The U.S. Department of Commerce data reveals that Charlotte, NC is ranked 5th lowest cost of living indes in the nation for cities with a population of 400,000 to 1,000,000. Economic development attributes significantly to Charlotte’s top position in the current real estate market. Below are employers who employ 4,000 or more people within Mecklenburg County. Of these firms, those headquartered in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are indicated by an asterisk.
CAROLINAS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM* 26,283 
www.CarolinasHealthcare.org
WACHOVIA CORPORATION* 20,000
www.Wachovia.com
BANK OF AMERICA* 13,960
www.BankOfAmerica.com
WAL-MART STORES INC. 12,918
www.WalMart.com
FOOD LION 8,658
www.FoodLion.com
DUKE ENERGY* 7,500 
www.DukeEnergy.com
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS* 7,500
www.CMS.K12.NC.US

NORTH CAROLINA STATE GOVERNMENT 7,479
www.NCGov.com
CITY OF CHARLOTTE* 5,896
www.CharMeck.org ADECCO 5,000 
www.Adecco.com
US AIRWAYS* 4,981
www.USAirways.com
PRESBYTERIAN HEALTHCARE/REGIONAL HEALTHCARE* 4,981
www.Presbyterian.org
RUDDICK/HARRIS TEETER, INC* 4,700
www.HarrisTeeter.com
MECKLENBURG COUNTY* 4,700
www.CharMeck.org
About the author:
Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate, Certified Neighborhood and Relocation Specialist who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte, NC or any place in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice. Debe has created a team of professionals throughout the country to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to your new area. These professionals are experts in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple home search. The destination service is of no cost to you! Please visit www.debemaxwell.com/ for your relocation and/or your local real estate needs.
Debe Maxwell- HELEN ADAMS REALTY - 704.491.3310 - Debe@DebeMaxwell.com
Debe- what a great draw to the area. We have Mickey and Minnie. Not quite as attractive. They don't pay very good wages.