Harris-Houston - Charlotte, NC

Harris-Houston is one of Charlotte’s newer neighborhoods, dating back to the 1980s when housing construction began in the area between University City and Harrisburg. With the construction of the PNC Music Pavilion, originally called the Blockbuster Pavilion, in 1991, the neighborhood began to grow, with new housing developments and shopping centers arising.

Located adjacent to the UNCC campus, Harris-Houston residents have easy access to the university's three art galleries, showcasing works of both internationally renowned artists and studnet and faculty works.

Most of Harris-Houston’s locally restaurants operate near University Boulevard.

For a quick takeout meal, order from Cottage Restaurant. Serving a standard menu of Chinese takeout dishes alongside a selection of burgers, chicken wings and subs, Cottage Restaurant’s generous portion sizes, great food and fast service keep patrons coming back for more. Residents throughout Harris-Houston take advantage of the restaurant’s 10-mile delivery radius, and online ordering adds even more convenience.

Nearer to the university area lies Chopsticks. Hidden in a small storefront and easy to overlook, this oft-praised Chinese restaurant features some of the best lo mein and egg rolls in Charlotte. With dine-in, takeout and delivery options, Chopsticks accommodates both diners looking for a leisurely night out or a fast meal to go. Though Chopsticks’ prices may at first seem high for Chinese takeout, the portions are large enough to share among two or three diners or to save for a later meal.

For Mediterranean cuisine, Bread & Kabobs has proven a Harris-Houston favorite. Serving more than just a wide selection of kabobs, this restaurant keeps customers coming back for its gyros and shawarma. Featuring a comfortable dining room, eclectic music and free dine-in meals to kids on weekends, Bread & Kabob is a great place to have a sit-down meal. For customers preferring to order takeout, the restaurant delivers orders over $25 on request.

Harris-Houston’s music scene revolves around the PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte’s outdoor amphitheater. Formerly known as the Verizon Amphitheatre, the venue operates at a capacity of 18,768, drawing national touring acts, including the Vans Warped Tour and Ozzfest as well as A-list bands from every musical genre.

Discover everyone from professionals to novice players shooting pool at The Smokin’ Cue. With 20 tables placed throughout a spacious playing area, the size of this establishment ensures players never feel crowded. A full bar with $1.50 single beers and $5 pitchers combined with a modest pub-food menu complete the experience. Weekly tournaments on Wednesdays and Fridays allow individuals and teams to test their skills.

The Charlotte Area Transport System’s route 11 bus serves as the neighborhood’s only bus route, providing service from Pavilion Boulevard to the uptown Charlotte Transportation Center. Uber and traditional taxi services provide additional transit options.

Getting around Harris-Houston requires a car as the community has few bike lanes and ranks as Charlotte’s 98th most walkable neighborhood, making it a poor choice for cyclists and pedestrians. Fortunately, drivers find plentiful free parking in the neighborhood. University City Boulevard to I-85 provides easy access to downtown Charlotte with an approximately 22-minute commute.

Harris-Houston residents enjoy close proximity to Harrisburg Park. The 12.72-acre park features walking and mountain biking trails as well as soccer/football fields, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a playground, making it a perfect park for recreational athletes of all ages. With twelve tables and two grills, the park's amenities invite visitors to relax and enjoy a picnic in the park. Dogs on leashes are always welcome in the park.

Harrisburg Park hosts a number of annual events. The Christmas Tree Lighting transforms the park into a Christmas village, complete with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a nativity scene, craft and food vendors, and live song and dance performances from community groups. Easter brings the Twilight Easter Egg Hunt, while Independence Day draws in local bands for an outdoor concert ending in a fireworks display. Halloween celebrations round out the holiday season with Trick or Treat in the Park.

The UNC Botanical Gardens, located adjacent to the Harris-Houston neighborhood, cultivate plants for educational, environmental and aesthetic purposes throughout two gardens and a greenhouse. With a focus on biodiversity, the gardens strive to present visitors with plants they’ve never before seen. Open year-round, the gardens highlight a different seasonal plant each month, from orchids in January to carnivorous and tropical plants in July. Admission to the botanical gardens is free for individuals, or groups of 7 to 26 people can arrange for a guided tour for $3 per person. The outdoor gardens include gravel and mulch paths that may be difficult to navigate for visitors with mobility issues, but the greenhouse is completely handicap accessible.

The cost of living index in Harris-Houston averages six points lower than Charlotte’s overall cost of living, with housing cost being the largest contributing factor. Average monthly rent in Harris-Houston runs $681 compared to the typical Charlotte price of $868. Bars in the area often feature drink specials, selling single beers for as little as $1.50 and pitchers as low as $5.

Riding the bus one-way from Pavilion Boulevard to downtown Charlotte costs $3, or commuters can purchase unlimited passes daily for $6.60, weekly for $22 or monthly for $121. Drivers find gas prices comparable to the national average.

The Commons at Chancellor Park provides the neighborhood’s most comprehensive shopping experience, featuring primarily large chain stores, while unique local shops operate throughout the neighborhood.

Get in Gear Bicycles proffers a full-service shop for area cyclists. Selling both new and consignment bikes, this shop staffs knowledgeable people who direct customers to the bike best suited to their needs. Also employing on-site bike mechanics, Get in Gear provides regular bike maintenance and more extensive repairs.

For Harris-Houston fashionistas seeking original accessories, look no further than the Classy Couture Boutique. Specializing in fashion accessories, including jewelry, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, fashion rings and scarves, this shop takes pride in assuring customers that all pieces are handcrafted and no two are exactly alike. This attention to detail makes the boutique the perfect place to accessorize your own wardrobe or find a unique gift.

Food Lion serves as the neighborhood’s primary grocer. The Harrisburg Market is the nearest farmer's market. Operating on Monday afternoons from April to September, the market sells locally grown produce, eggs, pork, and grassfed beef along with handcrafted jewelry and baked goods.