Living in Midtown Charlotte
Just a few years ago, Midtown was barely on the radar. This area was mostly a pass-through to Uptown or neighborhoods like Elizabeth and Myers Park.
But over the past decade, Midtown has blossomed into a destination in its own right, with shops and restaurants that draw people from all over town.
The neighborhood is anchored by the Metropolitan building, completed in 2008 and home to a Trader Joe’s and West Elm location. There are also several boutiques and office space. Right across the street is the Midtown Crossing building, home to Target and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
This high-end retail and proximity to Uptown have driven growth in the nearby neighborhood of Cherry. Originally developed in the 1890s for the city’s African-American community, the neighborhood now has a diverse mix of low-slung bungalows and redeveloped townhomes.
Midtown will soon be growing again. The Charlotte City Council has given the green-light to a 20-story office tower and hotel that will take the place of smaller medical buildings.
Vitals
Population: 1,517
Commute distance to Uptown: 5 minutes
Median age: 31
Median household income: $63,574
Median home sales price: $477,710
Average rent: $1,259
Things to do in Midtown Charlotte
Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge. Their $11 all-you-can-eat sushi lunch deal draws a crowd. Make sure you try the Screaming “O” Roll. Details.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This pedestrian path is a highway through the whole neighborhood. You’ll always run into somebody you know jogging or biking through. Midtown Park is a delightful bit of green. Details.
Mama Ricotta’s. This classic Italian restaurant is a neighborhood gem. Be sure to try the penne alla vodka. Details.
Original Pancake House. Here’s where Charlotte’s most influential people have breakfast. Don’t be surprised if you run into the mayor conducting business. Go for the pecan pancakes. Details.
Midtown Charlotte real estate
Midtown’s big buildings offer a wealth of condos, some of which have striking views of Uptown.
If you’re looking for single-family homes, you’ll need to go right next door to the Cherry neighborhood. This area is in a period of transition. There are still a lot of mill-village era bungalows, primarily for rent. But there is also a new townhome community still under development, with spacious floor plans to choose from. Also look for teardowns, where lots are being rebuilt into quaint single-family homes.
Featured image by James Willamor via Flickr (Creative Commons).