranking only strengthens our conviction: this is a market where livability drives lasting value.
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.