Uptown Charlotte is one of the more controversial neighborhoods in the Queen City. Why? Because it’s called “uptown” when in most other cities it would be known as downtown. Still, whatever you call it, Uptown Charlotte remains an exciting place to live and visit.
Why is downtown Charlotte NC called Uptown? Apparently, it’s because it’s up a slope. Back in the day when people were coming here to trade goods and industry was just beginning to thrive, you had to walk up to get to the center of Charlotte. Now that we drive everywhere, we can barely tell there’s an incline. However, if you’re a Charlotte runner doing one of the courses through Charlotte uptown, you can attest to those hills!
Living in Uptown Charlotte NC doesn’t require that you run 8Ks on weekends though. For one thing, the city center is a very walkable area. At only 2.4 square miles, downtown Charlotte also has bike routes and bus service. Plus, there’s the light rail. And if none of that suits, you can easily find a rideshare scooter.
While you’re on the move, keep an eye peeled for the many pieces of public art. There are many distinct statues and sculptures — including the sparkling Firebird. Plus, new murals and street poetry are always being added to building facades. This all makes a self-guided art tour one of the many fun, free things to do in Uptown Charlotte.
You’d be hard-pressed to run out of things to do in Uptown Charlotte. Let’s start with sports: The Charlotte Knights stadium is a great place to enjoy a view of the downtown Charlotte skyline. You’ll be able to watch the local Minor League Baseball team, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
The baseball pitch is just a block up from the Panthers home stadium, which will in 2022 also be home to the new MLS expansion team, Charlotte FC. Basketball fans will want to catch the Hornets in action at the Spectrum Center. NASCAR fans will also enjoy being near the Hall of Fame. Connected to the city’s convention center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is also home to one of Charlotte’s holiday traditions — an outdoor skating rink.
Those who want to soak up Carolinas culture will want to visit the Levine Museum of the New South or the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. They’re both found on Tryon street, where you can also visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum Uptown, and the hands-on Discovery Place Science.
Those wanting to see live performances of theatre, dance, opera, or music are likely to start at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (BPAC). Spread out over several city center venues, BPAC is home to Opera Carolina, Charlotte Symphony, and Charlotte Ballet and welcomes touring productions too.
You can also see big-name touring acts at the Spectrum Center. Or check out some of the local acts performing at lounges such as The Imperial or at city restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, the culinary scene is a big draw for Uptown Charlotte. You won’t have much trouble finding an Uptown restaurant Charlotte. The bigger issue is picking which one you want to try on any given night. Our top recommendations include:
Settling down in Uptown Charlotte is getting easier all the time. New building construction is regularly in the works. You’ll find first-time homeowners, condo dwellers, empty nesters, and families making a home in Charlotte downtown.
After all, Charlotte is one of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas. It’s also considered a millennial hub and has a multicultural population too. It’s primarily known as a banking city. Charlotte is also home to the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies. Plus, Charlotte has many award-winning public schools.
Looking for a new home in Uptown Charlotte? Saussy Burbank is an award-winning new home builder and developer in Charlotte, NC. We take great pride in designing and building unique, high-quality homes and townhomes in Charlotte, NC neighborhoods. Contact us today!