Olde Providence North - Charlotte, NC

The area that has become Olde Providence North once existed as a sprawling farm. A stroll down the winding roads now found here showcases the many types of architectural styles used during the developmental 'boom years' of 1950 through the 1970s, when houses were constructed for Charlotte's white-collar workers. Residents see their community as a snapshot in time before South Charlotte became the popular place to live and work.

The active Olde Providence neighborhood association presents opportunities for residents to mingle all year long, and and events can be found posted on the community's Facebook page as well as through their Homeowners's Association website. Offerings include potlucks, home tours and holiday parties. Those interested in exploring Charlotte's arts scene head to Halton Theatre or the Actor's Theatre of Charlotte for local and nationally-produced plays. Museums within the city-limits include the child-oriented Charlotte Nature Center and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Olde Providence North residents enjoy plentiful restaurant and nightlife options outside the neighborhood proper and found within a two-mile radius along the Providence Road and Fairview Road corridors. A majority of these are casual, family-oriented chain eateries such as Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and P.F. Chang's. Locally-owned restaurants have also proliferated in the area around Olde Providence North as the South Park shopping continues to grow.

Barrington's Restaurant, housed in the Foxcroft East Shopping Center on Fairview Road, presents high-end American dishes in an intimate setting. Renowned chef Bruce Moffett owns Barrington's and prides himself on the seasonal and inventive menu that includes Prince Edward Island mussels, grouper, and rabbit pot pie. Those desiring a well-deserved date night need to make reservations well in advance, as Barrington's only seats 30.

Red Rocks Cafe, Bar, and Bakery lies just north of Olde Providence North along Providence Road and consistently ranks as one of the area's most popular and well-loved restaurants. The atmosphere remains warm and inviting. Diners rave about the crab cakes and cajun chicken pasta, and the waitstaff loves to help recommend wine pairings. Quiet ambiance and a large outdoor patio add to the casual, but impressive, vibe.

Gleiberman's Kosher Mart and Deli sells Glatt kosher meats, sides and traditional baked goods along Providence Road at the Providence Square shopping center. Simply cooked and prepared, the food at Gleiberman's can be consumed in the restaurant, prepared to go or catered. Regulars suggest ordering the French fries with the hot rotisserie chicken and an extra pickle for good measure.

The nearby Phillips Place shopping complex houses a Regal Cinemas. Closer to Olde Providence North, the Wine Shop at Foxcroft sells wine by the glass and bottle. Those looking for nightclubs and live music find the best selection in uptown Charlotte.

Creators designed the city of Charlotte around major interstates and highways, and because of this, most residents find that having a vehicle goes a long way in providing convenience. The I-485 loop runs around the city, easily accessible by driving south for 7 miles along Providence Road. A 25-minute trip through city center along Providence Road north allows drivers to access 1-77. Walking or biking from the peaceful neighborhood of Olde Providence North to amenities like shopping centers, restaurants and service-providers is not easy or recommended. Those looking for parking within the neighborhood may choose to park along the residential streets.

People who prefer relying on public transportation utilize Charlotte Area Transit System's bus services which operates along Providence Road and Carmel Road every 45 minutes from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Express service runs on a 30-minute cycle Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. Make sure to call ahead if you are looking for either a taxi or an Uber.

The city of Charlotte operates three free-for-use and dog-friendly parks surrounding Olde Providence North. To the east, in the nearby neighborhood of Stonehaven, James Boyce Park contains walking trails, a playground and softball fields. Parkgoers have the option to take a 2-mile stroll along the Campbell Creek and McAlpine Creek greenways from James Boyce Park to access McAlpine Creek Community Park off of Monroe Road.

West of Olde Providence North, Carmel Road Neighborhood Park appeals to athletes with softball, tennis and basketball facilities in addition to two multipurpose fields. Olde Providence Park sits behind Olde Providence Elementary School and, although small, it is the perfect place to bring the youngsters to romp around the playground.

Locals benefit from their close proximity to Symphony Park at South Park where the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops concert series takes place every June. A handful of other festivals also occur here including the Latin American Festival held every October. The Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival has become a favorite over the years, and it's advisable to get VIP tickets to this extremely spirited event.

Old Providence North residents pay 33 percent more in cost of living expenses than the average Charlotte resident, primarily due to the high cost of housing. A one-bedroom apartment costs renters about $1,144 per month. Miscellaneous costs including goods and services sit right at the city and national average. Grabbing a local, handcrafted beer around the community costs around $6, which, with the number of microbreweries springing up in the area, is well worth the purchase.

Transportation costs in Olde Providence North are the same as the rest of Charlotte. Gas averages 4 percent less than the national average. Regular one-way bus fare with the Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.20, and express routes cost $2.60. Day passes can be purchased for $6.60.

The neighborhood lies close to the South Park shopping area as well as the Foxcroft East Shopping Center, which is north of the neighborhood on Fairview Road. This entire area of South Charlotte spills over with high-end and specialty retail stores and has become a shopper's dream. Visitors flock to South Park from all over the state to browse the stores at the South Park Mall, Phillips Place and the Village at South Park. Crowds can be fierce at times, especially during the holidays, but that doesn't stop shoppers from filling their bags full of clothing and accessories.

Women love Luna 's contemporary collection of jeans, jackets and accessories. Located in Phillips Place along Fairview Road, Luna draws in customers who aren't afraid to spend a bit of money on quality wardrobe pieces. Friendly, personal service keeps shoppers coming back.

Tearing away from the magnificent retail stores may be hard, but even grocery shopping is considerably upscale in Olde Providence North. The Fresh Market sits just north of the neighborhood on Providence Road and a Whole Foods market can be found closer to South Park. For everyday purchases, go to the Harris Teeter on Colony Road and Carmel Road for a large selection at competitive prices. Locals head to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market and Matthews Community Farmers Market for local goods and produce all year long.