NoDa, short for North Davidson Arts District, is a very popular and highly walkable Charlotte neighborhood about two miles northeast of Uptown. It is a haven for everyone from artists to young professionals due to its lively atmosphere and proximity to Uptown. It is a special place to live, work and play with a variety of restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, shops and local pubs located within the neighborhood. Residents take pride in the local vibe and enjoy living in its historic bungalows. Welcome to NoDa!
Living in NoDa
As the Queen City’s historic arts district, NoDa is an artsy neighborhood bustling with a full calendar of local events and fun things to do. Think vintage mill village turned cool Charlotte hotspot. The neighborhood has a reputation for being a pet-friendly area, and it is even home to Dog Bar, a place where you can enjoy a drink and a night on the town with your furry companion.
History
NoDa’s history dates back to the early 1900s when development began on what was farmland in the area. The city of Charlotte was a thriving hub for textile production at the time, and several businessmen decided to build a mill in the area, along with homes for the mill workers. As those mill workers moved into the community, others followed, and soon businesses, churches and schools began popping up around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, those textile mills began to close in the 1960s and 1970s, and workers began selling their houses and leaving. Sadly, the area suffered a bit of a decline in the years that followed. However, as the city of Charlotte began to grow into a major banking center, a few local artists decided to make the NoDa area a popular place to live again. They bought and renovated homes and buildings, and others began to follow. Today, the area is thriving once again, with residents striving to retain NoDa’s historic appeal.
Dining in NoDa
The neighborhood is just a quick drive into Uptown, which means residents have access to dozens of sports venues, museums, theaters, concert venues and more, but for a night out on the town, it is not necessary to leave NoDa! A few local favorites include:
- Visit Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen for your Cajun favorites. From jambalaya, etouffee, low country shrimp & grits, to the gumbo, you won’t be disappointed.
- Cabo Fish Taco is so good that it was once featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The eclectic little Baja seafood spot is one of the most popular restaurants in the entire NoDa neighborhood. As you enjoy dishes like BBQ Mahi Tacos and Rosarita Fajitas, you’ll feel like you are sitting at a little beach café in Southern California rather than a restaurant in the big city of Charlotte.
- Heist Brewery, with its Belgian influence, knows how to blend craft beer with delicious cuisine. The moment you walk in the door, you will fall in love with the restaurant’s modern yet rustic charm. Enjoy the spacious atmosphere as you dine on favorites like burgers, wings, ribs and pork belly tacos, or have a cocktail while catching a football game on the big screen.
- Haberdish is a Southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar that serves Carolina-inspired cuisine like crispy fried chicken, southern vegetables and more. Don’t miss the smoked deviled eggs or the mouthwatering hushpuppies while you wait for your main dish. The fried chicken is the dish that brings the patrons back again and again, but we haven’t tried anything we didn’t like on the menu. Save room for the banana pudding.
Shopping in NoDa
If you prefer to shop in local, eclectic boutiques instead of big-box stores and malls, you are in the right place. The community’s walkable streets are lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, offering something for every taste. Look out for several local favorites:
- Four Dogs Pet Supplies focuses on premium and ultra-premium pet foods for dogs, as well as everyday items for cats – and even chickens. You can also find essentials here, such as collars, bowls, leashes, grooming products, beds and toys. Don’t miss the pet-related art while you’re browsing.
- With the tagline “Vintage Clothes That Don’t Suck!” you know The Rat’s Nest will be a fun and interesting local shop to look for some unique treasures.
- Pura Vida Worldly Art is a locally-owned small business dedicated to providing handmade, ethically sourced products from around the world. From home goods to clothing, Pura Vida has it all. It’s a great spot to look for a unique gift!
NoDa Home Prices
More Information
NoDa is truly the Queen City’s epicenter for inspiration – we’ve only scratched the surface of all it has to offer! Interested in learning more about NoDa? If you aren’t currently working with an agent, contact Dickens Mitchener’s VP of Relocation, Catharine Pappas, to be connected with one of our local NoDa experts. She can also answer any questions or provide more information about living in NoDa and how to begin your search.
