Charlotte: Affordable Appeal and Growing Demand
A Market Fueled by Migration
Charlotte continues to attract new residents, particularly from high-cost states like New York, California, and Illinois. Many of these movers are remote workers who no longer need to be tied to a corporate office. They are seeking affordability, better quality of life, and access to a strong job market.
In March 2025, Charlotte’s median home price reached $385,000. That’s up from $225,000 in 2019. This growth is fueled by strong demand, especially from out-of-state buyers. The city’s price point is still competitive when compared to other metros, but its trajectory shows no signs of slowing.
Remote Work and Homebuying Trends
Charlotte ranks fifth among U.S. metros with the highest share of remote workers. About 21.5% of workers are remote, a significant factor driving home purchases in the suburbs. Buyers are looking for larger homes with home offices, private yards, and modern amenities.
Formerly commercial areas like Uptown are seeing a shift. Office buildings are being redeveloped into mixed-use spaces that combine retail, housing, and walkability. Remote workers value these amenities and are helping to drive demand in these transformed neighborhoods.
Build-to-Rent Growth
Charlotte is a leader in the build-to-rent housing boom. Over 5,300 new rental homes are expected to be delivered in 2025 alone. These properties appeal to renters who want the space and comfort of a single-family home without the long-term commitment of ownership. Remote workers, who often prefer flexibility, are a key demographic fueling this demand.
Raleigh: Tech-Driven Migration and Stable Growth
The Draw of a Strong Tech Hub
Raleigh’s appeal lies in its mix of tech opportunities, academic institutions, and high quality of life. Remote-capable professionals are increasingly choosing Raleigh for its lifestyle and lower housing costs. As of 2023, Raleigh had the second-highest share of remote workers nationally, at 24.5%.
Homebuyers relocating from cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C. are helping push demand in Raleigh’s suburbs. Areas such as Wake Forest, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina are seeing a sharp rise in home sales, thanks to buyers seeking space, comfort, and connectivity.
Changing Housing Preferences
Remote work is reshaping what buyers want. Home offices are now essential. Buyers are also looking for homes with outdoor areas, high-speed internet, and proximity to parks and trails. These preferences are driving development patterns and influencing what types of homes are being built.
While the fully remote workforce dipped slightly in 2023, it remains far higher than pre-pandemic levels. This ensures ongoing demand for homes designed to accommodate hybrid and remote work lifestyles.
Build-to-Rent in Raleigh
Like Charlotte, Raleigh is seeing growth in build-to-rent housing. About 2,900 units are expected by the end of 2025. These homes cater to professionals who want space and flexibility. As housing prices continue to rise, renting becomes an attractive option for many new arrivals who want to live in desirable neighborhoods without the immediate cost of buying.
The National Impact of Remote Work
Remote work has had a measurable effect on housing prices across the country. Research shows that every 1% increase in remote work corresponds to a 0.9% rise in home prices. Between late 2019 and late 2021, remote work was responsible for nearly 15% of total U.S. home price growth.
In 2024, around 21% of remote workers relocated, with half moving to suburban areas. These moves were driven by affordability, space, and lifestyle improvements—factors that both Charlotte and Raleigh deliver in abundance.
Price Trends and Inventory in 2025
Raleigh is currently adding housing inventory faster than Charlotte. This increased supply is helping balance price growth. While Charlotte’s price growth has slowed to about 2.7% annually—down from 6% in 2024—it still outpaces Raleigh’s 2.4% increase.
Raleigh’s broader inventory is helping temper home price spikes, especially in outer-ring suburbs. However, both markets remain highly competitive due to continued demand from migrating and remote-enabled buyers.
Investment and Growth Opportunities
Charlotte and Raleigh are leading North Carolina’s housing expansion, especially in the build-to-rent sector. Together, the two cities are projected to add more than 8,200 new rental units in 2025. Strong job growth, favorable taxes, and high rates of remote work contribute to this boom.
Charlotte home prices are forecasted to rise between 2.3% and 4.4% in 2025. Raleigh’s outlook is also strong, with stable increases expected as more people choose to live in its growing suburbs.
Local Development and Urban Shifts
Charlotte’s city center is undergoing a transformation. New mixed-use developments, like The Pearl, are creating live-work-play environments that appeal to younger professionals. These neighborhoods combine housing, retail, restaurants, and entertainment in walkable zones—ideal for remote workers.
Raleigh’s growth is pushing outward. Suburbs are evolving to meet demand for modern homes with home offices and larger lots. Developers are responding with townhomes, small-lot subdivisions, and flexible rental housing that aligns with new buyer expectations.
Long-Term Outlook for Charlotte and Raleigh
Remote work isn’t going away. While the number of fully remote workers has dipped slightly, hybrid work is becoming the norm. Both Charlotte and Raleigh are well-positioned to benefit from this trend. They offer affordable living, economic growth, and the kind of lifestyle remote workers want.
As migration continues from more expensive coastal cities, demand for housing in Charlotte and Raleigh will remain strong. Builders, buyers, and investors who understand these market shifts will find long-term value in both metros.
Why Choose LBC Capital
LBC Capital understands the changing dynamics of today’s housing market. Whether you’re relocating, investing, or buying your first home, LBC Capital offers expert guidance tailored to your needs. We help clients navigate fast-moving markets like Charlotte and Raleigh with confidence.
Our personalized approach, competitive mortgage options, and deep local knowledge set us apart. LBC Capital ensures you’re positioned to make smart, informed decisions in a market shaped by migration and remote work trends.
Partner with LBC Capital and take the next step toward your homeownership or investment goals in North Carolina’s most dynamic housing markets.