Hopper Communities Wins 6 Homebuilding Awards

At Hopper Communities, we pride ourselves on creating homes and neighborhoods that are not just fit to live in, but the best of their kind. After all, our mission is to create neighborhoods that enhance the lives of those who live in them as well as the surrounding areas, both in the present and the future.

It looks like the efforts of our talented team have paid off once again! Our team was recently honored with SIX MAME  (Major Achievement in Market Excellence) Awards from the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte (HBAGC) in recognition of everyone who has made Hopper Communities what it is. This is our second consecutive year winning Builder of the Year and we could not be more honored and proud of our team.

The HBAGC MAME Awards were created to honor “companies [that] showcase the most exciting trends in residential sales, marketing, design, remodeling, and building,” and we’re thrilled to be included on their list! Our team of professionals work hard to make sure everything we do provides a positive impact on those who become a part of our communities, and we’re proud to say we do it every day. Check out the awards we won below: .

• Builder of the Year
• Community of the Year: The Nolen Townes
• Best Print Ad: The Nolen Townes in Luxury Home Magazine
• Best Landscape Design Community: The Nolen Townes by Hopper Communities with LandDesign and 505 Design
• Best Brochure: The Nolen Townes by Hopper Communities with YellowDuck Marketing
• Best Interior Merchandising of a Model: The Nolen Townes by Hopper Communities with New South Home

We are beyond grateful of our team and the fantastic neighborhoods we have created together, including The Nolen Townes. This community, launched at the end of 2021, was inspired by European architecture and carefully constructed to still fit beautifully within the landscape of the Myers Park neighborhood it calls home. These luxury homes were meticulously designed to give residents old-world-inspired homes with modern amenities, all within walking distance of whatever they might need.

Hopper Communities is also incredibly grateful to our partners in these awards, LandDesign, 505 Design, YellowDuck Marketing and New South Home. We have been honored to work with very talented individuals and organizations that help us show off our communities at their best, and we are so excited to share many of these awards with them.

Experience our award-winning homes for yourself and get in touch with our team today.

It's still a good time to buy - let us show you why!

First-time homebuyers – fear not! Many first-time buyers may be feeling jittery as interest rates pass 4% or 5%, but we assure you there is no need to worry or stop yourself from pursuing your dream home. For those of us who make it our business to watch interest rate trends, now is STILL a great time to buy. From historically low rates to financing options and more, let us show you why now is a great time to buy your first home.

But first, why are we seeing an increase now? While there are a number of reasons that can and do contribute to changes in interest rates, there are two we will look at now. First is inflation. The federal government will sometimes use an increase in interest rates to contain an increase in inflation and help stabilize the country’s finances. Another important consideration is that we are coming out of a pandemic that kept interest rates low even after they hit their lowest point in 50 years in 2019. While technically rates can always get lower, it was unlikely after the last dip. There is good news though!

Historically, interest rates are still low. For first-time buyers, a 5% interest rate may seem intimidating. This is understandable given the staggeringly low 30-year rates of the last few years. However, long-term mortgage trends tell a very interesting story. Freddie Mac has been monitoring mortgage rates since 1971, and the average rate over that time period has actually been closer to 8%. Even 15 years ago, rates were higher than they are today, making these rates perfectly reasonable, although they may be higher than they were at the peak of the pandemic.

Finance options are available. If you’re still a bit nervous about making your first-time purchase, there is even more good news. There are various finance programs available that offer lower rates than the fixed rate. One example is buyers can go with an adjustable mortgage rate, or ARM, instead of a traditional fixed rate. There are various ARM programs some of which are fixed for five to seven years, and then adjusted to the market after that five or seven year term. Most people are unaware a “fixed” rate on an adjustable rate can last five-seven years and find this to be an attractive option. On top of that, historically, within two years of a recession or rate hike, there is an option to refinance and lower payments.  

Rent rates, however, are spiking. Unlike interest rates for homebuyers, rental rates are continuing to climb, and outpace inflation. Even after adjusting for inflation, the median rent in North Carolina increased 10.32% from 2000 to 2020. This makes buying a home a smarter idea still for folks who are hoping to get the most bang for their buck. Speaking of…

Homeownership is a great way to build wealth. Buying a home can help owners save on taxes, each mortgage payment adds equity and long-term ownership leads to appreciation that outlasts inflation. The rise in interest rates could also be useful for determined buyers, as it will decrease demand as it scares some off, leaving better offerings for those who stick around.

In the meantime, the housing market is still strong. We’ve written previously about how while many predicted the pandemic would cause a major downturn in the real estate market, it actually did just the opposite. Now that the market is starting to calm down a bit, this market is fantastic for buyers. With interest rates still considerably low, pricing is holding strong, so these rates are allowing many buyers access to homes they might not have five years ago. Prices will likely rise though, so buying soon is a great way to save money.

Many people think buying a home can be scary, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be! At Hopper Communities, we are happy to discuss your options and the best way to get you the home of your dreams. Contact us today!

Why More People are Buying Townhomes

It’s no secret that the national housing market has prices skyrocketing as people are looking hopefully into the future. In fact, this blog recently detailed the surge happening in North Carolina. What does this increased competition mean for would-be buyers though, particularly those whose priorities and financial situations may have changed since 2020? For a lot of folks, it means that while they still want to own property, they have pivoted from the slightly more traditional path of detached homes to townhomes. Some don’t initially consider townhomes when they begin their real estate journey, but they are a fantastic option for the right buyers. We’ve detailed below why so many are going the way of the townhome.

Location

Townhomes are a perfect option for individuals who want to be close to a big city but minimize their commute. Since each unit takes up a significantly smaller amount of space than a traditionally zoned detached home, they can be closer to city centers, giving residents more time to get ready in the morning and a higher potential that public transit will be nearby should they wish to use it. In many cases, townhome residences are specifically planned to provide homeowners easy accessibility to shopping centers and other businesses that are necessary for everyday life.

Proximity gives residents the chance to live the city life with all its perks while retaining the extra space an apartment simply cannot offer. Incredible hospitals, recreation centers, restaurants and more are all traditionally associated with city life, but coming back to a townhome means private space to rest and recharge when a break is needed. While buyers may have to share a wall or two with neighbors, that is nothing compared to noisy upstairs tenants in a city-center apartment or an hour-long rush hour drive back to a single-family home in the suburbs. Townhomes offer the best of both worlds while keeping residents close to the action of their community.

Price

For those who dream of owning a home but don’t want to compromise location for price, buying a townhome is a fantastic option. Their multi-level feature allows buyers the space for a beautiful entertaining space or full home office if they wish without the additional cost a detached single-family home incurs. 

Upkeep

Similarly to budgetary reasons, many prospective buyers are attracted to townhomes because they involve less upkeep than their detached counterparts. Not only do townhomes have a lower cost than single-family homes initially, but they have lower maintenance costs in the long-term. A relatively small monthly payment is paid to a Homeowners Association that handles tasks like yard maintenance and some repairs, giving buyers more free time and peace of mind. 

Townhome owners can also take part in the “lock and leave” lifestyle that is becoming more and more attractive to homeowners. Lock and leave refers to the freedom of being able to literally lock up and leave the home for days or weeks without having to worry about safety or keeping up the exterior of the home. Having community maintenance provided through townhome living means that residents don’t have to worry about leaving for a trip and coming home to an overgrown mess. Lock and leave also means that owners can have the security that the community lifestyle creates safety from threats, meaning travel does not have to come at the cost of peace of mind.

Hopper Communities proudly offers beautiful townhomes in the most in-demand neighborhoods of its home cities. Whether your goal is to find the right neighborhood or just the right space, we are certain to have something for you.

The Best 2022 Spring Events in Charlotte, NC

Spring has sprung in Charlotte, which means there is a whole lot in store for Queen City residents as the streets fill with fun – from festivals to sports games and everything in between, this spring is the perfect time to let your love of Charlotte grow! Check out some of our favorite events popping up around the city.

Festivals

One of everyone’s favorite things about Charlotte weather is the beautiful spring weather which gives folks a well-deserved chance to go outside and interact with their neighborhood, whether they’re in LoSo, Myers Park, South End, or Bryant Park. A great way to dive in is with one of Charlotte’s several festivals, starting with I Heart Rail Trail: Lights 2022 running from March 4th-20th. This event uses Charlotte’s iconic Light Rail Trail to showcase the beautiful light installations created by local artists to give Charlotteans the chance to enjoy some of their favorite food and drink spots along the trail while taking photos and interacting with the displays. Another festival that recently happened in Charlotte this March was the Rich & Bennett St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, a 20-year favorite of the city that is set for March 12th and offers crawlers all the green fun you can imagine. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!

If you’re hoping to head out of the city for a bit this spring, take a short drive over to Huntersville, NC and enjoy the Lake Norman Highland games at Historic Rural Farm on April 9th and 10th. Throw a battle axe, enjoy a whisky tasting or try your hand at kilted running in this beautiful landscape less than 30 minutes outside the city. Later in April, Digital Gardens will be having its Music and Arts Celebration on the 22nd and 23rd featuring visual art, live music, food trucks, and more for those who want to tap into their electronic side. For the last weekend in April, the Annual Spring Festival offers fun with no admission fee – access to vendors, food trucks, wine, and a DJ are available all afternoon on April 30th. 

Arts & Entertainment

Looking for something a little more low-key? Charlotte offers many incredible opportunities to enjoy the arts, whether at a museum, auditorium, or even the Spectrum center, which boasts over 19,000 seats. In terms of visual art, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” will be exhibited at the AvidXchange Music Factory through April 10th, giving you plenty of time to view 155 of the notorious artist’s works. If you’re hoping to tap into local music, the Charlotte Symphony will have several exciting performances this spring, including Charlotte Symphony does Star Wars and On Tap at NoDa Brewing, which allows guests to enjoy their favorite beer while relaxing to both contemporary and classical music.

Several plays and musicals will also be in town this spring, from Jesus Christ Superstar, 

Pretty Woman: The Musical, Hamilton and Detroit ‘67 – a play about the changing and sometimes conflicting lives of two siblings as they manage a juke joint in their basement in 1967 Detroit. Other live performances include musicians from Aminé to Eric Church and comedians such as John Mulaney and Iliza Shlesinger. To top it off, April marks the beginning of Music at the Met, an outdoor acoustic concert series each Thursday running through September.

Sports

Don’t lose heart sports fans, Charlotte has several spring events designed just for you, too! The Big South Basketball Championship tournament will be the first week of March, and the Hornets’ regular season runs through mid-April, with hopefully some playoff games as well. WWE will be hosting a Friday Night Smackdown in the Spectrum Center on March 18th, letting fans get a check out the action in person. 

Hockey fans can enjoy the Charlotte AHL team the Checkers through the end of April, so northern transplants don’t have to miss out on this major cold weather pastime. Soccer fans can now enjoy the beautiful game right in Queen City as Charlotte FC kicks off their inaugural season on March 5th. However, we all know that it wouldn’t be a Charlotte sports conversation without mentioning the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, and this year it will be hosting the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals from April 29th through May 1st.

With all this and more, filling your social calendar this spring is going to be easier than ever before. If you want to be in the thick of it all, Hopper Communities has availability in a number of communities ready and waiting for you in some of Charlotte’s most outstanding neighborhoods.

The North Carolina Housing Market Flourishes During the Pandemic

When COVID-19 first took hold of the country in 2020, many predicted that the housing market would have a massive and potentially catastrophic drop. Now almost two full years later, the North Carolina housing market, like many across the country, is experiencing the exact opposite. Many realtors cannot remember a time in which houses moved so quickly. Both new and old builds are in high demand, creating a competitiveness that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. Let’s dive in and take a look at what this could mean for those looking at the North Carolina housing market.

How Did We Get Here?

When the pandemic began almost two years ago, most forecasts concluded that we were likely to see another major recession, something along the lines of what the country experienced in 2008. It seemed the prognosis for the real estate market was bleak, especially with the memories of the Great Recession fresh in everyone’s minds. While assets did take a downturn initially, low interest rates have enticed buyers of all kinds. Now, people are relocating to North Carolina from all over the country. North Carolina as a whole was recently listed as the number 6 state for inbound movers, with major cities such as Charlotte highly ranked in their respective lists for inbound buyers as well. Offering a little bit of everything at a more affordable rate than many comparable northern states, NC seems to catch everyone’s eye at least once. 

Several Demographics are Ready to Call North Carolina Home

As we mentioned in previous articles, buyers of all ages are ready to call the Tar Heel State home thanks to all it offers. Charlotte in particular is a thriving location. A prosperous job market combined with seemingly endless recreation help Millennials create their ideal work-life balance, and the various neighborhoods offer options for every lifestyle. Whether buyers prefer a community that makes their commute to Uptown more convenient or being close to green spaces and leisure hotspots, there is a neighborhood for every need. Millennials’ Baby Boomer parents have also been loving southern living, not just as a chance to be closer to their family but because North Carolina provides them easy access to whatever they may want to fill their time with, whether that be beach or mountains, city or country. Lower real estate prices in comparison to other states allow retirees to relocate without compromising their quality of life.

How to Approach NC’s Market as a Prospective Buyer

This influx of new potential owners combined with the current housing demand means that properties are being snatched up, and quickly. Folks in and out of the real estate business have noticed that the current market is not only fast-paced but costly. Many sales are happening within a week of a property hitting the market. One recent home buyer noted that sellers are frequently receiving bids several thousand dollars above the listed asking price, in addition to offering additional bonuses to current owners to further attract them to one potential buyer or another. 

While there is competition for buyers, low interest rates on homes offer hope to those who wish to own in North Carolina. These rates allow potential homeowners to buy homes that may have otherwise been out of reach, putting a proverbial floor on the current market. Homes are being sold easily at all price points, and greater flexibility in price is always helpful when on the hunt. With a market moving this quickly, however, it is important that prospective buyers come ready to apply. Finding the perfect home can be a process, but once found it is important to strike while the iron is hot, and having finances and paperwork in order is the key. Being prepared can save a lot of stress and make you the perfect buyer.

If you’re looking for a property in this hot market, Hopper is happy to help fill your needs. With communities in flourishing neighborhoods like the Lower South End, Myers Park and FreeMoreWest, there is a place for everyone.

What Area Of Charlotte NC Is The Best To Live In?

For the last several years, Charlotte, NC has been ranked as a top city for relocation, and it’s easy to see why. With all of the appeal of a major city coupled with easy access to the mountains, ocean, plus southern charm with the likes of barbecue, sweet tea and sports galore, the Queen City has something for everyone. However, having so many options can cause decision fatigue when you’re trying to pick your next neighborhood, so we’ve broken down some of the best areas to live in Charlotte.

Myers Park

If you are hoping to be just outside of Uptown, the city’s center, you can’t do much better than Myers Park. This iconic Charlotte neighborhood has long been considered one of the best places in the city to reside and showcases a perfect combination of modern amenities and historic charm. This neighborhood offers proximity to upscale eateries, shopping centers, some of the best schools in Charlotte, and parks to fill every need in day-to-day life. Myers Park is also considered a national historic neighborhood and features beautifully preserved architecture from the 1920’s as well as a canopy of oak trees which are over a century old. To top it off, easy access to Freedom Park and a major cycling, walking and running loop allow residents to spend time in nature without ever leaving the neighborhood.

FreeMoreWest

Heading west of the city from Uptown is the exciting FreeMoreWest (FMW) neighborhood. This area is on the rise, with homes, breweries and restaurants that show off Charlotte style at its liveliest. Business owners have been testing the waters with their most exciting ideas coming to life in the neighborhood, giving residents access to all the latest the city has to offer. Many new mixed-use spaces are coming to FMW as well, making it a fantastic option for those who want to live and work just a few minutes outside the city center. This community embraces the work-life balance mentality that so many have been looking for in the last few years by offering everything residents could want close by, right at the intersection of West Morehead Street and Freemore Drive.

South End

Known for the trendy crowd it attracts, South End is not only easily accessible from Uptown by Charlotte’s light rail but full of to-dos. From bright artistic installations to nightlife galore, this historic neighborhood is all about expression. Whether you prefer fine art or artisanal work, there is an attraction for everyone. The Charlotte Rail Trail makes it easy to travel this neighborhood by foot in just over 30 minutes and showcases some of the most beautiful sites in South End over its 3.5 miles. Young professionals frequently relocate to this neighborhood, along with their pets who enjoy being adjacent to Southside park. Taprooms and eateries abound here as well, making it the perfect place to spend time socializing. Luckily, South End is also home to several fitness studios from traditional gyms to rock-climbing spaces, making it easy to justify one more delicious snack.

LoSo (Lower South End)

Another hot Charlotte neighborhood, Lower South End or LoSo is 10 minutes from the north and south ends of Uptown by light rail and is just on the other side of South End. Think of LoSo as South End’s little sister, just as excited to mingle, but on her own terms. Here, you will also find a plethora of adult beverage hotspots for coffee, tea and kombucha as well, sometimes in the same buildings as fitness studios. The neighborhood is still very entertainment-focused and boasts locales that feature SkeeBall, bowling, shuffleboard and more as well as true Biergartens that offer German food to complement the atmosphere. Vintage and antique shops allow residents to fill their homes and closets with trinkets from the past without sacrificing quality, further cementing LoSo as a truly unique neighborhood.

Why Charlotte, NC is #1 Destination for Millennials and Their Baby Boomer Parents

Those who pay attention to real estate trends have known for a while that Charlotte, NC is a market on the rise with Millennials who are chasing their dreams to the Queen City. What’s interesting to note is that now this city is becoming the target for a completely different demographic – their Baby Boomer parents. A recent study found that one quarter of this group is hoping to retire near their children and grandchildren, regardless of what that means for their current life, making them “Baby Chasers.” With Millennials representing the largest group of home buyers and Boomers representing the second largest, the fact that both groups are flocking to Charlotte says something major about the city. 

What Brought Millennials

For the past few years, Millennials have shown that their demographic can find a high quality home for a good price in Charlotte. While so many initially came to the city for jobs, they have chosen to stay for the unmatched quality of life. Charlotte, NC offers the convenience and exciting pace of any other city plus a healthy dose of southern comfort which is tough to find in other metropolitan areas. Millennials have moved on from their first apartment to a home purchase in and around Queen City though there are still many who do still choose to rent, keeping Charlotte among the top cities for Millennial renters. 

Charlotte also continues to offer Millennials a variety of options for not just entering the job market but advancing, with banking, tech, and everything in between. Add to that the thriving nightlife and sports that have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why Charlotte went from a stop on the corporate ladder to home for so many. As this group ages from young professionals to parents, they will also be able to take advantage of the amazing schools and opportunities for children in and around the city which will likely keep them in the area for the foreseeable future. North Carolina as a whole has become a top state for relocation among Millennials, and Charlotte is one of the cities that provides them the most as they grow their lives there. 

…And Why Baby Boomers Followed

Charlotte is ready to offer everything Baby Chasers are looking for – a chance to retire near their children while maintaining the quality of life to which they’ve become accustomed. Charlotte is a fairly unique prospect for both Millennials and Boomers in that they can both come to the city and find a high quality home for a much more affordable price compared to northern metropolitan areas. Oftentimes, Baby Boomers can even pay for their new home with the profits of selling their old one and still have a chunk of change left over. This gives the new buyers the flexibility to start investing in themselves, or the grandkids, now that they are ready to retire. 

While both the Southeast and Southwest have been popular destinations generally, Charlotte offers a bit more than many other potential locations for Baby Boomers as well. Not only are these folks able to stay near their family, but Charlotte’s location offers proximity to the Carolina coast, mountains, city, and country, so any impulse can be fulfilled quickly and easily. While in years past retirees have chosen destinations that cater more directly to empty nesters like coastal Florida, it seems that Baby Boomers are hoping to spend more time immersed in their surroundings, not less. Retiring is now a way for this group to develop stronger connections with their communities, and Charlotte is ready for their contribution.

With Charlotte’s amazing neighborhoods like Myers Park, the West End, and the South End, it’s easy to see why buyers of any demographic would be excited to relocate. A booming city with plenty of southern charm, the Queen City is welcoming Millennials and their Baby Boomer parents happily.

Myers Park, Luxury Townhome Living In Charlotte, NC

At Hopper Communities, we are proud of the high-quality homes that we provide to the neighborhoods we serve, and our newest community is no exception. The Nolen, named after the Myers Park architect John Nolen, is a luxury community surrounded by a lush tree canopy to provide peace and quiet while keeping close proximity to all the best that Charlotte has to offer. Adjacent to the Briar Creek Greenway and Little Sugar Creek Greenway, The Nolen was masterfully designed to provide its residents with a serene, park-like environment in the heart of one of America’s fastest-growing cities, Charlotte, North Carolina. While only seven units are available in the first phase, there will soon be 27 beautiful homes in The Nolen of the beautiful Myers Park neighborhood. Let us show you what makes us so excited about this project.

Amenities That Just Make Sense

When The Nolen was first thought into being, we wanted to design luxury city homes inspired by English cottage design in the heart of Myers Park, and we believe we have done just that. The contrasting light stone and dark brown wood exteriors belie beautifully modern and exquisitely planned interiors. Each home has commercial grade appliances throughout, which are complemented in the kitchen by the expansive island, quartz countertops, full overlay cabinets with soft close and full extension slides as well as a spacious pantry and porcelain tile backsplash. In both the kitchen and bathrooms, you can find Delta plumbing fixtures to ensure the highest quality water use, and each primary bathroom is spa-inspired.  Each of these 3-4 bedroom homes also offers 10-foot high ceilings on the main floor, and certain floor plans include the option to add an elevator to assist in accessibility for yourself or your guests. Every unit also has a private outdoor living space with either a balcony, ground-floor patio, or an expansive rooftop terrace to take in the neighborhood from the comfort of your home. Should your view inspire a trip outside The Nolen, the ground floor has a two-car garage with outlets for electric cars.

More Convenient Than Ever

Getting from your home at The Nolen to all that Charlotte, NC has to offer is simple, as the community’s location was another major consideration when this project was being planned. At Hopper Communities, we know that a great home can quickly go out of the running for house hunters if the neighborhood is not right for the home buyers, so we chose our site wisely. In the heart of Myers Park, The Nolen is conveniently located near some of the best spots in all of Charlotte. Three of the top schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district- Selwyn Elementary, Alexander Graham Middle and Myers Park High School are the “home schools” of The Nolen and provide incredible opportunities for the children they serve. The community is also within three miles of Carolinas Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Atrium Health, which was ranked number 1 overall in the Charlotte Metro area by U.S. News, as well as being recognized by the organization in 16 types of care. In terms of getting through your to-do list, the Nolen is within walking distance of both Selwyn Avenue Shops and Park Road Shopping Center, and just a couple of miles from SouthPark Mall, making your errands that much easier to accomplish.

The Nolen is a community designed with luxury in mind. From the beautiful design to the accessibility of the surrounding area, there is very little The Nolen does not offer. Tours of our model are now available, and you can find the hours on our website. Just remember, there are only seven of 27 units available in phase one, so be sure to get information now if you’re interested. Feel free to contact our team directly to stay in the know.

Charlotte, NC Living - What’s within driving distance?

When looking for a new home, an important aspect to consider is what you will be able to do and access. While it is so exciting to explore your immediate area, in a city like Charlotte, driving is a necessity that can also open doors to many exciting locations in the south that are perfect for your next getaway. Whether you prefer the mountains or the beach, you can rest easy knowing the number of options available within just a few hours of the city limits. 

Kick Back and Unwin[e]d

Whether you’re looking for a one-day vacay with your significant other or a unique escape for a few hours with friends the Charlotte area is home to many local wineries. Lucky for us, the North Carolina climate is ideally suited for all sorts of grapes allowing wineries to offer visitors unforgettable experiences without needing to travel cross-country to Napa Valley. Some of our favorite wineries within a 2-hour drive from the Charlotte area include Veronét Vineyards, Elkin Creek Vinyard, Overmountain Vineyards, and Divine Llama Vineyards…to name a few. 

Nature for Miles

Every so often, you just want to get away from it all, and few cities make it easier to escape into the great outdoors. North Carolina is home to several state and national parks that offer every kind of getaway you can think of for whatever budget you see fit. Less than an hour away is beautiful Crowders Mountain and state park, a popular hiking destination with two peaks that are also a hot spot for rock climbers. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the state from Virginia and ends in Cherokee, giving you plenty of locations to choose from. Uwharrie National Forest is fantastic for both hiking and photography, with dozens of trails that offer various difficulties.

If you’re looking for a little bit of city with your country, Asheville and Blowing Rock could be perfect for you. Both towns are nestled in the mountains themselves and are great locales for the perfect stay-cation. In Asheville, you are sure to find the perfect drink for you at any one of the several breweries, and the food will help fill you up before or after a long day of trails. Blowing Rock is known for its many artisanal shops full of everything from antiques to artwork, and has a calendar full of outdoor activities such as performance art and festivals of all kinds.

Catch Some Waves

If you prefer the coast to the mountains, Charlotte also has easy access to several beautiful locales. Each spot offers its own unique brand of beach life that keeps thousands of tourists visiting from all over the country each year. From secluded waterfronts to sprawling metropolitan areas, there is a location for every kind of beach-goer. Famous beach towns like Wilmington, Outer Banks, and Emerald Isle litter the North Carolina coast, giving you the chance to get away without leaving the state. Several of these are also home to historical and scientific sites to take a look at the past and present of the state both politically and ecologically.

Wilmington offers the opportunity for not only fun in the sun, but history, as it is the home to the USS North Carolina and Cape Fear Museum of History and Science. The city of Outer Banks is part of the greater Outer Banks area, which covers over 200 miles of islands and peninsulas that truly take you away from it all. Another Outer Banks area town, Emerald Isle, is part of the tourist-friendly Crystal Coast and perfect for the whole family. Finally, Wrightsville Beach is perfect for those who want a quieter beach weekend, with a population under 2,500 as of the 2010 census. 

Looking for the perfect home base to take on all these new adventures? Hopper Communities has you covered at South End Terraces or Bryant Park Terraces, both located in some of the most vibrant neighborhoods near Uptown Charlotte.