Looking for the very best places to invest in Charlotte? East coast living meets southern charm in the sprawling, metropolitan area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Whether it’s finance, agriculture, or tech, Charlotte’s economy is a diverse place for all kinds. Ranked as the eighth-fastest growing economy in the U.S., the city of Charlotte is a diverse hub for culture and a hot spot for young professionals. It’s no secret that, with all that Charlotte has to offer, the city will continue to attract new residents; and with population increasing year-over-year, this city is a popular destination for both North Carolina natives and transplants alike. However, it is an expansive city with many different areas to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Charlotte and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Dilworth
Where is it located?
First up on our list is a neighborhood located just four minutes from downtown, and regarded as a hub for food and entertainment in the city. Dilworth is just south of the city center and residents of the area have easy access to multiple freeways for an easy commute, while still maintaining a somewhat suburban feel.
What types of properties are available?
Properties in Dilworth are a mix of B-class, single-family homes and newer-build condos, making it great for investors of all kinds who are looking to buy in a diverse range of properties. The homes and condos are priced right on average for the city of Charlotte, making it an ideal place for new investors looking to get their foot in the door. Given the desirability of the area, it’s a great place for landlords who are looking to have a high quality pool of potential tenants to pull from.
What other benefits are there?
The schools in Dilworth are ranked highly for the city of Charlotte, which is a huge draw for families of the city. This, mixed with its proximity to downtown, make it perfect for families and young professionals alike. Dilworth is also notably close to Freedom Park which is one of the city's most famous greenspaces.
Provincetowne
Where is it located?
Moving farther south, the city of Provincetowne lies on the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Charlotte. Approximately 20 minutes away from the city center, Provincetowne is located just off interstate 485. This provides its residents all the extra space afforded by a suburban location while maintaining quick access to highways for commuters who need to get to the city.
What types of properties are available?
There are mostly A-class, single-family homes available in Provincetowne. The pricing on homes in this area ranges, but the property value remains high across the board. So whether you’re looking to invest in a gorgeous new build or looking to buy a well-kept historic home, Provincetowne has a range of prices available for any investor. Even though it’s a sprawling suburb, there is still a high percentage of renters in the area, again making it a great place to invest in no matter what your goals are.
What other benefits are there?
Schools in Provincetowne are rated highly, and with the extra space of the suburbs mixed with the conveniences of the city, this area has become increasingly popular for young families. There are a plethora of greenspaces across Provincetowne, as well as an abundance of shops, dining, and entertainment options. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without sacrificing convenience.
Steele Creek
Where is it located?
Just 14 miles southwest of the city center lies the neighborhood known as Steele Creek. Located on the waterfront of the expansive Catawba River, the Steele Creek area provides residents with an abundance of options when it comes to outdoor recreation. The neighborhood is also notably close to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, just a 10-minute drive, for residents who travel a lot and aren’t interested in dealing with airport traffic.
What types of properties are available?
In terms of properties available, Steele Creek may be the most diverse on our list. From A-class new builds, to expansive river front properties, to cozy condos, to older homes at a lower price point, there is truly something for everyone. One of the greatest benefits of diverse property-value areas is knowing that if you are able to buy in at a low price point, your investment is protected by the abundance of high-value surrounding properties. Given that the property types range so widely in Steele Creek, the prices follow suit. So, you can be sure you’ll find what you’re looking for in this suburban nature haven.
What other benefits are there?
Waterfront properties are available for investors looking to make high returns on either a renovated home or a new-build project. This makes it a great area for those looking to get into the short-term rental game. While the area is excellent for short-term stays, the schools of Steele Creek are rated well for the city, making it an in-demand area for many locals as well.
Huntersville
Where is it located?
Moving up north of the city is the suburb of Huntersville. Just 18 minutes north of the city center, this up-and-coming neighborhood is a newly developed area and is an excellent suburb to keep on your radar when it comes to the Charlotte area. Huntersville is also close to Lake Norman, so residents can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to choosing outdoor spaces and still living within a commutable distance to the city.
What types of properties are available?
The properties in Huntersville are largely new builds, which means they are A+-class, single-family homes, on larger lot sizes. Given the sizes of these homes, they are priced higher-than-average for the city of Charlotte, however given the nature of the neighborhood there is potential for high returns since the area is so up-and-coming.
What other benefits are there?
Like many of the neighborhoods on our list, the schools in Huntersville are highly regarded, ensuring that as this development grows, the desirability of the area grows with it.
Eastover
Where is it located?
A short eight minutes south of the city center, and home to Queens University of Charlotte, is the neighborhood affectionately known as Eastover. Located between highways 74 and 16, the area is surrounded by parks, shops, dining, and is extremely close to everything the city of Charlotte has to offer. Though it is most notable for its close proximity to the university, the area is highly desirable for families and young professionals as well.
What types of properties are available?
A- and B-class condos make up the majority of properties available in Eastover, however there are definitely some single-family homes available in the area. The homes here are priced slightly above-average for the city of Charlotte, however given the proximity to not only the city but the university as well, the price tag is well worth it for the demand of location.
What other benefits are there?
The greatest benefit to buying property in Eastover is the high demand for renters. Given that there is a high amount of students of the university needing housing in proximity to the campus, there will always be a need for rental units. Meanwhile, longer term rentals and the resale of homes is still a possibility given it’s a hub for nightlife and other entertainment. Young professionals, families, and faculty of the University alike are all in search of housing in the area, ensuring you won’t hold on to a property long if you decide to sell.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Charlotte
Given that the expansive city covers 308 square miles, there is no shortage of neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from when looking for an investment property. Each area, at its own distance from downtown, also has its very own subculture. Investors can expect to find affluent neighborhoods, culturally rich and historical scenes, and even suburban nature havens. Long story short: They each have their own unique pros and cons. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Charlotte team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Charlotte market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Charlotte Market Deep Dive.
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