Just beyond Charlotte’s Center City lies a tier of early-twentieth century neighborhoods. Built in an era when residential uses were not isolated from commercial pursuits, these neighborhoods offer housing of a scale from quaint to grand within close proximity to businesses and services. The visual charm and pedestrian nature of these neighborhoods, coupled with their close proximity to Uptown Charlotte, have made them some of the most desirable and rapidly appreciating areas in which to live.

These charming neighborhoods are often referred to as “Streetcar Suburbs”, a term that refers to residential areas that developed outside of the central business district with the advent of the electric streetcar line. Today, we refer to Belmont, Plaza-Midwood, Chantilly, Elizabeth, Eastover, Myers Park, Dilworth, Wilmore and Wesley Heights as Charlotte’s Streetcar Suburbs, even though not all, strictly speaking, fit the definition. Eastover, Chantilly, and even much of Wesley Heights, developed as the automobile was rapidly becoming the typical mode of transportation, particularly in the more affluent Eastover. Other neighborhood names, such as Plaza-Midwood and Elizabeth have come to encompass what were once multiple neighborhoods that included Chatham Estates, Crescent Heights and Piedmont Park, names that are rarely heard today.

While the bungalow was originally the dominant Streetcar Suburb building style, twenty-first century residents have more options from which to choose. Loft-style condominiums – some in vintage industrial buildings, others, recent construction -- have sprung up along the South End light rail corridor. Modern mid- and high-rise residences are under construction in Midtown along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Small in-fill townhome developments stand alongside charming single-family bungalows on quiet tree-lined streets.

With so many exciting options, how do you as a home buyer navigate the field and determine the right home for your needs? How do you discover the new condo developments before the best units are sold? How do you find an existing home that fits your furniture as well as your wallet? Work with an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina real estate agent who works in and understands this specialized market. I have spent the last 10 years helping new and experienced purchasers to find their perfect homes in this vibrant and exciting city. I look forward to doing the same for you. Give me a call and let’s get started!