W E LC O M E TO
CHARLOTTE
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 3 | LIVE About Our City Neighborhood Highlights Education Utilities
20 | PLAY Sporting Events Outdoor Adventures Golf Courses Parks & Greenways
32 | ENJOY Local Attractions Museums Shopping Dining
44 | TRAVEL Transportation Guide Maps Nearby Towns Useful Resources Destinations
C OT T I N G H A M C H A L K .C O M
Dan Cottingham (president) and son Daniel Cottingham (chief operations officer)
WE ARE
Aut h e ntic . Co mmitted . Dri ven.
Since 1983, Cottingham Chalk has put relationships at the center of residential real estate. Our strategy is to treat your family like our own— taking time to get to you know you and understanding your needs is essential to our process. We strongly believe in community service. A committed volunteer and donor to charitable organizations, we know the value of giving back to the communities in which we live and work. With more than three decades of residential real estate experience, Cottingham Chalk has built a team of innovative and passionate agents who can adapt to an ever-changing market to get the very best results for your family. When it comes to buying or selling a home, we offer families sound advice and unwavering support at every step of the way.
LIVE
ABOUT OUR CITY While Charlotte is a town of Southern comforts, it also features some of the most exhilarating attractions, nightlife, and culinary hot spots. The beauty of the city and its moderate climate make this a great place to call home.
GEOGRAPHY
#22
Best places to live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2018)
#7
Best Places for Business & Careers (Forbes, 2017)
#11
Best Cities for Millennial Entrepreneurs (Forbes, Sept 2014)
NICKNAME The Queen City Largest City in North Carolina 17th Largest City in the United States
POPULATION 842,051 (approximately)
Midway between the mountains and the coast, Charlotte is a diverse city with a thriving urban community and many wonderful suburban neighborhoods. The elevation of the area is approximately 748 feet. Charlotte is located several miles east of the Catawba River, southeast of Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake, and northeast of Lake Wylie.
ECONOMY
Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the country. Located primarily in the Uptown central business district, you will find the headquarters of Bank of America, regional headquarters for Wells Fargo and a variety of other regional banking and financial services companies.
CLIMATE
Charlotteans get to enjoy all four seasons. Our winters are mild, averaging less than six inches of snow fall. During the hotter summer months, residents can escape the 90Ëš weather by driving a few hours to the mountains, where temperatures are cooler, or to the beach for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic ocean. The city comes alive during the spring and fall when families get to spend more time outdoors in sunny, 70Ëš weather.
CHA RLOT T E H I STORY Unbeknownst to most, Charlotte has a rich history steeped in the discovery of gold and the pride of the Scots-Irish settlers. The Queen City was founded in 1769 and named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. Now the nation’s second leading financial center, the city was fittingly built upon the crossroads of two affluent Native American trading paths. The intersection of these two paths, now major streets, is known as the heart of Charlotte – Trade & Tryon. The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 drew many immigrants to the area to follow the nation’s first gold rush. However, the boom was shortlived. Many Charlotte opportunists, who were ready to strike it rich, flocked to California in 1848. Agriculture, mainly tobacco and cotton, was the major revenue provider for the region until the Civil War. After the war, textile industries sprang to life when the city became a cotton processing center and a major railroad hub. Due to the success of the railroads, Charlotte became the Carolinas’ largest city and a textile and distribution hub. The city’s neighborhoods and development continued to expand with the addition of the streetcar system followed by skyscrapers, suburbs, and leading businesses. City planners such as the renowned John Nolen helped to shape Charlotte’s modern day suburbs like Myers Park and Dilworth. As businesses continued to flock to Charlotte, the city’s banking industry gained real momentum in the 1970’s and 1980’s under the leadership of financier Hugh McColl. McColl transformed the North Carolina National Bank into the present day Bank of America. The combination of both Bank of America and Wells Fargo have made Charlotte the largest banking headquarters, second only to New York City. Information courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. More Charlotte history can be found on the library’s local history website The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story.
BALLANTYNE Prime real estate sprinkled among picturesque landscape tends to be one of the attractions of Ballantyne. Located just inside the city limits on the edge of Charlotte’s southern tip, this area has wonderful avenues for easy transportation, making it a desirable location. With a collection of upscale dining, retail and business parks all built around the five-star Ballantyne Resort, Spa and Golf Course, this area is a haven for golf, shopping and culinary enthusiasts.
BELMONT Just a hop, skip and a jump from Uptown, the city of Belmont is a picture perfect blend of old-fashioned charm and new style. This suburban neighborhood is undergoing revitalization and is comprised of historic homes with quaint front porches, street lamps, brick sidewalks and wonderful shops. The gorgeous blooms of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens add to the allure of this lovely area. With its close proximity to Charlotte, you can also take advantage of big city amenities while enjoying a comfortable stay in small city charm.
NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
BIRKDALE Birkdale is just 15 minutes north of Uptown and a short jaunt from Lake Norman. Highlighted by the idea that life can be easy, Birkdale is one of those neighborhoods that simply invites you to live here. Centered around the Birkdale Golf Club and Birkdale Village makes for easy access or a brief walk to an abundance of places to eat, shop and play. Overall, this area is more affordable for the average buyer, features properties with larger lots and offers plenty of entertainment.
BLAKENEY / ARDREY Tucked in the southern part of Charlotte are the friendly areas known as Blakeney and Ardrey. As newer developments, these areas offer the luxury of modern amenities, while maintaining the charming, southern influence of Charleston style homes. Like a little village, the Blakeney Shopping Center sits in the heart of the area and offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options.
DILWORTH If you enjoy historic charm and unique homes with fine character and craftsmanship, you’ll love Dilworth. You’ll find some of Charlotte’s most beautifully restored homes here. The picturesque tree-lined streets, welcoming sidewalks and parklike settings make this a walkable area. This historic neighborood is highlighted with popular and trendy areas to shop and dine. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty retail boutiques line Dilworth’s two main streets of East Blvd and South Blvd. You’ll also find some great bars, spas, salons and local markets – all with a creative flair.
ELIZABETH /CHANTILLY
EASTOVER This neighborhood has been graced by some of Charlotte’s most exclusive homeowners, which has added to it’s affluent history. Even though you are in the heart of the city, once you are tucked inside the neighborhood, the noise & bustle becomes a distant memory. Georgian style homes dot the manicured lawns and flawless landscape along with many tudor, colonial and traditional style homes. One visit to this beautiful and enchanting neighborhood will draw you in and make you want to stay a bit longer.
Elizabeth is a unique neighborhood because it’s the only old neighborhood in Charlotte named after a woman, Anne Elizabeth Watts. This neighborhood is known for it’s hundred-year old trees and classically designed historic homes. In the last few years, many of these bungalows and craftsman style homes have been modernized into stylish urban retreats. Only a few blocks from uptown, unique shopping boutiques, fine restaurants and lively taverns add to this neighborrhood’s appeal. With a good mix of Myers Park charm and Plaza-Midwood artistic flair, this is the place to be.
LAKE NORMAN Living on Lake Norman has many perks. For some, the laid back lifestyle draws them in. For others, it’s the thrill of navigating a boat freely across the open water. The surrounding neighborhoods also offer the same variety. There is something for everyone, not only when it comes to finding a home, but also when it comes to dining, shopping and entertainment.
LAKE WYLIE Lake Wylie crosses over the border shared by North Carolina and South Carolina. The allure is not only the waterfront properties that surround the lakes shores, but also the convenience of being just minutes from Charlotte, Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Rock Hill. Whether you are looking for a rural area to retreat to, an upscale lake house, or even just an everyday neighborhood with a wide array of amenities, Lake Wylie is an ideal option.
MADISON PARK With a mature landscape and sidewalks that meander through this quiet neighborhood, it’s easy to see why we’ve seen a revitalization of Madison Park over the last few years. As one of the first Post World War II neighborhoods designed in the 1950’s, this has been a desirable neighborhood for young home buyers who are looking to update, renovate and put their personal touches on functional homes. Minutes from SouthPark, the location is ideal and adds allure.
MYERS PARK Myers Park is an affluent neighborhood and home to some of the city’s most prestigious addresses. The curving streets add a beauty to the flowing natural landscape and are lined with century-old Willow Oak trees. Attractions like the Duke Mansion, Wing Haven Gardens and the Manor Theater bring this quiet neighborhood added charm and rich history. Myers Park also offers a wide array of distinguished restaurants and shops, renowned schools and charismatic historic architecture.
NODA / ARTS DISTRICT NoDa is a perfect blend of vintage and modern. This trendy neighborhood is made up of authentic art, diverse cultures, live music and experiences for everyone. Restored industrial buildings, that are now condos, charming bungalows and historic homes dot the landscape of this colorful neighborhood. NoDa is now the home to Charlotte’s best collection of galleries, restaurants, eclectic shops, theaters and more.
PLAZA MIDWOOD Plaza Midwood is a shining example of the revitalization Charlotte’s older, in-town neighborhoods are experiencing. Residents in “the know” will tell you Plaza Midwood continues to be one of the ever emerging neighborhoods. Plaza Midwood is a stones throw away from Uptown Charlotte with a view of the skyline from almost every street. Some of the city’s most interesting art galleries, funky boutiques, and delectable eateries can be found in this lively neighborhood.
QUAIL HOLLOW This area is landmarked by the Quail Hollow Club, which is home to the legendary Wells Fargo Championship PGA Tournament. While the neighborhood offers some casual dining, boutiques and retail properties, the majority of the neighborhood consists of residential properties. Location is key for Quail Hollow, which is comfortably located between SouthPark and Ballantyne, adding to the neighborhood’s desirability.
SOUTH END This historic neighborhood began to flourish in the 1850’s, shortly after the first railroad line connected Charlotte to both of South Carolina’s major cities, Charleston and Columbia. The charming mills and warehouses that made up this neighborhood lost their luster for a short time, as the industrial market declined. The 1990’s brought restaurants, retailers and businesses driven by creativity that revived the area and restored these authentic buildings. Over the last few years, residential construction has found it’s foothold in South End and has been a convenient place to live, due to it’s close proximity to Uptown Charlotte.
SOUTHPARK This enchanting area encompasses several historic neighborhoods: Foxcroft, Barclay Downs, Selwyn Park, Morrocroft, Beverly Woods and Beverly Woods East. The tree-lined streets create a natural beauty and setting for classic homes, trendy restaurants and businesses. The neighborhood is named after the upscale SouthPark Mall – the place to go for retail therapy. When it comes to shopping in Charlotte, it doesn’t get much better than in SouthPark, with a wide array of posh boutiques and high-end retails.
UPTOWN The heavy pulse of the city starts at the corners of Trade Street and Tryon Street, as this was the point where two Native American trails once intersected. This point currently divides Uptown into quadrants, which make up first through fourth ward. The collection of these wards make for an upscale and vivid neighborhood, which many professionals consider home. From the stunning skyline and easy transportation to the energetic nightlife and amazing culinary delights, this neighborhood is bustling, yet low key.
EDUCATION PRIVATE SCHOOLS British International School of Charlotte 7000 Endhaven Lane, Charlotte 704.341.3236 / nordangliaeducation.com Grades: Preschool-10 Bible Baptist Christian School 2724 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews 704.535.1694 / bbcscolts.com Grades: Preschool-12 Carmel Christian School 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews 704.849.9723 / carmelchristian.org Grades: K-9 Charlotte Christian School 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte 704.366.5657 / charlottechristian.com Grades: Junior K-12 Charlotte Country Day School 1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte 704.843.4523 / charlottecountryday.org Grades: Junior K-12 Charlotte Islamic Academy 1700 Progress Lane, Charlotte 704.537.1772 / ciacademy.us Grade: K-12 Charlotte Jewish Day School 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte 704.366.4558 / cjdschool.org Grade: K-5 Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte 704.846.1100 / charlottelatin.org Grades: TK-12 Charlotte Preparatory School 212 Boyce Road, Charlotte 704.366.5994 / charlotteprep.com Grades: Preschool-8
Charlotte United Christian Academy 7640 Wallace Road, Charlotte 704.537.0331 Grades: Preschool K-12 Covenant Day School 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews 704.847.2385 / covenantday.org Grades: TK-12 Davidson Day School 750 Jetton Street, Davidson 704.237.5200 / davidsonday.org Grades: Preschool-12 Fletcher School 8500 Sardis Road, Charlotte 704.365.4658 / thefletcherschool.org Grades: K-12 Grace Academy 3645 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews 704.234.0292 / graceacademync.com Grade: K-12 Grace Covenant Academy 17301 Statesville Road, Cornelius 704.892.5601 / gracecovenantacademy.org Grade: PreK-5 Hickory Grove Christian School 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte 704.531.4198 / hgchristian.org Grades: TK-12 Lake Norman Christian School 16301 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville 704.987.9811 / lakenormanchristian.com Grade: K-10 New Life Christian Academy 4065 Poplar Tent Road, Concord 704.784.8808 / nlchristianacademy.com Grades K-9
Northside Christian Academy 333 Jeremiah Blvd., Charlotte 704.596.4074 / ncaknights.com Grades: Preschool-12 Omni Montessori School 9536 Blakeney-Heath Road, Charlotte 704.541.1326 / omni-montessori.org Grades: K-9 Palisades Episcopal School 13120 Grande Palisades Parkway, Charlotte 704.583.1825 / pescharlotte.org Grades: Junior K-7 Providence Day School 5800 Sardis Road, Charlotte 704.887.6000 / providenceday.org Grade: TK-12 Southlake Christian Academy 13820 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville 704.949.2200 / southlakechristian.org Grades: TK-12 Trinity Episcopal School 750 E. Ninth St., Charlotte 704.358.8101 / tescharlotte.org Grades: K-8 United Faith Christian Academy 8617 Providence Road, Charlotte 704.541.1742 / ufca.org Grades: TK-12 Victory Christian Center School 1501 Carrier Drive, Charlotte 704.391.7339 / vccskings.com Grades: Preschool-12
*This is a representative sample and may not include all current options.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte 704.543.1127 / charlottecatholic.org Grades: 9-12 Holy Trinity Catholic Middle 3100 Park Road, Charlotte 704.527.7822 / htcms.org Grades: 6-8 Our Lady of The Assumption 4225 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte 704.531.0067 / olacatholic.org Grade: PreK-5 St. Ann 600 Hillside Avenue, Charlotte 704.525.4938 / stanncatholic.org Grade: PreK-5 St. Gabriel 3028 Providence Road, Charlotte 704.366.2409 / stgabrielcatholicschool.org Grades: K-5 St. Mark 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville 704.766.5000 / stmarkcatholicschool.net Grades: K-8 St. Matthews 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte 704.544.2070 / stmattwildcats.com Grades: TK-5 St. Patrick 1125 Buchanan Street, Charlotte 704.333.3174 / saintpatrickschool.org Grades: K-5
PUBLIC SCHOOLS • Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is a county-wide system • Neighborhood assignment plan • Transportation over 1.5 miles • Strong International Baccalaureate Program • CMS has 24 Schools of Excellence & 42 Schools of Distinction • CMS was ranked seventh among the nation’s 100 largest school districts in the most populous cities in the country • On SAT scores, the top 10 percent of CMS students outperform the top 10 percent of students, both statewide and nationally • Fourteen CMS schools made Newsweek magazine’s best high schools list • 97 languages spoken in district with more than 102 countries of origin
HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS
CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
UNC CHARLOTTE
704.894.2000
704.687.8622
davidson.edu
uncc.edu
JOHNSON & WALES
JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
QUEENS UNIVERSITY
866.598.2427
704.378.1010
704.337.2200
jwu.edu/charlotte
jcsu.edu
queens.edu
704.330.2722 cpcc.edu
Please contact the schools directly for Admission requirements. Information on additional private and independent schools can be found at www.livinghere.com.
UTILITIES POWER
GAS
Cabarrus County
Cabarrus County
Duke Energy | 800.777.9898 | duke-energy.com
Public Service NC | 877.776.2427 | psncenergy.com
City of Concord Electric | 704.786.6161 | concordnc.gov
Lancaster County
Gaston County Dominion Energy | 866.366.4357 | dominionenergy.com
Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority | 803.285.2045 | lcngasc.com
Lancaster County
Mecklenburg, Union and York Counties
Duke Energy | 800.777.9898 | duke-energy.com
Piedmont Natural Gas | 1.800.752.7504 | piedmontng.com
Lynches River Electric Co-op | 800.922.6111 | lynchesriver.com
York County / Lake Wylie area
Mecklenburg County / Charlotte Duke Energy | 800.777.9898 | duke-energy.com Mecklenburg County / Huntersville & Cornelius Energy United | 704.892.0278 | energyunited.com Union County Union Power Cooperative | 704.289.3145 | union-power.com York County York Electric Co-op | 803.684.4248 | yorkelectric.net
WATER Cabarrus County City of Concord Water Department | 704.786.6161 | concordnc.gov Lancaster County
York Natural Gas Authority | 803.222.7218 | ycnga.com
SANITATION Cabarrus County City of Concord Solid Waste Services | 704.920.5555 | concordnc.gov Lancaster County City of Lancaster Solid Waste Department | 803.286.8471 | mylancastersc.org Mecklenburg County City of Charlotte’s Solid Waste Services | 704.366.2673 | charlottenc.gov Union County Action Waste Solutions | 704.821.7578 | activewastesolutions.com
Lancaster County Water and Sewer District | 803.285.6919 | lcwasd.org
York County / Fort Mill area
Mecklenburg County
York County / Lake Wylie area
City of Charlotte Dept of Water & Sewer | 311 or 704.336.7600
Signature Waste | 803.548.4108 | signaturewaste.com
Union County
CABLE/SATELLITE
Union County Public Works | 704.296.4210 | unioncountync.gov York County / Fort Mill Town of Fort Mill | 803.547.2116 | fortmillsc.gov York County / Lake Wylie Blue Granite Water Company | 800.367.4314 | myutility.us
Town of Fort Mill | 803.547.2116 | fortmillsc.gov
Spectrum | 704.377.9600 DirecTV | 888.777.2454 Dish Network | 888.825.2557 AT&T | 800.288.2020 Cornelius, Mooresville, & Davidson: MI Connection | 704.660.3840
PLAY
SPORTING EVENTS F O OT B A L L
BASKETBALL
TEAM NAME:
TEAM NAME:
Carolina Panthers
Charlotte Hornets
MASCOT:
MASCOT:
Sir Purr
Hugo the Hornet
JERSEY COLORS:
Carolina Blue, Black & White GAME DAY LOCATION:
JERSEY COLORS:
Teal, Purple & White
Bank of America Stadium
GAME DAY LOCATION:
SEASON STARTS:
SEASON STARTS:
September
October
PANTHERS.COM
NBA.COM/HORNETS
Spectrum Center
BASEBALL
HOCKEY
TEAM NAME:
TEAM NAME:
Charlotte Knights
Charlotte Checkers
MASCOT:
MASCOT:
Homer the Dragon
Chubby
JERSEY COLORS:
Gold, Silver, Black & White GAME DAY LOCATION:
BB&T Ballpark SEASON STARTS:
April CHARLOTTEKNIGHTS.COM
JERSEY COLORS:
Red, Black & White GAME DAY LOCATION:
Bojangles Coliseum SEASON STARTS:
October GOCHECKERS.COM
GOLF
EVENT:
HORSE RACING
Wells Fargo Championship
LOCATION: Quail Hollow Club WELLSFARGOCHAMPIONSHIP.COM
EVENT:
Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
LOCATION:
Mineral Springs, NC QUEENSCUP.ORG
RACING
EVENT:
LOCATION:
Coca-Cola 600
Charlotte Motor Speedway
EVENT:
LOCATION:
Bank of America 500
Charlotte Motor Speedway
CHARLOTTEMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM
RAPTOR CENTER 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 CAROLINARAPTORCENTER.ORG
MY ALOHA PADDLE & SURF 17505 W. Catawba Ave, Waterstreet Seaport - Ste 130, Cornelius, NC 28031 STANDUPLKN.COM
FISH ON! Visit site for information on an enjoyable day of fishing. FISHONGUIDESERVICES.COM
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
US WHITE WATER CENTER 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214 USNWC.ORG
CHARLOTTE BCYCLE Bike stations located throughout town. Visit site for details. CHARLOTTE.BCYCLE.COM
XTREEME CHALLENGE 2925 Pageland Hwy, Monroe, NC 28112 XTREEMECHALLENGE.COM
GOLF COURSES
PRIVATE CLUBS
PUBLIC COURSES
Ballantyne CC 11120 Ballantyne Crossing Avenue ballantyneclub.com
Ballantyne 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway 704.248.4383
Carmel CC 4735 Carmel Road carmelcountryclub.org
Birkdale 16500 Birkdale Commons Parkway 704.895.1151
Charlotte CC 2465 Mecklenburg Avenue charlottecountryclub.org
Highland Creek 7001 Highland Creek Parkway 704.875.9000
Firethorne 1108 Firethorne Club Drive - Marvin 704.243.2433
Oak Hills 4008 Oakdale Road 704.394.2834
Longview 8801 Longview Club Drive 704.443.2500
Olde Sycamore 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive 704.573.1000
Myers Park CC 2415 Roswell Avenue myersparkcc.com
Rocky River 6900 Bruton Smith Boulevard 704.455.1200
Providence CC 6001 Providence Country Club Drive providencecc.com
The Divide 6803 Stevens Mill Road 704.882.8088
Quail Hollow CC 3700 Gleneagles Road quailhollowclub.com Raintree CC 8600 Raintree Lane raintreecountryclub.org The Palisades CC 13704 Grand Palisades Parkway thepalisadescc.com
FOUR MILE CREEK GREENWAY E. John St. to S. Trade St. This lush greenway entwines a series of paved trails, pedestrian bridges and a boardwalk.
FREEDOM PARK 1900 East Blvd. Freedom Park is a local favorite with a seven acre lake, playground, and many recreational activities. It is also the home of the annual Art in the Park, hosted each spring.
LATTA PARK 601 East Park Ave. Latta Park is a 31-acre urban park nestled in the Dilworth neighborhood.
CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL The Carolina Thread Trail is a developing regional network of greenways, trails and blueways that reaches 15 counties, 2 states and 2.3 million people.
LITTLE SUGAR CREEK GREENWAY E. 7th St. to Morehead St. Between these streets sits a gorgeous part of the greenway that encompasses a little bit of recreation and a little entertainment. The trails wind around a variety of mature treed areas, fountains, dining areas and open spaces.
REEDY CREEK PARK 2900 Rocky River Rd. This 927-acre preserve features a nature center, fishing, hiking, and additional recreational activites.
WILLIAM R. DAVIE PARK 4635 Pineville-Matthews Rd. This 107-acre park features Davie Dog Park, a favorite for Charlotte residents and their pets. For more park & greenway information, visit MECKNC.GOV.
PARKS & GREENWAYS
ENJOY
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS There are a wide variety of attractions around the Queen City which are sure to please almost every personality and fulfill every interest.
DISCOVERY PLACE
HISTORIC LATTA PLANTATION
EPICENTRE
IMAGINON
CAROWINDS
LAZY 5 RANCH
DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
discoveryplace.org
epicentrenc.com
carowinds.com
lattaplantation.org
imaginon.org
lazy5ranch.com
billygrahamlibrary.org
dsbg.org
RAY’S SPLASH PLANET rayssplashplanet.com
MUSEUMS BECHTLER MUSEUM bechtler.org
CAROLINA AVIATION MUSEUM carolinasaviation.org
CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY charlottemuseum.org
CHARLOTTE NATURE MUSEUM charlottenaturemuseum.org
LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH museumofthenewsouth.org
MINT MUSEUM - UPTOWN mintmuseum.org
MINT MUSEUM - RANDOLPH mintmuseum.org
NASCAR HALL OF FAME nascarhall.com
WELCOME HOME VETERANS welcomevets.com
FASHION BOEM
shopboem.com
CAPITOL
capitolcharlotte.com
IVY & LEO ivyandleo.com
KK BLOOM
kkbloomboutique.com
MONKEES
monkeesofcharlotte.com
SCOUT & MOLLY’S
scoutandmollysofcharlotte.com
SLOAN
sloanboutique.com
VESTIQUE vestique.com
INTERIORS ABODE
abodehomedesign.com
ACQUISITIONS
acquisitionsinteriors.com
BEDSIDE MANOR bedsidemanor.com
CIRCA INTERIORS circainteriors.com
IKEA
ikea.com/us/en/store/charlotte
ISABELLA
isabellastyle.com
POST & GRAY
postandgray.com
SWELL DECOR swelldecordesign.com
THE FURNITURE CONNECTOR
thefurnitureconnector.com
SHOPPING MALLS / OUTLETS BLAKENEY VILLAGE shopblakeney.com
BIRKDALE VILLAGE birkdalevillage.net
CAROLINA PLACE carolinaplace.com
CHARLOTTE PREMIUM OUTLETS premiumoutlets.com
CONCORD MILLS concordmills.com
NORTHLAKE shopnorthlake.com
PHILLIPS PLACE phillipsplace.info
SOUTHPARK MALL southpark.com
Want to know the latest news in retail therapy, fashion, beauty, decor & more? Check out one of our favorite partners
SCOOP CHARLOTTE scoopcharlotte.com
TRAVEL
GETTING AROUND LIGHT RAIL LYNK BLUE LINE TRAIN With 26 stations from I-485 at South Boulevard to UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City, this is a great way to travel and provides a congestion-free commute.
PLANE CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT With 700 flights daily, this international airport makes traveling to a variety of other destinations convenient.
TROLLEY CHARLOTTE TROLLEY In 1891, electric street cars started running from downtown Charlotte to Dilworth and they continue to do so. GOLD RUSH These trolleys resemble streetcars and provide transportation in the uptown area.
BUS CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM - CATS With over 70 routes, CATS can take you almost anywhere within the Charlotte area. SPRINTER BUS With hybrid-electric buses, Sprinter connects Uptown to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
CAR INTERSTATES I-77 and I-85 cross near uptown and make it easy to get from the north to south. The I-485 loop intersects I-77 and I-85 adds to the ease of getting around town.
CHARLOTTE AREA ATTRACTIONS
to view more Charlotte area maps, visit the Charlotte Chamber website
MECKLENBURG COUNTY ZIP CODES
map image from Charlotte Chamber website
TOWNS NEARBY MECKLENBURG COUNTY SOUTH & EAST
MATTHEWS Matthews is the eastern-most town in Mecklenburg County. Its growth was spawned in 1874 when the Coastal Carolina Railroad opened a depot for a stop midway between the coast and the mountains. Today, Matthews is well known for its lovely downtown area, great neighborhoods and strong schools. The annual Labor Day Stumptown Festival draws thousands of visitors to the area. Its population has grown from 191 in 1880, to approximately 30,000 today.
PINEVILLE The town of Pineville has approximately 7,500 residents. It is just south of Charlotte and abuts the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. Its historic downtown area is popular with antique lovers and offers the feel of a true Southern town. Jack Hughes Park is a great gathering place for families and walkers, and plays host to bands and festivals on weekends during the warmer months. Pineville is also home to one of Atrium Health’s, formerly Carolinas HealthCare System, larger regional medical facilities.
MINT HILL Located in eastern Mecklenburg County, the community of Mint Hill was one of the first suburban communities outside of Charlotte. With a population today of approximately 23,000, Mint Hill is experiencing growth with new residential developments, a planned regional retail center, new medical facilities and schools. Access to Mint Hill is convenient due to its proximity to Highway 74 and the I-485 Beltline.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY NORTH
HUNTERSVILLE Huntersville is located 15 miles north of Uptown Charlotte in northern Mecklenburg County along I-77 and on the edge of Lake Norman. With current population of over 50,000, it has grown from a sleepy mill town to a thriving suburban community with vibrant neighborhoods and schools. Birkdale Village attracts thousands of visitors monthly with its popular outdoor fountains, great restaurants and excellent retail.
CORNELIUS Cornelius is a lake-side community two exits north of Huntersville along I-77 and is part of the Lake Norman Economic Development region. The town’s origin has been traced to the cotton industry which thrived in the area in the early 20th century. The damming of the Catawba River in 1963 lead to the formation of Lake Norman which in turn contributed to the town’s growth. Today Cornelius has approximately 80 miles of lakeside property, and is currently home to 23,000 residents.
DAVIDSON Davidson is a small town and the northern most community in Mecklenburg County. The town’s center is Davidson College which was founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1835. The school is surrounded by historic homes and quaint restaurants and shops. Pedestrians walk the streets of the town and ride their bikes to the local cultural center and farmers market. Davidson is experiencing tremendous growth which is well managed and insures diversity and accessibility.
CABARRUS COUNTY HARRISBURG Harrisburg is approximately 17 miles northeast of Charlotte in Cabarrus County. Its history is founded in agriculture; the railway provided easy distribution for the corn grown in the area in the late 1800s. Residential and retail development in recent years has been phenomenal, and new schools & medical facilities offer a high quality of life for its 12,000 residents.
IREDELL COUNTY MOORESVILLE Mooresville is located approximately 35 miles north of Uptown Charlotte along Interstate 77 and part of Lake Norman. A former textile town, it is now known as “Race City U.S.A.” with many NASCAR teams headquartered here. It has been listed as the No.1 Micropolitan Area in the Nation nine times. And, the Mooresville Graded School District has won national accolades for its commitment to technology as a learning tool for all students.
UNION COUNTY INDIAN TRAIL Indian Trail is situated along US 74 approximately 15 miles southeast of Charlotte in Union County. The town derived its name from the Native American path that wound through this area, hence the name “Indian Trail”. With a population of approximately 37,000 people, Indian Trail is the largest city in Union County and the 23rd largest town in the state of North Carolina.
WAXHAW Waxhaw is truly an iconic Southern small town with red brick buildings lining both sides of the historic downtown and rail tracks running down the middle. It was recently ranked as the 7th Safest Place to Live in North Carolina. It is 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte and only two miles from the South Carolina state line. Recent years have seen the development of new subdivisions which attracted suburbanites, new schools and medical facilities. The population today is around 10,000.
WEDDINGTON You’ll find the heart of the town of Weddington 14 miles south of Charlotte at the intersection of Highways 16 and 84 in northwestern Union County. Weddington’s roots run deep in agriculture and farming, but recent decades have seen farm land converted into sprawling subdivisions, recreational parks, school campuses, and retail. It encompasses 17 square miles and has approximately 10,000 citizens.
YORK COUNTY - SOUTH CAROLINA FORT MILL The Town of Fort Mill was established in 1873 and is located just south of the state line shared with North Carolina. Fort Mill takes its name form a colonial-era fort built by the British and a grist mill on nearby Steele Creek. The Catawba Indians made their home here for many years and Scotch-Irish settlers began arriving in the 1750’s and 1760’s. Fort Mill grew rapidly in the late 1800’s as textile mills were established. Current population is approaching 20,000 residents and major employers include Lash Group, LPL Financial, Wells Fargo, Ross Stores and Piedmont Medical Center.
LAKE WYLIE Lake Wylie sits on the North and South Carolina state line approximately 24 miles south of Uptown Charlotte. It is a designated census area (versus a township). It offers many recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, camping and hiking. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions rest alongside Lake Wylie (in both states) and provide for a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to downtown Charlotte. About 7,500 residents consider Lake Wylie home.
TEGA CAY A community in the Fort Mill Township, Tega Cay is known for great golf and a relaxed lifestyle. Its amenities include marinas, golf courses and miles of walking trails – not to mention frontage along Lake Wylie. Tega Cay is a small town with a strong sense of community that has easy access to the more metropolitan lifestyle and amenities offered in Charlotte. Its current population is approximately 8,000 and growing.
LANCASTER COUNTY - SOUTH CAROLINA INDIAN LAND, SC Indian Land was settled by the Waxhaw and Catawba Indians and thus earned its name, “Indian Land.” Today it is an unincorporated community of approximately 3,000 residents located south of Charlotte in northern Lancaster County, South Carolina. Residential, commercial and industrial growth has been strong in recent years as individuals and companies look for opportunities where land and taxes are affordable.
USEFUL RESOURCES CHARLOTTE REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the economic development of the Charlotte 15-county region in North and South Carolina. With a wide variety of helpful information, they are a great resource for Charlotteans or anyone thinking to relocate to the area. To view the documents below, please visit charlotteregion.com, or if viewing the book electronically, click the links below. .
CHARLOTTE IN DETAIL SEE INFORMATION IN FULL
PROPERTY TAXES SEE INFORMATION IN FULL
COST OF LIVING SEE INFORMATION IN FULL
MAJOR EMPLOYERS DIRECTORY SEE INFORMATION IN FULL
DESTINATIONS
WASHINGTON, DC There is nothing like the history that can be found in our nation’s capital. washington.org / 6.5 Hours
CITY FUN ATLANTA, GA atlanta.net / 4 hours
MIAMI, FL
miamiandbeaches.com / 11.5 hours
NASHVILLE, TN
visitmusiccity.com / 7 hours
NEW YORK, NY iloveny.com / 10.5 hours
PHILADELPHIA, PA visitphilly.com / 10.5 hours
RALEIGH, NC
visitraleigh.com / 3 hours
MOUNTAIN RETREAT ASHEVILLE, NC
exploreasheville.com / 2.5 hours
BLUERIDGE PARKWAY blueridgeparkway.org / 1.5 - 2 hours
BOONE, NC
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN grandfather.com / 2 hours
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC
While the fall is the most popular time to visit, Boone is incredible to see every season.
laketoxaway.com / 3 hours
exploreboone.com / 2 Hours
COASTAL DELIGHT CHARLESTON, SC charlestoncvb.com / 3.5 hours
MYRTLE BEACH, SC OUTER BANKS This ideal beach vacation spot offers plenty of fishing, golfing, water sports, and relaxing. outerbanks.org / 6 Hours
visitmyrtlebeach.com / 3.5 hours
SAVANNAH, GA
visitsavannah.com / 4 hours
WILMINGTON, NC
wilmingtonandbeaches.com / 3 hours
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