Recognized in 2002 as one of four "America's Most Livable Cities," Charlotte is the largest city in the Carolinas and the 22nd largest in the nation.  Situated in the center of the Carolinas Piedmont region, Charlotte is just two hours from skiing and sightseeing in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and three hours from miles of Carolina beaches. 

The City of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County region offers a variety of lifestyles - from upscale urban living to tree-lined suburban neighborhoods to quiet country escapes.  Charlotte was the country's second-fastest growing major city during the 1990's, surpassed only by Las Vegas.  And with a population of more than 664,000, the city is now home to more residents than Boston, Seattle, Atlanta or Denver.

City of Charlotte
Charlotte has a Council-Manager form of government with a Mayor and 11 Council Members elected every two years in November, and a professional City Manager to run the day-to-day operations.  Fourteen departments are responsible for providing such services as Police and Fire protection, Garbage and Recyclables collection, Water and Sewer Services, Road Construction and Maintenance, Transit, Planning, Zoning, Neighborhood Development, and operation of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport.