The 7 best Charlotte neighborhoods for walking, art hopping and luxury shopping
Mar 21, 2022 鈥 4 min read
These seven Charlotte neighborhoods offer a range of activities to enjoy 漏 Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock
Instead of taking the rapidly expanding Charlotte, North Carolina head-on, it鈥檚 better to tackle 鈥淐rown Town'' in bite-sized pieces, one neighborhood at a time. Not only is it a more manageable way to get a feel for the city, but you鈥檒l likely mix with local residents who can offer a true insider鈥檚 scoop on what all there is to see and do.
Each community, and there are about 200 of them, comes with its own aesthetic.
These seven neighborhoods will give you the confidence to get started on your search and find out which area is best suited to your needs.
North Davidson (NoDa) is the best neighborhood for art enthusiasts
North Davidson, known locally as NoDa, is the arts district. Brightly painted businesses welcome visitors and intricately designed murals etched on brick buildings throughout the neighborhood.
Meandering through its numerous galleries and studios (check out the ) is the perfect way to discover new art/artists.
NoDa is one of the stops on the , Charlotte's light rail line, which means easy access via public transport. The neighborhood is about 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte, meaning ample accommodations options.
During your stay, grab Sunday brunch at Amelie鈥檚 French Bakery and Caf茅, stroll the Little Sugar Creek Greenway or catch the annual NoDa Film Festival.
Southpark is the best neighborhood for luxury shopping
Burberry. Gucci. Tiffany & Co. If those brands get your heart racing and shopping is the first thing that comes to mind when you land in a new town, then Southpark just might be your happy place.
This neighborhood (which also has a massive shopping center of the same name) is a major destination for upscale retail therapy and fine dining. When it comes to accommodations, the best 4-star hotels like Hilton and Hyatt are within walking distance to the stores. If a boutique experience is what you鈥檙e after, The Ivey鈥檚 Hotel is a short drive away.
Camp North End is the best neighborhood for creatives
A mere five years old and Camp North End is already making a name for itself. This area was repurposed from a former industrial depot and is still being developed, but its got that electric energy that funky, creative places exude.
Camp North End is still figuring out what it is, which is part of the allure for young professionals and creative types looking to express themselves. So, toss your plans out the window and let your whims take you where they will.
Maybe it鈥檚 designing your own popsicle at , embracing your inner vegan at , or attending a figure drawing class at the Event Space. Booking a hotel in Uptown or NoDa is your best option and an easy connection via bus, ride-share or car.
Dilworth is the best neighborhood to enjoy nature
Dilworth is for those who crave space and natural beauty but don鈥檛 want to give up urban living entirely.
It鈥檚 close enough to the city center to keep the skyscrapers in view but surrounded by Victorian architecture, craftsman bungalows and mature landscaping. Latta and Freedom Parks are both in its vicinity as well as a segment of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
There鈥檚 a touch of international flair with restaurants like , or the yearly . In keeping with the homey feel, consider staying at a B&B like The or touring around by bicycle.
Wesley Heights is the best neighborhood for families
Wesley Heights鈥 location makes this one a hot spot for commuters and working professionals just starting out. It鈥檚 super close to major highways and minutes from professional sporting events at Bank of America Stadium.
It鈥檚 also pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and trails like the WH Greenway. Grab a coffee from or take the dog to run at Frazier Park.
Or go all out with Pimp鈥檔 fries (topped with pimento cheese) or a brisket sandwich from .
Uptown is the best neighborhood for everyone
First-time visitors who want to dive right into Charlotte鈥檚 鈥渕ust-see鈥 attractions should head straight to Uptown. Whether it's a family outing, a romantic weekend, business trip or solo vacation, Uptown has the most options for every kind of traveler.
Public transport is plentiful and easy to navigate, including a direct bus from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. To avoid burnout, get strategic and divide your day into something like breakfast at the , the afternoon at the Levine Museum of the New South and cocktails at after dark.
Belmont is the best neighborhood for low-key travelers
Technically a quiet suburb and not a neighborhood, per se, but Belmont is worth mentioning. It鈥檚 such an easy drive from Charlotte that theaters, restaurants, bars, and museums are still within reach for a night out.
When the weather鈥檚 nice, the Catawba River makes for an easy paddle or head to the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail. For a small town, Belmont has a busy social calendar. Community events like BooFest, Juneteenth and Shop Small Saturday offer up a nice opportunity to meet the neighbors.
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