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I also heard a ton about Charlotte lacking character when I was investigating the area. Now that I have lived here for two weeks, I consider myself the foremost authority on all things Charlotte now, of course. The truth is, Charlotte is really, really spread out, and some parts of it lack character while other parts are oozing with it.
Like a lot of newer cities, Charlotte has suburban sprawl within its city limits, and that is where you are in the land of golden arches and beige subdivisions that, for me, defines lack of character. If you are someone looking to live in suburbia, you really shouldn't be surprised if your neighborhood doesn't have a hip urban vibe. If you want character, investigate the areas closer to uptown.
I live in NoDA, and have found that I am so close to Plaza-Midwood and Elizabeth that it feels like one big, cool as hell neighborhood. You want to talk character? Come to my hood. We have historic buildings, an awesome nightlife, hip boutiques, local artists performing in the street, TWO awesome bakeries, the best pizza I have had since leaving NY years ago, antique shops that keep my fiancee off my back, ethnic restaurants, etc... Of course, we also have more crime than you are going to find in outer whitelandia. The other day, someone burned a bunch of clothes in the street outside my house. Not sure what that was all about ....
I am loving Charlotte so far. Of course, I don't go to the suburban parts (soccer moms scare me) so I can't really speak on that aspect of the city. It just seems that if you want character, you don't go to the burbs. That rule seems to apply no matter where you live, no?
LAMF, I am laughing outloud over here! Yeah, us soccer moms - we're a scary bunch alright!! So glad to hear you are loving your new home and neighborhood. NoDa is lucky to have you there too Have you eaten at The Penguin yet??
Also, if you know of anyone else looking to buy in NoDa the guy I know building two homes there is still trying to sell one, just pm me for info if you want it.
How come when we discuss "character" we are only pointing out buildings, businesses, etc. Doesn't character of an area also come from the folks that surround it - that is something that each and everyone of us can have an impact on.
Several years ago I thought Charlotte was a beautiful city. It was clean, had good maintained roads, lots of surrounding undeveloped land, uncrowded lakes and more businesses. There were a few areas that had traffic issues but for the most part in 25 minutes you could leave inside the 485/77/85 loop and be in the country. Now you have all the trash, traffic and higher crime associated with the rapid development. Our city also had true southern charm as my wife would say. That character has been replaced by unchecked urban sprawl. Maybe when I have a chance I will dig out some pictures and show just how much things have changed!
Someone mentioned Dilworth/Myers park as displaying character. I lived there for several years and I can tell you that it has also changed. Yes, it has long been a wealthy area, but many of the mansions that you see now had former lives as smaller homes on decent lots. I don't define character as some new fade that replaces something with a little wear. Character takes time to evolve. Thats why many areas have historic districs that only allow certain changes to the homes. I personally think Charlote has always been a play on perception. Trying to be something that it is not.
Location: Sunny Phoenix Arizona...wishing for a beach.
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Originally Posted by miklaur
How come when we discuss "character" we are only pointing out buildings, businesses, etc. Doesn't character of an area also come from the folks that surround it - that is something that each and everyone of us can have an impact on.
You got that soooo right. I have only been here a short time and I started missing home until I went to work and met some of the best southern people. I'm gonna say that word again.........REFRESHING! I find the values here very refreshing and that to me means character.
As much as I want my children to experience the historic aspect of their new hometown, I feel that it is the people they meet everyday that are going to impact them and who them become as they get older. I am all for preserving the old and I personally do my best to support local business before the big chains when I can but I really think that the people are what speaks most about overall character. JMO.
Honestly, with all of the builders tossing massive "cookie-cutter" homes by the thousands in the 'burbs, I must admit that you've got to pick & choose where to go in Charlotte.
If you stay in the older areas, it's really a fantastic city! Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, Sedgefield, Cotswold, Madison Park, just to name a few. These are minimally 40-year-old neighborhoods with mature trees and tons of character.
Obviously depends on your school needs, too -- but I do think there's plenty of character here!
As much as I want my children to experience the historic aspect of their new hometown, I feel that it is the people they meet everyday that are going to impact them and who them become as they get older. I am all for preserving the old and I personally do my best to support local business before the big chains when I can but I really think that the people are what speaks most about overall character. JMO.
I think that's what impresses so many (me as well). I really love it. I hate seeing so many of our old buildings go, but if the charm of the people goes over the years, that'd be a deal-breaker for us. We'd be otta here!!
To answer your question coming from a single, professional male 30 years old. Yes, Charlotte lacks character and charm. It is a plastic city, it is a small southern town trying to be a major city lacking culture, things to do.
I lived in Phoenix and Denver while spending lots of time in Cali and Vegas. These places had so much to do for a single male.
Now, before all you goobers go nuts after reading my comments.
Charlotte is a place for certain people: married, with kids, who like a slow, quiet life. It is great for families and quite safe. I don't get all this hoo-hah about crime. As much as I despise this town, Charlotte is very safe.
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Have you eaten at The Penguin yet??
