I am 31 active male.. moved here from DC.. I understand where you come from and what you are asking for.. I moved to DC from NYC and I had the same concerns.. after living in downtown for sometime and moving upto suburbs (coz it was crazy.. I was the only 1 with work in suburbs but living in DC) now I am in charlotte.. its mixed.. well.. it can never be city.. but its got its own charm.. and let me tell ya. u gotta do what the city wants to do.. if u dont wanna change.. then its better to stay in one place itself.. not to be rude or make u feel bad.. what I learnt by moving south from nyc (i'd compare Chicago too the same) is.. folks here in CLT are the nicest.. sweet.. it took me a while to realize they arent after anything you have.. its their true nature to be nice and helping.. Looking for the busy hustle bustle.. the ways of nyc or dc or chicago when you come here.. then you just wont enjoy it.. so my 2 cents is.. to be flexible and enjoy the town as it is..
Now.. I also completely understand the fact that a single active person may get bored in a dead town.. but charlotte is no way dead.. there are lot of things to do.. I just signed up for a scrabble group last week.. I have to go to a Wednesday Dinner.. a Flemingo Friday .. I wish I had more time in Charlotte
Goodluck.
By the way, I live in Southpark and am enjoying it so far.