Relocation Planning
Moving to the Carolinas? We’ll plan the move and the mortgage.
New to the area or a lifelong local, our relocation guides, local favorites, and homeowner perks help you settle in fast, whether you’re headed to Charlotte, Lake Norman, Charleston, or Summerville.
Your move, in three steps
- 1
Get approved before you arrive
Apply online before you arrive, so you can shop with confidence from day one.
- 2
Explore with your Passport
Use our relocation guides and local favorites to find the neighborhoods, restaurants, and weekend spots that fit your life.
- 3
Close and settle in
We handle the mortgage with a custom plan, then welcome you home with perks from our local partners.
Welcome to the Carolinas
A quick look at relocating with The Mortgage Planner.
Welcome-home perks that make the move easier.
We partner with local businesses to give our clients exclusive savings and experiences before, during, and after closing.
Gift cards
A warm welcome to three of our hand-picked local favorites.
Move-in help
Courtesy lawn care or pizza night for your move.
A gift from Greece
Shipped from Greece to your new kitchen, for breaking bread together in your first home. We’ll let the rest be a surprise.
Savings portal
Over $7,000 in homeowner savings on dining, entertainment, and more.
Passport relocation guides
The best spots in each area, with helpful links and local savings, all in one Passport.
- Charlotte and Lake Norman
Passport to the Carolinas
Our original guide to the region’s best places to eat, play, and explore.
Open the guide - Expanded edition
Carolinas Passport Expanded
More favorites, more savings, and more of the Carolinas.
Open the guide - South Carolina
Passport to Charleston
The Lowcountry’s best restaurants, beaches, and hidden gems.
Open the guide - Tennessee
Passport to Tennessee
Moving to Tennessee? Our favorite spots, helpful links, and local savings.
Open the guide - Florida
Passport to Florida
Local favorites, helpful links, and savings for your move to Florida.
Open the guide - For golfers
Carolina golf
Our favorite courses, plus a guide to the area’s private clubs.
See the courses
Buying in a new city? Start with a plan.
We compare your loan options side by side and build a mortgage plan around your move, your timeline, and your goals.
Our local favorites
The places we keep going back to. Pick an area to explore.
We’ve called Charlotte and Lake Norman home for more than a decade. These are our go-to spots, and we can’t wait for you to find your own.
Mooresville
Barcelona
Our favorite burger joint, with an Italian pizza spot from the same owners right next door.
Davidson
The Cabin
A lakeside social club at Davidson Landing with craft cocktails, live music on weekends, and lake views.
Downtown Davidson
Summit Coffee
The community hub of downtown Davidson, and our go-to for great coffee.
Lake Norman
Havana 33
Our Sunday brunch tradition: authentic Cuban food, amazing sauces, and live saxophone.
Ballantyne
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato
Handcrafted chocolates, creamy gelato, and a warm cookie you have to try.
Charlotte
Cajun Queen
A Charlotte classic for jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo.
Uptown Charlotte
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
A hidden bar beneath Duckworth’s. Order the pecan bourbon, and get there early.
Lake Norman
Lilly & Grace
Big-city home furnishings close to home, run by dear family friends.
Denver, NC
Royal Bliss Brewing
The ultimate game-day spot, with handcrafted beer and space for the kids to play.
Charlotte
Cinergy Dine-In Theatre
Dinner and a movie in one, with ordering right from your seat.
Uptown Charlotte
Mert’s Heart & Soul
Soul food featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and a perfect pre-game stop.
Charlotte area
Hunter House and Gardens
Farm-to-table dining in a beautiful garden setting.
Huntersville
Harvey’s Bar and Grill
A local sports haven known for wings, burgers, and a fun seasonal menu.
Lake Norman
The LKN Cottage
A lakeside wine shop with a huge selection and a brewery nearby, close to our office.
South End
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Start with the roti canai, then walk next door to Jeni’s for ice cream.
Langtree
Gold Leaf Cigar Lounge
Premium cigars, live music, and a full bar in a polished lounge.
Birkdale Village
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop
Our office’s favorite pies. The apple crisp never disappoints.
Lake Norman State Park
Waterside Grill
An unassuming local favorite with lake views, a jukebox, and live music out back.
Statesville
Broadstreet Burger Co.
A burger tradition that started on the county building steps downtown.
Davidson
North Harbor Club
Waterfront dining on Lake Norman, perfect for date night or a family dinner.
Lake Norman
Bruster’s Ice Cream
One-of-a-kind flavors and fun events like car shows.
From the historic streets of downtown to the harbor, Charleston is full of history, coastal charm, and incredible food.
Downtown Charleston
Home Team BBQ
Smoked wings, pulled pork, cold drinks, and live music.
Queen Street
Poogan’s Porch
Legendary shrimp and grits inside a charming Victorian home.
Upper King
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Oysters and crispy fried chicken in a funky old garage.
Upper King
Indaco
Wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and ricotta gnocchi worth arguing over.
Downtown Charleston
Pink Cactus
Bold Mexican street-style dishes and tableside guacamole.
West Ashley
Lamar’s Sports Bar
Big screens, cold beer, and wings that disappear fast.
Small-town charm with a big food scene, just outside Charleston.
North Main Street
Five Loaves Café
Fresh, seasonal soups and sandwiches that taste homemade.
Main Street
Baked
Handcrafted donuts and locally roasted coffee.
Summerville
Paige’s Okra Grill
Huge portions of Southern comfort food. Breakfast is legendary.
Central Avenue
Cup of Manna
A cozy coffee shop where the staff treats you like family.
North Main Street
Tallucci’s
New York-style Italian: cheesy, crispy pies, pasta, and subs.
Downtown Summerville
Azalea Bar
Live music and creative cocktails at the heart of Summerville nightlife.
Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms favorites.
Mount Pleasant
Toni’s Detroit Style Pizza
Thick, airy crust with caramelized cheese edges, from Detroit natives.
Downtown Charleston
Chubby Fish
No reservations, just incredible seafood that changes with the daily catch.
Sullivan’s Island
The Obstinate Daughter
Wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood near the beach.
Old Village, Mount Pleasant
Gala Café & Bakery
European-style coffee, pastries, and brunch on the porch.
Shem Creek
Vickery’s Bar & Grill
Waterfront seafood and sunsets over the marsh.
Isle of Palms
Islander 71
Marina views, tropical drinks, and dolphins at sunset.
Four very different beach days, all within reach of Charleston.
“The Edge of America”
Folly Beach
A laid-back surf town with a pier, beach bars, and live music.
Family-friendly
Isle of Palms
A wide, clean beach with marinas, restaurants, and golf nearby.
Quiet and historic
Sullivan’s Island
Soft sand, harbor views, and a small restaurant district.
Natural and serene
Kiawah Island
Maritime forests, dolphins, and miles of quiet shoreline.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are an easy weekend away from Charlotte. Cooler summers, fall color, hiking, and small-town charm, all within a few hours’ drive.
About 2 hours from Charlotte
Asheville
A mountain city known for its food, breweries, arts scene, and the Biltmore Estate.
About 2 hours from Charlotte
Boone
A lively college town with hiking, skiing nearby, and a classic downtown on King Street.
About 2 hours from Charlotte
Blowing Rock
A charming village with scenic overlooks, local shops, and cool summer temperatures.
Runs through the North Carolina mountains
Blue Ridge Parkway
One of America’s most scenic drives, with overlooks, trails, and fall color.
About 1.5 hours from Charlotte
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Dramatic views from Chimney Rock and a beautiful mountain lake below.
About 3 hours from Charlotte
Highlands
A small, upscale mountain town surrounded by waterfalls and forest trails.
Golf in the Carolinas
From Lake Norman to the Lowcountry, the Carolinas are a golfer’s dream. Find a course, explore private clubs, and gear up locally.
Search Carolina golf courses
Find courses near your new home by area, style, and amenities.
Open the course search full screenCharlotte private clubs guide
An inside look at the Charlotte area’s private golf and country clubs.
Open the guideCarolina Golf Company
From the Carolina Golf Co. blog
Local course picks, golf stories, and tips for playing the Carolinas.
Carolina Golf Company
Shop Carolina Golf Co.
Gear up for your first round in your new hometown.
See what we’re loving lately
New favorites, local events, and homeowner tips on Instagram at @themtgplanner and @passporttocharlotte.
Ready to plan your move?
Talk with our local team about the move and the mortgage, or apply online.
Just exploring? Check your options with a soft credit inquiry.