As the most populous city in North Carolina, Charlotte blends Southern charm with a fast-paced city lifestyle. Its powerhouse financial district, ever-evolving arts scene, and easy access to outdoor escapes make it a standout for renters. But with so many distinct neighborhoods, figuring out where to live before you move to Charlotte can feel overwhelming; that’s why we’ve narrowed it down for you based on atmosphere, amenities, rental availability, and overall livability.
The five best neighborhoods in Charlotte for renters are:
Belmont
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte: $1,457/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Belmont: $1,433/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Belmont: 727 square feet
Why Belmont is good for renters
Just east of Uptown, Belmont is one of Charlotte’s closest residential neighborhoods to the city center. This historic neighborhood has transformed over the years, where vintage mill homes and early 20th-century architecture now sit alongside newly constructed townhomes and apartment communities. Its walkability to the city center means restaurants, entertainment, and job centers are all within reach, yet the neighborhood maintains a more laid-back feel next to nature with numerous parks and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Keep in mind
With few stores and retailers in the neighborhood, you will need to drive for weekly shopping and chores.
Wesley Heights
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte: $1,457/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wesley Heights: $1,482/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Wesley Heights: 757 square feet
Why Wesley Heights is good for renters
Wesley Heights, one of the most historic neighborhoods in Charlotte, sits at the convergence of the Stewart Creek and Wesley Heights Greenway for a life surrounded by nature and old-time charm. Neighbors chat at beloved local restaurants, galleries, and corner stores that reflect the area’s creative energy and neighborly charm. Best of all, downtown is a quick trip — whether you want to drive on the highway or bike on the greenway.
Keep in mind
There are plenty of apartments for rent in Wesley Heights, but due to its small footprint, there are only a few apartment communities to choose from.
Oxford Hunt
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte: $1,457/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Oxford Hunt: $1,367/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Oxford Hunt: 799 square feet
Why Oxford Hunt is good for renters
Oxford Hunt is a cozy residential neighborhood on the southeastern outskirts of Charlotte. Though it is far removed from the city center, highways make the trip quick and simple. Dominated by single-family homes and apartment communities, the area is peaceful but just minutes away from the liveliness of retail hubs and a strong lineup of restaurants. One of the strong draws of the neighborhood is its abundance of nature with trails next to McAlpine Creek and a central pond.
Keep in mind
Oxford Hunt offers a calm place to settle, but the area’s lack of major cultural or nightlife hubs means residents often drive elsewhere for entertainment.
Highland Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte: $1,457/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Highland Creek: $1,332/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Highland Creek: 757 square feet
Why Highland Creek is good for renters
Just north of the I-485 belt loop is Highland Creek, where everything residents could need is within the neighborhood. A great selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment sits on the west side, and the Concord Mills Mall is just to the east. Parks, golf courses, and trails run between houses in addition to well-maintained sidewalks and streetlights encouraging residents to get outside.
Keep in mind
While Highland Creek is right on I-485, it is not a straight path to Downtown Charlotte. Drivers will need to head east or west to I-77 or I-85 to get to the city center.
Ballantyne
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte: $1,457/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Ballantyne: $1,596/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Ballantyne: 805 square feet
Why Ballantyne is good for renters
Ballantyne functions like a city within a city, offering renters a self-contained urban lifestyle with more room to breathe. Located in south Charlotte, this polished neighborhood blends office parks, beautiful apartments, restaurants, and shopping centers into one cohesive and thoughtfully planned environment. Residents enjoy a city-like atmosphere but with more green space at every turn. Walking trails, creeks, and landscaped parks run behind nearly every apartment community or home, making it easy to step outside and enjoy nature.
Keep in mind
While there are plenty of apartment communities to choose from in Ballantyne, there is also an abundance of rental homes as it is one of the best neighborhoods to rent a house in Charlotte.
Find Your Perfect Apartment with Apartments.com
Searching for an apartment shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why Apartments.com gives you the tools to find the perfect rental, whether you're eyeing a cozy one-bedroom in Uptown Charlotte or a conveniently located home in University City North.
Our easy-to-use search filters let you narrow by price, amenities, pet policies, and more, so you can find a place that checks all your boxes. With thousands of options, detailed listing pages, and neighborhood guides that go beyond the basics, Apartments.com isn’t just a rental platform — it’s your first step towards the perfect apartment.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s December 2025 reports.
FAQs
Is Charlotte a good place to live?
Yes, Charlotte is a great place to live for renters who want the energy of a growing city with easy access to outdoor activities and cultural attractions. From high-rise apartments in Uptown Charlotte to quiet, tree-lined streets in the suburbs, Charlotte offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, a thriving job market, and year-round events for art, sports, and music lovers.
Is Charlotte an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Charlotte is 1.1 percent higher than the national average, making it slightly more expensive overall. However, rental costs are lower than the national average, which helps offset higher prices in areas like groceries and healthcare.
What’s the average rent in Charlotte?
The average rent in Charlotte is $1,458/month, as of December 2025. This is 11 percent below the national average rent of $1,632/month. If you’re looking for a rent lower than the average in Charlotte, be sure to check out the most affordable neighborhoods in Charlotte.
