Fresh out of college and moving to Charlotte? Great decision. It’s the second largest city in the Southeast (behind Jacksonville, FL) and the third-fastest-growing major city. If you’re thinking of making the leap to Queen City, check out our list below of the best neighborhoods for recent grads.
North Davidson (NoDa)
Named for the neighborhood’s main street, North Davidson, NoDa is known as Charlotte’s arts district. Eclectic and playful, this artsy neighborhood’s murals, bars, live music, and taco trucks make it a perfect place for young professionals and 20-somethings. Former mill factories have been revitalized into galleries and snazzy lofts. The Bohemian-chic, colorful North Charlotte borough is very walkable, giving way to monthly gallery crawls. Breweries, music joints, inventive restaurants, and offbeat retailers have made a home here, and Uptown (the city’s center) is just a LYNX Blue Line light rail ride away.
Dilworth
Dilworth is for the more mature recent grads who may be after a more peaceful scene. The stylish, picturesque ‘hood is blocks from South End and just minutes from Uptown. Full of stately buildings and cozy bungalows complete with white picket fences, the area is historic, charming, and classic. Dilworth is one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods and its first streetcar suburb, with roots dating back to the 1890s. Therefore, a large portion of the neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The centuries-old streets are pedestrian-friendly and super walkable (for an otherwise car-dependent city), often hosting block parties, festivals, and yard sales. Runners will appreciate the easy access to Freedom Park. Dilworth also has easy access to Uptown via the LYNX Blue Line.
Plaza Midwood
Would you describe yourself as quirky? Like the feeling of “city living”? Maybe Plaza Midwood is right for you, recent grad. This cool, lively community is ethnically diverse and inclusive, with a thriving LGBTQ contingent. This 1920s streetcar suburb is a combination of two former neighborhoods, The Plaza and Midwood. This residential district is a melting pot of places and people. Vintage shops, watering holes, old-school tattoo parlors, and BBQ joints have been joined in recent years by high-end boutiques and restaurants around the main thoroughfare, Central Avenue. From brunch and nightlife to community celebrations and Instagram-worthy, graffiti-clad buildings, PM is perfect for young professionals.
Uptown
The heart of Queen City, Uptown is Charlotte’s city center, confusing newcomers because it is basically downtown. The thriving business and entertainment center is the city’s most famous neighborhood. Its grid-like design is divided into four wards spreading from the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets. This is where you want to be if you picture skyscrapers outside your window. The sociable, smart, and energetic area is perfect for the fast-paced professional lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a job at a small tech startup or Fortune 500 company.
Heads up, finance majors! Charlotte is the third-largest banking center in the US behind New York City and San Francisco (and way more affordable). Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, and Fifth Third all have office buildings in Uptown. The museum and shopping district is also home to the Mint Museum, Discovery Place, 7th Street Public Market, and some of the area’s best restaurants. An enclosed sidewalk called Overstreet Mall connects shops and eateries. Nine to fivers flood Uptown’s rooftop patios and taverns at happy hour before heading home to their high-rise condos and revitalized Victorian homes.
South End
This historic neighborhood in the heart of the Queen City has become vibrant, youthful, and trendy. It’s a little more upscale as far as Charlotte neighborhoods go, but you’ll find the amenities and conveniences worth the extra rent. This district’s craft beer, culinary, and cultural scenes make it one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte. It’s got the biggest collection of breweries in the city (nine to be exact), plus food trucks, and fun fests. Head to South Boulevard for the best Asian cuisine in town. This area is specifically great for those seeking employment in a health-related industry, as opportunities abound in South End. Again, you’re just a short LYNX Blue Line light rail ride to Uptown.
Elizabeth
Just a stone’s throw away from Uptown, this upscale neighborhood has a somewhat higher cost of living than the rest of Charlotte, but it also has a much lower crime rate. This welcoming enclave is known for its laid back historic charm. Willow oaks line the streets of cozy two-bedroom bungalows and adorable Craftsman-style homes. Besides being a nucleus for hospitals, churches, and higher education, there are also a bunch of locally owned businesses and funky retailers. Here, you can find the best Cajun food, a stripped-down listening room, and local hangouts like a bike shop/bar (The Spoke Easy—get it?). A modern-day CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar provides a direct link to the heart of Uptown Charlotte.
Midtown
This sophisticated, ultramodern, bustling district is great if you can afford it. Just blocks from Uptown, you get the best of both worlds with breathtaking skyline views and scenic greenways. Little Sugar Creek Greenway has four miles of paved trail, connecting Freedom Park to the Metropolitan. The Metropolitan shopping center is a multi-story mixed-use space comprised of offices, condos, luxe fashion boutiques, and fancy restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a funky hood like NoDa or a more posh spot in Uptown, Charlotte is a great place to call home. Find your apartment on Zumper and get ready to take on the Queen City.
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