Raintree - Charlotte, NC

Established in the 1970s as a series of residential developments and anchor country club, Raintree's mixed-use design plan was created to appeal to Charlotte's suburban residents. An abundance of tall trees and the Four-Mile Creek has drawn in those wanting to feel as though they are living close to nature. Though already relatively established compared to many other Charlotte communities, Raintree experienced a surge in growth in the 1990s that continues today.

Residents make the 15-minute drive north to uptown or east to Matthews to visit the Discovery Place museum or attend the annual Labor Day weekend celebration Matthews Alive.

Raintree locals love the proximity to numerous quality casual and fine-dining restaurants but must travel to uptown for a wider variety of nightlife options. The Arboretum Shopping Center houses a number of chain dining choices, including the ever-popular B.T.'s Burger Joint as well as some locally owned favorites.

Numerous must-try restaurants border Raintree, including Malaya Kitchen. Malaya Kitchen offers a Malaysian-based Asian fusion menu chock-full of sweet and savory meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Diners rave about the General Tso's chicken and noodle dishes.

Those looking for a truly one-of-a-kind breakfast experience needn't look any further than Le Peep, also located in the Arboretum. Though it's known for skillet dishes, diners can't get enough of the eggs Benedict and home fries. Affordability and consistency keep loyal customers coming back time after time. Lines can be long, so plan to get here early on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Another local favorite is the ever-popular Vintner Wine Market. Grab a glass of wine or one of the many available brews, order a plate of artisan cheeses, and be prepared for a truly relaxing evening. For Italian, head to Rudy's Italian Restaurant & Bar on Rea Road. This casual neighborhood restaurant opens daily and serves many classic Italian meals, including hearty pasta dishes and seafood marinated in delicious wine sauces.

Those looking to enjoy nightly entertainment, such as bars and clubs, head to Charlotte's vibrant city center. For a more relaxed date night close by, the Cinebarre movie theater and restaurant in the Arboretum offers great food for moviegoers to enjoy while watching the latest flicks. Cinebarre caters to adults, making this a perfect option for couples.

Similar to most of Charlotte's neighborhoods, Raintree residents find having a personal vehicle most convenient. For those needing bus transportation, the Charlotte Area Transit System operates routes from the Arboretum Shopping Center into uptown every 40 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Express bus service from the Arboretum is also available from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. during the work week.

Drivers access the I-485 loop from both Rea Road and Providence Road. I-77 and I-85 can be accessed from I-485. Those commuting to uptown Charlotte take Providence Road right into city center. Frequent taxi service is uncommon here, but local cab companies service this area if called upon. Uber operates within the neighborhood boundary. Ample public parking availability can be found at the Arboretum.

Raintree is considered a car-dependent neighborhood and has a limited number of bike lanes.

This area was specifically developed for residential use because of the large number of trees and creeks located here. Because of this, parks and outdoor opportunities abound in Raintree. The 107-acre city-run William R. Davie park borders Raintree and offers free use of multiple athletic fields, indoor and outdoor picnic shelters, playgrounds, and walking trails. Nothing beats packing a picnic lunch, grabbing the kids and dogs, and heading to the park on a sunny summer day. The on-site dog park even has two sides to keep big and little dogs separate.

Charlotte has a number of popular greenways. An entrance to the Four-Mile Creek greenway can be found on Rea Road on the west side of the Raintree development.

The Raintree Country Club, located within the Village of Raintree, offers a private, members-only country club experience. This quality, family friendly facility includes a number of premier benefits, including a clubhouse, two golf courses, swimming pool and tennis courts. Those willing to pay for the pricey membership claim that this gem of a club is worth every penny.

The cost of living in Raintree averages 34 percent higher than the rest of Charlotte, though residents on the whole earn almost double the state median income. Bus service in and around Charlotte with the Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.20 for one-way fare or $6.60 for a day pass. Gas prices here are 3 percent lower than the national average.

A one-bedroom apartment rental in Raintree averages $853 per month. However, most rentals available cater to those looking for larger single-family homes. Of Raintree residents, 24 percent rent their properties, which is 10 percent lower than the state average.

A pint of beer at one of the establishments in the nearby Arboretum shopping center set patrons back $5.

Within the Raintree neighborhood boundary, limited shopping options are available. Fortunately, a handful of shopping centers can be found within a 1-mile radius. The Arboretum Shopping Center has long been considered the anchor shopping complex in South Charlotte. Boasting big-box stores, such as Wal-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Barnes & Noble, interspersed with boutique shops, most retail needs can be met here. Residents purchase their groceries at Harris Teeter.

A number of consignment shops catering to both kids and adults can also be found near Raintree. The boutique consignment shop Great Things Consignment has fiercely loyal customers and one of the largest selections of designer-label clothes and accessories in the city. The popular Matthews Farmers Market is a 10-minute drive east and operates year-round on Saturday mornings.