Touchstone Village - Charlotte, NC

The entire area south of Charlotte developed in the 1990s as businesses began migrating from uptown to corporate complexes such as the one in Ballantyne. Touchstone Village is situated in this high-end area of town that caters to middle- and high-income earners looking for single-family and newer apartment complexes. Those relocating to Charlotte and working in the southern part of the city find Touchstone Village a great place to be. As South Charlotte grows so does Touchstone Village's popularity and appeal.

People wanting to experience the famous culture of Charlotte must travel to uptown. The Discovery Place Museum caters to families interested in the sciences and technology, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art on South Tryon features artwork by influential artists like Picasso, Warhol and Ernst. Annual events worth attending including the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Queen's Cup.

South Charlotte houses some great restaurant and nightlife options, and Touchstone Village sits right in the thick of the action. The Pineville-Matthews Road corridor to the north hosts a number of chain and local dining options, including Bonefish Grill, Wild East Pan-Asian Bistro and Cabo's Mexican Cuisine and Cantina. Across from Cabo's, the Rusty Onion Pizzeria and Pourhouse draws locals in with an extensive craft beer selection and perfectly cooked pesto pizza. Diners catch live music on the patio on weekend nights while enjoying a signature Rusty Onion appetizer. Consistently rated highly by restaurant-goers, the Rusty Onion is perfect for couple's night or a family event.

Nestled on Community House Road, Miro Spanish Grill has a modern and upscale atmosphere and serves the best paella in South Charlotte. Local favorites include fruity sangria and the tres leches. A new location has increased Miro's visibility in the community, so get here early on weekend nights to avoid a wait.

Riccio's Italian Restaurant lies in the heart of Touchstone Village and serves huge portions of homemade lasagna and spaghetti bolognese. The staff are eager to recommend their favorite dishes to diners. Start with the garlic knots and cap the meal off with the creamy cheesecake.

With a surprising amount of nightlife options in South Charlotte, residents of Touchstone Village don't have much of a chance to be bored. Locals head to Hickory Tavern for a low-key sports bar experience. A short drive north to South Park or further to uptown opens up the number of upscale nightclub, bar and music venue options exponentially.

Most residents in Touchstone Village own a personal vehicle and find this the easiest way to navigate to work and run errands. The area is not considered walkable, nor does the community have bike lanes. Locals use free public parking along residential streets and in shopping centers.

Drivers access I-485 by taking Pineville-Matthews west to Pineville or Rea Road south for 2 miles. Those relying on public transportation use Charlotte Area Transit System's bus service. Bus stations sit along the Pineville-Matthews and Rea Road corridors and operate every 45 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Taxis and Uber service the area when called on, but residents find it difficult to hail a cab in Touchstone Village.

South Charlotte hosts an abundant number of tall trees, creeks and even a wetland. Residents enjoy taking in the breathtaking scenery via the Greenway system. An access point to the McAlpine Creek Greenway lies along Johnston Road. At this spot, Four Mile Creek and McAlpine Creek converge. Well-shaded, dog-friendly and perfect for walking, running and biking, the Greenway provides a great spot for a family outing. Be on the lookout for a great blue heron as many call this corner of Charlotte home.

Northeast of the neighborhood lies the city-operated William R. Davie Park. Encompassing over 100 acres, this park offers something for everyone. Animal lovers appreciate the Davie Dog Park, and children can't get enough of the playground facilities. William R. Davie Park, one of the safest and most highly-rated parks in the area, definitely warrants a visit.

Annual community events occur in nearby Pineville. Santa Claus visits the Carolina Place Mall and the Pineville Fall Festival during the holiday season, and The Promenade on Providence shopping center, located east of Touchstone Village, hosts a handful of summertime Movies on the Green events June through October.

Though the cost of living averages 10 percent more in Touchstone Village than the Charlotte city average, locals consider it quite reasonable for this section of town. Residents pay up to 30 percent more on housing here than in other areas of the city. Renters pay $902 for a one-bedroom residence within the neighborhood, and about 45 percent of residents rent.

Utilities, groceries, health care, goods and services are all reasonably priced and comparable to the city average. A pint of beer at a local restaurant sets patrons back about $6.

In terms of transportation, a one-way fare on a Charlotte Area Transit System bus costs $2.20, and a day pass costs $6.60. Those taking express-route buses pay $2.60 per ride. The average price of gas in Touchstone Village sits at 5 percent less than the national average.

Shopping centers that include a good mix of chain and local retailers line the corridors of Touchstone Village. Drive 3 miles west to the city of Pineville to visit the Carolina Place Mall and the Centrum shopping complex, which include a number of stores such as Belk, JCPenney, REI and Toys "R" Us. Following Pineville-Matthews Road east to Touchstone Village, retailers include Pet Supplies Plus, Burlington Coat Factory, ethnically diverse markets and a number of locally owned speciality stores. Those looking for high-end shopping and name brands do best by heading north to the South Park neighborhood to the South Park Mall, Phillips Place and the Village at South Park.

Situated along Rea Road to the east of Touchstone Village, Birdhouse on the Greenway specializes in products for bird lovers. The knowledgeable staff help customers choose the right products for their backyards, and the selection here includes everything from birdhouses to binoculars to guide books.

Found in Toringdon Market off of Johnston Road, Ballantyne Jewelers hosts one of the best diamond selections in Charlotte. Staff can assist with custom-made jewelry and also offer affordable cleaning, appraisal and replating services.

Locals have many grocery store choices, including the affordable Trader Joe's on Rea Road, high-end Fresh Market off of Pineville-Matthews and Carmel Road and North Carolina-owned Earth Fare near I-485 on Johnston Road. The closest farmers' market lies 8 miles east in Matthews and operates year-round on Saturday mornings.