Top Places to Frequent in Charlotte’s Fast-Growing FreeMoreWest Neighborhood

Residents of Charlotte, NC are likely already familiar with its FreeMoreWest (FMW) neighborhood – aptly named for its desirable locale where two main thoroughfares, West Morehead and Freedom, intersect – but unless you’ve been a FMW occupant or frequent visitor as of late, chances are even the most in-the-know Queen City citizen may be surprised by all the area now has to offer. The locale has seen continued growth from new eateries, shops and options for entertainment in recent years, making it Charlotte’s most exciting up-and-coming community with its own unique flavor. And its adjacency to the impressive Bryant Neighborhood Park means residents will enjoy all the perks of urban life in a sprawling, suburban setting. Join us as we take a quick virtual tour through some of FMW’s and the Bryant Park area’s hottest spots.

Bryant Neighborhood Park

We’d be remiss to kick things off without a nod to illustrious Bryant Neighborhood Park, an 8.7 acre outdoor oasis nestled in Charlotte’s Historic Camp Greene. Providing a refuge from nearby Uptown and neighboring FMW’s hustle and bustle, the park is noted for its unique network of stone walls and stone seating above its softball fields. A popular spot for both outdoor recreational enthusiasts and those simply seeking to immerse themselves in nature for an afternoon, Bryant Neighborhood Park is a an easily accessible rustic respite on Charlotte’s West Side.

Salt and Vinegar

A new mixed-use community has arrived in Charlotte, and it will be adjacent to Bryant Park Terraces. Salt and Vinegar boasts an impressive 74,000 square feet in two buildings that feature one of Charlotte’s three Legion Brewery locations, creative office space and room for retail, there is more than enough to keep you occupied. The playful name comes from Charlotte’s history of snack making generally, as well as the fact that the space was at one point a factory for Mitchum Quality Snacks, who specialized in potato chips.

Pinky’s Westside Grill

Somewhat of a local legend in its own right, Pinky’s has been featured multiple times on the popular Food Network program Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with memorable host Guy Fieri. But if the star appeal isn’t enough to make you curious, the mouth-watering menu featuring classic American fare should be. Known for their famous fried pickles, innovative cocktails, and everchanging “Burger of the Month” menu (December’s burger was aptly named the “BYE! 2020” burger), Pinky’s has grown a cult following amongst locals and tourists, alike. 

Yoga For Life

Named Charlotte Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for Best Yoga for Beginners in 2014, the Yoga For Life studio caters to practitioners of all experience levels as part of their commitment to provide individualized guidance on each student’s personal yoga path. Classes are led by caring and experienced teachers who aim to foster a true sense of community. Like many area businesses, Yoga For Life has had to pivot in the midst of the pandemic and its classes are temporarily being offered virtually via Zoom to ensure the health and safety of students. Meditation, breathwork and mindful movement are never more important than in uncertain times, so the studio has made it simple to navigate virtual classes from its website and looks forward to reopening its doors to clients in 2021.

Rhino Market and Deli

Rhino put down roots in Charlotte’s West Side in 2014 and they’ve been serving up delicious breakfast burritos, omelettes, deli sandwiches, snacks and a plentiful beer and wine selection to satisfied customers ever since. With an extensive, largely locally-sourced menu that includes vegetarian options, it’s no wonder this fairly recent addition to FMW has already garnered a nearly 5 star rating on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. Adding to its appeal is an attractive outdoor patio space for patrons to enjoy. And its weekly line-up of events means that whatever your non-culinary tastes may be – whether trivia, live music or wine tasting – Rhino offers something to suit your palette. 

Blue Blaze Brewing

Situated in West End in a century-old renovated building, Blue Blaze Brewing has eclectic style to spare – never mind its extensive menu of flagship, specialty and seasonal beers. Less than a mile from Uptown Charlotte, the brewery is easily accessible along the Stewart Creek Greenway, either by bike or by foot. Stop by to take a free brewery tour or enjoy a pint of fresh beer, which Blue Blaze proudly brews using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Noble Smoke + Bossy Beulah’s

Whether you’re a barbecue connoisseur or you fancy yourself more of a fried chicken person, Chef Jim Noble has a meal for you. With 25 years of experience under his belt, Noble’s passion and dedication to food are undeniable with each bite, whether you’re having a beef brisket platter at Noble Smoke or a fried chicken sandwich at Bossy Beulah’s next door. While each of these establishments has its own flair, they share a classic southern taste that no meat-lover can resist.

Lucky Dog Bark and Brew

Looking for a place to watch the game, have a drink and let your dog play with other pups? Lucky Dog Bark and Brew has got you covered – with an indoor/outdoor play yard for them and a sports bar for you, it’s the easiest way to make sure both you and your favorite furry friend can both socialize. And don’t worry, there are clean up stations, trained handlers on site at all times and even special areas for smaller pups to make sure that everyone is not only happy but safe. Between that and the other dog services including baths, boarding and day care, it’ll be tough to get your pooch to go anywhere else!

If you’re looking to make this neighborhood your new home, take a look at our newest community, Bryant Park Terraces and contact us to schedule a tour today!

Best Places to Live in Charlotte, NC

With its central proximity to both mountain and sea, the bustling, modern metropolis of Charlotte, NC is consistently ranked among the nation’s best places to live. Whether you fancy beaches or BBQ, breweries or basketball, Broadway shows or boating, the Queen City offers something for everyone. For those looking to spend more than just a weekend in this crown jewel of the South, we’re highlighting the best places to live in Charlotte.

South Charlotte/Ballantyne

The affluent Ballantyne area in South Charlotte is the most recently developed locale on our list. Established just 25 years ago, this new city on the southern tip of Charlotte is chockfull of desirable neighborhoods showcasing Ballantyne new construction homes. An upscale, suburban community where people of all ages live, work, and play, Ballantyne’s residents enjoy an array of diverse lifestyle offerings. For the fashionista, there’s no shortage of opportunities for shopping – the Ballantyne Village shopping center hosts a number of stylish clothing boutiques and one-of-a-kind jewelry stores, while nearby Blakeney Village is an outdoor shopping mall with a bevy of well-known brands. Foodies will delight at the abundant number of cafes, burger joints, and high-end restaurants. And for the outdoors enthusiast, there are opportunities for biking at Ballantyne District Park, jogging on the Greenway, and golfing at the five-star Ballantyne Golf Resort and Spa. With its proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, less than 20 miles away, and its centrally located corporate office park – now home to some of Charlotte’s Fortune 500 companies – Ballantyne offers residents the perfect balance between accessibility and suburban sensibility.

Uptown West

Our list wouldn’t be complete without including Charlotte’s energetic Uptown neighborhood as a best place to live. Homes in this area possess a distinctive character unique to the “heartbeat” of Charlotte; with historic West End homes less than one mile from this central business district, Uptown meshes early 20^th century charm with a modern city center. In addition to serving as the city’s central business district, Charlotte’s epicenter is home to cultural and art museums, sports arenas, culinary delights, and endless opportunities for entertainment after dark – everything from nightclubs, to bars, to live music venues. Take in a Broadway show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, cheer on the NBA Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center, or take a virtual spin around the racetrack at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A commuter’s dream, Uptown is also one of the most easily accessible areas of Charlotte; you can travel car-free using the city’s light rail to visit a number of other neighborhoods.

South End

Known for its vibrant nightlife, thriving artistic community, and plethora of craft breweries, the lively South End Charlotte is a hot spot for those who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a wide variety of things to do and see. Whether your idea of a good time is taking a jog, a gallery tour, or a sip of a locally brewed lager, you’ll find something to suit your taste in South End. Home to both chic artisan shops and elegant fine art galleries, the eclectic neighborhood is an art aficionado’s dream. Adventurists can take advantage of the Charlotte Rail Trail, a 3.5 mile public trail that runs along the light rail line, connecting South End to nearby Uptown. And perhaps more than any other area in the Queen City, South End is renowned for its impressive number of breweries, each as unique in character as in their variety of ales, lagers, and Witbiers. Craft beer enthusiasts will delight in traversing along the light rail on their own self-paced South End brewery tour.

Myers Park

Ideally situated just outside Charlotte’s bustling Uptown neighborhood, Myers Park is widely regarded as one of the city’s most desirable places to live. Sought after for its beautiful historical architecture as much as for its accessibility, the Myers Park area is located just south of the Queen City’s downtown hub. An affluent neighborhood filled with high-end shopping, eateries, galleries, and markets, it boasts an international art collection, a nature museum with live animal exhibits, and direct proximity to popular Freedom Park, a favorite spot for picnicking in Charlotte. Myers Park is perhaps best known, however, for its canopy of oak trees that are more than a century old. The awe-inspiring arbors are the perfect backdrop to the stunning 1920s architecture, a quintessential part of one of Charlotte’s most picturesque places to live.

If you’re interested in moving to any of these fantastic areas, please contact us here to learn how we can help you find your dream home in Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte Real Estate Trends – the Next Roaring 20s?

The Charlotte, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area includes approximately 2.5 million people. Greater Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and in fact, the fastest-growing city in the Southeast.

During 2020, Charlotte’s multi-year trend of general growth – and the resulting robustness in the housing market – hasn’t slowed down, even under the dark cloud of COVID. That says a lot. Charlotte is still a strong job market and currently ranks in the top 20% nationally for real estate appreciation. On average, even these days, homes in Greater Charlotte sell after only 35 days on the market. According to research by the Canopy Realtor® Association in the second quarter of 2020, the median home sale price was $290,380, an impressive 11.7% increase from last year. According to Zillow, Charlotte area home prices have increased by about 45.2% in the past five years.

So, all of these great statistics mean that Charlotte is a home seller’s market, right? Well, yes, but if you look more closely, the area’s continuing trend upward proves that this is also a home buyer’s market, especially when it comes to newly-built homes. LittleBigHomes.com estimates that there is an 88% probability of Charlotte-area home prices rising through the third quarter of 2021. So, the same logic applies to buying a new home here that applies to buying a fine piece of art or stock in a rapidly-growing company: Buy NOW, when the value is only going to go UP!

The reasons behind Charlotte’s favorable new home market are clear, and they don’t show signs of changing in the foreseeable future.

Job Growth

Future job growth in the Charlotte area over the next 10 years is predicted to be just over 45%, over 10% higher than the predicted national average. Roughly 100 people per day move into the area, mainly because of new jobs. Whether you are new to Charlotte or not, now is a great time to buy a new home, with features and designs that fit current living styles and will still feel fresh even a decade from now. This will not only continue serving your lifestyle but also the lifestyles of potential incoming buyers over the next several years.

Young and Strong

Charlotte has a median age of 34, several years younger than the national average, primarily because people in their early and prime income-earning years are moving here for work. And it’s not just the “newbies” that are driving the housing market; young adults from here who stay to raise families (as many do) will keep the Charlotte housing market in an upward trajectory. Whether transplants or “home-growns,” Millennials are a key factor in this area’s housing market growth. (And let’s face it, the Millennials are one of the largest generation groups in US history, so you do the math.)

Quality of Life

US News ranks Charlotte among the top 22 best places to live in the United States. Overall amenities, cultural outlets, safety, and that all-important job opportunity level are fueling the area’s popularity. Long story short, for people across the country looking for a great major metropolitan area to live, Charlotte is definitely on the map. Relatively low property taxes in the Charlotte market can also be considered a quality of life factor – after all, more money in the bank after taxes means more available to spend on entertainment, recreation and consumer goods.

For the past several years, and for years to come it seems, Charlotte remains one of the most popular major cities in America. Today’s low mortgage rates make this an especially good time to purchase a new home, and if you can do that in one of the nation’s top-rated cities, so much the better! Whether you’ve just moved to the area or you’ve lived here all of your life, Charlotte can be your definition of “home.”

Thinking of Buying a New Home? Right Now, If You Wait, You’re Too Late!

Let’s start by making one point very clear – Hopper Communities would NEVER pressure anyone into buying a new home. That is one of the biggest decisions in life, financially and emotionally. Home is where the heart is, and your heart should be fully into your decision to become a homeowner. That said, we’ll also sincerely say this:  NOW, yes, believe it or not, NOW, is one of the best times in US history to buy a new home, whether you are a first-time buyer, moving up to accommodate a growing family, or downsizing to make the most of empty-nest years. There are myriad reasons why…here are just a few.

Availability – “Avail” Yourself of a Buyer’s Market

Because the housing market is so energized right now, new homes that go on the market only stay on the market for a few weeks, or even a few days. That old adage about striking while the iron is hot is in full play in today’s residential real estate climate. Decisiveness and a firm resolve to act when the best opportunities present themselves are the keys to rewarding home purchases in market conditions like these.

So, be sure of yourself, be sure of your finances and credit rating, and be ready to act when that ideal listing crosses your path. That said, perhaps the most important factor is to be certain about what you want in a new home. A fast-moving housing market does not mean that you have to compromise. Be steadfast about what you want in a new home – the location, the design, the square footage, the price, everything – and don’t waver.

With Mortgage Rates Today – WELCOME HOME!

There has literally never been a time in American history when mortgage rates have been this low. If you’re under the age of 50, just ask your parents or grandparents what interest rates were 30 or 40 years ago. They’ll probably tell you that if their mortgage lender offered them a 30-year fixed-rate term of 8 %, they would have danced in the street in front of their new house. Even 11 or 12% interest rates were welcomed terms back in the day. But these are new days, when fixed-rate, 30-year mortgages – and even 15-year mortgages, for that matter – are well below 3%. And your parents and grandparents will also reassure you, especially if you are buying a home for the first time, that owning a home is one of the smartest financial decisions you can ever make.

It’s Never Been More Affordable to Have So Much Choice

Getting back to an earlier point, let’s talk about compromise. Forget it! In today’s housing market, not only can you get the financing terms of your dreams, you can get the new home of your dreams, too. Buyers now have their full choice of architecture, layout, location, finishes and overall design, without having to renovate an older home at more expense or live with features that aren’t ideal.

The Race is On, But Remember That You’re in the Driver’s Seat

The pace of today’s housing market can seem daunting, and with world events right now, it’s easy to tell yourself that this is not the best time to make a major purchase decision like a new home. DON’T listen to those voices. What new home buyers are looking at right now is opportunity, not uncertainty. Perhaps the biggest upside is that with such tight new home inventory, and such unprecedented favorable financial conditions for home buyers, you probably won’t have to look too far or too long to find the new home that really does check off all of your wish list boxes. Especially that box at the end of the list…the bottom line.

Why Charlotte, NC is One of America’s Most Popular Places to Live

If you researched all the reasons why Charlotte is one of the top-rated and fastest-growing cities in the United States, you should be prepared to be overwhelmed with information your search engine will provide. Charlotte is a magnet with a metro area population of nearly 2.6 million people that keeps growing every year. Hopper Communities is proud to call Charlotte home.

It’s an Economic Powerhouse

Charlotte ranks Number Five on the Forbes list of the best cities to work in the U.S.

The second-largest financial center in the nation after New York City, Charlotte is the headquarters location of some of the country’s largest financial institutions, including Bank of America, Truist, and the East Coast operations center for Wells Fargo. Microsoft also has its East Coast operations center here. Research, development and healthcare are also among the Charlotte area’s fastest-growing industry segments.

It’s Sophisticated – and Fun!

Charlotte is a beacon of culture on the Eastern seaboard, with dozens of art and history museums, galleries, performing arts venues and theaters, not to mention one of the most highly respected symphony orchestras in the nation. Dozens of annual festivals and events are held here, so whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast or a music lover, there’s plenty to fill your calendar. Speaking of being a foodie, Charlotte’s restaurant scene is very well recognized. Looking to get out and about? Top attractions include the US National Whitewater Center, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Carowinds Amusement Park and the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

Nature lovers and outdoor buffs, you’re in luck, too. Central North Carolina has a pleasant climate, and the area is dotted with lakes, foothills, and destinations for hiking and camping. Nearby Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state and you’re in close proximity to the mountains and beaches.

It’s Got Its Game On

From Carolina Panthers football to Charlotte Hornets basketball, pro sports get big billing here. Charlotte FC is a planned Major League Soccer team that is expected to begin to play in 2022 and don’t forget the Charlotte Knights are a Minor League Baseball team worth cheering for! Add to the list colleges and universities with their many sports team and Charlotte is the home of NASCAR.

It’s Smart

Education is a big reason why so many growing families are attracted to metro Charlotte. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System is the 17th largest in the nation, and has been a past winner of the NAEP Awards, the Nation’s Report Card for urban school systems. Higher education plays a major role here, as well. Most people immediately think of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, but UNC Charlotte is actually just one of many colleges and universities, both public and private, with a notable focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

All in All, It’s the Total Package

No wonder Charlotte has been one of America’s most popular cities for decades. This comfortable, safe city really offers something for everyone. Travel anywhere in America or the world; when you tell people you live in Charlotte, they’ll know where you mean.

The residents here command high salaries, growth opportunities and job security. Yet, the cost of living here is well below the index of many large metropolitan areas, with new homes for sale in Charlotte being particularly affordable.