The 20 Best Places to Live in Charlotte, NC

With its appealing blend of good, old fashioned Southern charm and vibrant, 21st century sophistication, Charlotte has become North Carolina’s hottest destination. It’s melting pot of nationalities, traditions, and ethnicities make it a standout destination for food, culture, and the arts, while its growing economy, moderate cost of living, and plentiful job opportunities have made it stiff competition for the likes of Atlanta and Charleston. As a metropolitan of small neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm, there’s no shortage of options for would-be residents to consider. If you’re thinking of making the move, take some inspiration from our round-up of the 20 very best places to live in Charlotte, NC.

20. Foxcroft

Before you run and hide from the whopping $749,304 price tag most Foxcroft homes come with, consider the perks. Most residents are pulling in the equally noteworthy household income of $120,607, while also benefitting from some of the lowest crime, unemployment, and poverty rates in the city, as well as some of the best schools, restaurants, and recreational facilities. A price worth paying, then? We think so.

19. Third Ward

Want safe, walkable streets, a great selection of local businesses, parks and amenities, some first-rate schools, and access to the thriving business hub of Charlotte? If you answered yes, you might want to cast your eye in the direction of Third Ward, a charming little neighborhood where you may have to pay $267,583 for a family home, but where you can expect a very handsome income of $97,409 by return.

18. Chantilly

With just 1,685 residents to its name, Chantilly is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood that combines blissful, small-town living with easy access to the attractions of the city center. With a low crime rate, good schools, and the expectation of a $98,875 median income, it’s not hard to see why so many people are eager to make it their next home.

17. Myers Park

The lovely little Myers Park is a hot destination for families, offering some of the safest streets in the metro, a great selection of parks and outdoor spaces, and more good schools than anyone could possibly need. Despite being a largely residential area, there are still enough bars, restaurants, and stores to keep residents happy… and even if it didn’t, the $160,432 median household income is almost guaranteed to leave them with a permanent smile on their faces, in any case.

16. Freedom Park

No, Freedom Park is far from being one of the most affordable options in Charlotte, but for those who can afford the average $597,814 home price, it’s unquestionably one of the most attractive. Make the move to this supremely exclusive neighborhood and you can expect a small, close-knit community, a great selection of public schools, some top-end restaurants, and the envy-inducing household income of $125,762.

15. Stallings

You don’t have to live in the very center of Charlotte to benefits from its attractions. As Area Vibes notes, for those willing to move a little farther out into the wider metro area, Stallings makes a great choice. Close enough to Charlotte to allow easy access to the big city attractions and job opportunities, but far enough away to have a charmingly small-town vibe, it offers residents the best of both worlds. Along with its stunning natural scenery (and all the outdoor leisure pursuits that affords), the town benefits from a great selection of amenities, including a weekly farmers market and an eclectic range of dining opportunities.

14. Beverly Woods

While you’ll struggle to find a property for less than around $320,000 in Beverly Woods, what you won’t struggle to find are some extremely satisfied locals. While the property price may seem a stiff pill to swallow, the memory of the initial outlay is quickly washed away once you get to experience the joys of a low crime rate, a flourishing job market, a friendly community, a median income of $101,902, treelined, safe streets, and some of the best parks, restaurants, and shopping outlets in Charlotte. Described by some residents as one of Charlotte’s “best-kept secrets”, it’s easy to understand why so many people fall in love with this peaceful little slice of North Carolina.

13. Providence Plantation

Beautiful, quiet, safe… for families, there are few more desirable destinations than Providence Plantation (which may explain why 44% of households have children). Adding to the list of attractions include an excellent selection of local schools (all of which score highly when it comes to testing and graduation rates), a job market that’s able to sustain the mammoth average household income of $136,243, an educated, friendly community, and a faultless selection of local businesses, retail outlets and recreational opportunities.

12. Ballantyne East

9,064 residents have chosen Ballantyne East as their home, and a quick look at the facts tells you why. According to Area Vibes, the neighborhood enjoys a 43% lower crime rate than the rest of the US (giving locals a just 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of either a property or violent crime); a 80% higher median household income; and a 15% higher high school graduation rate. Yes, the median home value is a whopping 130% higher than the US average, but considering the perks of living in this superbly desirable community, you’re unlikely to hear too many complaints about the living costs.

11. Olde Providence North

It may sound archaic, but there’s nothing outdated about the delightful Olde Providence North. The average property price may be steep at $479,853, but it’s more than countered by the staggeringly high median income of $148,734. Clean, safe, and close to all the necessities and amenities you could want, it makes an outstanding choice of home for those who can afford it.

10. Cherry

If you have $327,151 floating around doing nothing, you may want to consider investing it in the highly attractive neighborhood of Cherry. If you do, you can expect a robust household income, some outstanding job prospects, a clutch of first-rate schools, and a diverse range of dining and shopping options. Although small, it offers excellent access into every part of Charlotte, making it a great choice for those looking to combine a quiet lifestyle with big-city opportunities.

9. Providence Crossing

If you see an A+ grade on Niche you can be confident that the place in question is a big hitter. And, judging from some of the comments from local residents, Providence Crossing is exactly that. “Safe and nice neighborhood in a booming location. Many shopping centers, doctors’ offices and activities nearby. Ardrey Kell high school is very close and it is a top high school in NC. Each house has a big lot and a lot of space. The neighbors are friendly and there’s a lake shared with the two adjacent neighborhoods,” says one, while another enthuses, “I love Providence Crossing. We have a friendly atmosphere in this neighborhood. We have neighborhood functions regularly, such as the Ice Cream Social with a bounce house, a Halloween party for the kids, Santa comes to visit, Adult Socials for the Parents to get out of the house, along with many other groups. There are always lots of kids playing around outside, and the neighbors are friendly. We also have the best public schools nearby; Polo Ridge Elementary, Jay M Robinson, Ardrey Kell High School.”

8. Ballantyne West

If $98,856 sounds the kind of salary you’d be willing to jump ship for, then consider a move to the attractive community of Ballantyne West. If you do, you’ll find a lot more in store for you than a hefty disposable income. The education system is one of the best in Charlotte, which, combined with the outstandingly low crime rate and suburb ranges of public amenities and services, makes it a hugely attractive proposition for families. Millennials, meanwhile, will find it an equally attractive destination thanks to its bountiful supply of jobs and easy access to the heart of Charlotte. High house prices, as you’d expect, come with the territory: expect to part with around $313,277 for a decently sized home.

7. First Ward

While the median income of $47,468 may be slightly lower than the national average of $55,3222, First Ward still manages to rank highly when it comes to desirability. Affordable housing, low crime, outstanding schools, a welcoming community, a flourishing job market, and more restaurants, shops, and recreational venues than you could shake a stick at… with a list of attractions like that, we’ll take the slight hit to our salary.

6. Hembstead

Granted, housing in Hembstead doesn’t come cheap, but there’s a price to pay for living in one of Charlotte’s most desirable enclaves. If you can afford the $467,715 it takes to buy a chunk of real estate in this hugely attractive little neighborhood, you can expect a lot more than just a hefty mortgage. With a reassuringly low crime rate, next to no unemployment or poverty, great schools, and all the amenities and services you could ever need within striking distance, it’s little wonder so many people want to live here. The expectation of a $152,393 income probably doesn’t hurt, either…

5. Fourth Ward

For around $231,007, you could invest in a property in the delightful Fourth Ward neighborhood of Charlotte. While the property prices may be a smidgen above the national average, you’re unlikely to regret the expense after experiencing the safe, walkable streets, the great selection of local businesses, stores and dining opportunities, along with the multiple parks and green spaces… to say nothing of the enviable $88,798 median income.

4. Providence Park

If affordable housing is at the top of your wish list, you may want to consider the attractive neighborhood of Providence Park, where just $185,189 will be enough to get you a good-sized family home. Along with the great house prices, you can expect to enjoy an outstandingly low crime, a bountiful supply of job opportunities, and the kind of welcoming, friendly community we’d all love to be a part of.

3. Sharon Woods

Small but perfectly formed, Sharon Woods makes a great destination for those who want a slice of the quiet life while still being within easy driving distance of the city center. While the average home price maybe a little over the national average at $286,718, the distinctly robust median income of $92,160 more than compensates for the higher living costs. Other than a superb income, residents can expect a great selection of public schools, a low crime rate, and all the amenities and services anyone could ever need.

2. Dilworth

As neighborhoods go, Dilworth isn't the largest… in fact, with only 8,542 residents to its name, it’s one of the metro’s smallest. But as we know, the best things in life come in small packages, an adage that certainly holds true in this case. The median income of $101,980 ranks as one of the highest in Charlotte, while its schools can rightfully claim to be some of the best in the state. Crime is low, amenities are bountiful, and you’d struggle to find a more welcoming community. All in all, a seriously worthy addition to our lineup.

1. Uptown

If you want to experience the very best that Charlotte has to offer, you’ll find Uptown an unbeatable prospect. Its small population of 7,828 residents benefit from manageable house prices ($263,826 should be enough to get you a very decently sized family home), respectable incomes (around $86,080 per household, by the last count), an almost non-existent crime rate, an outstanding selection of schools, and a plethora of first-class shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities. If you want to live the high life, it’s Uptown all the way.