10 Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the top growing states in the nation. In fact, it was one of U-Haul’s top growing states in 2023, only behind Texas and Florida. Wondering what makes North Carolina so special? Well, one of those things is the city of Charlotte.
Charlotte, NC is known as a city made of small towns, meaning you get all the big city amenities without all the hustle and bustle. On top of this, the job outlook is incredibly bright, and the public schools are some of the best in the nation. Whether you’re a young professional flying solo, or a family of 5, everyone will find a reason to love living in Queen City!
Living in Charlotte: A Quick Overview
Weather – The weather in Charlotte is beautiful all year round, with temperate summers and mild winters. You’ll get to experience the best of all four seasons but be prepared for the summer humidity!
Up-and-Coming Food Scene – We’ve all heard of Charlotte’s famous barbeque, but that’s not the only thing that’ll leave you asking for seconds! Charlotte is home to many diverse restaurants and award-winning chefs that focus on putting farm fresh ingredients on the table.
Cost of Living – On average, living in Charlotte is a little cheaper than the national average. But that extra 2% can really make the difference. When you pair that with Charlotte’s strong job market, and increasing wages, it makes for a very financially stable place to live.
Central Location – Can’t decide between the beach and the mountains? In Charlotte, you don’t have to choose! In fact, you’ll be equidistant to the beach and the woodsy areas. The average commute time into the city is about 23 minutes, which means you won’t have to travel very long to get where you need to go.
Traffic – Charlotte has a reputation for crazy traffic. While there is public transportation in the city, cars are a much more popular means of getting around. Because of this, there is some congestion around town. But keep in mind that the average commute in Charlotte is still technically lower than the national average, so you’d still be technically saving time.
Top 10 Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
Governor’s Square
Median Home Sale Price: $1.2 million
Median Rent: $1,828
Governor’s Square is a very suburban area, where most residents own their homes. The public schools receive consistently high ratings. There are plenty of community parks, walking paths and a quaint selection of restaurants within a short drive of most neighborhoods. This makes it a great place for families, but young professionals may want to live somewhere a little more urban.
University City
Median Home Sale Price: $367,995
Median Rent: $1,417
One thing to know about North Carolina is that college sports, especially basketball, are king. There are plenty of places to watch college sports in Charlotte, specifically in University City at the University of North Carolina. It is also home to the University Research Park, which is one of the largest in the state, and over 20 Fortune 500 companies. Plus, it's home to the only Ikea in both Carolinas!
Dilworth
Median Home Sale Price: $677,000
Median Rent: $1,905
If you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood, you’ll love Dilworth. And you’ll love it even more if you’re a history buff! Dilworth is the first suburb in Charlotte, established in 1890. There are over a thousand historical buildings, structures, and landmarks. Not to mention, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore: from local foodie favorites such as the 300 East to charming wine bars like the Dilworth Tasting Room.
Davidson
Median Home Sale Price: $560,000
Median Rent: $1,615
University City isn’t the only college town in Charlotte! Close to the water and full of delicious eats, Davidson is perfect for foodies, outdoorsmen, and scholars. You’ll get the small town feel in Davidson while only being about 20 minutes away from all the action in Charlotte.
Fourth Ward
Median Home Sale Price: $475,000
Median Rent: $1,560
If you want to live in a gorgeous neighborhood with breathtaking houses, then live in Fourth Ward. You’ll get to experience what true Southern Charm is all about by exploring some of the oldest homes in Charlotte. There are also plenty of restaurants around to lounge and enjoy some great food, too.
Ashbrook-Clawson Village
Median Home Sale Price: $816,500
Median Rent: $1,290
Ashbrook-Clawson Village is a tranquil neighborhood with good schools and plenty of space from the hustle and bustle of Uptown Charlotte. Nestled in an ocean of green, making it ideal for those with pets or the love of taking a stroll outside. With easy access to uptown and even being walking distance to many restaurants and bars, Ashbrook has all the beauty of an upper-class area without the hefty price tag. But since the housing market has become increasingly competitive, you may find yourself paying a little more to settle down there.
Steele Creek
Median Home Sale Price: $421,000
Median Rent: $1,607
Named after a small stream that cuts through the area, Steele Creek is the perfect spot for growing families. With plenty of parks and amazing public schools, it makes for a great place to raise a child or two. This neighborhood is very suburban, but with constant residential and commercial developments, there are always new things to do and see.
Uptown
Median Home Sale Price: $485,000
Median Rent: $1,837
The heart and soul of Charlotte lies within Uptown, the lively center of the city. This is where you’ll find sporting arenas, art centers, museums, and theaters. So, if you’re looking for more of a metropolitan vibe, this is the area for you.
Did You Know: There are many companies that set up headquarters in Charlotte! From Bank of America to the Dole Food Company, you’ll be able to find some awesome job prospects in Uptown Charlotte.
Myers Park
Median Home Sale Price: $1.4 million
Median Rent: $1,909
Myers Park is on the pricier end of our favorite Charlotte neighborhood list, but that comes with good reason! Lined with trees that are older than the city itself, this storybook-esque neighborhood is one of the most sought-after spots in North Carolina. This is where you’ll find high-end shopping, hot restaurants, and lush walking trails.
Pineville
Median Home Sale Price: $455,000
Median Rent: $1,366
What was once a small agricultural community has now blossomed into a suburban haven. Pineville got its name from the towering pine trees that populate the area and is known for its rich history. Because of this, there are plenty of educational opportunities in Pineville. And most importantly, it’s on average the most affordable neighborhood on our list.
Moving to Charlotte with U-Box by U-Haul
So, ready to start your new life in Queen City? U-Box by U-Haul is here to help! U-Box containers make moving faster, more convenient, and flexible. If driving cross country with everything in tow isn’t for you, consider our seamless portable moving and storage solution. With a U-Box container, everything can be delivered right to your doorstep, on your time!
Once you’re all packed up, we can send your U-Box containers to any address across the United States (or even the world). When it comes to moving, don’t trust just anyone with your stuff. Choose U-Box by U-Haul!