Charlotte Real Estate
Charlotte NC Area Info
To assist you with your Charlotte real estate search, browse these areas of Charlotte, North Carolina to get familiar with the different regions and to get a feel of what each has to offer.
Charlotte Center City - South - West and Southwest Charlotte - Northeast Charlotte /University City - East Charlotte - Historic Charlotte - Northern Mecklenburg/Lake Norman -South East Charlotte
Charlotte Center City
For people who like being in the center of things, Uptown Charlotte is increasingly becoming a coveted address. That's where nearly 10,000 Charlotteans now live and work. Uptown's population is expected to triple in the next decade.
New residential/mixed-use developments include EpiCentre, Courtside, 230 Tryon, Millennium Square, The Vue, Avenue, Trademark and The Park. Charlotte addresses were originally divided into four wards created by the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets; each known for its unique qualities.
The Uptown WardsIn the northwest quadrant of Uptown, Fourth Ward is known for colorful Victorian houses, elegant new townhomes and the charming Fourth Ward Park. It is one of Charlotte's most affluent neighborhoods.
In nearby Third Ward, flanked by Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers NFL team, you'll find Gateway Village with five blocks of offices, stores, apartments and condominiums. Johnson & Wales University operates its five-story, 145,000-square-foot culinary arts academic center here too.
Climbing 21 stories in Second Ward, The Park condominiums will become one of the city's tallest residential structures at 275 feet, and will include a rooftop park featuring gardens, a walking trail, a swimming pool and a breathtaking view of the Charlotte skyline.
The remaining quadrant of the center city, First Ward, is booming with a mix of new housing that appeals to a variety of incomes. The new Charlotte Arena has led to a surge of development including Courtside, a 17-story condominium high-rise with 7,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the street level.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is also planning a campus in First Ward; among the courses of study offered will be business, architecture, social services and the humanities.
Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management has also announced its plans to move Uptown.
Places to SeeUptown is the acknowledged center of the city's cultural life. It's the home of the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, the McColl Center for Visual Art, Discovery Place science museum, the Levine Museum of the New South, Spirit Square Center for the Arts & Education, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library and several private galleries.
It's also the site of ImaginOn, a new, ambitious joint project of Children's Theatre of Charlotte and the library. Spanning an entire city block, ImaginOn covers 100,000 square feet and includes performance spaces, library areas, a technology center, classrooms and a teen center.
The Charlotte Trolley runs daily between Atherton Mill in South End and Ninth Street in Uptown, and is used by tourists and Uptown workers alike. Uptown residents enjoy the convenience of walking to restaurants, clubs and even the supermarket. The groceries at Reid's Fine Foods in Seventh Street Station, a colorful parking garage, are augmented in summer by an outdoor farmers market.
RecreationYou could get your exercise just by walking around to see all the new construction. But, for those craving more vigorous exercise, Gateway Village offers a YMCA where joggers regularly set out for early-morning runs.
The Center City's broad array of activities has something for nearly any taste. And its mix of housing old, new, spacious or compact suits nearly any lifestyle. If you want to experience city life to the fullest, Center City may be the place for you.
South Charlotte
South Charlotte is home to some of the region's most desirable neighborhoods as well as shopping venues galore. In addition, two of Mecklenburg's most historic towns Matthews and Pineville blend seamlessly with the city's southern edge.
The two major destinations for living, shopping and working on the south side of town are South Park and Ballantyne. South Park was once part of a 3,000-acre farm owned by former N.C. Governor Cameron Morrison. The farms main house, the Tudor Revival style Morrocroft Mansion, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
South Park
A prestigious address, SouthPark offers a variety of housing styles, ranging from the 1950s ranch houses of Beverly Woods to newly-built town homes and million-dollar mansions in the gated Morrocroft community.SouthPark is a major business district, second only to Uptown. Contemporary glass and marble buildings are home to many major Charlotte businesses. The area also boasts several fine hotels.
SouthPark shopping is unmatched in the city. SouthPark Mall, Charlotte's most upscale shopping center, includes major department stores and shops such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Brooks Brothers and Pottery Barn. The malls newest additions include Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Additionally, an amphitheater on the property hosts the Charlotte Symphony's Summer Pops concerts.
Just down the street, pedestrian-friendly Phillips Place features high-end specialty shops, restaurants, movie theaters and luxury apartments. Sharon Corners and Specialty Shops on the Park offer local and national retail shops as well as restaurants.
Ballantyne
Ballantyne is a new live-work community encompassing 2,000 acres south of I-485. The Corporate Park includes office buildings, a resort hotel, an 18-hole daily-fee golf course and the nationally renowned Dana Rader School of Golf.Residential options include several apartment communities and neighborhoods with single-family homes in nearly every price range. Ballantyne Country Club features custom homes and a private, 18-hole golf course. The town center has shops, restaurants and a YMCA. Ballantyne also boasts several new public schools.
Other South Charlotte Neighborhoods
South Charlotte also offers other living and shopping options. The Cotswold area offers easy access to Uptown and is known for its lovely, older neighborhoods and newly renovated shopping center. Along Park Road are several charming neighborhoods dating back to the 1950s, including Madison Park, which features brick ranches and tall trees. Nearby Park Road Shopping Center is a Charlotte landmark with the popular Blackhawk Hardware, the independent bookstore Park Road Books and Sir Edmund Halley's, an English-style tavern with a lovely patio.Dozens of neighborhoods in a variety of price ranges are accessible from N.C. 51, as are countless shopping venues, including the Arboretum at Providence Road.
In addition to a wide variety of churches, from modern Calvary Church to historic Providence Presbyterian, South Charlotte is also home to Shalom Park. The center of Charlotte's Jewish community, Shalom Park includes two synagogues and the Jewish Community Center.
Recreation
South Charlotte also offers a variety of recreational opportunities. SouthPark's Harris YMCA and the Siskey YMCA in Matthews are family favorites. For nature walks, try one of the greenways. The McMullen Creek and Lower McAlpine Greenway feature four miles of trail and a picnic area. McAlpine Creek Greenway has 8.9 miles of greenway, cross country trails and nature trails.The planned Little Sugar Creek Greenway will run 15 miles from North Charlotte to Pineville, right through the heart of South Charlotte. This area also has several parks with lakes, athletic fields, playgrounds and trails.
Pineville
Pineville, Mecklenburg's smallest town, is the birthplace of America's 11th president, James K. Polk. The town is proud of its success in preserving its historic downtown, where dozens of antique shops line Main Street (N.C. 51). At the same time, Pineville has embraced growth in the surrounding areas, including several hotels, shopping centers, senior residences and a thriving medical community surrounding Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville.Although it rests on the S.C. border, Pineville will feel much closer to Charlotte when the town is connected to Uptown by light rail, expected to be completed in 2007.
Matthews
To the east on N.C. 51 is Matthews, another picturesque town that embraces its past and future simultaneously. A mixed-use development downtown houses a new town hall, library, shops, restaurants and offices, all in keeping with the towns historical aesthetics.Just outside downtown are huge shopping complexes, restaurants, offices and Presbyterian Hospital-Matthews. In addition to the commercial development, Matthews is seeing tremendous residential growth as new communities are cropping up everywhere.
Matthews is known for its community events such as Stumptown Park summer concert and movie series; Picnic on the Green, a local summer farmers market; Fourth of July parade and fall ArtFest. Its Matthews Alive! Festival gathers more than 100,000 people each Labor Day weekend for food, fun and music.
West and Southwest Charlotte
Twenty years ago, Southwest Charlotte was an expanse of farms and wooded land. But as Charlotte's growth has continued to push into the outer reaches of Mecklenburg County, this area is expected to be one of the city's fastest-growing residential and business locations. Much of this is due to the recent opening of I-485 between Arrowood Road and I-85.
Steele CreekIn earlier days, Steele Creek was a tight-knit community of modest homes. Today, this area has much more to offer if you're in the market for a new home. New, affordable communities line N.C. 49, the main thoroughfare of Southwest Charlotte, which recently expanded to a four-lane road down to Lake Wylie.
New neighborhoods are springing up on Shopton Road, Sandy Porter Road and Choate Circle. Some higher-end communities on the Mecklenburg side of Lake Wylie include the luxurious RiverPointe and the new developments: the Palisades and the Sanctuary. The area also has an abundance of new apartments and townhomes.
In addition to residential growth, the area has seen a spectacular rise in commercial and industrial development. Today, it's a hotbed of high-tech companies and national headquarters, with new buildings and office parks announced frequently. One such area is ArrowPoint Business Park, off Arrowood Road, which houses the 300,000-square-foot campus of Microsoft as well as a number of other technology-based companies.
RecreationAnd since N.C. 49 is a major artery to scenic Lake Wylie, you're sure to find plenty of recreational offerings. McDowell Park on Lake Wylie features 1,108 picturesque acres of forest where you can hike, picnic, camp or visit the nature center. Theres a sandy beach for sunning and watching boaters on the lake.
Kids will find excitement at Paramount's Carowinds, a 105-acre theme park that straddles the N.C./S.C. border. The seasonal park features more than 60 world-class rides, shows and Hollywood-themed attractions for all ages.
AyrsleyAyrsley, a mixed-use development of retail, residential and office space, is one of the most significant additions to Southwest Charlotte. The Steele Creek YMCA is located here along with several restaurants, specialty shops and a 14-screen movie theater. When completed, Ayrsley will include 340,000 square feet of retail space, 1.8 million square feet of offices, 1,600 housing units and up to three hotels.
Central Piedmont Community College recently opened its Harper Campus (formerly Southwest) off Arrowood Road. The high-tech campus specializes in teaching graphic arts, printing, electronics and welding.
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, US Airways' largest hub, offers non-stop flights to 117 cities and averages 600 daily departures. The airy, sunlit terminal welcomes passengers with rocking chairs and piano music, along with shops and restaurants. But youll have to move quickly to get a rocking chairthey're hot property for folks between flights.
West Charlotte
For those preferring a more urban environment, West Charlotte offers some of the area's most reasonable home prices, plus easy access to Uptown, interstates and other major thoroughfares. This area is home to Johnson C. Smith University, a private, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution that's positioning itself as a leader in technology usage and training.
Heading northwest, the area takes on a spacious, rural feel. You'll find many new developments with moderate to upscale homes along Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. The older Coulwood neighborhood has long been a favorite of families who want rambling ranches on large lots.
Mountain Island Lake is the source of water for numerous area municipalities, including Charlotte. The Trust for Public Land has bought more than 1,000 acres along the lakeside to preserve the area from development and to protect drinking water.
Historic Latta Plantation Park, on the lake's shore, shows visitors what life was like for planters, slaves and farmers on a cotton plantation in early 19th-century North Carolina. The park offers hiking and horseback riding trails, canoe rentals and fishing permits. The nearby Carolina Raptor Center is a rehabilitation facility for birds of prey that includes exhibits, programs and a gift shop.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC), built on the Catawba River only 10 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, will encompass over 300 acres of woodlands. Among its amenities are a multi-channel river for rafting, canoeing and kayaking; an adventure center with indoor/outdoor climbing facilities and a ropes course; camping facilities and over 11 miles of trails for mountain biking, running and hiking. The new park will attract tourists from across the country and add a boost to the local economy.
South East Charlotte
Union County
Homeowners who like a spot with a more relaxed pace, yet close enough to city life for convenience, often look southeast of Charlotte to Union County. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont, the homes range from spacious estates on large acreage to more compact new neighborhoods that promote a feeling of community. Thanks to the I-485 outerbelt, uptown Charlotte and I-77 are only a short drive away for the many newcomers choosing to settle here.
Union, in fact, is the fastest-growing county in the Charlotte metro area. The county has more than 115,000 people, and their numbers are expected to grow by at least half by the time 2019 rolls around. To accommodate them - and employ them - new businesses are springing up, especially in the U.S. 74 corridor between Monroe and Charlotte. And educational institutions are hurrying to train employees, including the West campus of South Piedmont Community College, now spread over two locations with its main campus on Old Charlotte Highway. Union is also home to Wingate University in Wingate, ranked as one of the South's outstanding regional liberal arts colleges. Wingate operates a branch in Matthews, just up U.S. 74 from Union County.?/DIV>
In downtown Monroe, be sure to take a look at the old Italianate courthouse, circa 1888. The lovely old buildings here make the town an occasional stand-in for old-time towns in TV and movies. Named for President James Monroe, the town (population 24,051) was founded to serve as the county seat in 1844. It got its industrial start from cotton and the railroad, but now has a mix of industries and businesses, plus an airport. As the county seat, Monroe also has its share of government offices and law firms.
Despite the activity, downtown Monroe fell on hard times some years ago. Downtown Monroe, Inc. sponsors beautification projects, special activities and other programs to revitalize the area and make it more appealing. Monroe is also the home of Union Regional Medical Center, part of the Carolina's Healthcare System and many physician's offices. The Roosevelt Blvd (U.S. 74) corridor is so packed with stores and businesses that it's often congested. However, State transportation planners are working on designs for a bypass that will help through traffic skirt the local tie-ups
For newcomers to the Charlotte area, probably the hottest spot in all of Union County is Weddington, a once-tiny town nestled along the Mecklenburg County line on Providence Road (N.C. 16). Growth has been so rapid in Weddington that the Union County school system has opened new elementary and middle schools here, as well as a new high school. Mainly residential, the town boasts the highest per capital income of any in the state. Weddington Corners shopping center is the unofficial town center. Physicians' offices are nearby, as is the Siskey Family YMCA on Weddington Road. A library is being planned. But Hunter Farm still offers a taste of the country, with strawberry picking in the spring and hayrides and a pumpkin patch in the fall.
Marvin's country atmosphere and homes with acreage are its big attractions. It boasts a golf-course community, and the area from Marvin south to Waxhaw and beyond is "horse country." If you choose to live in Waxhaw, every day you'll get to enjoy the special things that visitors only get to peek at. This town is filled with antiques and gift shops that are fun to explore. Waxhaw, which gets its name from an early Indian tribe, boasts a long-running summer outdoor drama and year-round community activities, many of which happen downtown on the "Green," the grassy strip alongside the railroad tracks.
Between Monroe and Waxhaw on N.C. 75, Mineral Springs is seeing less intense development than some areas, but some new homes are going up. A century-old community is the nucleus of Wesley Chapel, incorporated only in the last couple of years. At N.C. 84 and Potter Road between Weddington and Monroe, it has a historic Methodist church site, an elementary school and lots of pretty green countryside.
Stallings - rhyming with "Al" instead of "All" - is the first Union County community you come to south of the Mecklenburg line along the U.S. 74 corridor. It's a quiet bedroom community popular both because of its small-town image but also the quick travel time, via I-485/U.S. 74, to Charlotte and other points. A former outpost on an Indian trading trail, the modern Indian Trail is home to new business and industrial parks, subdivisions and a shopping center. This community has grown rapidly in recent years, in part due to its proximity to Mecklenburg County and in part due to the town's aggressive annexation policies. Lake Park, off Unionville-Indian Trail Road, didn't just grow; it was planned as a residential development dedicated to the "new urbanism," which uses design to foster a feeling of community. The community has since incorporated, and now the development Lake Park and the town Lake Park are the same thing. You'll find year-round activities, a shopping center and a private school offering Christian-based education here.
Hemby Bridge, a small community with rural roots, adjoins Mecklenburg east of U.S. 74 along Secrest Short Cut Road. Unionville, north of Monroe on U.S. 601, manages to keep its rural atmosphere.
Northeast Charlotte/University City
The northeast portion of Mecklenburg County is better known as University City, aptly named for a fast-paced, high-growth area centered around a university. The University area gets its name from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the fourth largest of the state's public universities with a student population of more than 20,000.
University City has seen phenomenal growth in the last 15 years. At every turn, the area offers new neighborhoods, new shopping centers and new office buildings. University City is home to more than 135,000 people more than one-sixth of the county's population and is projected to grow past 165,000 by 2009.
SportsEven if you don't attend classes or work at UNCC, the college makes a great neighbor. During basketball season, check out the 49ers in the Halton Arena, where they boast an impressive winning record. In 2005, the men's team reached a No. 18 ranking and went on to play in the NCAA tournament.
If you're a sports fan, you can't miss Lowe's Motor Speedway, up the road in Cabarrus County. Known to NASCAR enthusiasts as the Mecca of Motorsports, it's the largest sports facility in the Southeast. Close by, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater brings performers and bands for music enthusiasts of all types.
BusinessNot far away, there's plenty of work going on in University Research Park, off W.T. Harris Boulevard. The park is home to many large customer service and support operations, including the giant Wachovia Customer Information Center.
Another major employer that has major offices in University Research Park is TIAA-CREF, a national provider of retirement fund services. Other major employers in the area include IBM, Verbatim, EDS, AT&T, OnStar and Digital Optics.
HomesWith so many companies locating in the area, homes have readily followed. Numerous developments dot what was once country farmland. Highland Creek, on Ridge Road, is one of the area's top-selling communities, offering homes in almost all price ranges clustered around a much-heralded golf course. More new neighborhoods are appearing around the exits along I-85 headed toward Concord and Cabarrus County.
ShoppingThe area has seen an explosion in retail development, and that's expected to continue. Concord Mills mall, off I-85, opened in 1999 and is the state's second-largest shopping center. Another popular shopping draw is University Place. It's a great spot to catch a movie, dine at one of several restaurants that encircle a manmade lake or do some power shopping at one of the big-box retailers. On warm summer evenings, it's often possible to catch the sounds of an outdoor band while enjoying the ducks on the lake.
Near the I-77/I-485 interchange, Northlake Mall opened in 2005 as north Mecklenburg's first major mall. In addition to 150 specialty stores, the mall is anchored by Dillard's, Belk, Hecht's, Dick's Sporting Goods and a 14-screen cinema megaplex. The 1.1-million-square-foot facility brought thousands of new jobs to the area.
Health CareCarolinas Medical Center-University, on W.T. Harris just south of Tryon, provides medical care to northeast Mecklenburg and Cabarrus residents. The 130-bed hospital includes a maternity center, sleep center, outpatient services, general medical-surgical services and a new 33-room women's center. In a collaborative effort, Carolinas Medical Center-University and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte have opened a CMC Health Center located inside the University City YMCA to provide preventive health education and wellness programs to the community.
RecreationThere's plenty of opportunity for indoor and outdoor recreation in University City. The University City YMCA at Harris and Mallard Creek Road is always bustling with activity. The Mallard Creek Greenway, is a paved walking trail along the creek. Charlotte Sports Center, located just off Harris Boulevard on Hankins Road, is one of the largest indoor athletic facilities in the country. This 75,000-square-foot athletic center offers indoor basketball, volleyball, inline hockey, soccer, flag football and lacrosse on a pay-to-play basis. The sports center also offers paid memberships for Peak Fitness, its full-service, 15,000-square-foot workout center.
Northern Mecklenburg/Lake Norman
also visit the Lake Norman website for more infoLong-time residents can see change all over the Charlotte area. But evidence of that change is perhaps most striking in the Lake Norman area, some 25 miles north of Charlotte.
Thirty years ago, the lake created by Duke Power Co. (now Duke Energy)was a real hideaway. Surrounded by fishing shacks and old mobile homes, and accessible by winding, often unpaved roads, the lake was a weekend getaway but nothing more.
Then I-77 came through the territory and brought people along with its ribbon of pavement. You still can find some of those fishing shacks and weekend residents. But today, more and more folks live the vacation lifestyle year-round, with plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby and direct access to jobs in Uptown Charlotte, University City, the airport area or even north Mecklenburg.
At the heart of it all is Lake Norman, with shoreline stretching 520 miles through four counties: Mecklenburg, Iredell, Lincoln and Catawba. It's often referred to as the Inland Sea.
When Charlotteans refer to the Lake Norman area, they usually mean the area north of the Harris Boulevard/I-77 interchange, which includes Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson in Mecklenburg County and the southern tip of Iredell County, which encompasses Mooresville and its shoreline.
Growth has been huge, with some 80,000 people living here now. Because lake dwellers like their area so much, civic and government leaders are working hard to develop long-term plans and regulations to protect the small-town atmosphere.
Along the way, some are coming up with some creative ideas, including several new urban communities. Developers are increasingly seeing the promise in rehabbing old mills and downtown buildings to create unusual offices, retail centers and even residential complexes.
North Mecklenburg has three incorporated towns: Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. All have seen tremendous residential growth, and all are home to some thriving businesses. Davidson also is a college town, home to highly regarded Davidson College, which adds an ivy-league atmosphere to the community.
Shopping
Near the I-77/I-485 interchange, NorthLake Mall opened in 2005 with 150 specialty stores and anchors Dillard's, Belk, Hecht's, Dick Sporting Goods and a 14-screen cinema megaplex. The 1.1 million-square-foot facility brings thousands of new jobs to the area.Lake shoppers now can browse unique boutiques, quaint village shops, upscale specialty stores and national chains such as Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, Stein Mart, Kohl's and Old Navy. Several Charlotte specialty retailers have opened second sites at the lake, as have a number of restaurants.
Birkdale Village, a new, 52-acre mixed-use development in Huntersville off Sam Furr Road, offers more than 60 stores and restaurants including Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes and Noble, and a 16-screen movie theater.
Health Care
NorthCross has a thriving medical community, with many physicians' offices and outpatient surgery centers. In 2004, Presbyterian Hospital opened its Huntersville hospital on Gilead Road.Recreation
If you choose not to live on the lake, or you live there but don't have access to the lake in your community, you'll want to take advantage of the many waterfront parks and public-access areas. Jetton Park, Blythe Landing and Ramsey Creek Park in the Cornelius/Huntersville area offer boat launching ramps, paved bike and walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and athletic fields, fishing piers and sandy beaches.Golfers have no shortage of links to test their mettle. From Birkdale's Arnold Palmer-designed course to Northstone's P.B. Dye course to Muirfield, Mallard Head and The Point (just over the line in Iredell County), there are plenty of courses for weekend duffers and serious competitors alike.
East Charlotte
East of Uptown, Charlotte is home to a wide collection of neighborhoodssome new and some established. All have a distinct "laid-back" atmosphere that hints of rural life; but they are without a doubt part of metro Charlotte.
To catch a look at how people in these parts lived some 200 years ago, visit the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, Mecklenburg's oldest surviving structure. Take in the 18th-century-style house, kitchen and springhouse and then visit the museum for permanent and touring exhibits. The wooded grounds are a lovely respite from city life. The site is also home to the worlds largest ground-level bell, the 7-ton and seven-by-seven foot American Freedom Bell, which is nestled in a lovely setting on the property on Shamrock Drive.
East Charlotte is home to some of the city's most affordable housing, which makes it an especially good spot for first-time buyers and people who want value and good prices. The area also boasts several large apartment and town home communities.
ShoppingCentral Avenue/Albemarle Road and East Independence Boulevard are two of Charlottes busiest commercial districts, with loads of stores and the traffic to go along with them. Independence Boulevard is home to a sprawling collection of auto dealers, big-box stores and strip shopping centers. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is planning a transit system for the Southeast Corridor which will run along Independence Boulevard from Charlotte to Matthews.
Eastland Mall, which sits on Central Avenue between Sharon Amity and Albemarle roads, draws shoppers from around the region to its healthy assortment of national chain specialty stores, anchors and a food court. The 1.1-million-square-foot, double-decker center also is one of the coolest places in town, thanks to the Ice House, an ice-skating rink in the center of the mall. Shoppers who want to take a break can watch from the balconies overhead or rent a pair of skates for a spin on the ice.
Diversity
A trend that's shaping East Charlotte is the influx of immigrants and new citizens who make their homes in this family-friendly area. Here's where you'll find the Hindu Center, the Islamic Center, the Chinese Baptist Church and a host of other facilities, as well as many ethnic groceries and specialty stores.Perhaps because of this, East Charlotte also has developed an eclectic selection of restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, steakhouses, family restaurants and cafeterias.
Recreation
If you want to get outdoors, check out Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve on Rocky River Road. It features 727 acres of nature trails, recreational fields, a disc golf course, fishing ponds, picnic areas and an Environmental Center, with hands-on nature exhibits and a butterfly garden. Golfers will enjoy teeing off at a number of public and semi-private golf courses, including the Charles T. Myers course on Harrisburg Road.Mint Hill
For a city that combines country atmosphere with city convenience, take a look at Mint Hill. It was incorporated in 1971, but the city traces its history back to Scotch-Irish settlers in the mid-1700s. The town's proximity to Union County and some well-executed plans requiring large home sites contribute to the cozy feel.The intersection of N.C. 51 (Matthews-Mint Hill Road) and Lawyers Road is the towns center, with shopping areas and town offices. Youll also find a few manufacturing companies and business parks nearby.
For recreation, visit Mint Hill's 55-acre Fairview Park, which includes an asphalt track for walking, bicycling or in-line skating, a disc golf course, nature trail, playground, racquetball and tennis courts, ball fields and a full concession stand.
Folks who want more peace and quiet enjoy the meditation garden at St. Luke Catholic Church on Lawyers Road and the Mint Hill branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public library, a 12,000-square-foot facility that has a loyal following.
Historic Charlotte
Charlotte's oldest and most scenic neighborhoods form a crescent around the Center City. These "streetcar suburbs" date back to before the turn of the century and feature homes ranging from tiny bungalows to grand Georgian mansions, with new construction sprinkled throughout.
Dilworth, Charlotte's oldest suburb, was developed in the 1890s. A "front porch" community, Dilworth's homes are primarily lovingly restored bungalows of the Craftsman style. A stroll down its avenues will take you back in time. East Boulevard, at Dilworth's center, is lined with local restaurants and businesses. Freedom Park, well known for its annual arts festival, "Festival in The Park", is at the eastern end of the boulevard. Carolinas Medical Center, a 777-bed teaching hospital and the region's only Level-1 trauma center, sits a block off East Boulevard.
One of Charlotte's hottest communities, South End, is on Dilworth's western edge. Its refurbished textile mills provide interesting venues for restaurants, shops and office lofts, making it a trendy locale. New residential options complement the booming commercial development.
The Charlotte Trolley is a popular ride with Carolina Panther fans who walk to Ericsson Stadium from the Stonewall Street stop. In 2004, the trolley will transport riders from South End through uptown, as it did 100 years ago. Myers Park is the neighborhood of choice for those who value tradition over trend. The one-time "country" neighborhood is now a mere five minutes' drive from downtown Charlotte. But the setting remains idyllic, as even the largest of its classic homes are dwarfed by towering willow oaks. Among the older, traditional houses, you'll find a number of newer mansions and infill projects. Myers Park homes carry a steep price tag due to the neighborhood's unwavering desirability. Queens College, a small liberal arts school, has been a member of the Myers Park community since 1914, when it moved to its Selwyn Avenue campus. The college offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The Eastover community emerged shortly after Myers Park and features majestic homes set back from winding streets on expansive lawns. Like Myers Park, Eastover's original homes are interspersed with grandiose new homes. In 1936, the Mint Museum of Art opened in Eastover in the building that once housed Charlotte's original U.S. Mint. However, the museum may leave Eastover for the Center City in a few years
Elizabeth is an historic community where residents enjoy an urban lifestyle. In this designated historic district with strict renovation guidelines, the architecturally diverse homes still have much of their original character and charm. The compact neighborhood includes several popular restaurants and shops. The intersection of Randolph Road and Caswell Avenue is a medical crossroads. Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital, Mercy Hospital and numerous medical offices are located at or near the intersection. The main campus of Central Piedmont Community College, the state's largest community college, is also in Elizabeth.
Another neighborhood popular among young professionals who want to live in the shadows of uptown is Chantilly. Chantilly features beautiful narrow streets with charming cottages. Though not yet as expensive as Elizabeth and Dilworth, prices are climbing rapidly. Chantilly's neighbor, Plaza-Midwood, traces its development back to 1903 and boasts a diverse population and variety of home styles. This is one of Charlotte's few historic neighborhoods where you still find small, affordable homes around the corner from expensive, stately residences.
Central Avenue and The Plaza are the community's main arteries. Central Avenue is enjoying a rebirth, with new restaurants and entertainment venues that make it a popular evening destination. Along The Plaza, a traditional boulevard, you'll find elegant old homes, including the historic Van Landingham Estate. Nearby, grand homes dating back to 1920 line Country Club's quiet, curving streets. The small community is named for its centerpiece, Charlotte Country Club, the city's oldest country club.
Head out North Davidson Street to 35th Street to reach Historic North Davidson, known for its funky galleries, colorful "shotgun" homes and popular apartments in the renovated Johnston Mill. "NoDa" is a regular destination for gallery crawls, drawing people from all over town.
Search Real Estate - Charlotte Area Info - Buying in Charlotte - Selling in Charlotte - Charlotte Offices - Charlotte Attractions -Charlotte News - Statistics & Facts - Relocation Information - History of Charlotte - Charlotte Schools - Arts & Entertainment - Health Care in Charlotte - Regional Info - Charlotte Business - Carolina Mortgage Info - Insurance Info - Other regions to consider - Contact us - Charlotte Real Estate Home - Sitemap
Website by BangTag - Website Design & eMarketing
Copyright © 2008 Allen Tate Company. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
