6 First Time Home Buyer Tips as You Begin Searching for Your New Home
Congratulations, you’re ready to take your home search from casual Zillow scrolling to taking the first steps to buying a house! The process includes the excitement of spending your free time hitting open houses, learning how to navigate the buying process, and the reality that terms like mortgage rate, down payment, and equity now apply to you.
At Hopper Communities, we take pride in educating New Home Homebuyers on “how” to buy a home. Here are six tips to get you started.
1. Research First Time Home Buyer Finance Programs
While you typically won’t find special first time buyer mortgage rates, there are multiple options for lessening the initial shock of such a large purchase for first time home buyers.
Start by looking into programs that best fit your personal financial situation particularly in regard to finding out how much of a home you qualify for and what is needed for a down payment.
You could qualify for loans beyond a Conventional loan requiring 5% downpayment including a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan with a down payment of 3.5%, or, if you’ve served in the military, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan that offers the option to put 0% down.
And there are several programs within each loan type such as a 30 Year Fixed Rate, 2-1 Buy Down and 7 Year Adjustable. Each has its own benefits and it’s important to explore more than one to find your best fit.
2. Have Your Pre-Approval Letter Ready
Depending on the market, you may have to move quickly. Having your pre-approval letter at your fingertips will help you feel confident signing a Purchase Agreement and putting your dream home under contract. Your pre-approval letter will include the max amount you’re approved for with your lender based on your income, assets, credit, and debt.
If you need assistance connecting with a reputable Lender, Hopper Communities partners with 3 of Charlotte’s Top Lenders who provide FREE Loan Estimates, guidance on loan programs and answer any questions regarding home financing.
3. Understand Your Budget
Your pre-approval letter will give you the amount that the bank has qualified you to purchase, but that doesn’t mean you have to meet that number. Look closely at your budget and decide what you feel comfortable paying.
Maybe you want to keep your monthly mortgage payment at the same amount you’re currently paying in rent or perhaps you can afford to take your monthly payment higher. Set your number and let that guide your search. You want to fall in love with a house that fits into your budget — and don’t forget property taxes, insurance, or other monthly expenses like HOA that might add to that number.
4. Save for A Down Payment and Closing Costs
You likely know that you must save for a down payment, and, while the traditional down payment is often thought of as 20%, that’s simply not true as there are programs that require amounts as low as 3% – 5%. Keep in mind, as you drop below 20% down you may be required to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) until you reach 20% in equity in your home.
However, there’s one more critical savings tip for new homeowners: don’t stop saving with the down payment. There are also closing costs to consider, usually 2-3% of the mortgage amount. These are fees associated with obtaining the mortgage and closing on the home. Do your research because sometimes a Seller is willing to contribute to these costs savings you thousands of dollars out of pocket!
5. Make Sure Your Credit Score is Solid
Credit score for first time home buyers should be top of mind. Your FICO credit score, which could range from 300 to 850, will determine the type of loan you qualify for and the mortgage rate you’re quoted. Ideally, you’ll need a credit score above 650 to qualify for a loan, and over 720 to receive the best rates.
You can check your score for free annually using Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If you need to raise your score, don’t fret. You can pay down big debts and work on your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. What’s DTI? Let’s discuss!
6. Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is calculated by adding your monthly debt obligations and dividing them by your gross monthly income. You’ll need to get your debt-to-income ratio to 43 percent or lower to qualify for most loans. If your number exceeds 43, make a plan to whittle it down. Pay off your high-interest credit cards and personal loans, before turning to auto loans or even student loans.
Hopper Communities’ Townhomes Are Available Now
We hope you feel confident and prepared about taking the next step in this exciting journey to buying your first home. If you’re ready and actively looking for beautiful move-in ready townhomes for purchase in the lively Charlotte, NC area we encourage you to contact us, or click here to learn about our current incentives and view all availableHopper Communities homes at The Nolen and LoSo Terraces.
We currently have a “Limited-Time Savings Event” happening now with contributions towards financing that gets you an interest rate into the 3%’s*! We look forward to the opportunity to help you make your dream home a reality!
* Terms & Conditions apply.
4 Tips to Make Your New House a Home for the Holidays
Holiday memories are some of the sweetest. From baking cookies with your grandmother as a child to wrapping gifts, to toasting to another year together with all of your cousins, gathered in a twinkle light-covered living room for that one weekend a year where everyone dropped everything just to be present. Gift giving, delicious food, and wishes for snow. These are the memories that we’ll never forget.
So many of these memories center around home. And, as families grow and new traditions are made, the homes that star in our memories also change.
4 Tips for Creating a Home for Holiday Memories
Whether you’re moving out on your own for the first time, buying your first home, or upgrading to a bigger, more permanent spot now that you’re adding a new addition to your family, moving into a new home is a new opportunity to create memories.
Maybe it’s the first time you’re putting up a real tree in your home or you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of hosting a holiday dinner for the whole family — don’t be! What matters is bringing your loved ones together, and we have a few tips for creating that festive feeling in your new home and making it feel as special as all those years and traditions you remember.
1. Find the Perfect Spot for Your Holiday Decor: Start the tradition now! If Christmas is your thing, choose a spot for your tree and put it up, even if all you have is a string of lights and a few ornaments. Everything looks better by twinkle lights! Those who celebrate Hanukkah, placing your Menorah in an area that can spread light to others is of the utmost importance. Consider placing it on your dining room table in front of your floor to ceiling windows.
2. Let the Holiday Smells Waft In: Sometimes you have time to bake and cook — sometimes you don’t. And when you don’t, you can recreate the holiday ambiance by simmering a stovetop potpourri with cinnamon sticks, cloves, citrus peel, and ginger.
3. Hang a Wreath on the Door: No matter which winter holidays you celebrate, create a festive wreath to celebrate the occasion. Plus, it’s a conversation starter for new neighbors to comment on!
4. Don’t Stress Over Perfection: Even if you’re not ready to host a full holiday dinner, just invite a few friends over for a festive evening. Maybe even have them pitch in and help you make your house a home, whether that’s by decorating the tree or creating an assembly line for holiday cookies. This is when memories are made by coming together to laugh, spend time celebrating, and not worrying about whether everything looks perfect. This new home is the start of new traditions you’ll cherish for years to come.
Our Gift to You on New Construction in Charlotte, NC
Speaking of fond memories, we know interest rates now look a little different than they did back in 2021. And we want to do our part to help you move in by the end of the year and find the place where you’ll make holiday memories at home for years to come.
With our Holiday Savings Event, we’re gifting you major savings on move-in ready townhomes in Charlotte (up to $14,000!) and financing that includes interest rates close to 4%. With average interest rates currently hovering over 6%, the interest rate alone could save you thousands. That translates into more than a few extra presents under the tree this year and next — and the next.
Discover Your New Home for the Holidays
As you’re thinking about your dream home for the holidays, maybe you envision welcoming friends for a sparkling New Year’s Eve party at your urban townhome in Lower South End Charlotte at LoSo Terraces, with an open floor plan and hardwood floors. You might have dreams of decorating a fanciful tree, while gathering the family in your timeless townhome at the Nolen Townes.
New construction townhomes for sale in all three of these modern, upscale communities are ready to become your home for the holidays this year, and every year. Contact us today and make this the season where you begin making memories that will last a lifetime.
3 Reasons Why NOW is a Good Time to Buy in Charlotte, NC
If you’ve recently found yourself asking “Has the market peaked? Should we wait? Is now still a good time to buy?” trust us, you’re not alone. To cut to the point, now is still a great time to buy. According to a recent Fortune Magazine report, housing prices will go up 6.1% in the Charlotte metro area by next summer. But that’s not all… check out these top 3 reasons why buying a home now is the right move for you.
1. Build Value
Yes, inflation and interest rates make buyers nervous, but when considering buying a home in a growing market, your down payment and mortgage are manageable. The value of homes in Charlotte isn’t likely to drop when demand is high and while the area is seeing so many new residents heading this way. In fact, a new Zillow study has found that home values are expected to go up 2.4% through the end of July 2023 nationwide.
2. Buy vs. Rent
The decision to rent or buy isn’t always an easy one and can often create great internal conflict. While there are pros and cons to either, the decision often comes down to the specifics of your financial situation. Rentals may offer up front savings opportunities by providing access to amenities, maintenance at little to no cost, no real estate taxes, and no down payments. However, investing in a new townhome in Charlotte, NC allows for greater stability, possible tax benefits, and the chance to build equity that could be accessible through home equity products.
3. A Growing Charlotte Market
Charlotte is on a growth trajectory since making a splash in 2019 by debuting as the 3rd-fastest growing city in the U.S., according to Forbes. The area continues to remain popular for both Millennials and their Baby Boomer parents.
Charlotte’s real estate market was rated as one of the best nationally and the best market in the Southeast overall in 2021, according to WalletHub and Realtor.com. Both 2020 and 2021 were huge years for home sales, and forecasters expect that even more homes will go on the market this fall and into 2023 as sellers who were nervous during the pandemic take action.
The 2022 American Growth Project explains Charlotte’s growth as a reflection of the area’s major banking center and the addition of tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in manufacturing investments. The report measures cities’ economies based on consumption, investment, government spending, as well as household and business incomes. Having a housing market that can welcome new buyers to Charlotte is a critical factor for continued growth.
Buying a new townhome in Charlotte this fall is like boarding a train that is picking up speed. It’s going to be an exciting ride! All signs point to the area as a robust market that will keep home values high, allowing new buyers to quickly build equity.
At Hopper Communities, we offer beautiful move-in ready townhomes for purchase in the lively Charlotte, NC area. Click hereto view all of our available homes at The Nolen, LoSo Terraces, Davidson Walk, and 5West Terraces.
For a limited time we are offering $7,500 towards closing costs when you purchase a new home at LoSo Terraces and up to $5,000 towards closing costs at 5West Terraces. Contact ustoday to learn more and to schedule a tour.
Top Places to Frequent in Charlotte's Lower South End Neighborhood
Just past Charlotte’s South End neighborhood, along the light rail, lies the Lower South End neighborhood, or as locals call it, LoSo. There are plenty of must-visit spots in the LoSo area. As a renowned entertainment district, finding something to do is a breeze. Let’s take a tour of some of the top spots to visit when you want to spend time in LoSo.
Shopaholics, Foodies, and Adventure Seekers Unite
LoSo is a fantastic place for secondhand finds. Antique shop Sleepy Poet has become a local legend due to the sheer number of goods for sale in the giant warehouse it calls home.
Thrifters and shopaholics can find some peace of mind as they stroll into GW Boutique, a thrift store full of clothes, shoes and more, all at incredible prices. If you’re hoping to fill your stomach rather than empty your wallet, take your friends to a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen where you’ll learn how to give your at-home meals an edge. For the adventurous types, try your hand at Charlotte’s best escape room, Escape Tactics, whose seven professionally designed rooms are sure to keep you on your toes!
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Start your day off right with a fresh cup of coffee at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, which offers not only handcrafted drinks, but food, games, and dog-friendly office spaces with under desk ellipticals, making the space perfect for those who transitioned to a work from home or hybrid environment. Other favorites include Night Swim Roastery & Cafe and Burr & Berry Coffee. For after hours, The Olde Mecklenberg Brewery has set up shop at the intersection of Yancey Rd and Southside Dr with traditional German-style beers and multiple places to enjoy them-including around the fire! Just across the street sits Queen Park Social, with food, cocktails and classic games like shuffleboard and bowling, all set in a retro-themed space. You can also find Protagonist Beer nearby, which features a full pizza kitchen. Sugar Creek Brewing Company, like Olde Mecklenberg, likes to keep things traditional, although they prefer Belgian brewing to German. Another brewery that prides itself on crafting beer in-house is Brewers At 4001 Yancey, who also offer finds from other craft breweries up and down the East Coast.
Get Your Sweat On
If you’re hoping to break a good sweat and get your adrenaline pumping, look no further than Inner Peaks on South Tryon. Since 1998, Inner Peaks has made its name as “the premier indoor climbing experience in the Charlotte area.” Offering instruction for those who wish to hone their skills, ground-based yoga classes to help climbers train, and group experiences like team building and climbing parties. If you’d rather keep your exercise out of the air, there are plenty of other locally-owned options. Hive Fitness prides itself on providing just about every exercise program you can think of under one roof, from bootcamps to barre and more. Martial arts more your thing? Check out ECF Martial Arts and Fitness to help you reach your goals.
The city of Charlotte has been experiencing massive growth over the last several years, and many are looking to call the city home. With breweries, restaurants, entertainment and more all within walking distance, the LoSo neighborhood is creating serious buzz for buyers. With all of these amazing spots, you’ll need somewhere to hang your hat; and that’s where we come in. LoSo Terraces has modern townhomes ready for buyers who want to get the most out of their neighborhood and their home. If you’re ready to make the move, contact our team and learn more today!
Smalltown Lakeside Living at Davidson Walk
With over 500 miles of shoreline touching four counties, the Lake Norman area of North Carolina is one of the most coveted in the Tar Heel state. The town of Davidson in particular provides residents with beauty reminiscent of days gone by while remaining new-fashioned thanks to the presence of Davidson College. Here residents experience a small-town feel with easy access to the hub of Charlotte. Typically, it’s rare to find somewhere to live in this area and even more infrequent to find new construction, but our new townhome project is in the works to give discretionary buyers the chance to live in one of the most desirable locations around.
The Beauty of Davidson
Located just outside the center of the town and mere steps from the shoreline of Lake Norman, With a small population of less than 15,000, Davidson is quaint and quiet, but never boring. The town is entirely walkable, even for children, and showcases gorgeous colonial-style architecture. Stunning outdoor spaces such as 12 miles of greenways and bike lanes, a national arboretum, and parks allow for fun in the sun as well as in the waters of the lake. The town is also only 20 miles outside Charlotte, offering easy access to a major metropolitan area. With the local marina less than 5 minutes away by car, there isn’t much you can’t get to from Davidson Walk.
Everything You Need Right Outside Your Door
The town of Davidson offers more than just a beautiful location. Davidson College acts as a cultural center for the town. Grocery shopping? Easily accomplished at Harris Teeter and Earth Fare. Restaurants also abound for nights cooking is off the table, literally. Local favorites like the homegrown Pickled Peach, the classic North Harbor Club, stylish hot spot Kindred and local chain Famous Toastery, as well as standbys like Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse. The town also hosts events of all kinds. Outdoor concerts, exercise groups, festivals, a farmers market, and even ghost walks keep the streets open and inviting for both locals and tourists, especially during their peak season.
Low Maintenance Townhome Living
Each home in Davidson Walk is designed with the best in mind. The Norman floor plan provides 3 levels, 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and an attached 2-car garage. A thoughtfully-designed open layout flows gracefully from the kitchen to the great room and outside to the private, covered lanai. This craftsman-style home comes with upscale features such as 10’ ceilings on the first floor, 5” hardwood floors, quartz countertops, expansive trim and more, creating a stylish yet homey feel. Additionally, for homeowners excited to get out on the water, lake access is included as well as storage for kayaks and paddle boards.
Davidson Walk is sure to be an incredible opportunity for those that take hold of it. Whether you’re interested in the beautiful small town of Davidson, NC, the proximity to Lake Norman or just the idea of getting away from it all without giving up accessibility, this community can help you make those dreams come true. Homes of this caliber in this area are tough to come by. For a limited time you can receive up to $25,000 towards closing costs and/or lowering your interest rate on move in ready homes! Contact us to schedule a tour today.
*Terms and conditions apply
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.