Oxford Hunt - Charlotte, NC

The South Charlotte area began a boom during the 1990s that has continued through present day as a result of the development of the corporate center at Ballantyne. Since then, amenities have sprung up all around Pineville-Matthews Road, catering to those living in neighborhoods such as Oxford Hunt.

Since this area is primarily residential, Charlotte's city center houses most of the art scene. The city houses numerous museums, including the Mint Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South. Children enjoy the science- and technology-focused Discovery Place museum. Popular annual events in South Charlotte include the Matthews Alive Labor Day weekend festival in the nearby city of Matthews and the Pineville Fall Festival.

Quality high-end and casual restaurants surround Oxford Hunt, and a good number of residents have the ability to walk to these establishments. The main thoroughfare of Pineville-Matthews Road, specifically around the Arboretum Shopping Center, houses a large assortment of ethnic and American choices.

Mickey & Mooch is Charlotte's favorite seafood and steakhouse. This restaurant offers an extensive menu complete with crab cakes, filet mignon, and rack of lamb. The crab soup always receives rave reviews, and the portions have remained huge over the years. Diners should make it a point to ask the knowledgeable servers for the best wine pairings. Mickey & Mooch features live music Wednesday through Sunday during most weeks.

Sushi lovers in Oxford Hunt have reason to be happy. Sushi-Ya Japan in the Arboretum creates flavorful sushi rolls at a very affordable price. Locals agree that although service can be hit or miss, the food always impresses. All diners receive a complementary salad and miso soup. If you're looking for a simple, low-key place serving incredible Japanese cuisine unlike any other place in the city, head to Sushi-Ya.

During the evening hours, locals enjoy grabbing a drink at Vintner Wine Market or neighboring New South Kitchen and Bar. Both places boast extensive wine menus, and New South mixes up some fantastically rare cocktails.

Although residents along the southern boundary of Oxford Hunt can easily walk to the Arboretum Shopping Center, most of the neighborhood is not walkable to amenities, and minimum bike lanes exist here. Residents rely on personal vehicles or public transportation to commute to work, schools and stores. Oxford Hunt's premier location along Providence Road and Pineville-Matthews Road makes accessing Charlotte's highways a breeze. Access the I-485 loop that encircles the city via a quick 4-mile drive south on Providence Road, or follow I-485 to encounter entrances to I-85 and I-77.

Those without cars can use Charlotte Area Transit System's extensive bus service. The Pineville-Matthews Road route operates every 45 minutes during the work week from 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Buses along Providence Road operate every 45 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Taxis and Uber both service Oxford Hunt, but make sure to call in advance to schedule a pickup.

No city-operated parks can be found within the neighborhood boundary of Oxford Hunt. Most residents in the area, especially those living in the Beverly Crest subdivision, enjoy leisurely walks around the community's small lake. Many residents of Beverly Crest's seven neighborhoods choose to join the Beverly Crest Swim & Racquet Club, which includes amenities such as a large clubhouse, a pool, a playground, tennis courts and a large open field for athletics. Community parties, parades and even an Easter egg hunt take place on this property.

Residents looking to exercise their dogs or take their children on a walk can enjoy one of South Charlotte's many greenway systems. Over 35 miles of these trails run in and around Charlotte, and many of those lie in South Charlotte, including Four Mile Creek, McMullen Creek and McAlpine Creek. Charlotte's Park and Recreation department maintains a website with up-to-date maps and parking locations to guide greenway visitors.

Charlotte city parks play host to numerous events throughout the year. Independence Park in uptown has an amphitheater that features music acts during the summer months. The Green also sits in the heart of the city center and holds the annual Shakespeare Festival.

Oxford Hunt residents enjoy an exceptionally high quality of life, but that does come at a cost. The cost of living here is 23 percent higher than the Charlotte city average, which can be directly attributed to home values. Renters, who make up a slight majority of the populace in Oxford Hunt, pay $1,287 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The cost for all other factors in the cost of living, including transportation, utilities and goods, reflects the rest of the city. Bus riders pay $2.20 for one-way fare and $6.60 for a day pass aboard Charlotte Area Transit System. Tickets for those utilizing the express service cost $2.60 each way. Gas is reasonably priced all throughout Charlotte and sits at 3 percent less than the national average. Restaurant and drink prices also mirror the rest of the city, and a locally made brew around the Arboretum sets you back up to $6 a pint.

Directly southwest of Oxford Hunt lies one of South Charlotte's most popular and expansive shopping centers. The Arboretum continues to impress customers with a huge selection of local and nationally recognized retailers. Speciality shops focusing on children's consignment wear, pet supplies and women's fashion sit between the larger Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and Barnes & Noble. High-end stores include Bruce Julian Clothier and Leather Furniture South.

The children and maternity-focused consignment shop Kid to Kid features gently used and brand-new items perfect for little bundles of joy. The impressive selection includes not just clothing but baby gear and furniture as well. Those looking to complete a new nursery or purchase a gift for an expectant couple find exactly what they need at Kid to Kid. Arboretum also houses one of three local Tinder Box Cigars storefronts. Tinder Box is known for its expert staff and a selection of hundreds of cigars at all different price points. Regulars have the option to become members of one of several cigar-focused groups that the store manages.

Locals purchase groceries at the Harris Teeter in the Arboretum or at Food Lion along Providence Road west of Oxford Hunt. The Matthews Community Farmers Market in nearby Matthews is a great spot to stock up on locally grown produce, baked goods and homemade cheeses. The market opens year-round every Saturday morning.