Ballantyne - Charlotte, NC

The community of Ballantyne was designed and planned from its birth and throughout its life, with very little left to chance. Built on the farmland owned by the estate of a prominent local family, it has flourished and grown since its inception in the 1990s.

Though this area would not be considered exceptionally artsy, the town of Charlotte does have a thriving arts scene in NODA, on North Davidson Street, about 30 minutes away from Ballantyne East. Museums can also be found in Uptown, which is home to the Mint Museum, the ImaginOn and Discovery Place, both geared toward kids, as well as the Levine Museum of the New South.

Dining and nightlife choices abound in this luxurious part of the city. Famous Toastery never fails to impress as a breakfast choice with authentic cappuccinos and some of the tastiest pancakes in Charlotte. Unlike some other businesses in this area, parking for this lovely cafe is easy to come by.

Looking for a quick and casual lunch or dinner? JJ's Red Hots may just be your best bet. This place specializes in hot dogs with unusual and yummy toppings, such as pimento cheese, peanut butter, and even honey. You never have to get the same dog twice and are sure to be impressed with the food and service.

When you're in the mood for sports, burgers, and beer, go to Fox & Hound on John Delaney Drive. Here you can grab a burger and pull up a chair to watch the big game, or belt out a tune on karaoke night. For more variety in your nightlife options, head in to central Charlotte.

Easily navigated on foot, you can walk to lunch, meet someone for a drink after work or see a movie all without grabbing a cab or jumping in your car. If you are looking for transportation, there are many cab and limo services available, with Uber and Lyft drivers also being easy to find. Convenient to the interstates as well as the airport, this community finds itself at the center of everything. Parking may be an issue at times, but there are plenty of bike lanes, and hoofing it can be a great solution on busy evenings. The parking deck at Ballantyne Village and valet services come in handy for an evening out on the town.

There are many stunning natural areas and parks in the Ballantyne East area. Equally as green and lush as it is busy and populated, one can tell that this community took a lot of thoughtful planning. Within the corporate park, for example, there are a great number of ponds, walking paths, and natural spaces where workers can be seen walking or jogging on their lunch breaks.

Still more, exercise enthusiasts can check out the Fit Trail as well as quite a few shaded or covered areas to sit and socialize with friends and co-workers over coffee or lunch. These small parks, scattered all over the corporate park, make this a great place to work. People employed in this area work for high-profile companies and have high-stress and high-pressure jobs. Employees can take a break from their desk or cubicle and escape into a small piece of wooded landscape that allows them a break from the stresses of their busy work schedules.

These parks, however, do not have playgrounds or children's equipment, as they were planned for the employees working in the buildings. For this reason, families with children might want to take the kids elsewhere, such as to McAlpine Creek. The county also runs a local park, Ballantyne Park. There you can find 91 acres of nature to enjoy as well as a soccer field. The corporate park does not ban dogs but probably would not be labeled "dog friendly." However, your dog is likely to love Ballantyne Park. As a bonus, all of these park areas are free.

In general, the cost of living in this area is understandably higher than the rest of Charlotte. Rents and home costs are much higher than could be found elsewhere. A one-bedroom apartment in this area costs between $800 and $1,200. However, gas costs are about 3 percent higher than the rest of the country, but the fact that you can walk so many places makes it less necessary to drive. A beer in the area costs between $3 and $4, while the bus lines run through Ballantyne with a flat rate of $2.20.

Ballantyne Village, an upscale shopping center in Ballantyne East, is considered by most as the center of the neighborhood. The two stories of the shopping center have something for everyone, and it's here that you'll find the widest range of retail and restaurant options. With shops, spas, stores, and more, anyone can have fun here.

You can ship a package from FedEx then scoot over to watch a movie on the second floor. In the mood for some retail therapy? The Cheeky Bean is a great boutique for women who love fashion, while Abraham Joseph Fine Jewelers is the perfect place to find a gift that dazzles. Looking for home decor? Check out Art in the Village, which is a lovely gallery. Just across the road is Ballantyne Commons East, where grocery shopping, a pharmacy, and more can be found.