Making a Home in East Charlotte

Diverse neighborhoods and affordable housing, historical landmarks, convenient shopping and room to grow are just some of the appeal of east Charlotte, an area roughly defined by Independence Boulevard at its southern end, The Plaza/Plaza Road Extension at its northern end and Albemarle road, which runs between the two. East Charlotte homes are listed in areas 2 and 3.

Three miles and 200 years from Uptown are the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, Mecklenburg’s oldest surviving structure. The wooded grounds on Shamrock Drive provide a relaxing and entertaining retreat for visitors looking to escape the bustle of the Queen City and learn a bit of her history as well. The site is also home to the world’s largest ground-level bell, the American Freedom Bell, which is nestled in a lovely setting on the property.

The Plaza-Midwood area is less dramatic, but equally established. One of Charlotte’s early streetcar neighborhoods, it includes a delightful mixture of older, renovated homes and new residences. A mixed bag of families and urban pioneers and a very active community make the area desirable and popular. The lush median along The Plaza – once a trolley thoroughfare – is a distinctive part of the neighborhood. Van Landingham Estate on The Plaza, built in 1913, serves as a lavish spot for weddings with verdant gardens and elegant rooms. The Charlotte Country Club is also located in the Plaza-Midwood area.

East Charlotte has an active commercial sector due to development along Central Avenue, Albemarle Road and Independence Boulevard. The area is also home to some of the city’s most comfortable housing areas, many with prices that first-time buyers find appealing. In addition to affordable housing, commercial development gives residents some of Charlotte’s best and most convenient shopping.

Eastland Mall, on Central Avenue between Sharon Amity and Albemarle roads, is an east Charlotte landmark. This 1.1-million-square-foot, double-decker center opened in 1975. It boasts major department stores, specialty shops and a food court as well as an ice rink, which is a great spot to learn skating or cool off on a summer day. Spectators can watch the fun from balconies over the rink.

Recently extended as a freeway down to Sharon Amity Road, Independence Boulevard also features a new Albemarle Road exchange that eases congestion along both thoroughfares.

Independence Boulevard features many shopping centers and retail/commercial areas. Look here for one of the city’s biggest collections of automobile showrooms, huge home-supply and furniture stores, restaurants and membership-only warehouses.
Albemarle Road is a busy boulevard lined with strip shopping centers filled with supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants and specialty shops. Development along this thoroughfare continues to grow, particularly on the outskirts of Charlotte.

Another trend shaping east Charlotte is the influx of immigrants and new citizens who make their homes here. Here’s where you’ll find the Hindu Center, the Islamic Center, the Chinese Baptist Church and a host of other facilities, as well as plenty of ethnic groceries and stores.

Accordingly, east Charlotte also has developed an eclectic selection of restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, steakhouses, family restaurants and cafeterias.

Outdoor recreation in the area includes Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve, which features 727 acres of recreational fields, a disc golf course, fishing ponds, picnic areas and 10 miles of nature trails. Reedy Creek Park is also the site of Native American artifacts as well as the Robinson Rockhouse ruins, dating back to 1780.

Golfers will enjoy teeing off at the area’s public and semi-private golf courses, including Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, The Divide on Stevens Mill Road and the Charles T. Myers course on Harrisburg Road.

If you’d rather fly than drive, check out Wilgrove Airport, off Albemarle Road. This general-aviation facility offers charters, leasing and pilot training.

Mint Hill, a town of about 18,000 on the southern fringe of east Charlotte, combines a country atmosphere with all the convenience of the big city. Incorporated in 1971, Mint Hill traces its history to Scotch-Irish settlers who first occupied the area in the mid-1700s.

The town’s proximity to Union County – still primarily rural and small-town – contributes to the cozy feel. The area is a good place to look for sprawling ranch or two-story homes with a little acreage, but also offers new construction. Among the fine new developments in Mint Hill are Hidden Forest, Pleasant Valley and Stonebridge.

The intersection of N.C. 51 (Matthews-Mint Hill Road) and Lawyers Road is the center of Mint Hill, and shopping areas and town offices are nearby, as well as a few manufacturing companies and business parks.

Mint Hill’s 55-acre Fairview Park includes a nature trail, playground, soccer fields, tennis and volleyball courts, a disc golf course and an asphalt track for walking, bicycling or in-line skating. The 14,000-square-foot Mint Hill branch of the public library boasts a community room, computers and music CDs to check out.

© First Impressions Newcomer’s Guide, 2007