Barclay Downs - Charlotte, NC

As heirs to Charlotte's 'old money' began moving away from close-in neighborhoods like Eastover and Myers Park, they sought high-quality neighborhoods with conveniently locations that still felt like home. With its mature trees, large yards and mid-century charm, Barclay Downs fits the bill and at a much lower price.

Developed in the late 1950s, Barclay Downs is today a distinct mix of old and new. A majority of homes in the heart of the neighborhood are original brick ranches and multistory colonials, though many feature recent additions and renovations. These classic homes typically feature beautiful hardwoods, full brick fireplaces and large screened-in porches, making them the perfect place to relax and enjoy some sweet iced tea with a neighbor.

Take a short stroll down Barclay Downs Drive and the scenery changes dramatically. High-rise developments with a combination of high-end, pedestrian-friendly retail, restaurant and luxury condos are the norm at SouthPark and Piedmont Row.

Barclay Downs shares its boundary with the ever-growing SouthPark area, which is almost a city unto itself. The retail giant in this area is SouthPark Mall, a luxury shopping destination anchored by Belk, Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Within the mall and immediate area, shoppers find more than two dozen restaurants and bars.

On any given day, you might sit next to a Charlotte Panther NFL player while eating a burger at the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or rub elbows with the nation’s biggest bankers at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. When the workday is done, happy hour begins at the bars and restaurants of SouthPark, Phillips Place and Piedmont Row — all within minutes of Barclay Downs. Choose from friendly sports bars like Taco Mac and wine rooms such as Dean & Deluca, or enjoy world-class dining at restaurants like Zebra.

Barclay Downs is bordered by Fairview Road, Sharon Lane, Park Road, Colony Road and Brandywine/Selwyn Avenue — all major thoroughfares with well-marked bicycle lanes. A 15-minute drive to I-77, residents enjoy easy access to I-85 and I-485, Charlotte’s outerbelt.

Cars provide the predominant means of travel in Barclay Downs, but the Charlotte Area Transit System CATS runs bus service in the area starting at 5:50 a.m. on weekdays all the way until to 10:39 p.m. CATS also operates the LYNX Blue Line, the region’s first light rail service to uptown. There's ample free parking throughout the area.

Air travel is also easily accessible from Barclay Downs. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the world’s sixth busiest airport, is less than 30 minutes away. A US Airways hub, Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves more than 140 nonstop destinations around the globe.

Barclay Downs Swim & Racquet Club, which is located in the heart of the neighborhood, sits at the epicenter for fun and exercise in this family-oriented community. The private club features six tennis courts, year-round tennis lessons and a super-fun 25-meter pool with two diving boards, a basketball hoop in the shallow end and a separate baby pool. There’s a snack bar at the pool and plenty of lounge chairs to kick back in and relax.

During the summer, the club isn't always a quiet place thanks to rambunctious children availing themselves to the pool, but the upside is that this park isn't often overcrowded. Barclay Downs Swim & Racquet is a well-managed club with a long waiting list, making preparation and timely application the keys to enjoying membership.

Barclay Downs is also fortunate to have three excellent public schools within walking distance. The campus grounds and walking paths are favorites for walkers with leashed dogs, plus there's a quarter-mile track at both middle and upper schools for walkers and runners.

Housing affordability is one of the keys to Barclay Downs success. A daypass on CATs allows you to ride anywhere in Charlotte for $6.60, and weekly passes are available for $22. Rental options are limited within Barclay Downs proper, though high-quality apartments are available on the outskirts, starting at about $1,000 monthly. The cost of living in this area run close to state averages, giving a nominal 0.6 percent advantage of other areas of North Carolina. Living in the area provides a modest break over national cost-of-living averages, falling in at 2.6 percent less than other areas of the country. Retail and restaurant prices are largely driven by the upscale SouthPark market. A glass of pinot noir goes for about $9 at area wine rooms, while pints of craft style brew run around $6.

Barclay Downs is well served by several nearby shopping destinations. The biggest and most well known is SouthPark Mall, which features more than 150 stores. This upmarket mall provides something to satisfy even the pickiest person.

Just one-half mile west of SouthPark Mall is Phillips Place, a smaller yet refined shopping experience. Here, discover outstanding restaurants, specialty retail, exciting apparel and exquisite home furnishings - all set against a backdrop of beautiful flowers, park benches, bubbling fountains and old-world charm.

For all those special things you need, try the Specialty Shops on the Park located across from SouthPark Mall. This beautifully landscaped open-air shopping center houses privately-owned boutiques such as Elizabeth Bruns Jewelers and ivy & leo, along with famous brands like Williams-Sonoma and Talbots. Enjoy a variety of dining options, including Bricktop's, Toscana Ristorante Italiano and Paco's Tacos and Tequila.