The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte to Live In

Home to over 800,000 people, a beloved NBA team, and a thriving economy, it’s no surprise that Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city. Not only does Charlotte earn top ranking for North Carolina cities, but even Niche ranks it as the 34th best place to live in the entire country.

So, what is it that makes the Queen City so special? Locals can attest to the fact that Charlotte’s hidden gems are found within its unique neighborhoods. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and moving to Charlotte, read on to learn more about the five best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte, NC:

• Ballantyne East
• Uptown
• NoDa
• Fourth Ward
• Dilworth

1. Ballantyne East

If you’re moving to Charlotte, NC, consider Ballantyne East. It is a busy suburb located on Charlotte’s southern border. Niche rates this as the No. 1 best neighborhood to live in the Charlotte metro area for several reasons:

• Public schools: Ballantyne East is home to a number of highly rated public schools, including technology institutes, language academies, and traditional elementary, middle, and high schools.

• Restaurants: Although this Charlotte neighborhood is home to quite a few chain restaurants, Ballantyne certainly has no shortage of nearby eateries and dog-friendly restaurants. Some local favorites include Gallery Restaurant, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, and Lotus Cafe. 

• Outdoor recreation: There are so many fun things to do in Charlotte, like taking a stroll through Big Rock Nature Preserve for a nearby excursion into the forests surrounding this North Carolina city. The area is home to several majestic clusters of very large rocks that visitors can explore and climb on while they soak in the sun.

• Good for families: Ballantyne’s schools, housing market, and spaciousness make it one of Charlotte’s best neighborhoods for raising a family. The area has a tightly knit community with a large population of families with children.

• Jobs: Ballantyne also offers a booming job market, earning an A rating on Niche in this category. The median household income for this neighborhood is also quite high, at $121,250 (well above the national average of $62,843). 

2. Uptown

Looking for a neighborhood with a little more excitement? Charlotte’s got you covered. This buzzing area is what non-locals would typically label as downtown, but not in Charlotte. Residents have been referring to the Queen City’s most urban neighborhood as Uptown for decades, and that’s just the beginning of what makes the area so enticing. 

Some of the biggest draws of Uptown Charlotte include:

• Strong economy: Uptown Charlotte is home to some of the biggest job markets. Here, you’ll find the headquarters for booming companies such as Bank of America, Duke Energy, and Wells Fargo. Banking is one of Charlotte’s most profitable industries—and the city is actually home to the nation’s second-largest banking center, after New York City. If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of Wall Street but with a bit more southern charm, Uptown is the place to be. 

• Dining and retail: If investing money isn’t really your cup of tea, maybe spending it is! Fortunately, finding ways to spend some extra cash will be a no-brainer in Charlotte’s Uptown neighborhood. Uptown is home to some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city, including Fin & Fino, The Cellar at Duckworth’s, and 5Church Charlotte. Locals can also shop in one of Uptown’s many boutiques or head over to the BOA Plaza Mall. 

• Sports: In addition to jobs and shopping, Uptown is also home to the city’s two major sports teams: The Hornets and the Carolina Panthers. Fans can catch a Hornets basketball game at The Spectrum Center, or watch a Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium. For a more casual experience, Charlotte residents can also catch a Minor League Baseball game at Truist Field, where the Charlotte Knights play. 

• Nightlife: The Queen City offers ample entertainment opportunities, including social hubs like 10 Park Lanes, a retro 32-lane bowling alley that offers a lineup of craft beers and made-from-scratch Southern BBQ cuisine. The Uptown area is also bustling with a slew of speakeasies, including Dot Dot Dot, which is located in Park Road Shopping Center’s backlot. The cavernous bar serves up beautiful craft cocktails alongside numerous aesthetically appealing fine dining culinary creations. 

3. NoDa

If you like the fun of Uptown but want a neighborhood with a little more culture, Charlotte’s NoDa Arts District may be the perfect spot for you. This hip district is located just a mile north of Uptown, but locals will vouch for how special this area truly is. Here’s what residents love about NoDa:

• Art: You can’t talk about the NoDa neighborhood without mentioning the art. Charlotte residents can spend an entire day taking in the sights and sounds of Charlotte’s art scene. From the neighborhood’s many museums and galleries to the vibrant street art and live musical performances, there’s plenty of culture to be absorbed in this trendy area. 

• Food and drink: After a long day of exploring the arts district, you’re likely to work up quite the appetite. Fortunately, NoDa has plenty of local restaurants and bars to go around. Locals can grab a tasty burger at the Goodyear House, a nitro cold brew at Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Coffee Roasters, or even try local brews on the NoDa Craft Beer Trail.

• Jewelry, clothes, and tattoos: The nickname NoDa is short for the area’s full name,  North Davidson. In the center of the neighborhood is the aptly named North Davidson Street, a road lined with jewelry shops (like Custom Jewelry Lab), clothing boutiques (like Old News Vintage), and even tattoo parlors (like Canvas Tattoos).

4. Fourth Ward

Charlotte is broken up into areas known as “Wards.” Four wards comprise Charlotte’s surrounding Uptown area, and the Fourth Ward is a favorite among locals. 

The Fourth Ward is the Northernmost part of Charlotte, and this comforting residential neighborhood is a great place to call home. Here’s what you need to know about Fourth Ward:

• Stunning homes: The Fourth Ward is one of Charlotte’s designated historic districts, and its jaw-dropping Victorian homes are proof of this. If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful place to call home, Fourth Ward is definitely a great option. Simply taking a stroll down one of the neighborhood’s clean, lush streets is the perfect way to take in the city’s rich history. 

• Amenities: Despite its quiet vibe, the Fourth Ward is no stranger to convenient amenities. Residents can frequent the neighborhood’s many gyms, restaurants, and local grocery stores regularly. 

• Parks: Since the Fourth Ward is a designated historic district, this means preservation takes utmost priority in the area. As a Fourth Ward local, you’ll never have to worry about parks and natural landmarks being replaced by commercial buildings.

• Learning: The Fourth Ward is home to learning centers like Discovery Place Science, a museum that explores artificial intelligence and flora and fauna exhibits. There are also a handful of tours, including Tour de Food Charlotte, the Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour, and Funny Bus, a comedy bus ride where you can see your new city from new heights. 

5. Dilworth

Niche ranks Dilworth as the second-best neighborhood in all of Charlotte, and residents seem to agree. As one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC, this energetic area offers an urban feel with plenty to see and do. 

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest perks of living in Dilworth:

• Businesses: Dilworth’s busy streets are lined with plenty of local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shops. This is what gives Dilworth the perfect balance of quaint, suburban charm, and convenient walkability. Some notable Dilworth spots include Ed’s Tavern and Revolution Clothiers & Co.

• Good for families: Despite leaning toward the urban side, Dilworth is still a great place for families to live. Parents, children, and young professionals alike all cohabitate in this diverse neighborhood.

• Walkable and cozy: A Dilworth staple is its walkable, tree-lined streets that residents can take to local coffee shops and bakeries like the Sunflour Baking Company. The centuries-old neighborhood is brimming with historic charm. During your stay, you’ll encounter block parties, holiday festivals, and neighborhood get-togethers.

• Plenty of apartments: A majority of Dilworth residents rent their homes, and the renting market in this neighborhood is currently thriving. With plenty of luxury apartments and bungalows, Dilworth’s unique real estate is a great place for those who want a nice place to live but aren’t ready to purchase a home just yet. 

Find your next Charlotte apartment with Landing

You can’t go wrong living in one of the beautiful and unique neighborhoods of Charlotte. But now that you know where to live in Charlotte, NC, it’s time to find the perfect rental home. If you’re looking to make the Queen City your new home, Landing has your back. 

We offer beautiful rentals in the Charlotte area with flexible leases, pet-friendly spaces, and even fully furnished apartments in Charlotte to make your stay an easy one. 

Say goodbye to the frustrations of house hunting, and start living your new life in Charlotte with Landing! Browse our available apartments in Charlotte today.