Cotswold - Charlotte, NC

Though several neighborhoods in the suburbs of Charlotte are steeped in the city’s history of gold discoveries and railroad success, Cotswold has a different claim to fame. The Cotswold Village shops, at the intersection of Randolph and Sharon Amity Road, are most likely the neighborhood’s namesake. This retail village was one of Charlotte’s first suburban malls and allowed Cotswold to emerge as a desirable area outside the city with access to preferred amenities.

The list of those amenities does not include major museums, though residents can venture to nearby Elizabeth or Myers Park for historical outlets. However, locals indulge in Cotswold’s art scene by visiting the Jerald Melberg Gallery or attending one of many local performances, as dance is the prominent art scene. To enjoy the best of festivals and annual events, locals head to Elizabeth’s New Belgium Clips Beer and Film Tour or to Dilworth for Festival in the Park.

For the best of Cotswold's cuisine, head to Sharon Amity Road. Dozens of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants cluster the area and give locals a central location to indulge in dishes from Southern barbecue to Mexican and Asian delicacies.

Head to The Pizza Peel and Tap Room on Colwick Road to find great specials on a regular basis. The affordable lunch menu includes cheesy slices of the best pie in the area, but the appetizers and drinks turn first-time visitors into regular patrons. Start with savory garlic knots twisted with flavor before being perfectly toasted in the oven, or opt for the legendary fish tacos that combine ancho-chili sauce with verde salsa for a magical dish. Locals recommend trying a few drinks from the bar or grabbing one of the seasonal beers on tap for less than $3.

On your way home from work, stop by Koishi on North Sharon Amity Road for some tasty sushi or take-out. Locals rave over the Singapore noodles and the house special shrimp, and Koishi's menu also features several heart-healthy options such as sautéed veggies with tofu and the signature Rainbow mixed vegetables.

Early risers and breakfast fans stick with Eddie's Place for a picture-perfect neighborhood bar that happens to serve comfort foods just as delectable as its beer selection. Breakfast burritos and country-fried chicken smothered in peppery gravy stand as local favorites, but the gingerbread pancakes and smoked sausage omelet shouldn't be overlooked.

In this quiet residential town, Cotswold locals take a more relaxed approach to nightlife. However, Leroy Fox and The Pizza Peel and Tap Room host live bands on designated nights. Cotswold has very few bars that function solely to sell alcohol, but McBonie's Bar and Grill serves as one of the area's most notable pubs.

Residents in Cotswold choose between a few transportation options. The neighborhood’s widespread layout prevents it from being very walkable, with the exception of residential streets and the area near the intersection of Randolph and Sharon Amity Road. Since locals rely heavily on cars to get around, designated bike lanes are also less common. However, bike-friendly roads exist on Linda Lane, Walker Road and Craig Avenue for those looking to avoid competition for parking.

No rail lines pass through the area, though CATS bus Routes 15, 45 and the express 61 and 62 run from the city center through Cotswold, with stops near the Cotswold Shopping Center. Driving is by far the most common choice for transportation, especially since commuting to Charlotte takes less than 15 minutes by car.

Taxis cannot readily be hailed, but locals use Uber or call ahead to United Cab of Charlotte to schedule their rides. Pick up your wheels and head out of town by accessing the Andrew Jackson Highway from Sharon Amity Road. This interstate circles the city before connecting to Interstate 77.

With only one designated green space existing within the neighborhood, locals with an affinity for the outdoors flock to the Grayson Skate Park off Beal Street. Aside from the multiple ramps and bowls for athletes on wheels, the park also hosts small events with vendor booths and music. Bring a bit cash to spend your afternoon testing your skills with locals of all ability levels.

Families and less daring residents prefer Oakhurt Park on Craig Avenue for its sport facilities and playground. Meanwhile, locals looking to jog or walk through trails with pets visit Randolph Road Park outside Cotswold on Billingsley Road.

Life among charming mid-century homes and renovated ranches in Cotswold comes at a higher price. A standard one-bedroom apartment averages $800 a month, but two-bedroom abodes are much more common and rent for around $1,000.

Other aspects of life are relatively affordable. For example, groceries, health care and utilities all cost approximately the same amounts as the Charlotte averages. An unlimited day pass for transportation through CATS costs $6.60, and gas prices hover at about 10 percent less than the national average. Residents consider the prices affordable overall and can enjoy a pint of beer, for example, for about $6 in local pubs.

Big-name retail options to convenience stores and local shops call Cotswold home. Find a lot of stores at the intersection of Sharon Amity Road and Randolph Road, and check out Cotswold Village Shops, a string of chain stores linked together that offer services, groceries, eateries, home goods, books and more.

Even with this convenient selection of big-name brands, many locals prefer home-grown products from the Cotswold Marketplace. The market houses at least 40 different vendors selling antiques, refurbished goods, special gifts and boutique-style decorations from North Carolina artists.

Thrift lovers head to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Wendover Road, particularly for its selection of inexpensive furniture. For a larger selection of local boutiques, frequent South Park to peruse shops such as bevello, Summerbird and Doll.(a boutique). Grocery stores in the area also congregate along Sharon Amity Road and Randolph Road, including Harris Teeter. A few other chain stores serve the area as well. Residents closer to the north side of the neighborhood utilize the Monroe Convenience Store for its unique selection Asian groceries and other specialty items. Check out farmers markets by attending the Elizabeth Avenue Farmers Market in Elizabeth or the Simpson's Produce in Myers Park. Both venues sit less than 5 miles away.