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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop — your friendly Charlotte movers).
We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of these highlighted neighborhoods. And we’ve created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local.
Charlotte and Its Top 5 Neighborhoods for Families
Charlotte is the full package. The city offers plenty of entertainment options for sports and racing fans (NFL, NBA, NASCAR – you name it) and outdoor destinations (mountains, nearby beaches, lakes, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center).
It features charming residential areas and boasts a booming financial sector and tech industry. And it’s home to several art museums and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, all the while hosting city-wide parties and annual cultural festivals.
In Charlotte, you’ll easily find some of the best dining and drinking destinations in the country. One highly-renowned and can’t-miss spot in the city is chef Rocco Whalen’s Fahrenheit, which has been featured by several local and national magazines and newspapers.
We love the beer in Charlotte too, especially what flows from one of our favorite watering holes, Wooden Robot. Then, on top of it all, Charlotte dishes out its killer North Carolina Barbecue. And with bellies full, we submissively bow to the Queen City, thanking her majesty for her delicious gifts.
With all these perks, Charlotte has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. But Charlotte still maintains a lower cost of living compared to the national average. With over 200 neighborhoods, it’s a challenge to know where to start looking – especially when you’re trying to please a whole family.
Below, we’ll zoom in and take a closer look at the five best neighborhoods for families in this royal city.
Belmont
Sitting just northeast of I-277, Belmont draws locals who are looking to live close to art, music, and historical buildings. Belmont is made up of a close community, with shared neighborhood gardens and locally-hosted neighborhood get-togethers.
Belmont’s tree-lined streets are incredibly charming. Its white sidewalks line manicured lawns. The area draws many young as well as established families who settle down in one of this neighborhood’s pretty homes.
What’s Happening in Belmont
Belmont has a quieter feel in the city, but there’s still plenty to do in the area.
- The Cross-Charlotte Trail passes through Belmont, providing walking and biking paths for residents.
- Popular restaurants in the area include Intermezzo and La Unica.
- The nearby NoDa neighborhood offers tons of dining, drinking, and entertainment hot spots just around the corner if Belmont locals want a little more action.
Schools in Belmont
Schools in the area include Elizabeth Traditional Elementary, First Ward Creative Arts Academy, Piedmont Open Middle School, and Cato Middle College High School among others.
Homes in Belmont
Homes in Belmont come old and young. The neighborhood’s houses range from single-family to tightly-packed apartments.
South Park
Longstanding and wealthy families fill many of the homes in South Park. The neighborhood offers convenient amenities to its residents, with high-end shopping malls, theaters, and restaurants along Fairview Road.
South Park does, though, have a few casual spots, even a Mcdonald’s. But wait…this Mcdonald’s has two stories and features framed artwork on its walls.
What’s Happening in South Park
Overall, the southside of Charlotte is on the up and up. Unique eateries, new local businesses, and real-estate renovations in the area go to show that old money definitely doesn’t mean stagnant development.
The SouthPark Mall is one of the few malls within the 485 loop. In this shopping center, you can expect a 175k Aston Martin sitting indoors for people to observe. Needless to say, SouthPark Mall is a little higher-scale than most.
Our favorite recent addition to the neighborhood is Legion Brewing’s second location. While it still hints at the quirky, artsy vibes of its first taproom, Legion’s new spot in South Park boasts towering ceilings, a circular bar, and a sun-drenched seating area.
Schools in South Park
Schools in the area include Sharon Elementary, Piedmont Open Middle School, and Phillips Academy among others.
Homes in South Park
South Park offers plenty of apartments. Its homes range from affordable single-family homes to gorgeous new renovations.
Myers Park
Located about 4 miles southeast of the center city, Myers Park is a picturesque neighborhood filled with a friendly community. Aged oak trees line the streets and massive homes sit atop wide front lawns.
This area is one of the more fancy and pricey spots in the city, and families of all ages flock to the neighborhood, enjoying its quaint shops, art galleries, eateries, and parks.
What’s Happening in Myers Park
Myers Park offers its own flavors in the culinary scene of Charlotte. One of the most-known local restaurants in the area is the charming Little Spoon Eatery, which serves dishes featuring savory ingredients like sticky rice and barbecue pork.
The nearbyDiscovery Place Nature planetarium, nearby Mint Museum, and The Duke Mansion’s gardens offer residents many day-trip and weekend outing options.
For an evening out, grab a pint and watch a game on the big screens at Selwyn Avenue Pub.
Schools in Myers Park
Schools in the area include Myers Park Traditional Elementary School, Piedmont Open Middle School, and Myers Park High among others.
Homes in Myers Park
In Myers Park, you can find a lovely family home that matches your style and budget size. Here, you’ll find gorgeous mini-mansions that can blow past $1 million and many beautifully remodeled single-family homes.
Cornelius and Davidson
These two side-by-side neighborhoods are some of the most popular spots for families in the region. Sitting about 20 miles north of the city, Cornelius and Davidsonboth border the shoreline of Lake Norman.
Originally a mill town and farming community, Cornelius has transformed in recent decades. This community is home to around 30,000 residents and boasts of excellent schools, 10 city parks, and a beach that offers swimming access.
As a college town, Davidson offers a bookish vibe, but it’s quickly becoming known as a popular foodie destination. Both spots offer plenty of family-friendly amenities, events, and nearby attractions.
What’s Happening in Cornelius and Davidson
In Cornelius, residents enjoy lake access, public parks, and annual events like the All-American Dog Show and Symphony in the Park Fireworks. Regular street festivals bring vendors and food trucks to the streets. On other weekends, locals enjoy spending sunny afternoons at the area’s family-friendly breweries.
Davidson College anchors the community of Davidson and provides a long list of performances, art exhibits, and sporting events. Residents regularly shop for local produce and flowers at the seasonal Farmers Market. Main Street is popular for dining out, visiting Main Street Books, or getting breakfast or coffee.
Right outside of town, Fish Farm Park offers miles of trails.
Schools near Cornelius and Davidson
Families love to have great options when it comes time to enroll their kids in Cornelius’ and Davidson’s public, private, and charter schools.
Some of the best schools in the area include The Goddard School of Cornelius, Davidson Elementary, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Lake Normandy and Lakeside Charter Academy among others.
Homes in Cornelius and Davidson
These suburbs offer a wealth of housing options. Large lake homes line the shores along Lake Norman. Smaller ranch-style houses are available in neighborhoods near Cornnelius’ Main Street, while newly built townhomes and single-family homes can be found on the edges of Highway 115 and Highway 21.
Matthews
Sitting southeast of Charlotte, this suburb boasts historic charm and an artsy vibe.
Matthews is home to family-friendly festivals and one of the oldest year-round farmers’ markets in the region. Its history goes back to 1879 when Matthews was established along trading trails and a rail line. Today, over 30,000 residents call Matthews home.
What’s Happening in Matthews
Matthews’ downtown area features craft-beer pubs, local shops, eateries, and a public library. It’s also home to the Matthews’ Playhouse of Performing Arts and McDowell Arts Center, which hosts shows, classes, and programs.
The area also offers plenty of options for active families.
- The Four Mile Creek Greenway connects Matthews’ downtown with Squirrel Lake Park.
- Miles of hiking and biking trails wind around a small lake at Colonel Francis Beatty Park.
- The area’s new Sportsplex features five multipurpose fields, walking trails, and playgrounds.
Schools in Matthews
Schools in the area include Weddington Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, and Levine Middle College High among others.
Homes in Matthews
Historic charm meets new development on Matthews’ streets. While sizes and prices range, what many of Matthews’ houses have in common is their large lot sizes. Most homes in the area are shaded by a canopy of trees that feature long front yards.
There You Have it: The 5 Most Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Charlotte!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to move to Charlotte, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local Charlotte moves and offer long-distance moving services in Charlotte, and we would love to help.
Want to learn more about Charlotte? Check out our other guides to the Queen City, below:
Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Charlotte
The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Gastonia - October 16, 2023
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Concord - September 28, 2023
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Rock Hill - September 28, 2023
