Pinecrest - Charlotte, NC Area Guide

Built in the 1940s, Pinecrest offered a quiet residential neighborhood with easy access to uptown Charlotte. The neighborhood maintains its original unassuming atmosphere today as the city grows around it, bringing Pinecrest residents a wide range of amenities.

Residents interested in local history can explore the Wells-Fargo Museum, located four miles from Pinecrest. Highlighting the area’s history of gold mining, the museum features collections of rare coins and gold nuggets, a working stagecoach and a recreated underground mine tunnel.

A rich country music scene exists in Pinecrest nightclubs, and a short drive into Charlotte presents even more musical offerings, including the annual Festival in the Park. Since 1964, the festival has brought together local musicians and artists in a three-day event.

Pinecrest includes many small local restaurants, ranging from Southern homestyle to international cuisine, with the primary restaurant districts concentrated along West Boulevard and around US-74. The local music scene draws artists from all over the county.

Housed in an assuming building, Carolina Family Restaurant serves classic country cooking. A gregarious wait staff welcomes diners into the restaurant, making even first-time customers feel like beloved regulars. Operated by a second-generation family restaurateur, Carolina Family Restaurant remains a fixture in the community, consistently serving quality dishes.

Chicken King provides a locally-owned, quality alternative to fast food. The restaurant serves more than just their signature chicken, and their burgers and Philly cheese steaks prove consistently popular choices. The owners are always happy to share stories with diners, making the restaurant a congenial place to sit and enjoy a meal, or customers can come in for a quick takeout option.

Niko’s Grill brings Greek cuisine to Pinecrest. A family-owned restaurant, the staff welcomes everyone and quickly learns the names of repeat customers. Their gyros and grilled chicken pitas prove customer favorites, though an extensive menu offers the chance to try something new every visit.

Coyote Joe’s holds the title of Charlotte’s premier country nightclub. Hosting major country artists including Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels as well as up-and-coming local talent, Coyote Joe’s draws music fans from all over the South. A state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and the area’s largest dance floor enhance the entertainment experience. Open three nights a week, house band Out of the Blue takes the stage every night as either headliner or opening act.

Although few dedicated bike lanes exist in Pinecrest, cyclists frequently ride along city streets, and drivers happily share the road. Pedestrians find the neighborhood less accommodating, and most residents consider cars a necessity. Most residential and commercial areas provide ample free parking.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates multiple local and neighborhood bus routes in Pinecrest, including routes to downtown and the airport. Commuters travelling by car can reach downtown via a 4 mile drive along US-74. Typically a 14-minute commute, drivers should allow twice that amount of time during rush hour.

Taxi services operate in the area. Passengers may be able to hail a cab at the airport, but must call one to the neighborhood. Uber and Lyft provide an alternative to taxi services, and Bush Chauffeured Transportation Services provides luxury transit options in limousines and towncars.

Wingate Park provides Pinecrest a neighborhood park within walking distance of home. The 3-acre park features playgrounds and half-court basketball, making it a great place for kids.

Nearby Clanton Park features a wider range of amenities. The 77-acre park includes 11 basketball courts, two soccer fields, a softball field, a playground and picnic shelters. The park also offers for rentals a 4500sq ft indoor community pavilion, which includes tables, a kitchenette and audiovisual equipment.

Revolution Park provides Pinecrest another option for outdoor recreation. The 22-park features many of the same sports facilities as Clanton, though on a smaller scale, with a basketball court, three softball fields and a football field. The park also hosts the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course, one of Charlotte’s five public courses. Green fees at the 9-hole course range from $10.50 to $25, with discounts offered for seniors and members. Children accompanied by an adult always play for free.

The cost of living in Pinecrest runs 12 percent lower than the Charlotte average. A typical Pinecrest apartments rents for $713 per month, compared to the overall Charlotte price of $868.

Travelling to city center via a local CATS bus costs $2.20 each way, or commuters can purchase monthly unlimited passes for $88. Gas prices run 1 percent higher than the national average.

A draft beer can be had at a local tavern for $2 to $4.

Though primarily a residential area, Pinecrest features a few shopping centers, located along both West Boulevard to the south and Highway 74 to the north, including both big box stores and local boutiques.

By focusing on pre-owned pieces, Sumpters Jewelry sells high-end jewelry at affordable prices. A member of the International Watch and Jewelry Guild and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Sumpters specializes in the sale and maintenance of Rolex watches. Their collection constantly changes, including unique and classic pieces such as earrings, necklaces and engagement rings, or their onsite master jewelers can craft custom pieces.

HB Florist creates floral arrangements for all occasions, from simple Mother’s Day corsages to elaborate bridal bouquets and centerpieces. HB delivers throughout Charlotte, and as a member of the TeleFlora Network, they can arrange for deliveries nationwide, providing Charlotte residents a reliable way to send flowers to family and friends across the country.

Walmart and Tru Food Mart serve as the neighborhood’s primary supermarkets. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, lies three miles south of Pinecrest. Open year-round Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday hours May through September, the farmers markets hosts a large selection of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and exotic meats to live plants and handmade crafts.