Living in East Charlotte
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, is evident in its diverse neighborhoods, affordable housing, historical landmarks, and convenient shopping. East Charlotte homes are listed in areas 2 and 3.
East Charlotte has an active commercial sector due to development along Central Avenue, Albemarle Road and Independence Boulevard. The area contains 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. Albemarle Road is a busy boulevard lined with strip shopping centers filled with supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants and specialty shops. The freeway, extending down to Sharon Amity Road, allowed Independence Boulevard to sprout many shopping centers and retail/commercial areas. Located here is one of the city’s biggest collections of automobile showrooms, huge home-supply and furniture stores, restaurants and membership-only warehouses.
Shaping east Charlotte is the influx of immigrants and new citizens who make their homes here. Here 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. East Charlotte also has developed an eclectic selection of restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese. Steakhouses, family restaurants and cafeterias round out the many eateries waiting to be discovered in this vibrant, modern enclave.
Yet, three miles and 200 years from Uptown in east Charlotte are Mecklenburg’s oldest surviving structure the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite and the Charlotte Museum of History. 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. This quiet, wooded area on Shamrock Drive allows residents an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while learning a bit of her history as well.
The Plaza-Midwood area is newer by two centuries, but equally established. One of Charlotte’s early streetcar neighborhoods, it includes a delightful mixture of older, renovated homes and new residences. Urban pioneers and families and a very active community spirit 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.
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. For those with a taste for adventure, check out Wilgrove Airport, off Albemarle Road. This general-aviation facility offers charters, leasing and pilot training. For a quieter pursuit, 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.
Incorporated in 1971, Mint Hill traces its history to Scotch-Irish settlers who first occupied the area in the mid-1700s. On the southern fringe of east Charlotte, Mint Hill combines a country atmosphere with all the conveniences of a big city. 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. 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. The 14,000-square-foot Mint Hill branch of the public library boasts a community room, computers and music CDs for residents to enjoy. Outdoors, Mint Hill’s 54-acre Fairview Park includes a nature trail, playground, ball fields and an asphalt track for walking, bicycling or in-line skating. If you prefer to live just across the line from Matthews or Mint Hill in Union County, you’ll find plenty of new communities and older homes with ample acreage.
