CLT Lifestyle: Living in the Charlotte Area
The Charlotte region offers big-city energy, lake living, small-town main streets and easy access to the mountains and the coast. Here's a local's look at things to do, things to know and community events in the six areas I serve most. When you find a place you love, I'll help you find the home.
Charlotte
The Queen City: a growing banking and business hub with neighborhoods for every lifestyle.
Things to Do
- Catch the Panthers or Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium, or the Hornets at Spectrum Center
- Raft, kayak, climb or zipline at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Walk or bike the Rail Trail through South End and explore NoDa's arts and brewery scene
- Spend a day at Freedom Park, Discovery Place Science or the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Things to Know
- Seat of Mecklenburg County; public schools are part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- The LYNX Blue Line light rail connects UNC Charlotte, Uptown and South End
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers nonstop flights across the country
- Popular neighborhoods include Dilworth, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, South End and Ballantyne
Community Events
- Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown
- Charlotte Christmas Village at Romare Bearden Park each holiday season
- Coca-Cola 600 at nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway over Memorial Day weekend
Gastonia
Room to breathe and great value, just west of Charlotte along I-85.
Things to Do
- Hike to the summit views at Crowders Mountain State Park
- Explore the Schiele Museum of Natural History and its planetarium
- Catch a Ghost Peppers baseball game at CaroMont Health Park downtown
- Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in nearby Belmont
Things to Know
- Seat of Gaston County; public schools are part of Gaston County Schools
- About a 30-minute drive to Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas Airport via I-85
- Downtown Gastonia has seen new investment in restaurants, shops and the FUSE District
- Typically more house and land for the money than closer-in Mecklenburg County
Community Events
- Holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
- Seasonal concerts, markets and festivals downtown
- Spring through fall baseball at CaroMont Health Park
Mooresville
"Race City USA" on the shores of Lake Norman.
Things to Do
- Boat, paddle and fish on Lake Norman, North Carolina's largest man-made lake
- Tour NASCAR race shops and motorsports attractions around town
- Shop and dine along historic downtown Main Street
- Hike and swim at nearby Lake Norman State Park
Things to Know
- Located in Iredell County, about 30 minutes north of Charlotte via I-77
- Served by Mooresville Graded School District and Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Home to many NASCAR teams and motorsports businesses
- Options range from waterfront homes to established neighborhoods and new construction
Community Events
- Seasonal festivals and holiday events on downtown Main Street
- Boat parades and summer gatherings on Lake Norman
- Motorsports events and fan days throughout the racing season
Huntersville
Lake Norman living with quick access to Uptown.
Things to Do
- Shop, dine and stroll at Birkdale Village
- Hike, ride horses and paddle at Latta Nature Preserve on Mountain Island Lake
- Explore history at Latta Place and Rural Hill
- Enjoy the water at Lake Norman's marinas and parks
Things to Know
- In northern Mecklenburg County; public schools are part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- About 20 minutes to Uptown Charlotte via I-77
- A mix of lake communities, master-planned neighborhoods and newer construction
- Close to Davidson and Cornelius for even more dining and shopping
Community Events
- Carolina Renaissance Festival on fall weekends
- Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill each spring
- Town concerts and holiday celebrations throughout the year
Pineville
A small town with a big location on Charlotte's south side.
Things to Do
- Shop at Carolina Place Mall and the surrounding retail corridor
- Visit the President James K. Polk State Historic Site, the 11th president's birthplace
- Explore restaurants and shops in walkable downtown Pineville
- Enjoy nearby Ballantyne's dining, parks and greenways
Things to Know
- In southern Mecklenburg County; public schools are part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Easy access to I-485 and US-521, with the LYNX Blue Line's southern end close by
- Right next to the South Carolina line and Fort Mill
- Its own town government and small-town feel, minutes from Charlotte's biggest job centers
Community Events
- Living-history programs at the Polk State Historic Site
- Holiday tree lighting and parade downtown
- Seasonal community gatherings in town parks
Matthews
Charming downtown, strong community spirit and easy access to Charlotte.
Things to Do
- Browse the Matthews Community Farmers Market downtown on Saturday mornings
- Walk or bike the Four Mile Creek Greenway
- Catch a show at Matthews Playhouse or relax at Stumptown Park
- Dine and shop along historic Trade Street
Things to Know
- In southeastern Mecklenburg County; public schools are part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Near I-485 and US-74, about 25 minutes to Uptown Charlotte
- Borders Union County communities like Stallings, Indian Trail and Mint Hill
- Established neighborhoods with mature trees alongside newer communities
Community Events
- Matthews Alive festival over Labor Day weekend
- Summer concerts at Stumptown Park
- Holiday tree lighting and parade downtown
Event dates and details change from year to year, so check with the organizer before you go.
Thinking about a move to the Charlotte area? Contact James to talk about neighborhoods, schools and commutes, or start your home search.