Charlotte
(Mecklenburg County)

Charlotte, North Carolina is known as the Queen City.  Named in honor of King George III of England's new wife, Charlotte officially became a town in 1768.

Charlotte is home to a variety of distinct neighborhoods.  Uptown Charlotte, with its urban architecture, planned parks  and cultural attractions is also home to some of the nation's largest banks as well as high-rise and mid-rise condominiums, homes and townhomes.   On all sides of Uptown are a series of neighborhoods and districts known as Wards.  Fourth Ward, one of the city's original suburbs has a Victorian, turn-of-the-century charm.  This area is also experiencing the new growth found in Uptown's First and Third Wards.  Gateway Village, a new complex with homes, stores and offices located on West Trade and First Ward Place are some of the newer developments in the area.

Charlotte is divided into nine real estate areas.  Area One - North Mecklenburg extends north from the city limits between U.S. 21 and U.S. 29 to the Mecklenburg County line.  It includes the Fourth Ward, University City and Derita neighborhoods.  The Fourth Ward neighborhood, renovated in the mid-70s, has Victorian homes and condominiums standing side-by-side.  This area is just a few minutes from Uptown and has a charm that attracts many wanting to be close to it all.  The University City area is located near UNC Charlotte and is a bustling area with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, movie theaters and commercial district.  Also contributing to the area's progress are the University Hospital, University Research Park and University Executive Park.   The Derita neighborhood offers country living close to the city - with a combination of older homes mixed with new.  Some of the new communities in Derita are Cheshunt, Davis Lake, Devonshire, Forest Pond, Fox Glen, Hayden Commons, Leacroft, Quail Ridge, Rolling Oaks and Rossmore Townhomes.  Area Two - Northeast Mecklenburg is bordered by U.S. 29 and Central Avenue/Albemarle Road.  It includes the southern part of University City and many older, established neighborhoods.  The University City area offers single family homes and townhomes and the thriving University atmosphere.  The Plaza-Midwood neighborhood is located in midtown Charlotte between The Plaza and Central Avenue and is one of Charlotte's most popular older areas.   The Plaza is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and wonderful old homes.  Bungalows and newer homes line Midwoods streets.  Other Area Two neighborhoods are Country Club, Hickory Grove, North Charlotte, Newell and Shannon Park.   Area Three - East Mecklenburg is bordered by Central Avenue/Albemarle Road and Independence Boulevard.  Residents in this area are close to Department stores, specialty shops and restaurants along Independence Boulevard.  This area is not far from Uptown and includes the older neighborhoods of Commonwealth and Chantilly as well as the newer communities of Amber Crest, Brickfield Plantation, Drexel Glen and Southwoods.  Area Four - Southeast Mecklenburg is bordered by Independence Boulevard and Providence Road.  This area is known for its medical centers and for Central Piedmont Community College.  This area includes the neighborhoods of Cotswold, Eastover, Elizabeth, Providence Plantation and Rama-Sardis.  Area Five - South Mecklenburg is bordered by Providence Road to the east and Park Road to the west.  This area is known for its elegant older homes and newer neighborhoods.  Included in area five are Ballantyne, Carmel Commons, Dilworth, Myers Park, Providence Country Club, Quail Hollow and South Park.  The South Park area has almost become a mini-city with its anchor mall, numerous office buildings, restaurants and other upscale shopping.  Area Six - Southwest Mecklenburg extends to the South Carolina border.  It is bordered by Park Road to the east and Nations Ford Road to the west.  This area offers a variety of businesses and shopping centers, including a number of international retail establishments.  The South End Historic District contains a cluster of former textile mills which have been converted into shops.  You will find city neighborhoods, ranch homes, and new developments in area six.  Area Seven - West Mecklenburg starts at Nations Ford Road and extends to the Catawba River to the west, south to the South Carolina border and north to Wilkinson Boulevard.  The Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is located here along with the Charlotte Coliseum.  Many area residents also frequent the Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market.  Lake Wylie and Paramount's Carowinds are located on the North Carolina and South Carolina border.  Area seven neighborhoods include Steele Creek and Wilmore.  Area Eight - West Mecklenburg runs from Uptown on the east to the Catawba River on the west and has Wilkinson Boulevard as its southern boundary.  Bellhaven Boulevard is its northern boundary.  Ericsson Stadium is located in this area along with center-city neighborhoods and newer developments.    The Third Ward neighborhood has condominiums, townhouses and renovated industrial buildings.  Area Nine - Northwest Mecklenburg runs west from Statesville Road to the Catawba River with Bellhaven Boulevard to the south and Lake Norman as its northern boundary.  This is one of the hottest areas for new home communities.