Living in Charlotte's NoDa
NoDa is a former mill town reborn as Charlotte’s arts district. This is the place you go to hear up-and-coming local musicians, browse modern galleries and sip craft beer.
Interest in the NoDa neighborhood has surged since the city opened an extension of the light rail’s Blue Line that runs straight through.
Where’s the name come from? NoDa stands for “North Davidson,” the street that runs right through the heart of the neighborhood. Fittingly, a local artist coined the term in the mid-1990s.
The boundaries of NoDa are somewhat fluid, and the whole area has embraced the name. On any given weekend afternoon, you might find yourself in the nearby neighborhoods of Villa Heights or Optimist Park.
Vitals
Population: 4,908
Commute distance to Uptown: 10 minutes
Median age: 36
Median household income: $61,515
Median home sales price: $198,107
Average rent: $952
Things to do in NoDa
Amelie’s French Bakery. This Charlotte institution is open 24/7, and you’ll always find someone you know there reading or working beneath the eclectic reclaimed decor. Be sure to try the Salted Caramel Brownie. Details.
NoDa Company Store. This back porch-style neighborhood hangout has a great collection of beer and wine and even has a mini art gallery inside. Details.
Brooks Sandwich House. There’s no seating, but the burgers here are worth standing around for. This is old-school Charlotte at its best. Cash only. Details.
NoDa Brewing Company. One of Charlotte’s first craft breweries remains one of its best. Their Hop Drop N’ Roll has won numerous awards. Details.
Haberdish. This modern Southern kitchen has arguably Charlotte’s best brunch. You must try the chicken and waffles, served only on Sundays. Details.
NoDa real estate
NoDa was born as a mill town, and early 20th century mill cottages still dominate the real estate market. You’ll find a mix of fixer-uppers and renovated and expanded bungalows. There are also a number of newer condos on the market.
Cover image by James Willamor via Flickr (Creative Commons).