What I've Learned in Charlotte: My Experiences

The Location

Charlotte is strategically well located on the East Coast and perfectly connected. I can get to other major cities like Atlanta, New York, or Washington in no time. The international airport also makes it easy to book a spontaneous getaway. It's an ideal location for businesses, with many key transport routes converging here. And even the countryside or the coast is just a short drive away.

The People

Charlotte used to be a typical middle-class city in the American South. Today, it's much more colorful and international. I meet people from all over the world – Spain, France, Vietnam – and fellow Germans like me. The city is in flux, with new jobs, tech companies, and emerging start-ups. You can feel it in everyday life: more diversity in the streets, in the restaurants, and in the conversations. To me, Charlotte now feels more like a small international metropolis.

The Weather

In contrast to many other American cities, we get true seasons here. And the temperatures are always pleasantly mild – no extreme weather. Tornadoes and hurricanes are practically unheard of. That makes life more relaxed. Spring and fall are beautiful, and even summer isn't too hot.

The Architecture

More and more people here are embracing bold designs and moving away from the standard American look. Clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtfully designed spaces are in demand. That's a dream come true for me as an architect: I get to experiment with light, space, and materials instead of just sticking to templates. Architecture is becoming more personal – and I love that.

For Friends

I like to start the day at The Giddy Goat. The coffee is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed. After that, a walk or bike ride on the Cross Charlotte Trail is always worth it. It's a network of trails and roads through green spaces that runs across the city and really shows how livable Charlotte has become. Things get creative at the Dilworth Artisan Station, where artists open their studios and give you a real glimpse into the local scene. If you appreciate contemporary art, don't miss the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. For top-notch BBQ, Noble Smoke is the place to go. And if you're in the mood for pasta, head to Flour Shop, where the noodles are made fresh right in front of you.

About

Originally from Germany, Toby Witte has lived in Charlotte since 2000. Through his firm, Wittehaus, he designs modern homes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and people-centered. In his book "Supersizing Bliss," he explores how architecture influences happiness – and why we often think too big in all the wrong places.