A report called Charlotte ‘boring.’ Whoever made it clearly doesn’t live here

A new report ranked Charlotte low on the fun scale.

According to FinanceBuzz, a personal finance website, Charlotte is the 20th most boring city in the U.S., scoring especially low in the areas of nightlife and food.

The report also made its way to the r/Charlotte subreddit, where some residents debated whether the list was accurate, while others blamed specific groups — including newcomers — for the city’s low fun rating.

“If this makes less people move here, I’m all for it,” one user commented.

“Blame it on the Ohio transplants,” another wrote.

So, is Charlotte boring?

When I first read the report, I agreed with its findings.

I thought back to my time as a student at UNC Charlotte from 2014-2018. Press Box was among the popular bars students (and former NBA star Allen Iverson) frequented while I was there.

But last year when I drove by on North Tryon, I saw that it was closing. And something equally as alluring wouldn’t be taking its place — an Aldi.

Just a mile south is the former home of Leo’s, another bar that wasn’t known for being classy, but it was known for offering 25-cent beers for broke college students on Friday nights. It’s now home to what looks like a real estate office.

And then there’s the EpiCentre. It began to decline in 2019, just a year after the Blue Line Extension was finished, connecting UNC Charlotte students to the center city. Though it’s now seeing new life as Queen City Quarter, the change serves as a reminder of how fun uptown used to be.

It’s not all bad though, right?

After living with my parents for some time to save money for an apartment, I moved back to Charlotte in 2022, this time to LoSo.

I didn’t leave the house much when I first moved in.

The attractions walkable from my place include Subway, Circle K and Costco, and I didn’t feel like driving anywhere to spend money on an overpriced meal.

Then, I started to explore the city.

My roommate made trivia nights at Divine Barrel Brewing on Mondays a regular thing. I joined the Stonewall Sports Charlotte dodgeball league and got pelted in the face during my first game, but made a ton of new friends. I’ve spent more time on the Brewers at 4001 Yancey patio then I care to admit.

So, which is it?

My point is, I thought Charlotte was boring because I didn’t make an effort.

Sure, the city is missing some things that could make it more fun, such as reliable public transportation, a true arts district and more retail in uptown. But anyone who can’t find something fun to do in a city of nearly 1 million people isn’t looking hard enough.

Now, I’m the one dragging people out to comedy shows at Snug Harbor, brewery hopping in Plaza Midwood and insisting we have to try whatever new pop-up is happening at Camp North End.

I’ve learned that Charlotte isn’t a city that shouts — it just waits for you to pay attention.

Is it perfect? Not even close. I’d trade my car for a reliable train that actually goes more than one direction. And yes, uptown could use more than just lunch spots and office buildings. But the city’s charm is in its neighborhoods, its people, and its pockets of weird, creative and genuinely fun energy.

So, no, Charlotte isn’t boring. I just wasn’t giving it a chance. And you should, too.

This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "A report called Charlotte ‘boring.’ Whoever made it clearly doesn’t live here."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.