Closeburn-Glenkirk - Charlotte, NC Area Guide

An established neighborhood, many homes in Closeburn-Glenkirk date back to the early 20th century. Built on acreage once isolated from the city, the neighborhood’s older homes lie on spacious lots. Today the neighborhood attracts young professionals, primarily working in the management and finance fields, creating an atmosphere ideal for families.

The Montclaire Elementary School PTA hosts many community engagement events throughout the year, providing children in Closeburn-Glenkirk with opportunities to grow a community garden, lead a recycling program or compete in a spelling bee.

Most of Closeburn-Glenkirk's unique local restaurants lie on the west side of the neighborhood, along South Boulevard.

Lempira Restaurant brings Honduran, Salvadorian and Mexican foods to Closeburn-Glenkirk. Chefs rely on signature spice blends, peppers and fresh fruits to flavor their refined versions of classic Central American dishes. With a wider menu than most Central American restaurants in the Charlotte area, the stuffed plantains, pupusas and tamales keep customers coming back. Serving large portions with artistic plating, Lempira creates the perfect atmosphere for everything from a business lunch to a family dinner.

For fast Mexican takeout, The Burrito Factory does not disappoint. Serving fresh ingredients, the Burrito Factory distinguishes itself with high-quality dishes at affordable prices. The burritos predictably prove a favorite, though customers equally praise the fish tacos, offered at a discount on Taco Tuesdays. Customers within three miles of the restaurant can have their meal delivered for a $3 fee, and online ordering adds further convenience.

Diners searching for Vietnamese cuisine need look no further than Vietnam Grille. With a relaxed home-style atmosphere, this family-owned restaurant creates an environment welcoming to all guests. Although a small restaurant, Vietnam Grille serves an extensive menu with options to please everyone. Repeat customers praise the pho as one of the best and most authentic choices in Charlotte, while the char-grilled pork and chicken also prove ever-popular choices.

Lucky Lou's serves as the neighborhood tavern. With live music, nightly drink specials and a pool hall, Lucky Lou's draws a diverse crowd. Local blues band Fairplay plays at the tavern every week on BluesDay Tuesday, while Friday night hosts a variety of local and touring talent, and Wednesdays and Saturdays bring karaoke night.

With few bike lanes and low walkability, getting around the Closeburn-Glenkirk neighborhood requires a car. Drivers can find parking readily available in commercial and residential areas.

The Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) operates several bus routes connecting Closeburn-Glenkirk to the city center. Commuters traveling by car can reach the city center via a 16-minute drive along I-77 or can avoid the interstate by taking Park Road, which adds approximately 3 minutes to the commute.

Uber operates in the neighborhood in addition to traditional taxi services.

The Marion Diehl Recreation Center houses an indoor pool that operates year-round. The 25-meter pool hosts swim lessons and fitness classes for all ages and ability levels as well as opening for community use. Admission fees range from $2 for children to $4 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and people with disabilities, or swimmers can purchase three-month passes. The recreation center lies on the 79-acre Marion Diehl Park, which features playgrounds, picnic shelters, multi-use fields and concrete walking trails.

The 72-acre Park Road Park features a variety of sports facilities. With 12 tennis courts, eight basketball courts, six baseball/softball fields, a volleyball court and two horseshoe pits, athletes of all sorts flock to Park Road, including the Queens University of Charlotte softball team, which plays all home games at the park. Park Road also features four picnic shelters, and every autumn, it hosts the annual Southeast Fall Feast, celebrating Low Country culinary heritage with blue crabs and a Low Country Boil, accompanied by live music and family-friendly events. The children's Fall Fun Fest, sponsored by the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, features games, obstacle courses, prizes and food, along with free speech and hearing screenings.

The overall cost of living in Closeburn-Glenkirk is 6.8 percent higher than the average for Charlotte, though apartment rental rates run lower, averaging $627 per month compared to the typical Charlotte rate of $868.

Traveling by a CATS bus one-way to or from downtown Charlotte costs $3, or commuters can purchase a monthly unlimited pass for $121. Gas prices sit at 1 percent lower than the national average.

An imported beer can be had for $3 at a local tavern, while domestic beers often sell for $2.50.

Closeburn-Glenkirk offers a variety of retail shopping options along South Boulevard, including the Tyvola Mall, home to a wide variety of big-box stores and local boutiques.

Opened in 1950, Starclaire House of Flowers remains a fixture in the Charlotte community. Creating unique flower arrangements as well as balloon bouquets, fruit arrangements and gourmet gift baskets, Starclaire’s florists can guide customers in creating the perfect gifts and arrangements. With online ordering and delivery to Charlotte and surrounding cities, Starclaire provides a convenient way to honor any milestone.

A short drive down Fairview Road lies Scarlett Plus Size Boutique. Named after Scarlett O’Hara, designer Todd Albaum seeks to bring the Southern heroine’s feisty spirit to plus-size fashions. The store stocks an array of sportswear, evening wear, swimwear and accessories so customers can always find unique and stylish pieces. For customers who don’t find their perfect garment in stock, Scarlett’s designer and master seamstress can create custom clothing, including bridal gowns, to anyone’s specifications.

Food Lion and Harris Teeter serve as the neighborhood’s primary supermarkets, while Los Reyes Supermarket and Payal Indian Grocery and Spices offer specialty groceries. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market lies approximately 4 miles from Closeburn-Glenkirk. Open year-round Tuesday through Saturday and seasonally on Sundays, the farmers' market offers local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and fresh flowers, alongside a greenery shed selling live plants.