Mountain Island - Charlotte, NC

The area now known as Mountain Island developed because of its proximity to the Catawba River. Duke Energy purchased the land in the 1920s and built one of the area's first hydroelectric power plants. Mountain Island Lake resulted from this development, and plant workers called the areas surrounding the lake home. Duke Energy still maintains the Riverbend Steam Station on the original property and brings it online whenever energy demands increase.

Without any annual events or festivals in Mountain Island, residents head to Huntersville for the annual Renaissance Festival and the Rural Hill Scottish Festival. A short drive away lies Historic Latta Plantation, which charges $7 for admission. Built in 1800 as a cotton plantation and later purchased by a subsidiary of Duke Energy to house tenant farmers, the plantation now serves as a museum that draws visitors from all over the Carolinas.

Mountain Island lacks a community center but boasts a handful of locally owned restaurants as well as a number of chain and fast food options. The shopping centers of Callabridge Commons and Mountain Island Marketplace along Brookshire Blvd. house the majority of these dining choices. A short drive to nearby Mount Holly or Huntersville opens up the amount of dining options significantly.

One of the few local restaurants within neighborhood limits that can't be missed is Heirloom. Owners describe their food as "locally sourced, globally inspired," and diners rave about the homemade cornbread and pork belly. The menu changes daily based on seasonal availability. A seven-course tasting menu can be ordered for those unable to choose between the numerous dishes.

Sunset Soul Food is perfect for days when you don't have time to cook but want a down-home meal. This casual eatery offers an extensive menu that includes whole fried catfish, meatloaf, fried chicken and sides such as macaroni and cheese, and rice and gravy. Locals rave about the unusual menu items also, including fried croaker, pigs feet, chittlins and oxtails on rice.

The Shuffletown Drive-In on Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd. has perfected breakfast, and diners get there early on Saturday and Sunday mornings to get their fill of eggs cooked to order, country ham and fresh biscuits. Lines may be long at peak times, but the wait is worth it for this favorite greasy spoon.

Without bars, music venues or other forms of nightlife, residents travel north to Huntersville to take advantage of the Birkdale Village shopping complex or east into Uptown Charlotte.

Most Mountain Islanders own their own vehicles, as this area is not as accessible as most other Charlotte neighborhoods. This area is a commuters dream and allows easy access to the I-485 loop, I-85 and I-77.

Those without cars have the option to take public transit through the Charlotte Area Transit System. Buses run regularly from the NC-16 and Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd. intersection at Callabridge Commons into Uptown Charlotte every hour from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Finding a taxi may be a little hard in Mountain Island, but local cab companies will service this area if called upon. Shopping centers host an abundance of public parking spaces.

With a walk score of 10 out of 100, Mountain Island is not considered walkable. Although trails for hiking and walking around the lake are available, most residents use vehicles to reach shopping destinations and other amenities.

Recreational opportunities abound in Mountain Island. Mountain Islanders love their eponymous lake and have the chance to enjoy it year-round. Local families, including children and even family pets, enjoy afternoons at the lake.

Located right off of NC-16, the Riverbend Access Area is a popular public boat launch with ample parking. Get here early on a beautiful summer weekend to ensure a spot. Local fishermen flock to the Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area, another public access area, where bass tend to congregate.

Nature enthusiasts enjoy the expansive Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, a 654-acre park managed by Mecklenburg County. With lake access, hiking trails and attractions such as the Historic Latta Plantation, Carolina Raptor Center, and nature center, the preserve deserves its reputation as one of Charlotte's most well-loved parks. Entrance to the preserve is free, but additional fees apply when visiting the plantation and the Carolina Raptor Center.

Birds abound year-round at the Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge. Visitors are limited to the observation deck unless registered with a tour group, but the chance to view over 200 species of birds makes a side trip here worthwhile.

Mountain Island is considered one of the higher-end areas of Charlotte, and property values average higher here than in the neighboring communities of Mount Holly and Coulwood. Renters pay $729 for a one-bedroom apartment, which is lower than Charlotte's city average of over $1,000. Most rentals in the area cater to those looking for three or more bedrooms and cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,800. While Charlotte's cost of living is 6 percent lower than the national average, Mountain Island residents pay more for housing but less for other staples, such as food. A pint of beer will set patrons back around $5.

In terms of transportation, passengers can expect to pay $2.20 for a one-way bus ride into town and $6.60 for a day pass. Mountain Island gas prices sit around 7 percent less than the national average.

Mountain Island houses two shopping centers that cater to the basics. Callabridge Commons contains a handful of small specialty shops, business offices and restaurants. Located directly across the street, Mountain Island Marketplace contains a pharmacy and a Harris Teeter grocery store. Those looking for high-end boutiques and other specialty stores must travel to nearby Huntersville or closer to Charlotte's city center.

Aside from the Harris Teeter, Mountain Island has three additional grocery stores within a short driving distance: Wal-Mart, Food Lion and BiLo.

Only a 10-minute drive north, Northlake Mall and the surrounding areas host ample shopping options, and most residents of Mountain Island use this as their main shopping destination. Smaller speciality shops selling everything from mattresses to women's accessories are sprinkled among common big-box stores like Target, PetCo and Lowes.

There are a handful of farmers markets throughout the Charlotte area, including the 7th Street Public Market and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market.