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We currently live in White Plains which is a small city outside of Manhattan. Where we live you can walk to multiple bars, restaurants, movie theaters, shops, etc.
Is Charlotte also walkable?
Where would you suggest a late 30's couple with no kids, no future kids look at for places to live where they could still walk to entertainment? Which neighborhoods are best?
Dilworth, Cotswold, Plaza-Midwood are the main neighobrhoods fitting that description - although most healthy neighborhoods have a shopping center nearby so you can at least make a habit of walking for groceries.
If you don't want (or need) a yard then you could consider living inside I-277 in one of the condos or townhomes there. You'd be within walking distance to the light rail and the uptown transportation center - and those can take you in many different directions.
I'd say the best thing is the climate - just enough winter to enjoy some brisk days and see the snow a few times, but not enough to be a big inconvenience. We have many sunny days in the winter, not so much of that gray overcast up north.
Summers can be hot, but it's not the overbearing heavy humidity of the "deep south".
It really depends on your budget. The nicest most walkable neighborhoods are also the most expensive in the inner ring of older neighborhoods. Further out, most areas do have sidewalks on major roads, but it's sprawling so unless you are near a shopping center, it's not that walkable
I'd have to say Charlotte is not walkable unless you live inside the 277 loop downtown. There are some areas that can be walkable, but you might find your walking shoes getting worn out pretty quick. I suppose it all depends on how far you want to walk to get to a bar or restaurant.
Plaza Midwood is my favorite walkable area - plenty of restaurants, a post office, large grocery store, public library, stores, and a great used bookstore all in the central business area. And there are frequent fast buses to downtown.
I think there are some areas of Charlotte that have some walkability, but in general it is not known as a highly walkable city. Neither is Raleigh, although, again there are areas that work better for that kind of lifestyle there. Both Charlotte and Raleigh are more known for their suburban lifestyles and "great-place-to-raise-a-family" vibes. If work brings you to Charlotte you can find some walkability, but it's not something people tout about Charlotte.
If you mean walkable like NY, Boston, or SF, then no. There are no areas with great shops, there's no great architecture (unless you moved from the middle of nowhere and find Charlotte's two major buildings interesting), there are no great museums (let's not even discuss how pathetic the Bechtlern is), there is nothing historic, there are no great monuments, etc. The only reason to go to Uptown unless you're seeing a concert, circus, or work there.
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