January 2, 2024
When you’re considering moving to or within Charlotte, some of the first and biggest questions that come up are “What are the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC? What are the best areas to live?” Whether your priorities are culture and community, education, or local restaurants and activities, there’s a neighborhood in Charlotte to fit what’s most important to you and your family. We are highlighting some of the best areas to live in Charlotte and what makes them so great.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC is full of wonderful neighborhoods, so narrowing down the list is a difficult task. We chose our top neighborhoods based on popularity, access to activities, outdoor recreation, school districts, walkability, and a sense of community.
Long-Standing Favorite Charlotte Neighborhoods
Dilworth
Easily the most well-known neighborhood in Charlotte, it’s no surprise that Dilworth makes our list of best places to live. Dilworth is a historic neighborhood on the national registry that has evolved alongside the city. Touted as Charlotte’s first suburb, the neighborhood was designed by Edward Dilworth Latta to provide easy access to the city center while creating a sense of place with its own stores and parks. Today, Dilworth remains a popular choice for those seeking a short commute to Uptown and all the amenities right within the heart of the community.
- Popularity: 5/5
- Access to Activities: 5/5
- Parks: 5/5
- School District: 5/5
- Walkability: 3/5
- Sense of Community: 4/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 5/5
NoDa
Located along the north corridor of Uptown, NoDa remains a trendy spot in the city. NoDa has a well-defined entertainment district that runs along North Davidson – the unique shops, food and music give the neighborhood its own distinct, eclectic vibes. The central downtown shops make NoDa the most walkable neighborhood on this list. Plus, with access to the light rail, NoDa is connected to everything Uptown has to offer.
- Popularity: 5/5
- Access to Activities: 5/5
- Parks: 3/5
- School District: 3/5
- Walkability: 5/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 5/5
Plaza Midwood
Just southeast of NoDa, Plaza Midwood is a vibrant community close to Uptown. Its entertainment district is filled with trendy restaurants, bars, music, and shopping. Like other historic neighborhoods near the city center, Plaza Midwood is marked by a mash-up of old and new construction. Even amid the vast growth Charlotte is experiencing, Plaza Midwood has retained its small-community charm.
- Popularity: 5/5
- Access to Activities: 5/5
- Parks: 3/5
- School District: 3/5
- Walkability: 5/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 5/5
Eastover
Eastover is an upscale historical neighborhood in Charlotte, situated on a hillside and filled with Southern classic architecture. The neighborhood has been the home to many of Eastover’s prominent local residents over the years, so Eastover has played a big part in shaping the culture of Charlotte. With very little commercial development, Eastover is a peaceful retreat with sprawling green lots. Added bonus: it’s home to the Mint Museum Uptown, featuring artistic craft collections of glass, ceramics, and wood.
- Popularity: 4/5
- Access to Activities: 3/5
- Parks: 4/5
- School District: 5/5
- Walkability: 2/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 3/5
Myers Park
Myers Park is an affluent master-planned community known for its picturesque canopy of hundred-year-old mature trees along the streets. Extremely family-oriented, Myers Park is one of Charlotte’s safest neighborhoods. Stroll through the nearby Freedom Park, visit the Mint Museum Randolph, and enjoy some of the local shops in this peaceful haven with easy Uptown access.
- Popularity: 3/5
- Access to Activities: 5/5
- Parks: 4/5
- School District: 5/5
- Walkability: 4/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 4/5
The Best Up-and-Coming Charlotte Neighborhoods
Seversville
As part of Charlotte’s West End, Seversville has become a great option for families who want to be close to the city but who can’t quite break into Dilworth, NoDa, or Plaza Midwood due to the competitive real estate market. Stewart Creek Greenway meanders through Seversville and connects directly to the expansive green space of Seversville Park. Plus, a range of new restaurants, breweries, and attractions are popping up to serve the locals.
- Popularity: 4/5
- Access to Activities: 4/5
- Parks: 5/5
- School District: 2/5
- Walkability: 5/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 5/5
Ballantyne
Ballantyne is an affordable area for families who want access to a full range of amenities without being in the city center. Several major companies are headquartered here, including Liberty Mutual and Campbell Snacks, bringing plenty of employment opportunities. Don’t pass up its legendary golf club or its lovely walkable greenbelt with paved pathways for the whole family to hike.
- Popularity: 4/5
- Access to Activities: 5/5
- Parks: 5/5
- School District: 4/5
- Walkability: 3/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 2/5
Sedgefield
Located just south of Dilworth, Sedgefield has recently started coming into its own as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte. This is in no small part due to the explosive new development of new restaurants and shops along South Boulevard, including a food market, southern style biscuit house, and pilates gym. The area will only continue to grow in the coming years.
- Popularity: 5/5
- Access to Activities: 4/5
- Parks: 3/5
- School District: 3/5
- Walkability: 3/5
- Sense of Community: 4/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 4/5
Country Club Heights
Despite the impression its name may give off, Country Club Heights has become known as an affordable Charlotte neighborhood where homebuyers can get more space than other nearby areas, at a more reasonable price. The neighborhood is known for its strong sense of community and is one of Charlotte’s more diverse places to live. Come tend to Charlotte’s oldest community garden or visit the annual Festival in the Heights, with family friendly activities and local music as you explore this inviting neighborhood.
- Popularity: 4/5
- Access to Activities: 3/5
- Parks: 5/5
- School District: 3/5
- Walkability: 4/5
- Sense of Community: 5/5
- Proximity to Uptown: 3/5
No matter where you end up in Charlotte, you can’t lose: it’s a vibrant, beautiful, and historic city with lots to do for singles and families alike. These are just some of the many reasons you’ll love living in Charlotte. Take your pick and start exploring!
