Amit and Meloni of the Chandra-Halder family came from India and lived in Upstate New York and Durham before their careers brought the family to Charlotte four years ago. Now it is home.
Both work for Corning Inc., a technology and manufacturing company, and the family has called this community home since the move.
India, Upstate New York, Durham
Amit and Meloni are originally from India. Amit pursued his doctorate at Cornell University and later an MBA from Duke University. Meloni completed her undergraduate studies in India, including an exchange experience in Singapore, before earning her MBA from Durham University in the United Kingdom.
Their careers moved them around the United States: several years in Upstate New York, then Durham, North Carolina, then Charlotte.
Concerts, stadiums and a long wish list
The family enjoys a little of everything when it comes to entertainment: concerts, the theater and, every now and then, a sporting event at a stadium.
Travel is another passion. They have visited India and explored destinations across Europe and the United States, and the wish list is still long, with Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand among the places they would like to see next. What they enjoy most about traveling is experiencing new cultures and cuisines. With the children along, the trips have increasingly centered on museums, planetariums and marine destinations. "Seeing the world through their eyes has made those experiences even more special," the family writes.
Closer to home, their favorite meals to make together are Indian and Italian, two cuisines with plenty of reasons to gather in the kitchen. They also believe in giving back, and Meals on Wheels is a cause that is particularly meaningful to the family.
The neighborhood
What they appreciate most about the neighborhood is its sense of community. A favorite is the neighborhood's Fourth of July fireworks social, a chance to celebrate together and spend time with neighbors.
Perhaps their favorite part of living here is simpler: the greenery, the golf courses and the people. More than the green surroundings, they write, "we appreciate our wonderful neighbors, who are always looking out for one another."
After four years, they feel fortunate that their careers brought them here. Charlotte has become the place where their children are growing up, where the family is making memories and where they have become part of a neighborhood community.
And Casper
No introduction to the family would be complete without Casper. Full of energy, always ready for an adventure and equally ready for a cuddle, he makes sure life in the household is never dull.
Ahead are more of Charlotte to explore, more of the world to travel and many more memories to make with family and neighbors.
This story appears in the November 2026 issue of Stroll Providence.