Charlotte, North Carolina lives up to its Queen City nickname. Known for beautiful rolling hills, gentle creeks, and balmy weather, the Piedmont plateau where Charlotte is located is fit for the queen it was named for.
With a rich history, trendy nightlife, lively arts, and entertainment scene, gorgeous architecture, and passion for all things sports, Queen City is on the rise. The secret is out – Charlotte is the place to be.
As the largest city in North Carolina (according to US News), Charlotte has a place for everyone. Here are the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte.
The Best Neighborhoods to live in Charlotte (For Singles)
Uptown
Nothing says classic Charlotte more than its upscale, downtown, Uptown neighborhood. As the city’s center, Uptown is the most happening neighborhood in Charlotte, making it our pick for one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte for singles.
On-trend and never boring, Uptown has everything recent graduates, young adults, and bachelors/bachelorettes want in city life.
Soaring into the night sky at 22 stories is glamorous rooftop bar Nuvolé where you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks, modern ambiance, and spectacular city views.
If shopping is more your speed, find something uniquely you. Uptown has some of the best small businesses, boutiques, and thrift shops in Charlotte. Enjoy sports at Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center, and Truist Field.
Let your taste be your guide – Uptown is the home of Queen City’s most beloved museums and gastronomic delights. This district is an ideal neighborhood for active singles in Charlotte.
Elizabeth
Like Uptown’s laidback cousin, Elizabeth is just on the edge of several Queen City sister-districts. Elizabeth is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte because it is right in the middle – actually and figuratively.
With its city flair and tucked-away hidden-gem-ness, Elizabeth is safer than neighboring Uptown with a lower crime rate, and an element of higher class.
As a historic neighborhood, Elizabeth is a great locale for students and recent grads as well as anyone who enjoys charming architecture, willow oaks, and small-town-within-a-city vibe. Gorgeous trees, coffee shops, and candy and comic book stores are in no short supply in Elizabeth.
Residents say that Elizabeth Creamery has the best ice cream in Charlotte! The vintage, retro, low-fi vibes are why Elizabeth is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte.
The Best Neighborhoods to live in Charlotte (For Couples)
Center City
Are you and your significant other looking for the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina? If you are the type of couple that wants to experience nonstop entertainment, Center City is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte.
Center city is the epitome of urban life, and truly has it all. Home to skyscrapers that lend the perfect backdrop for selfies, pro sports teams, remarkable restaurants, live music, and endless entertainment, this is a neighborhood for couples that enjoy city life.
It is best known for its arts scene. Explore the incredible culture in its museums. Play that funky music at the Musical Parking Garage – a nine-story building that you can literally play like an instrument. If your partner is into cars race over to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Want to make a splash? Head over to the Carowinds theme park sprawling with water rides and roller coasters. Your date nights will be full every week.
Plaza Midwood
Once a forgotten part of town, Plaza Midwood is experiencing revitalization. This up-and-coming, close-knit community is a neighborhood with 378 Acres. If you and your partner are looking for an investment, it’s a great neighborhood to consider.
Couples moving to Plaza Midwood can easily find a home and leave it standing basking in its laidback, quirky charm or choose to tear down and rebuild.
Plaza Midwood is home to the hottest nightlife, trendy bars, quaint music venues, and eclectic vintage shops. Its restaurants are filled with scrumptious comfort foods including barbecue joints, fish shops, fried chicken eateries, and pubs.
Midwood Smokehouse is a great spot for couples that are into succulent BBQ that melts in your mouth. Go out for ice cream at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard one of Plaza Midwood’s popular ice cream parlors.
If you are looking for a chill spot, scope out the scene in Plaza Midwood, one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte for couples.
Chantilly
Chantilly is known for being one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte because of its highly rated public schools. If you and your spouse are considering having children, this neighborhood may be right for you.
This tiny neighborhood with a population of only 1,244 residents is known for its conservative values and tight-knit community. Chantilly has a sparse urban vibe.
The Best Neighborhoods to live in Charlotte (For Families)
The plethora of parks, restaurants, entertainment, and events make Charlotte a popular place to raise your family. Below are some of the best family-friendly neighborhoods to live in Charlotte.
Ballantyne West
This family-friendly neighborhood in Charlotte is a wonderful place to settle down. There is an abundance of fun, family activities in Ballantyne West, which is why it is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte.
If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many playgrounds at parks, lush greenways, and bustling farmer’s markets to explore. There are also several indoor playgrounds in the area.
Your family will have a blast at The Sports Connection with laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, and much more! You will also enjoy the relaxed vibe at the upscale Ballantyne Village. This indoor/outdoor mall offers tons of shops, a theatre, family events, and over 20 cafes and restaurants (ballantynevillage.com)
Affordable real estate is also a big plus in this community. Local schools are highly rated. Whether you have a large family, or you are just starting out, Ballantyne is sure to meet your expectations!
Myers Park
According to Extra Space, Myers Park is safer than 92% of Charlotte neighborhoods. The schools here are top-notch and is even home to one of the best high schools in Charlotte.
Take your stroller, bicycles, and wagons to “Booty Loop” which is a 2.85-mile walking, running, and cycling route (Wikipedia.com).
Visit Discovery Place, a creative, hands-on museum that offers classes, scavenger hunts, educational exhibits, and guided trail walks.
In the evening take a stroll through Selwyn Avenue and stop in some amazing boutiques and fine dining restaurants. There is not a shortage of fun and entertainment in Myers Park. It is a fantastic place to raise a family.
Related Post: The 15 Best Parks You Must See In Charlotte
The Best Neighborhoods to live in Charlotte (For Dogs)
Charlotte is becoming more pet friendly as it grows. It makes available dog parks, doggie daycare, specialty shops, and pet sitters. Below are several communities where your dog is as welcome as you are.
Related Post: 11 Dog-Friendly Restaurants To Bring Your Pal in Charlotte
Dilworth
This area offers a robust array of amenities for your lovable, furry family member. The Canine Cafe makes available many surprises and treats, even birthday cakes! Being close to both Latta, and Sedgefield Park is a big draw for this area.
The K9 Playland Dog Training will get your pet in tip-top shape. This community lies only a few miles from the center of Charlotte.
When needed, you’ll find at least three veterinary clinics to choose from for care close by. This neighborhood even offers a compassionate pet cremation service if that sad time comes.
North Davidson (NoDa)
After an afternoon at North Charlotte Park, head over to The Dog Bar for a unique experience with your pet.
Here, well-behaved dogs can off-leash inside a fenced-in area while you enjoy a beer. Several other establishments offer similar arrangements. NoDa is a neighborhood known for its art, just as much as its pet-friendliness.
Four Dogs Pet Supplies doubles as an art gallery that sells premium pet food and other doggie specialties.
There is a veterinary clinic as well as an animal hospital available in NoDa for scheduled visits or emergencies, making this one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte for you and your fur-babies!
Related Post: The 10 Best Dog Parks in Charlotte
South End
Known for its fun festivals and events, South End welcomes your dogs into all six of its breweries. Restaurants here have dog-friendly patios and even a small dog park. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte for you and your fur baby.
The Rail Trail is a wonderful 3.5-mile flat trail connecting neighborhoods, restaurants, and businesses. Almost every apartment building in South End welcomes dogs, and some have added amenities such as dog parks and dog washing stations.
South End is certainly a desirable location for all dog lovers!
Related Post: The 10 Best Restaurants in South End Charlotte
Final Note
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in America today. With its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, modern nightlife, charming boutiques, and so much more, it’s not hard to see why people love living here.
We hope that this list of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte helps you find out where you fit into the crown jewel of Queen City.
