Contemplating a move to one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC? We don’t blame you. When you think of Charlotte, it’s easy to describe it as hip, vibrant, and big on business — especially banking. Believe it or not, Charlotte is actually the nation’s second-largest banking hub, coming in right behind NYC.
Planning a move to Charlotte? Start by getting a quote from PODS.
A great job market, diversity, tons of culture, good schools, an outstanding dining scene (don’t think we forgot about that lip-smackingly good North Carolina BBQ), and a relatively affordable cost of living make Charlotte neighborhoods hot contenders for young professionals, families, singles, and students. Life here is laid back, fun, and full of Southern charm.
But wondering where to look for a Queen City home or rental to call your own? We know sussing out more than 200 districts on a Charlotte neighborhoods map might be overwhelming. So we’ve got you covered with a closer look at some of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC — complete with all the things you want to know, including average home prices, types of housing, vibes, school ratings, and things to do.
Whether you’re moving to Charlotte, NC, from nearby or relocating from afar, we think you’re going to love these Charlotte neighborhoods. In fact, we’ll bet you can bank on it.
With a still-hot real estate market, Charlotte housing costs are up nearly 5.5 percent from last year.
What Are Charlotte Housing Prices Like?
Thanks to the city’s growing popularity as a destination for new residents, Charlotte’s real estate market has been a hot one for the past several years. Housing prices and the overall cost of living have also gone up. But even as it’s getting more and more challenging to find great deals on homes, prices for both buyers and renters aren’t too far off from the national average — at least for now.
As of April 2024, Zillow lists the average home value in Charlotte at $401,400 — up 5.4 percent from the same time last year. For comparison, the national average home value saw a 4.3 percent increase over the last year, hitting about $358,700 as of April 2024.
Looking to rent instead of buy? According to RentCafe, rent in Charlotte averages a little more than $1,625 per month — just a bit less than the national average of $1,700. And while you’ll find a variety of rental types in many of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, the average apartment size in the city is about 940 square feet (think a cozy one-bedroom).
Q: What’s the most expensive neighborhood in Charlotte, NC?
A: If you’re wondering, “What is the richest part of Charlotte, NC?,” head over to Eastover. With average rent prices close to $2,275 per month and an average home value of more than $1.9 million, Eastover is Charlotte’s most expensive neighborhood, costing over 80 percent more than the rest of the city.
Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has nearly 200 official city-designated neighborhoods, which works out to approximately one neighborhood every mile and a half! That’s good news for anyone looking to call the Queen City home. From historic Victorian and Tudor homes to more contemporary condos and modern high-rise apartments, there are plenty to choose from on a Charlotte neighborhoods map. And you have your pick of vibes, ranging from the buzzing Central Business District to the more settled-down suburbs. Here are 15 of our favorites.
Uptown Charlotte is the heart of the Queen City, with dining, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
1. Uptown Charlotte
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
- Median home listing price: $375,000
- Great for: Young professionals, singles, students, things to do
Don’t be confused by this bustling neighborhood’s name. Uptown Charlotte is located in the downtown Central Business District. Uptown is split at the intersection of Tryon and Trade Streets and divided into four wards, all encircled by the 277 and 77 Interstates. Don’t want a car? You might not need one. Walk Score rates Uptown’s First, Second, and Fourth wards as the city’s top walkable areas.
Uptown is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, as it’s truly the city’s heartbeat, pumped full of tech startups, creatives, restaurants, bars, the city’s top museums, gobs of nightlife and entertainment options, and a true big-city feel.
Diverse housing options range from single-story Victorian homes to chic high-rises. And unsurprisingly, having all Uptown has to offer at your fingertips makes this neighborhood one of Charlotte’s most popular — and more expensive.
Most residents here are young professionals, singles, or students from the nearby colleges and universities. You know, folks looking for a lively slice of walkable city life — and who don’t mind the noise or higher prices that come along with it. However, anyone who lives here will be sharing space with locals and visitors alike, as Uptown is a popular tourist spot.
2. Providence Estates East
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
- Average home value: $547,000
- Great for: Families with kids, LGBTQ-friendly, diversity
Providence Estates East is a very small, family-oriented, welcoming neighborhood in southeast Charlotte that boasts a rich mix of cultures and backgrounds. Most folks here own their homes, which are above the city’s typical average price point. This is a very suburban spot and one of Niche’s best neighborhoods to raise a family in Charlotte, as well as one of their top ten neighborhoods to live in Charlotte overall. The vibe here is residential, and you’ll notice less public activity or places to hang out, though there is a central park (Colonel Francis Beatty Park) smack in the middle of the ’hood with gorgeous lake views, hiking and walking trails, and a few sports fields.
3. Providence Crossing
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $749,500
- Great for: Families with kids, great schools, diversity
If you’re looking to raise a family, Providence Crossing is one of the top ten Charlotte neighborhoods to do so, according to Niche. This larger-sized neighborhood is about 16 miles south of the city center and serves up good suburban vibes with a side of top-rated schools. Most residents tend to own their homes, which aren’t as expensive as some of Charlotte's wealthier neighborhoods. Rent, however, is a couple hundred dollars more. And in this subdivision neighborhood, you’ll mostly find large, single-family homes with big, manicured yards.
Q: What is the safest part of Charlotte, NC?
A: The top three safest neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, according to NeighborhoodScout, are Fawn Hill Rd./Brush Hollow Rd., Montibello, and Providence Crossing South. Overall, your chances of being a victim of a violent crime in Charlotte are 1 in 138, compared to 1 in 247 across the state of North Carolina.
Oak-lined streets and elegant mansions are the hallmarks of Myers Park, one of Charlotte’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
(Source: Brittney In Beta via Unsplash)
4. Myers Park
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $1.61M
- Great for: Families, bars and restaurants, professionals
It’s no coincidence that one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, is also one of the most picturesque. A well-heeled area located about 10 minutes from the city center, Myers Park is known for its 100-year-old oak canopy-lined streets, stately mansions, and collection of upper-crust amenities. It’s also home to some of Charlotte’s wealthiest residents and a high concentration of families.
Myers Park isn’t very walkable or well connected to public transit, but that’s actually how it was designed. Residents come here for the suburban feel and highly rated public schools, and they stay for the gourmet grocers, upscale boutiques, swanky country club, Booty Loop trail, and art galleries.
Whether you end up calling Myers Park home, stopping by Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary’s rose garden is a lovely way to spend a day — even better if you bookend it with breakfast at littleSpoon Eatery off the Selwyn Avenue strip and a visit to the 98-acre Freedom Park.
Fun Fact: What is the prettiest street in Charlotte? Hermitage Road in Myers Park is often lauded as the city’s most beautiful boulevard.
5. Beverly Woods
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
- Average home value: $777,100
- Great for: Retirees, families, parks, good schools, location
Beverly Woods has A ratings from Niche for its education and jobs. It’s also ranked by the site as one of the best Charlotte neighborhoods to raise a family. Most residents praise the community’s friendliness and convenient location — you can reach the airport, Uptown, and South Charlotte in 10 to 15 minutes by car. There are tons of green spaces, some good restaurants, and an overall urban-meets-suburban feel. However, it’s not very ethnically diverse. Most people here own their homes, which are single-family dwellings in a range of styles. Bonus: Almost all of them have decent-sized yards. Schools here are extremely well rated and include several top schools in the state at various learning levels.
6. Plaza Midwood
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
- Average home value: $755,700
- Great for: Professionals, singles, variety
Plaza Midwood is a mid-sized neighborhood in Charlotte that refuses to be labeled. You’ve got historic homes sharing streets with trendy thrift stores and a host of good eats alongside wellness venues. And breweries, bars, and hip eateries are common. Basically, there’s something here for everyone, but the area appeals most to those without kids and professionals looking for a calm and friendly place to delight their many different whims. However, schools here have an overall B rating from Niche, and rent is about $100 lower than the city average.
Q: What is the hipster part of Charlotte, NC?
A: If you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Charlotte, NC, for a hipster vibe, look no further than Plaza Midwood. “Cool people, nice restaurants and fun bars. There's always something, like trivia or karaoke, going on!” says one resident on Niche. Go here for thrift shopping, hoppy beers, and chill afternoons.
SouthPark’s upscale homes are convenient to plenty of posh shopping at SouthPark Mall, delicious dining, and enriching cultural activities.
7. SouthPark
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
- Average home value: $805,900
- Great for: Families, young professionals, upscale living
Located about 15 minutes south of Uptown, Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood offers a life full of luxuries both big and small. This neighborhood is loaded with extravagant mansions and apartments, high-end shopping, and upscale restaurants. Families are drawn to the neighborhood’s quiet, tree-lined streets and large homes, though SouthPark’s posh side appeals to young professionals looking for a taste of the sweet life, as well.
Even if you don’t end up living in SouthPark, chances are you’ll still find your way to this beautiful area of Charlotte. Full of upscale, designer retailers, SouthPark Mall is a huge destination for locals and visitors. Events (or just walks) at Symphony Park, special meals out at SouthPark’s restaurants — like tapas at Bulla Gastrobar — or perusing the independent boutiques are a must.
From long-distance moves to storage right in your driveway — or at a local storage facility — PODS has you covered. They focus on providing the best in flexible, personalized moving and storage services. Find out more about how PODS can help you move to Charlotte.
8. Cherry
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
- Average home value: $476,300
- Great for: Young professionals, singles, commuting, social activities
If you’re looking for that small community feel without sacrificing your social calendar or adding to your commute, take a look at Cherry. Under two miles from Uptown, Cherry offers residents easy access to the hubbub of the city center while living in a quieter area. Niche rates this as the fourth best neighborhood to live in Charlotte and gives its public schools, fit for families, nightlife, diversity, and wellness A ratings. However, higher rent and housing prices than the city average bring the cost of housing down to a C rating. Most residents are adults between 25 and 45, making Cherry — and all that it's accessible to — a favorite among young professionals.
9. Ashbrook-Clawson Village
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
- Average home value: $605,500
- Great for: Professionals, families, small community vibes, good schools
With an A+ rating from Niche, Ashbrook-Clawson Village is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte — and a tiny neighborhood, for that matter, located 4 miles south of Uptown and just under 1.5 miles from Freedom Park. Families with children make up about a quarter of the 2,700 residents here, but unlike some of the family-friendly neighborhoods with more of a sparse suburban feel, Ashbrook-Clawson Village has a little bit more going on when it comes to bars, restaurants, and shops.
Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood has experienced a bit of a revival in the past few years, evolving from “Old” to “New” Charlotte.
10. Belmont
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
- Average home value: $541,300
- Great for: Young professionals, young families, singles, charm
This trendy neighborhood attracts young professionals and singles with affordable rentals and proximity to the action in Uptown. Located on the eastern edge of Uptown’s First Ward, Belmont features a lot of beautiful Southern-style bungalows with wraparound porches, new high-rise condos, and single-story Victorian homes. The neighborhood has also been going through somewhat of a revival over the last few years, making the transition from Old Charlotte to New Charlotte.
No matter what you decide about living in Belmont, you can’t visit Charlotte without sinking your teeth into some of the local BBQ. Head over to Sweet Lew’s BBQ to snag a traditional taste of North Carolina’s signature style. And for dessert, take a trip to Alexander Street Park for delicious sunset views of the Charlotte skyline, or head out for a beer at Catawba Brewing Company.
11. Dilworth
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
- Average home value: $753,700
- Great for: Young professionals, families, walkability, history
Niche rates Dilworth as the best of all Charlotte neighborhoods — and we can’t argue. This district has stood the test of time and is now a gorgeous mix of old and new. (Fun fact: Dilworth is on the National Register of Historic Places.) Tons of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops are scattered about the neighborhood, all within easy walking distance, giving this popular neighborhood a cozy feeling with small-city energy. Schools here are also great, attracting families, and it’s not uncommon to have communal events. Dilworth is also home to Freedom Park, a 98-acre greenspace where you can get your sports on or just chill by the lake.
Q: What is the best area to live in Charlotte, NC?
A: Although Niche rates Dilworth as the best neighborhood in the area, narrowing down the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, to one that’s perfect for you depends on your personal preferences, of course. For example, families may want to consider a neighborhood with less car traffic and good schools, such as Myers Park. Young professionals and students may prioritize amenities and the ability to walk or bike to work or school and prefer living in Uptown Charlotte in the heart of the city. Still others may be looking for a community-driven neighborhood with more affordable prices like Belmont. It’s all about you and your wants.
12. Providence Plantation
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
- Average home value: $832,000
- Great for: Families, landscaped lawns, community amenities
If you’re looking for that spread-out suburban sprawl, the fairly large community of Providence Plantation might be just right. This “neighborhood” is a development that sets single-family homes on half-acre to two-acre plots of land, giving families with kids (or dogs!) a lot of outdoor play space. This friendly community is located close to I-485 and has excellent schools. And Niche ranks Providence Plantation as the No. 5 spot in Charlotte to raise a family. In addition to idyllic green streets, you’ll also find a host of community amenities, from sports courts to planned events and activities. Rentals may be sparse, though, as most folks here own their homes.
Tucked between Charlotte’s Cherry and Chantilly neighborhoods, Elizabeth offers a generous helping of quaint, historic charm.
(Source: Dickens Mitchener via Facebook)
13. Elizabeth
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
- Average home value: $647,000
- Great for: Young professionals, singles, vintage vibes
You’ll find this small historic district sandwiched between Cherry and Chantilly, a few blocks from I-74. It’s a low-key but vibrant area of the city beloved by locals and newcomers alike, considered one of the best areas to live in Charlotte, NC. This is a neighborhood where everything seems almost too cute and quaint to be true, whether you’re picking up a coffee and pastry at one of the bakeries, walking in the sun with an ice cream cone, spending time at the Independence Park rose garden, or sipping a few co*cktails at a cozy watering hole. Think exposed brick, worn woods, and covered patios. It’s also home to Central Piedmont Community College. Housing costs in Elizabeth are higher than average for Charlotte neighborhoods, but not by too much (and many residents will say it’s worth the extra coin).
14. Provincetowne
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $520,500
- Great for: Families with small children, professionals, diversity
Provincetowne is a medium-sized, middle-class neighborhood with a suburban feel located about 16 miles south of the city center. Niche gives this neighborhood an A+ rating and ranks it as the best neighborhood to raise a family in Charlotte. Schools, housing, diversity, and jobs all received A ratings, as well. Houses and apartments here are contemporary and spacious (usually between 1,000 to 1,500 square feet for a one-bedroom) and are priced above the city average. Townhouses are particularly popular here.
15. Wesley Heights
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
- Average home value: $530,600
- Great for: Young professionals, singles, connectivity, walkability
If you’re looking for a room with a view, Wesley Heights offers spectacular vistas of the Downtown Charlotte skyline. Another one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte that combines old with new, Wesley Heights is walkable, full of tree-lined streets, and has enough going on to keep you in the neighborhood. But if you do venture out, this area is super close to I-77 — and also walkable via green paths to the fancy shops and eats in Uptown. And while there aren’t too many families with kids in this bustling area, it’s worth noting that Niche gives the schools an overall B- rating. Thanks to all the activity, the convenient location, and lower rent, Wesley Heights tends to draw mostly young professionals, singles, and creatives who consider it one of the best places to live in Charlotte, NC.
Bonus: Best Charlotte Suburbs
When focusing your search for the best places to live in Charlotte, NC, depending on what you’re looking for, you might actually find your dream neighborhood slightly outside of the city. From lower rent to highly-rated schools, these family-friendly towns are well worth looking into. Here are a couple of Charlotte suburbs to consider.
The Catawba River in Belmont, NC, offers plenty of recreational fun, from a group float to kayaking and canoeing.
Belmont, NC
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
- Average home value: $422,100
- Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor activities
Not to be confused with the Belmont neighborhood within Charlotte city limits, Belmont, NC, is located about 15 miles west of the Queen City. Niche rates it as one of the best North Carolina suburbs, giving it an overall A grade. The vibe here is spacious and suburban, the schools are highly rated, and the commute to Charlotte is easy, making Belmont popular for young professionals and family transplants from the city.
Belmont offers a mix of condos, townhomes, and apartment homes — many built in the early 1970s and sporting brick exteriors. Want something more modern? Rentals tend to be newer builds.
There are plenty of public schools in Belmont, including the Highland School of Technology, which ranks as the 15th best public high school in the state and the No. 2 magnet high school in the Charlotte area, according to Niche. Residents here enjoy breezy strolls through the Belmont Historic District, hunting for treasures at Piccolo Antiques and the Catawba River Antique Mall, and flexing their adrenaline and watersports skills at the nearby U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Lake Norman at Parham Park is nestled in the family-friendly suburb of Davidson.
Davidson, NC
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
- Average home value: $649,400
- Great for: Young professionals, college students, families, jobs, commutes
Located about a 30-minute straight shot north of Charlotte, Davidson is a popular suburb for young professionals, college students, and families. Niche rates Davidson as the second best place to live in the Charlotte area — and in the top four best suburbs to live in the state. The vibe here is spacious and suburban but vibrant, thanks to the younger-skewing resident population.
Condos are a common find here, and many come with gorgeous waterfront views over Lake Davidson, spacious wooden balconies, and multiple bedrooms. Davidson families have a great selection of public schools to choose from, as well, including more than 25 schools that Niche grades as A- or better. It’s also home to the prestigious — and selective — Davidson College, a liberal arts school also known for competitive athletics.
A long-distance move to Charlotte, NC, doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you have the right plan in place.
Planning Your Move
Ready to start planning your move to Charlotte? Now that you know where to live in Charlotte, NC, check out more tips and tricks from the PODS Blog to help get you started. From how to pack for a long-distance move and the top questions to ask when vetting a moving company to tips on moving with portable containers and more, PODS is here for you every step of the way.
Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 25+ times because she loves to experience new places. She most recently moved from Los Angeles to Portland, OR.
Editor’s note: Monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100 for ease of reading.
