South End

A vintage manufacturing community that has transformed into one of the hottest urban residential destinations in Charlotte. New homes and condos, shops, and restaurants blend with the neighborhood's unique and storied history. 

 

 

Located just west of Uptown, north of Dilworth, and south of Interstate 277, South End is one of Charlotte's urban neighborhoods on the rise. It has gone through a growth spurt over the last few years and that growth continues in the form of new condos, new businesses, and plans for new retail and entertainment venues. South End is popular with professionals who work in nearby Uptown but prefer the unique residential opportunities the community has to offer. However, thanks to the light rail service and proximity to the interstate, being in other parts of the city for work or play takes just a few minutes. As a matter of fact, the transportation options in South End are one of its greatest assets.

 

Another great asset is the area's booming nightlife. Bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants are scattered throughout the area. On any given night, you can meet up with friends, catch a live show, enjoy locally-made beverages, and have a great time. Shopping, hospitals, professional sports, business opportunities, parks, and more are all just a mile or two away.

 

Based on billions of social media posts, these scores show how common certain lifestyles and interests are here.

 

 

History

South End is one of Charlotte's oldest established neighborhoods with roots that date back to the 1850s. The first railroad passed through the area then, connecting Charlotte to Charleston and Columbia. Along with the railroad came an increase in manufacturing and shipping textiles, and Charlotte became one of the biggest textiles producers in the world. This thriving business brought residents to the area now known as "South End" or sometimes "Historic South End," but as the business died down, so did the neighborhood. For several decades, residents left the community for the suburbs, but the 1990s saw a major revitalization take place. Old warehouses were turned into condominiums and shops and restaurants began to open up here. Today, South End is a popular destination for both visitors and residents.

 

Quick Facts

• Population: 11,323
  
  
• Students living in the South End area have access to some of the top public schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, including Myers Park High School.
  
  
• Residents also have quick access to some of the city's top employers, like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Airlines, Duke Energy, and Atrium Health System.
  
  
• South End is known as something of a design center for Charlotte. Dozens of architects, landscapers, interior designers, and graphic designers have offices in the community.
  
  
• Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, one of the most notable hospitals in the region, is just under 2 miles from South End.
  
  
• Just like the rest of the city, South End is growing. Why? Charlotte is the second-largest financial center in the country and has been described as having the best business climate in the United States by several publications.

Local Attractions

Not only is South End home to several great entertainment opportunities, but it is just a few miles or less from some of Charlotte's top attractions. Places like Bank of America Stadium and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are just over the interstate in Uptown. The city’s top shopping destinations are just a few miles south of the community in the South Charlotte area. However, there is no need to leave your own backyard to have a good time. South End’s restaurants attract everyone from football stars to local artists, and its nightlife cannot be beat. Pubs, bars, and clubs are scattered throughout the community, offering everything from great craft beer to live music.

 

Dining

• Charlotte Beer Garden – Charlotte Beer Garden has a lot of everything. With the over 16,000 square-feet of space, the unique South End spot includes four bars on three levels with a full kitchen. It has a ton of beer on tap with endless options of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and more. This is a new spot in the neighborhood but one not to miss!
  
  
• Nikko Restaurant – When it comes to Sushi and Japanese cuisine, Nikko is definitely a South End favorite. On any given day, you are likely to find a local celebrity, such as a Panthers player, dining here at one of the trendiest spots in town. The atmosphere is just as cool as the menu, which features an assortment of sushi and other seafood dishes that range from classic to trendy.
  
  
• Mac's Speed Shop – Some say Mac’s is one of the best places to get barbecue in the Carolinas, which may be why it now has six locations, including one in South End. Its motto is "beer, bikes, BBQ," which gives you an idea of what to expect at this joint that is always busy, no matter the day or time. Do not forget to try the banana pudding after you dine on brisket or pulled pork.
  
  
• 300 East – For nearly three decades, 300 East has been a South End/Dilworth area staple. Located in a historic home, the restaurant is popular for its Sunday brunch and serves a unique spin on classic Southern and American dishes. You will feel right at home in the cozy eatery as you dine on dishes like shrimp and grits, brioche French toast, and locally-sourced eggs and bacon. For dinner, try the black-eyed pea falafel, grilled shrimp BLT Panini, or the fish tacos.

Transportation

• Airports – South End is just under 7 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. Bus service is available to and from the airport daily.
  
  
• Public Transportation – South End is, perhaps, one of the most mass transit-friendly neighborhoods in Charlotte. Bus service, as well as light rail train service is available to the community via the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and LYNX Blue Line
  
  
• Major Roads and Interstates – If you prefer to drive yourself, you have no shortage of ways to get to any other part of Charlotte in no time at all. Interstates 277 and 77 form part of the border of the South End community. Other major roads that run through South End are South Mint Street, West Boulevard, and South Tryon Street.

Shopping

• Atherton Mill and Market – Atherton Mill and Market is one of South End’s most popular shopping destinations. You will find several unique and favorite shops and restaurants here, such as Savory Spice Shop, Anthropologie, and Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. The Atherton Market part of the venue is open Monday through Saturday and is a great place to meet and check out the goods of local farmers and artisans, grab a bite to eat or shop for food and other handcrafted items.
  
  
• Local Shops – South End is home to several small specialty stores, ranging from places where you can shop for your pets to art galleries to clothing boutiques. As the neighborhood grows, more and more small, locally-owned shops are popping up throughout the community.
  
  
• SouthPark Mall – SouthPark Mall is one of North Carolina's top shopping destinations, and it is just about 5 miles from South End. The upscale shopping here can be found at stores like Burberry, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and Sephora.

Entertainment

• Neighborhood Theatre – Another great spot for live music is the historic Neighborhood Theatre. It was once a burlesque theater, but it is now a cozy spot for listening to everything from pop and jazz to rock and Americana music from both up and coming and established artists.

Things To Do

• Latta Park – South End residents do not have to journey far to find a beautiful park and green space. Located in nearby Dilworth, the 32-acre Latta Park is a fun spot to spend an afternoon. It features a playground, walking trails, tennis courts, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and soccer fields.
  
  
• Bank of America Stadium – South End is just across the interstate from Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Every Sunday, starting in September, residents can head over to watch the team take on a rival. Tours and other events are held throughout the year.
  
  
• Spectrum Center – For those who prefer basketball or hockey, Spectrum Arena is also just a quick drive or ride away. The venue is home to the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and Charlotte Checkers (AHL). It is also a popular concert venue that hosts some of the biggest names in music throughout the year.
  
  
• NASCAR Hall of Fame – Anyone who lives in Charlotte knows that NASCAR is a big deal here, and it only makes sense that the NASCAR Hall of Fame is just across the interstate from South End. Fans can check out the sport’s history, see memorabilia from their favorite stars, visit the High-Octane Theater, participate in interactive exhibits, dine in the café, and shop for souvenirs.

Real Estate Information

Since 2012, new construction, particularly of condos and townhomes, has been on the rise in South End. You will find a few historic homes here, as well as old warehouses converted into condos and rowhomes. Condominiums are the residential option of choice in this chic urban neighborhood. Prices range from around $200,000 up to over $2 million.