If you’re looking to buy a home in Charlotte, you’ve probably been on the lookout for the perfect neighborhood, whether that’s to buy or build in. With many wonderful options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, for you and your family. Don’t worry – we’re here to help!
We’ve put together this comprehensive Charlotte neighborhood guide so you can find the perfect spot for your little piece of paradise. From upscale shopping areas to bustling nightlife to the city’s vibrant arts district or the many historic Charlotte NC neighborhoods, these communities have everything you need to make your dreams come true.
So what makes these Queen City neighborhoods so great? Let’s take a closer look!
The Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
As North Carolina’s most populous city, there are plenty of great areas in Charlotte to pick from. There are many subdivisions in Charlotte offering plenty of options for everyone, from young professionals looking for a lively downtown area to families looking for a peaceful suburban escape.
We’ve created an overview of Charlotte’s best and most popular neighborhoods, from the oldest communities with impressive histories to more recent development with newer amenities. Let’s take a look at the best neighborhoods in Charlotte!
Uptown (Center City, Downtown)
First on our list is Uptown, also known as the Center City or Downtown. This neighborhood is the central business district of Charlotte and home to many corporate headquarters such as Bank of America and Duke Energy.
Uptown is perfect for those who love the hustle and bustle (and convenience!) of a big city. Besides being home to some of the best shopping and dining in downtown Charlotte, Uptown is also host to plenty of museums, art galleries, and live music venues. The Levine Museum of the New South is a great place to learn about post-Civil War history in the South while the Mint Museum Uptown explores global art and culture. For those who love the outdoors, Romare Bearden Park is a great place to take a break from the city with its picnic areas, walking trails, and water features.
The city center is broken down into four wards, based on historic voting districts first introduced in 1869. While the city no longer uses these wards as its voting districts, the names have stuck and today each ward has its own unique character and flair.
First Ward
First Ward is one of Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods. Located just east of Uptown, First Ward is perfect for those who want to be close to the action without being in the middle of it. This neighborhood is home to many young professionals and families as well as student housing for nearby Johnson & Wales University. With North Davidson Street running through, residents have easy access to the area across 277, including Alexander Street Park. For those looking for something a little more low-key, First Ward Park is a great place to relax or take a stroll with its walking trails, playgrounds, and public art.
Second Ward
This historic neighborhood is one of Charlotte’s oldest and is located just south of Uptown. Second Ward is home to many families as well as young professionals who are drawn to its tree lined streets and the small-town feel within the city. This neighborhood is also home to the beautiful Marshall Park, as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the Charlotte Convention Center. You’ll also find plenty of shopping and dining options from amazing local restaurants, including Whole Foods and Fahrenheit Charlotte.
Third Ward
Charlotte’s Third Ward is just northwest of Uptown. This is where the Bank of America Stadium, the home stadium of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers is located, making it a great place for sports lovers! This neighborhood has something for everyone with its museums, art galleries, live music venues, and theaters. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Frazier Park is a great place to take a break from the city with its walking trails, picnic areas, and water features.
Fourth Ward
Just to the northeast of the city center is Charlotte’s Fourth Ward, best known for its historic homes (including Charlotte’s oldest house) and peaceful streets. This neighborhood is best for those who want to experience a more intimate city life with its locally-owned shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Voted one of the 11 Best Brunches in Charlotte by Condé Nast, Stoke is a must-try! Fourth Ward Park is perfect for outdoor lovers with its walking trails, playgrounds, and public art installations.
Ballantyne
Originally a hunting preserve, Ballantyne has since become known for its upscale houses and is home to many young professionals and families. Located in the southern part of Charlotte right on the South Carolina border, this neighborhood has plenty of shopping options, especially when you consider Ballantyne Village, and locally-owned restaurants, like Another Broken Egg Cafe. Ballantyne also has a great park system with plenty of walking trails and playgrounds, as well as the Ballantyne Hotel, one of the top-rated luxury hotels in Charlotte.
Barclay Downs
If you’re looking for a quiet and upscale neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, look no further than Barclay Downs. This beautiful community is best known for its large homes and lush green spaces. Barclay Downs is perfect for those who want to be close to the city without being right in the middle of it. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining options nearby, as well as parks and recreation areas.
Berewick
Berewick is a newer Charlotte neighborhood close to Lake Wylie and Catawba River. The lively master-planned community offers direct connectivity with the 485, allowing residents to easily reach Uptown Charlotte within 10 minutes. Charlotte Premium Outlets and Berewick Town Center give residents lots of adjacent shops and restaurants nearby. Berewick has a separate village with town and single-acre residences available.
Chantilly
Tucked away in the heart of southeast Charlotte, Chantilly is best known for its beautiful homes and lush green spaces such as Chantilly Park and the Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary. This peaceful neighborhood offers a quiet escape from the busy city life but is still close to plenty of shopping and dining options.
Cherry
If you’re looking for a great, walkable Charlotte neighborhood, Cherry is the place for you! This popular and vibrant area is full of an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and galleries. Cherry also offers plenty of green spaces with two pocket parks and the nearby Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Whether you’re looking to live in the heart of the city or just want to be close to all the action, Cherry has something for everyone.
Dilworth Uptown
Consistently ranked one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte NC, Dilworth Uptown contains some of the best stores and restaurants the city has to offer as well as some excellent public schools. Dilworth is located close to the South End and provides a huge selection of nightlife options, retail, and employment opportunities. It’s also a historic neighborhood with over 1000 historic buildings and was Charlotte’s first-ever streetcar suburb.
Eastover
Located just southeast of Uptown, Eastover is another of the historic Charlotte neighborhoods once home to many prominent city leaders. Today, Eastover is best known for its stunning Victorian houses and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also home to some of Charlotte’s best restaurants and shops such as Napa on Providence. Eastover is also home to the Mint Museum, one of the city’s top attractions.
Elizabeth
This area was named for Elizabeth College, a small Lutheran women’s college founded in 1897. Elizabeth is home to a diverse population, including working-class families, immigrants, and college students. Elizabeth is particularly well-known for its restaurants and bars, as well as Independence Park, the oldest public park in Charlotte which attracts locals and visitors alike. In recent years, the neighborhood has undergone a revitalization, with new businesses and apartments opening up.Â
Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a quiet place to live, Elizabeth is sure to have something for you. In addition, the Charlotte Independence Soccer League is hosted there at the Queen City Soccer Club.
Foxcroft
Foxcroft is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina that is known for its convenient location and big, beautiful homes. The area is situated just minutes away from uptown Charlotte, making it easy to commute to work or go out for a night on the town. Many of the buildings in the neighborhood date back to the early 1900s and have been meticulously maintained with tree-lined streets and a friendly, small-town feel. As a result, Foxcroft is one of Charlotte’s most desirable neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly community with a convenient location and beautiful homes, Foxcroft is the perfect place for you.
Myers Park
One of the more affluent areas of the city, Myers Park features prestigious shopping and dining options as well as top-notch schools. Queens University in Charlotte is there, Levine Children’s Hospital is north of the neighborhood, and Freedom Park is just to the east. Another unique feature of Myers Park is Discovery Place. This not-for-profit museum has an IMAX theatre and plenty of community events to experience. The Myers Park neighborhood has a large number of beautiful homes dating back as far as 1911. The historic district is famous for its over 100-year-old oak tree cover that compliments the period house and gardens at Queen Road West.
NoDa (The Arts District)
NoDa, short for “North of Davidson,” is one of Charlotte’s most unique and eclectic neighborhoods. Located just northeast of Uptown, NoDa is known for its art galleries, music venues, and independent shops. The NoDa neighborhood has a long history as an artist colony, and it remains a popular destination for creatives today. While this north davidson area does have some residential streets, the area is mostly made up of businesses and office buildings.Â
During the day, the historic district bustles with activity, and at night it comes alive with the sound of live music spilling out of the clubs. Whether you’re looking for a new piece of art or just a place to relax with a beer, NoDa is sure to have something for you. Catch a show in The Neighborhood Theater or the Evening Muse, two local venues featuring performances from Live Music to Slam Poetry and Stand-Up Comedy nights.
The Palisades
This new neighborhood in Charlotte has many beautiful new homes as well as luxurious amenities. It is situated in the hills above Lake Wylie and offers great golfing and other fun activities for residents. If you’re looking for brand-new construction homes in Charlotte, definitely check out this up-and-coming area!
Plaza Midwood
Located just minutes from Uptown Charlotte, Plaza Midwood is one of the Queen City’s most popular neighborhoods. The area is known for its diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and businesses, as well as its strong sense of community. Plaza Midwood is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Midwood Park and the Charlotte Country Club. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a bite or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, Plaza Midwood is well worth a visit.
Providence Crossing
A little further south of Uptown, Providence Crossing is a peaceful area with spacious homes and plenty of trees. If you’re looking for a tranquil neighborhood with great schools, this is the place for you. The area features two golf courses and plenty of green space, making it easy to get out and enjoy nature. Providence Crossing also has some great shopping and dining options, so it’s the perfect place for both locals and visitors alike.
Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina that offers residents a suburban feel in an established community with a diverse mix of families and young professionals. There are several small businesses within Sharon Woods including grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and a brewery. Sharon Woods is also close to several schools including Beverly Woods Elementary School.
Southend/South End
Another historic suburb of Charlotte, Southend is known for its Victorian-style houses and bustling shopping district. The area is also home to several popular restaurants and bars, as well as art galleries and performance venues. Residents of Southend enjoy a truly unique Charlotte experience, with the convenience of city living and the charm of a small-town community. For those looking to explore Charlotte’s rich history, Southend is the perfect place to start. With its central location and diverse attractions, Southend is an ideal place to call home in Charlotte.
SouthPark
Charlotte’s South/Park neighborhood is best known for its shopping and dining and is home to many upscale retailers and restaurants, like Steak 48 and The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. Southpark Mall is one of the largest malls in North Carolina and is a great place to spend the day. SouthPark also has plenty of parks and green spaces, like Symphony Park, which is perfect for getting some fresh air or for catching a free show.
Copper Builders has our model home and design center here; you’re going to want to check it out. The home is absolutely stunning and you can browse through the design center in the lower level. Pop in and visit our team at 5555 Fairview Road!
Steele Creek
Southwest of Uptown and located along the stunning scenery of Lake Wylie, Residents of Steele Creek enjoy a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment and nature preserves. Plus, with its top-tier schools, this is an ideal place to raise a family. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or an active community with plenty of amenities, Steele Creek is the perfect spot.
University City
University City is located just north of the University of North Carolina, making it a perfect choice for families with college-aged kids. This neighborhood has something for everyone with its restaurants, shops, and parks. Did you know University City also has the only IKEA store for either of the Carolinas? For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mallard Creek Greenway is a great place to take a break from the city with over nine miles of walking trails, picnic areas, and water features.Â
Wessex Square
Wessex Square was first developed in the early 1900s, and many of the original houses are still standing. However, there has been a lot of new construction in recent years, resulting in a fun neighborhood with a little bit of everything. Wessex Square is home to families of all types, and there are plenty of parks and public spaces for residents to enjoy, including the Cedar Wood Country Club.
Wilmore
Wilmore is located just south of Uptown and is known for its Victorian architecture and small-town feel. Despite its central location, the neighborhood has a peaceful, quiet atmosphere making it one of the best family neighborhoods in Charlotte. Many residents are involved in the local community, and there is a strong sense of pride in the area. Wilmore is also home to several unique businesses, including a historic general store and a locally-owned bakery. Overall, Wilmore is a charming neighborhood that offers residents a sense of history and community.
What is the Best Charlotte Neighborhood?
There are many great neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, and it can be hard to choose just one. Ultimately, the best places to live around Charlotte for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a suburban escape or an urban experience, there’s a Charlotte neighborhood with something for everyone. From historic charm to modern amenities, Charlotte is one of the best cities in the South – and each of its neighborhoods are a testament to that.
Where To Live in Charlotte
No matter what type of neighborhood best suits your lifestyle, you’ll find it in Charlotte. From vibrant shopping districts to tranquil green spaces, each Charlotte neighborhood has something unique to offer its residents. Whether you choose to call SouthPark, Steele Creek, University City, Wessex Square, or Wilmore home, you’re sure to find the best place to live in Charlotte. So take some time and explore each of these Charlotte neighborhoods – you won’t be disappointed! You’ll love all that Charlotte has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, the above descriptions helped answer your questions about Charlotte neighborhoods. However, we’ve found some other FAQs about the Queen City and its communities that we wanted to answer, just in case!
What Is The Best Area Of Charlotte NC To Live In?
The best area of Charlotte, NC to live in depends on your lifestyle and preferences. SouthPark and Steele Creek are both popular neighborhoods, but University City, Wessex Square, and Wilmore all offer unique experiences as well. It’s easy to commute to just about anywhere in the city, either by car or the convenient Charlotte area transit system, so be sure to check out every neighborhood, as well as the local housing market, before making a firm decision.
Where Do Professionals Live In Charlotte?
The best neighborhoods in Charlotte NC for young professionals are Southpark, University City, or Steele Creek. Each of these neighborhoods offers plenty of amenities for working professionals, including retail stores and restaurants. Additionally, all three neighborhoods are close to major employers like Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Where Do Millenials Live In Charlotte, NC?
Millennials in Charlotte typically live in neighborhoods like University City, Wilmore, and Uptown. These areas offer a variety of housing options at all price points, as well as plenty of recreational activities and job opportunities. Additionally, these neighborhoods are close to restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues that millennials tend to frequent.
What Are The Best Towns Near Charlotte?
As well as the neighborhoods and suburbs, there are many charming small-town areas near Charlotte, including Belmont, Pineville, and Waxhaw. These areas offer a small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community feel. There are many local businesses and restaurants, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The towns are also conveniently located close to Charlotte, so residents can take advantage of all the city has to offer while living in a smaller town setting.
Where Does The Upper Class Live In Charlotte?
The upper class tend to live in affluent neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC like Myers Park, Eastover or Wessex Square. These upscale neighborhoods in Charlotte are some of the most expensive in the city, with residential real estate prices often reaching upwards of $1 million. However, they also offer plenty of amenities and recreational activities for residents.
What Is The Wealthiest Part Of Charlotte?
The wealthiest of the Charlotte, North Carolina suburbs as of 2022 is Eastover. Considered at the top of the list of the best Charlotte neighborhoods, this area is home to some of the finest shops, restaurants, and businesses in the city, as well as many upscale and historical homes.
Where Do The Rich Live In Charlotte NC?
There are plenty of luxury neighborhoods in Charlotte, but the wealthy typically live in neighborhoods like Myers Park, Eastover, and Providence Crossing. These areas feature large-scale homes with high-end amenities and plenty of recreational activities for residents to enjoy. Many are also looking for safe neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, and so tend to gravitate towards these areas.Â
There are many good places to live in Charlotte, each with its own unique benefits. Plenty of tree-lined areas and the fantastic Charlotte area transit system, all full of that wonderful southern charm. It’s important to consider your personal situation when choosing the best neighborhood for you, but regardless of where you end up, you’ll be sure to enjoy all that Charlotte has to offer. If you’re ready to start building your dream home in the perfect Charlotte location, contact Copper Builders today. We’ll help you find the perfect spot and get started on making your dream home a reality.
Related article: 10 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Charlotte, NC
