Charlotte, North Carolina was recently dubbed the 8th best place to live by US News and World Report. Are you considering a move to this highly desirable city in 2024?
If so, you may be wondering about the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC. The good news is that the so-called Queen City has an area for everyone, whether you’re bringing your family or making a solo move.
But here’s the bad news: with so many neighborhoods in Charlotte, choosing just one is no small task. We’re here to help make that job easier with this in-depth guide.
Read on to discover the best Charlotte neighborhoods based on your lifestyle and interests or business needs.
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Overview of Charlotte’s Diverse Neighborhoods
North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies, founded in the late 17th century. It was not until around a century later that Charlotte was settled. In 1768, Queen City was incorporated and named for King Georgie III’s wife, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Charlotte has a rich history. It was the site of the original gold rush and the location of the Confederate headquarters during the Civil War. Established North Carolina industries like banking and higher education also found their roots around this time.
Today, Charlotte’s history is apparent in many of its historic neighborhoods. Dilworth, Fourth Ward, and Hermitage Court are only three of the eight designated Local Historic Districts in the city.
One of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Charlotte is also home to many contemporary neighborhoods. Newer areas like the North End and up-and-coming communities, such as Uptown, North Davidson (‘NoDa’), and Plaza Midwood, offer all the amenities modern urbanites have come to expect.
The diversity of neighborhoods – as well as the low cost of living, strong and growing economy, and beautiful weather – make Charlotte a great place to call home.
Top Neighborhoods for Families
The average household in Charlotte has two people, meaning the city is home to more couples than it is to families with kids. Still, Charlotte is a great place to consider starting a family.
Family-centric neighborhoods feature excellent school districts, plenty of parks, and low crime rates. They are also convenient to hospitals, grocery stores, and amenities and activities appropriate for children.
The best neighborhoods for families in Charlotte are Ballantyne, Dilworth, and Providence Plantation.
Ballantyne
Ballantyne is located in south Charlotte and is divided into Ballantyne East and Ballantyne West. Ballantyne East is the more desirable of the two, featuring upscale homes, top school districts, and negligible crime rates.
The area’s median home value of $390,600 conceals the fact that most homes are on the higher end for the city. Still, many families find the higher cost of living worth it for top schools like Ardrey Kell High and Pleasant Knoll Middle.
Ballantyne East is also convenient to Ballantyne District Park, where families can hike, bike, ride horses, and picnic with friends.
Dilworth
If you are searching for a family-friendly neighborhood closer to the downtown area, Dilworth is your best bet. It is also consistently rated one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte period.
As one of Charlotte’s historic districts, the area’s celebrated homes and tree-lined streets drive up local values. The median home price in Dilworth is a cool $595,500. For that price, you also get access to competitive school districts like Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy and Charlotte Engineering Early College.
Despite its proximity to downtown Charlotte, Dilworth has two of the best parks in the city: the lake-dotted Freedom Park and the expansive 31-acre Latta Park.
Providence Plantation
Heading back down into south Charlotte, you’ll find Providence Plantation. As Charlotte’s best place to raise a family, this neighborhood is extremely desirable and has home prices to match.
Drive down the streets of Providence Plantation, and you will see plenty of spacious homes with ample outdoor space. There are plenty of things to do, too, from golfing and swimming to shopping and dining.
Despite its more upscale vibe, Providence Plantation is home to a community of friendly people. You will often find neighbors hiking or birdwatching at local parks, including the beautiful Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.
Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
The median age in Charlotte, NC is around 34 years old, which is also around the age of the average young professional. 20 to 40-year-olds come to Charlotte for the jobs and stay for the laid-back culture.
Top industries in the area include finance, education, and energy. Many of the country’s leading corporations have a major presence in Charlotte, including Bank of America, Duke Energy, Nucor, and Honeywell.
In addition to being close to these employers, the best Charlotte neighborhoods for young professionals – Uptown, South End, and NoDa – feature thriving nightlife scenes and affordable living.
Uptown
Uptown is a thriving downtown Charlotte neighborhood perfect for young professionals. It’s also one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte, in general, especially for those wanting maximum walkability.
With its proximity to major employers, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, you will have plenty to do in Uptown. While homes are on the pricier end, the majority of residents rent. The median rent in the area is $1,670.
Charlotte may not be best known for its nightlife scene, but you will still find its many bars, clubs, and pubs packed most nights. Living in Uptown gives you the opportunity to explore popular spots like Duckworth’s Grill and Taphouse.
South End
South End is a trendy neighborhood located just north of Dilworth and southwest of downtown. Many Charlotte transplants settle in this neighborhood, so those who are new in town will be in good company.
As long as you’re okay with a short but sometimes hectic commute, South End has much to offer. The rapidly developing area features a range of rental options, from more affordable spots to modern luxury apartments.
Other reasons to consider the area are its safe and walkable streets, high-end grocery and drug stores, and ample bars and breweries. With a diverse community of people who work and play hard, you are sure to fit right in.
NoDa
Like South End, NoDa is an up-and-coming neighborhood attracting many of the city’s most prominent young people. It’s located northeast of downtown and requires the longest commute of the three.
The rent/own split is closer to even in NoDa. You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for well under $2,000. Homes are a bit more expensive, with median sale prices in the upper $400,000s.
NoDa is the center of Charlotte’s bustling art scene. The main strip’s streets are lined with locally-owned galleries, unique shops, and mural-lined artwalks. The restaurants are a foodie’s dream, too.
Ideal Neighborhoods for Retirees
North Carolina is a top-three state for retirees, and Charlotte is the city most older adults choose to settle in. Along with the sprawling Raleigh suburb of Cary, Charlotte is also among the top 10 retirement cities, period.
Charlotte’s relatively affordable cost of living, temperate climate, and rich history are only a few of the reasons retirees love Queen City. The first-rate and highly accessible local healthcare systems don’t hurt, either.
Of all the areas seniors choose to settle in Charlotte, the best neighborhoods for retirees are Myers Park, Elizabeth, or Southside Park.
Myers Park
Myers Park is a large neighborhood south of Dilworth featuring elegant homes situated on spacious lots shaded by mature trees. Two major medical centers are in the area: Atrium Health Carolinas and Novant Health Presbyterian.
With median home prices well over $1 million, Myers Park is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Charlotte. But for that price, residents get the benefits of peace and quiet, ultimate safety, and plenty of things to do.
Speaking of things to do, Selwyn Avenue is a local hot spot for luxury shopping and dining. The area is also home to popular art museums, as well as the beautiful Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary rose and herb gardens.
Elizabeth
If you are looking for a retirement community closer to downtown, Elizabeth is the place to be. This neighborhood offers a small-town feel, a diverse community, and historic home-lined walkable streets.
A primarily residential area, Elizabeth also offers many affordable rental units. It’s also a great place to settle close to grandchildren since the area’s public school districts are highly rated.
Living in Elizabeth allows residents to enjoy the local bakeries and old-fashioned ice cream parlors. Novant Health Presbyterian and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Centers are also nearby.
SouthPark
Another upscale area perfect for adults of retirement age is SouthPark, a suburb a few miles south of Charlotte proper. The edge city is best known for the luxury SouthPark Mall, the largest mall in the Carolinas.
With a median home price of around half a million, residences in the area range from affordable to upscale. No matter where you live, you will enjoy SouthPark’s peaceful suburban feel.
With some of the city’s best five-star restaurants and easy access to the highly-rated Tyron Medical Partners medical center, SouthPark is one of the best Charlotte neighborhoods to retire in.
Charlotte’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods
What do San Francisco, New York, and Boston have in common? Besides being some of the most popular cities, they are also the most walkable metro areas in the US.
Walkability is important for reducing air and noise pollution, improving physical and mental health, and boosting overall quality of life. Charlotte may not be the most walkable city in the country. But recent initiatives aim to change that.
In the meantime, some neighborhoods – Uptown, Plaza Midwood, and Dilworth – are better than others if you prefer to travel on foot instead of by car.
Uptown
Uptown is not only one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals but also a highly walkable place to live. Of the area’s four wards, Uptown’s Fourth, First, and Second Wards earn the highest walk scores in Charlotte.
The westernmost quarter, Fourth Ward, leads the pack with a walk score of 89/100. This cozy area features mature tree-lined streets where you will often see joggers and walkers out enjoying the fresh air.
Plaza Midwood
If suburbia is more your vibe, you can still get around on foot by moving to Plaza Midwood. Walk Score gives the area a 56/100, which is an impressive score for a neighborhood outside of the downtown area.
Located north of Elizabeth and east of downtown Charlotte, Plaza Midwood is a more conservative neighborhood known for its southern food, many parks, and welcoming atmosphere.
Dilworth
Another neighborhood to make a second appearance on our list, the historic district of Dilworth, is the fifth-most walkable area in Charlotte. It has a walk score of 78/100 and an equally impressive bike score of 61/100.
You’ll have no problem getting to popular shopping destinations like Kenilworth Commons and Park Square on foot. It’s also common to see neighbors walking, jogging, or biking to one of the local parks during the spring and summer.
Neighborhoods With the Best Real Estate Values
Charlotte recently appeared in a Yahoo Finance list of 2024’s top cities for property investment. With an overall median home price of $385,000, experts project local values will rise by 145% over the next 10 years.
The best neighborhoods for real estate investors are up-and-comers with currently affordable prices that are expected to significantly increase in value over the coming years.
If you are searching for the best areas to bet your money on in the Charlotte housing market, consider the neighborhoods of Wesley Heights, Belmont, and Cherry.
Wesley Heights
Wesley Heights is a smart place to invest, whether you are searching for a new rental property or a single-family home for your portfolio. The area gets an even mix of renters and buyers, and there are ample opportunities for flips.
Despite median home values of around half a million, Wesley Heights is one of the last areas in Charlotte where you can find deals on good homes. And with home sale prices on the rise, now is the time to act.
Belmont
Even though Belmont is currently in a seller’s market, median home prices are currently down from last year. Don’t let the temporary dip fool you, though, because values are expected to start trending upward again.
Buyers flock to the Belmont area for its suburban feel and urban amenities. But the real money-maker is the rent market. Rental units are in high demand due to their affordable prices, which are well below the national average.
Cherry
With its deal-worthy home prices, the Cherry housing market is extremely competitive. But if you can manage to win a property, expect impressive returns from buyers and renters scrambling to live in this neighborhood.
Other reasons homes are appreciating fast in Cherry include the area’s top-five walkability score, proximity to popular neighborhoods like Uptown and Dilworth, and family-friendly attractions.
Unique and Eclectic Neighborhoods
North Carolina is a melting pot for people of all cultures, backgrounds, and interests, and Charlotte is no different. Queen City is home to thriving ethnic and racial communities, as well as a growing LGBTQ scene.
The Black community is Charlotte’s largest minority group. Black Americans make up over 35% of the city’s residents. There is also a growing Latin community concentrated in the eastern and southwestern parts of the city.
Nowhere is Charlotte’s unique culture better on display than in its eclectic neighborhoods like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, and Historic South End. These areas feature a focus on the arts and are home to diverse foods, events, and people.
NoDa
With so many young transplants moving to NoDa, it should be no wonder this is the best neighborhood to experience Charlotte’s diverse culture. Many Black Americans live in the area, and the art scene is a draw for LGBTQ people.
NoDa is also the ideal place to find an even mix of Southerners, who come for the area’s rich history, and Northerners, who enjoy the local community’s more moderate political views.
Plaza Midwood
Plaza Midwood may not be the most diverse neighborhood in Charlotte, but it is the best place to steep yourself in the city’s Southern roots. You’ll find the best comfort food and barbeque joints in town here.
The area’s art scene is also on the rise, poised to rival that of NoDa. There are dozens of art galleries, performing art centers, and museums in Plaza Midwood, as well as an artwalk featuring works by a diverse array of artists.
Historic South End
South End is another artsy neighborhood in Charlotte and home to a large portion of the city’s LGBTQ community. Though popular with local young professionals, about a quarter of South End’s households are families.
There’s plenty to do in the area, too, from the First Friday Gallery Crawl to the seasonal Rail Trail Lights exhibition. Residents also enjoy over 100 locally-owned restaurants and shops, eight craft breweries, and a dozen or more ice cream and dessert spots.
Neighborhoods With the Best Amenities
Safety, home values, and proximity to jobs, schools, and hospitals are important. But when choosing a place to live, most people put local amenities at the top of their wish list.
This is due, in part, to the fact that Americans are becoming increasingly health-centric. We want healthier places to eat, to stay physically active, and access to environmentally conscious retailers.
Living close to an array of restaurants, parks, and shopping centers allows us to achieve these values. In Charlotte, the neighborhoods of Ballantyne, SouthPark, and University City enable you to do just that.
Ballantyne
Ballantyne is one of the best family neighborhoods in Charlotte for a reason. The area is convenient to countless amenities, including the Ballantyne Village shopping center and Blakeney Village outdoor mall.
Locals enjoy a variety of cuisines, from classic southern comfort food to Italian and Asian fare. There are also fast casual spots galore, where you can grab a quick burger or sandwich for an affordable price.
If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you have options. Practice your swing at the local public golf course or one of the many private clubs. Dozens of parks border the area, including the new Ballantyne District Park.
SouthPark
Retirement-aged folks are not the only age group that loves to live in SouthPark. The SouthPark Mall also brings in families and young people wanting to enjoy the neighborhood’s many retail centers.
In addition to the biggest mall in Charlotte, SouthPark has the Phillips Place and Morrison shopping centers. The casual dining scene is another attraction. Find French cafes and authentic pizza parlors to sushi spots and Latin eateries.
A favorite weekend activity among locals is to visit Park Road Park. This 122-acre green space features multiple playgrounds, sports courts, and horseshoe pits. You can also hike around the 11-acre lake at the park’s center.
University City
University City is a sprawling area in northeast Charlotte. It is best known for being home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus. University City North is also popular with young families.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll love the affordable dining and shopping options in the area. There’s a strong multicultural influence here, as seen by popular restaurants like Le Kebab Grill.
The most popular amenities in University City are perfect for the outdoorsy type. The open-air PNC Music Pavilion amphitheater frequently hosts exciting musical acts. Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve is a family favorite.
These Are the Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, North Carolina has a neighborhood for all ages, whether you are looking for an age-appropriate area for young children, a retirement-friendly community, or something in between.
The city also boasts highly walkable areas and regions with growing real estate values. Plus, you’ll have no trouble finding a community that celebrates culture and the arts or is close to the city’s top shops, restaurants, and green spaces.
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