Nestled between Uptown’s high-rises and Charlotte’s southside suburbs are what many consider the jewels of the Queen City’s residential crown – its original streetcar suburbs. As you travel the broad, tree-lined, leaf-canopied streets, you’ll see the Charlotte of the turn of the last century and pre-World War II.
Start in the oldest suburb, Dilworth. The vision of Edward Dilworth Latta, this neighborhood was developed in the 1890s thanks to the advent of the streetcar and was the first place for Charlotteans to live outside the city. The streets of Dilworth feature house after house with front porches. The homes are primarily bungalows – with the occasional Queen Anne thrown in – and some larger, two-story Colonial Revival homes that line Dilworth Road East and West.
East Boulevard divides the residential areas. The road is lined with restaurants, offices and shops, many located in renovated homes. New developments like Latta Pavilion – named after Dilworth’s original entertainment center – offer condominiums, office and retail space, landscaped courtyards and walkways.
You also will find the city’s only Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which draws thousands to its annual Yiasou Greek Festival in September. At the other end of the boulevard is the entrance to Freedom Park, well known for its annual arts festival, athletic fields, walking paths and amphitheater.
Charlotte’s largest hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, is in Dilworth. This 861-bed teaching hospital is the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and is the centerpiece of the ever-expanding Carolinas HealthCare System.
South End, one of Charlotte’s hottest communities, is on Dilworth’s western edge. Just 20 years ago, the area was an eyesore of run-down mills. Today, the mills have been renovated into shops, restaurants and lofts, making it a trendy locale.
While the rebirth initially generated commercial development, new residential options have cropped up, including Summit Grandview and The Arlington, a 25-story condominium high-rise with a pink hue.
South End is also home to the Charlotte Trolley – out of service during construction of the light rail line – which is expected to resume operations in late 2007. Residential and commercial development has boomed near the tracks, and property values along the route have skyrocketed in anticipation.
If you’re more traditional than trendy, Myers Park may be right for you – if you can handle the price tag. Myers Park was developed in the early 1900s by a real estate tycoon who wanted to create a neighborhood in the country. Today his countryside is a mere five minutes from Uptown, but you can’t help feeling miles away as you travel the curving boulevards and lanes with their towering willow oaks that dwarf even the grandest Myers Park homes. |
