Today, Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. There is an ever-expanding network work of senior services, which by the time you are reading this article, will have already increased. Originally a major gold town and minting town, Charlotte now offers a wonderful place to grow old and retire. The closest major city is Winston Salem (94 miles), making Charlotte the practical choice for retirement for anyone in the area.

The North Meck Senior Center, the Shamrock Senior Center, and the Tyvola Senior Center all provide solid foundations for breaking into senior living. They have exercise and educational programs, meet-and-greets, lunches, and expos for different events in the senior world. We highly recommend finding the one closest to you upon moving here, so you do not miss out. About 10 hospitals service the Charlotte Area, featuring a rehabilitation hospital, an orthopedic hospital, and a mental illness hospital. Charlotte's light-rail, bus, trolley, rail and shuttle transportation systems, CATS and LYNX, make it a very walk-able city.

Often referred to as the "Home of Southern Presbyterianism," Charlotte is a city of churches. And not just Presbyterian churches either. Charlotte is ecumenical. There are strong Baptist, Catholic, and Jewish concentrations. The evangelical movement was practically born here, and its churches provide excellent opportunities for exercising your faith and volunteering.

There are several unique museums in Charlotte worth visiting. Carolina's Aviation Museum, the Harvey B. Gantt African-American Arts + Culture Museum, and the Mint Museum are all fascinating. Charlotte also has a nice modern art museum. Plus, there are loads of theatres dedicated to the performing arts.

If you are a sports fan, then the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets will keep you busy. There are also some minor league teams, as well as a handful of NASCAR events throughout the year. Your grandkids and loved ones are always close, as Charlotte has one of the busiest international airports in the United States.

There are several lakes and a river along the west side of Charlotte, which make for excellent fishing. The Park Road Park is gigantic, and offers lovely strolls through the middle of the city. The general politics of the city are moderate to slightly-left. For some people the humid summers can be a concern, but the easy winters tend to make up for it. Charlotte is also a rainy city, but it still gets lots of sunshine!