6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Community in Charlotte
When you’re looking into home buying and exploring real estate in Charlotte, NC, the most important factor is finding the perfect community for you. There are beautiful townhome communities everywhere from Lower South End to North End, Myers Park to Historic West End, Davidson to Belmont, and each one is right for a different buyer.
Not sure where to start when you’re faced with a diverse set of choices? Here are six tips to help you find the perfect townhome community in Charlotte and start finding the place you’ll set down roots, make friends, and establish memories for years to come.
Reflect On Your Priorities
Everyone’s must-have list looks different. Spend some time writing down your list of non-negotiables and nice-to-haves. Maybe an expansive rooftop terrace means more to you than walkability. Perhaps your top concern is public transportation, while your minimalist decor means square footage moves lower down the list. You might care most about restaurants or nightlife just outside your front door, or you want somewhere for your dog to run. Reflect on your priorities, and create an honest list of what matters most to you as you tour communities throughout Charlotte.
Look at Proximity to Transportation and Access to the City
In Charlotte’s best neighborhoods, the LYNX light rail can get you around town in a flash. LoSo Terraces in Lower South End is right by the Scaleybark stop, while 5West Terraces is right by the Wesley Heights stop on the CityLYNX Gold Line.
The Nolen Townes is a five-minute drive to the heart of Charlotte, while the North End Terraces in the North End is a straight shot due south on N. Graham St. into Uptown, giving you a quick outlet to all the city of Charlotte has to offer.
Easy access to major highways like the I-277 loop from communities like the Towns at Pegram in Belmont, is perfect for commuters who want the laid-back, vibrant neighborhood charm of Charlotte’s unique and bustling enclaves but still want an efficient commute.
And, if you prefer the quiet of Davidson, look at Davidson Walk, where you get the experience of a small, historic, college town, but with quick access to I-77, which brings you into the city in 30 minutes.
Consider Activities Nearby
Are you someone who loves to try out new restaurants, nightlife, and foodie spots? Then moving to 5West Terraces in Charlotte’s Historic West End might be the perfect spot for you. You’ll fill your weekends exploring restaurants, breweries, and bars, like Rhino Market or Blue Blaze Brewing, or hitting a concert at the Fillmore Charlotte. And, during the week, you can find the perfect coworking spot at Savona Mill or go for a run at Frazier Park.
Do you love the ability to run outside, enjoy the beauty and green space of parks, and find peace and calm in your own surroundings? You should look at The Nolen Townes near Myers Park, where green space is all around you. You’ll also enjoy fitness studios, like Charlotte Yoga and Caroline Barre & Core, as well as restaurants like Velvet Taco and Brazwells Pub. Meanwhile, North End Terraces are right next to Charlotte’s Arts District, NODA and adjacent to Camp North End. Don’t miss neighborhood favorite restaurants Leah & Louise and Plant Joy or grab a beer at Free Range Brewing.
Towns at Pegram is a stone’s throw from Charlotte’s sparkling skyline, but you’ll have proximity to the charm of the Belmont neighborhood, including Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Birdsong Brewing Co., and the neighborhood’s regular stand-up comedy shows. And, if you love getting out and about, LoSo Terraces’ prime location in the Lower South End puts you steps from the action, including Queen Park Social, Rally Pickleball, Red Clay Ciderworks, and The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
For a quieter pace of life, look at Davidson Walk. In this college town community, you’re close to the small town Main Street, as well as just one block from Lake Davidson, where you can canoe, kayak, or simply stroll along the water’s edge.
Visit at Various Times of Day
Before you make a big decision on where to live, visit the neighborhood at various times of day. Stop by morning, afternoon, and night to get a true feel for a community before taking the plunge into owning a new townhome. For example, if you visit Charlotte’s Lower South End during the day, you might find people out walking their dog, stopping by the coffee shop to get some work done, or hitting a workout class. But go at night, and you’ll find breweries packed with locals enjoying the nightlife. Visiting at one time of day won’t give you the full view of your future neighborhood.
Reflect On Your Ideal Lifestyle and Priorities
Even more than transportation, activities, or investment, what matters most is your lifestyle and the way you see your day-to-day playing out. Reflect on your ideal lifestyle and what’s most important to you.
First, think about work. Do you need proximity to Uptown? Towns at Pegram or North End Terraces give you quick access to the city. Travel frequently for work or pleasure? Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the world’s 5th busiest airport, is a hop, skip, and jump away from LoSo Terraces, 5West Terraces, North End Terraces, Davidson Walk, Towns at Pegram, and The Nolen Townes.
Then consider your lifestyle. If the ability to grab a coffee, stop in a few shops, and take a stroll through a busy neighborhood sounds like your dream day, then any of these urban townhome communities could be right for you. But if you’re craving something quieter, then it may be time to look at Lake Norman area properties, like Davidson Walk. This community in Davidson offers a serene, idyllic setting with a vibrant downtown.
Think About Whether This Could Be an Investment Opportunity
Will you want to turn this home into a short term or long term rental in the future? When you invest in a luxury townhome community, you’re probably buying with your own quality of life in mind. You’re imagining yourself cooking dinners in your updated kitchen and entertaining in your modern living room. But priorities change and life can take you in different directions. You may not be ready to give up your property, and you want to look into leasing it to a short term or long term tenant. If this could be a possibility in the future, it’s important to consider it when looking into the right townhome communities.
Take Your First Step Towards the Perfect Community For You
Are you ready to find the perfect community for you? Once you’ve thought through these tips, contact Hopper Communities. We’re happy to review your priority list and match you up with new townhomes for sale, including move-in ready homes, throughout the Charlotte area.
