by Insight Global Staff
We’ve had a home base in Charlotte, North Carolina, for nearly 20 years (and our current office is in Uptown in the Fifth Third Center building), and we’ve helped hundreds of companies fill roles with talent in and around town. We’ve also had thousands of employees and consultants—both recent graduates and families—live all over the city and its suburbs. In fact, Charlotte was recently named one of the best cities to live in the United States by U.S. News.
We know how difficult it can be moving to Charlotte if you’re starting a new job. (It can be equally as hard moving around Charlotte, too!) So we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite neighborhoods! Whether you want to live in the heart of the city or a short commute in, check out some of the best places to live in The Queen City.
Best Places to Live Inside Charlotte
For those who want to live within the city limits, here are six great neighborhoods.
1. South End
South End in Charlotte is a great neighborhood for young professionals and families due to its vibrant atmosphere, diverse range of dining and entertainment options (Sycamore Brewery and Charlotte Beer Garden are some of our favorites), and proximity to Uptown Charlotte. Highlighted by the Rail Trail, a walkable public trail that connects the entire neighborhood, South End also has a mix of modern apartments, historic homes, and green spaces, creating a desirable living environment with a strong sense of community.
2. NoDa
The NoDa (short for North Davidson Street, which is its main street center) neighborhood is in the spotlight because of its arts scene and nightlife. The area is known for its art galleries, live music venues, and street murals.
There’s always a decent concert to catch at the Neighborhood Theatre, and there are great spots to eat and hang out (like Goodyear House and Haberdish).
3. Plaza Midwood
Plaza Midwood is similar to NoDa with its music venues, nightlife, and vibrancy. Charlotte’s website puts it best: “On one block, you’ll find historic homes and office spaces beneath a canopy of century-old trees; on the next, graffiti-covered consignment shops selling second-hand goods.”
Some of our favorite spots to eat and get coffee in Plaza Midwood are:
- Giddy Goat Coffee (great place for breakfast and they host a lot of community events)
- Supperland (named one of the 50 best new restaurants by Bon Appétit)
- Workman’s Friend (pub with great service)
4. Dilworth
Dilworth is a great place to live in Charlotte for young professionals and families due to its historic character, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly amenities. The area offers a mix of historic homes, parks, and playgrounds, such as Latta Park tennis courts, and walking trails.
Along with Myers Park (which we’ll mention in a second), Dilworth is home to Freedom Park, Charlotte’s largest park that houses recreation, a lake, and a popular playground.
With its walkable streets and proximity to Uptown Charlotte (where many Fortune 500 businesses call home), Dilworth provides a desirable balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
5. Myers Park
Myers Park is one of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods with historic homes and high-end restaurants. It was named the top neighborhood to live in Charlotte. The aforementioned Freedom Park borders the neighborhood (along with the Charlotte Nature Museum), and it’s an area with a mix of everyday restaurants and upscale eats.
6. SouthPark
If you head further south from Myers Park, you’ll make it to SouthPark.
This neighborhood is known for its bigger homes (better for families) and its proximity to aforementioned neighborhoods, like Dilworth, Myers Park, and Uptown.
Some of the most popular places to visit in SouthPark are:
- Café Monte (great brunch)
- Reid’s Fine Foods
- Symphony Park (they have a free concert series every Thursday during the summer!)
Best Places to Live Outside of Charlotte
We know not everyone wants to live right inside of the city. So here are a couple of places outside of Charlotte city limits that are equally as great to live!
7. Huntersville
Huntersville is a popular suburb of Charlotte located due north of the city. It borders the southern end of Lake Norman, the largest lake in North Carolina. Huntersville has a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, all with access to parks, playgrounds, and shopping, such as Birkdale Village.
I-77 also passes right through the town, and it sits just outside of I-485 (the beltway around Charlotte), giving it easy access to the city. An average commute to Uptown is around 25 minutes on a regular day.
8. Davidson
Located just north of Huntersville is Davidson, a small-town community that centers around Davidson College (where Steph Curry went!). Its downtown sits just a couple of blocks off Lake Norman, and it’s a suburb that has an extremely close-knit community.
Some of our favorite spots in and around Davidson include:
- Kindred
- Summit Coffee (owned by Davidson graduates)
- Lake Norman, of course!
9. Fort Mill
Fort Mill is actually located in South Carolina just over the state line, but it is just a 30-minute drive to the heart of Charlotte. It’s a popular suburb for families still looking to live closer to the city but not live among the hustle and bustle. Fort Mill has well-rated schools and affordable housing options for people of all ages.
The Carowinds amusement park is a popular destination in Fort Mill, as is the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a nature preserve of over 2,000 acres with trails, fishing, and other recreational activities. Aside from its amenities, Fort Mill attracts young professionals and families with its lower cost of living compared to Charlotte.
