Olde Providence South Charlotte, NC

Development of the Olde Providence subdivision began in the early 1960s when many of Charlotte’s business leaders were moving to South Charlotte to escape the busy city streets. In 1962, the Olde Providence Racquet Club became the first member-owned tennis club in the area and now serves residents of Olde Providence North and South, as well as the surrounding communities with outdoor courts, a clubhouse and an Olympic sized swimming pool. A number of original homes still stand throughout the neighborhood, featuring real hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings with intricate crown molding, and hand-laid brick fireplaces. Today, many of Charlotte’s elite residents still call Olde Providence home.

From authentic New York style pizza to trendy Asian fusion cafes, you can find plenty of flavors to excite your taste buds near Olde Providence South. Colony Place Shopping Center has half a dozen different restaurants that are closer than a mile away, including a small Mexican cantina and a sports bar. Stop by Brooklyn South Pizzeria for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner. Serving the area since 1988, this locally-owned Italian eatery prepares both New York and Sicilian style pizza, along with calzones, hero sandwiches, and hearty pasta dishes. Pepperoni and pepperoncinis add a kick to the Brooklyn Philly, or order the Promenade and sample the chef's baked ravioli, along with manicotti and a jumbo stuffed shell. Most locals agree that the New York style pizza is the best in the area and it's available by the slice.

If you're looking for a greater selection, take a 10-minute drive to the intersection of Highways 16 and 51. More than 20 different eateries do business inside the Arboretum Shopping Center, along with over 50 retailers. This is where you find most of your favorite chain restaurants, along with a handful of exclusive Charlotte establishments. The Cajun Yard Dog specializes in Southern and Creole cuisine, featuring fried green tomatoes, po-boy sandwiches and jambalaya with sides of collard greens, cabbage or pickled beets. This is a great place to go if you want something different but don't want to spend too much, especially if you like a little spice. There are more than 35 different flavors of hot sauce available.

This quiet suburb doesn't have much of a party scene, but you can usually find locals enjoying a beer at one of the many nearby pubs. Wine connoisseurs like to relax at Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum. Have a glass of wine or a craft beer while you listen to live music by local artists. When you're in the mood for something livelier, head Uptown to find the best dance clubs and concert venues.

From shopping and dining to schools and parks, you find everything you need within walking distance when you live in Olde Providence South. The area is also served by Charlotte’s award-winning public transit system, but most households own at least two cars. Situated between Colony Road and Providence, Highway 51 is right around the corner, and it’s just a 10 minute drive to Interstate 485. It takes about 20 minutes to get to I-77, although rush-hour traffic can make the trip much longer. Bikers can feel safe riding near home, as long as they stay north of Highway 51. Most of Olde Providence is bike-friendly and there are bike lanes available on Colony.

Olde Providence South centers around Olde Providence Park and the adjacent neighborhood's elementary school. The 39-acre complex features eight baseball fields and a soccer field, as well as walking trails and a playground. The William R. Davie Regional Park is also nearby and houses one of the city’s five off-leash dog parks. Load up the bikes and take the 15-minute drive to the McMullen Creek Greenway and enjoy nearly six miles of South Charlotte’s natural beauty.

The typical Olde Providence South resident earns about twice as much as the average Charlottean, so it makes sense that the cost of living to be higher than it is in other Charlotte communities. Like much of South Charlotte, high home values play the biggest role in the neighborhood’s higher cost of living. Most families in the area own their homes, but a small number of rental units are available. Renters pay an average of $931.25 per month for a one-bedroom place, which is slightly higher than the Charlotte norm as well as the national average. Prices on groceries, gas and other commodities usually reflect costs throughout the city. You pay about $3 for a pint at most of the neighborhood bars, although craft beers and local brews tend to be more expensive. Gas prices in Charlotte are about 4 percent higher than the national average. City commuters often take the bus into Uptown. Fares are just over $2, and passes for the day, week or month can be purchased through the city.

Colony Place Shopping Center provides the Olde Providence South neighborhood with a convenient destination for daily errands, grocery shopping and restaurants, but only houses a handful of stores. Take the time to browse the Mole Hole for unique gifts, jewelry and more. The locally-owned specialty store has won the Elevate Lifestyle ‘Best of the City’ award for two consecutive years and never ceases to surprise its patrons with a one-of-a-kind wares. Carmel Commons Shopping Center, about 10 miles west of Olde Providence, features several retailers, restaurants, a gym, and a whole foods market.

The Arboretum is the shopping center of choice for most locals because of its size and variety. In addition to restaurants, a grocery store, and a pharmacy, you find an assortment of national and local specialty shops, clothing stores and service providers. Shop for great deals on high-end brands such as Prada, Coach, and Juicy Couture at Great Things Consigned, or check out beautiful gifts and handmade jewelry at Eliza B’s. Both Carolina Place in Pineville and the Southpark Mall are about 15 minutes away in either direction.