Charlotte

Charlotte is one of the 25 largest cities in the U.S. and the largest city in North Carolina.

Charlotte consistently ranks as one of the top growing cities and is the home to more than 10 Fortune 1000 companies, including household names such as Bank of America, Lowe's and Wachovia Corp. Charlotte is also home to the Carolina Panthers of the NFL, the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Other amenities that make Charlotte a great place to live and work include numerous higher learning organizations, cultural centers and health care facilities.

Check out some of the best reasons to be in the Queen City. Did you know? Charlotte ...

• Ranks 1st among top 10 cities with the best employee engagement (Forbes)

• Ranks 2nd among 25 largest cities for most desirable place to purchase a home (Nerdwallet.com)

• Ranks 2nd in the best areas for job-seeking college graduates (Careerbliss.com)

• Is the 5th fastest growing metro from 2000-2012 of the 52 largest metro areas (US Census)

• Ranks 6th among top 10 hot cities for IT jobs in 2013 (Modis, Inc.)

• Ranks 7th among the top Spring Break destinations for families (Livability.com)

• Is one of the top 10 cities for newlyweds to live and work (Rent.com)

• Ranks 8th among the top 10 big booming cities (CNNmoney.com)

• Ranks 9th among top 50 cities with the most job openings per capita (Beyond.com)

• Is among the top 20 best cities for businesses and careers (Forbes.com)

• Ranks 9th among the top moving destinations of all cities (Penske Truck Rental)

• Is the 17th largest city in the U.S. in total population

• Is a top 10 city for urban forests (American Forests)

• Has been named "Tree City" for 33 consecutive years by the National Arbor Day foundation

• Is home of ImaginOn, the top ranked children's museum in the country (Livability.com)