North Sharon Amity Charlotte, NC

Historically, east Charlotte was covered in farms and considered the far outskirts of the city. During the urban renewal of the 1960s, many businesses moved into uptown Charlotte, and the need for middle-class housing increased. Neighborhoods like North Sharon Amity grew as a result of the need for suburban housing close to busy corridors like Independence Boulevard that would take workers into the city center. Time has shifted east Charlotte from the family-friendly, suburban utopia of the 1960s and 1970s to the energy-filled, transitional neighborhood it is today.

Though no museums sit within the North Sharon Amity boundary, the Charlotte Museum of History can be found a short drive north within east Charlotte. The museum features Mecklenburg County's oldest home. Charlotte houses a number of theaters and art museums, including Ovens Auditorium along Independence Boulevard and Mint Museum. Festivals occurring throughout the city include Charlotte Beerfest and the Irish Summer Festival.

Restaurants within the North Sharon Amity neighborhood cater to those seeking ethnic options. Mexican- and Asian-food choices line Albemarle Road and Independence Boulevard, and Charlotte metro residents flock to this area because of the authentic food and atmosphere of these establishments. Family-owned and -operated Carnitas Guanajuato serves Mexican cuisine featuring the freshest produce and meat available at the market. Loyal customers appreciate this attention to detail and don't mind the extra wait for this caliber of food. Local favorites include the pork carnitas and red, white, and green enchiladas.

Karmale Cafe caters to those working or visiting the Executive Circle Drive business park. Karmale serves great breakfast and lunch baskets, such as hearty breakfast burritos, Reubens and grilled chicken sandwiches. Side dishes range from egg salad to sweet plantains. Many local businesses utilize Karmale's catering services.

A surprising number of options are available for those seeking an evening cocktail or a chance to dance the night away right within the neighborhood. Multiple bars and nightclubs lie along Albemarle Road, including Steamers Sports Pub and Vibrations Night Lounge. For more upscale options, locals head north to uptown. Live music can be caught at the Bojangles' Coliseum along Independence and also at multiple venues in the city center, such as the Double Door Inn.

A vast majority of North Sharon Amity residents drive or carpool to work, to school and to run errands. The convenience to Independence Boulevard appeals to many locals driving north to uptown or east toward the University of North Carolina-Charlotte campus. I-485 access requires a 6 mile drive east on Albemarle Road or a trek through uptown where an entrance to I-77 is located. From I-77 in uptown, the I-485 loop and I-85 can both be reached. No public parking lots sit in North Sharon Amity, and residents suggest that visitors park along residential streets.

Many residents walk or bike around their neighborhood, and slightly over 40 percent of the streets here have sidewalks. Bike commuters find that North Sharon Amity's bike lanes found along Reddman Road, Amity Place and North Sharon Amity Road help make rides around the city easier.

About 7 percent of locals utilize public bus transportation with Charlotte Area Transit System. Buses operate throughout the city, and stops within North Sharon Amity can be found along Sharon Amity Road, Albemarle Road and Executive Center Drive. Most routes run from 6 a.m. until midnight, Monday through Friday, with limited weekend hours. Uber and taxis operate within the neighborhood boundary but must be called ahead of time to schedule service.

Cedarwood Park, operated by Charlotte's Parks and Recreation department and situated in the heart of North Sharon Amity, provides free access to walking trails, a pond and large playground. Families with young children love watching and feeding the ducks swimming in the pond here. Albemarle Road Park, along East W.T. Harris Boulevard, covers 21 acres and has playgrounds and multipurpose fields that cater to area athletes. Though not within the neighborhood boundary, Albemarle Road Park is definitely worth the quick 1 mile trip east. All city-run parks within Charlotte allow dogs, but owners should check the leash laws at each individual park for up-to-date information.

Charlotte parks host many annual events and festivals throughout the year. Festival in the Park occurs every September at Freedom Park in uptown and celebrates local food, music and culture. Every Wednesday in the summer, the Romare Bearden Park presents live music beginning at 6 p.m. Both of these events welcome children.

Housing remains the main factor in North Sharon Amity's low cost of living, and neighborhood residents pay roughly 8 percent less to live here compared with the rest of the city. Though a minority of residents own their homes, they pay a median sale price 42 percent less than the average purchase price in Charlotte. Renters can expect to pay $590 for a one-bedroom apartment, which is significantly lower than the city average rate of $868.

Other expenses that factor into the cost of living, including transportation, goods and services, mirror rates found throughout Charlotte. Bus transportation with Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.20 for one-way fare and $6.60 for a day pass. Gas costs 4 percent less than the national average. Food and beverage prices at area restaurants also mimic those around the majority of the city, and patrons indulging in a locally made beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery or Birdsong generally pay $5 for a pint.

Locals find shopping options throughout east Charlotte limited to stores providing basic necessities at reasonable prices. Two shopping centers sit in the North Sharon Amity neighborhood and an additional three line the neighborhood boundary. To the north of North Sharon Amity along Albemarle Road, Eastland Promenade contains a Dollar Tree and the Best Buy Soccer store. Best Buy Soccer has become Charlotte's biggest soccer equipment retailer. Name-brand balls, cleats, and clothing fill the store.

The busy Farm Pond Shopping Center can be found further east on Albemarle Road. Numerous grocery markets, electronics providers, and small-scale apparel stores line Independence Boulevard. Limited upscale-shopping options within the neighborhood force residents to travel southwest to visit complexes such as the SouthPark Mall, Blakeney Shopping Center, and Promenade on Providence. A majority of the region's high-end shopping occurs within the SouthPark area, where retailers include Michael Kors, MAC and Louis Vuitton.

Residents purchase groceries at multiple ethnic markets throughout the North Sharon Amity neighborhood as well as larger grocery chains. Albemarle Road houses a Bi-Lo, Aldi and Walmart Neighborhood Market. The 7th Street Public Market in uptown, open seven days a week, attracts residents seeking local produce and meats.