Providence Crossing - Charlotte, NC Area Guide

The neighborhood of Providence Crossing developed beginning in the early 1990s, as businesses began to migrate south from uptown to corporate complexes like those located in the Ballantyne area. Catering to those earning upper-middle to upper class salaries, Providence Crossing contains mostly large, single-family homes. Subdivisions within this community include Stone Creek Ranch, Providence Crossing and Providence Country Club Homes. Though a relatively new community with ongoing development, Providence Crossing's tall trees and warm atmosphere feel reminiscent of older areas of town.

No museums, theaters or annual festivals or events occur within the neighborhood boundary of Providence Crossing, but those interested in experiencing all the culture that Charlotte has to offer needn't look far. Uptown Charlotte hosts numerous events, such as Shakespeare on the Green, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade and the Queen City BBQ Festival.

Nightlife and restaurant options appear all throughout South Charlotte. Providence Crossing's proximity to two major shopping centers that house a solid mixture of local and chain operations is one of the many reasons that residents find this area so appealing.

Promenade on Providence, situated to the north of the community, contains old favorites such as IHOP, On the Border and Charlotte-area Asian-inspired favorite, Red Bowl. A quick one-mile drive south on Providence Road brings diners to Ilios Noche, a sophisticated but surprisingly family-oriented Greek and Italian restaurant. Consistently considered one of the more popular dining destinations in the area, Ilios Noche has great bruschetta and perfectly blended tzatzki all in a comfortable and expansive dining room. Toward the south of Providence Crossing along Ardrey Kell Road lies the unassuming Spice South Indian Cuisine. Known for its affordability and one of the best Indian buffets in town, Spice South has four locations throughout the Charlotte area. Patrons enjoy the solid selection of curry, as well as the melt-in-your-mouth lamb.

Heading southwest, drivers can easily navigate to the Blakeney Shopping Center on Ardrey Kell Road. Even more restaurants call this complex home, including Thai 1st, Chili's, McAllisters Deli and Zoe's Kitchen.

In Blakeney, the sleek and consistent 131 Main serves up quality American dishes to locals craving moist crab cakes and cast-iron cornbread. Diners rave about the huge portions and romantic setting. There may be nothing better than enjoying a glass of wine and grilled rainbow trout in the outdoor seating area after a long work day.

With numerous options of places to grab a drink, nightlife in and around Providence Crossing is considered impressive for the Charlotte Area. Arooji's Italian Ristorante has a cozy wine room perfect for a couple's night out. Popular local sports bars include Hickory Tavern on Providence Road and D.B.'s Tavern on Ardrey Kell Road. For nightclubs and live music, locals often head uptown, where more option await.

Residents here generally rely on personal vehicles to get around the neighborhood, run errands and commute to work. Providence Crossing is not considered a walkable neighborhood to access amenities, though casually walking along the tree-lined streets for leisure is completely safe and enjoyable. This community does not have bike lanes.

I-485 can be accessed by taking Providence Road north. Ballantyne area commuters take the I-485 inner loop to Johnston Road. Those traveling to uptown follow Providence Road for 15 minutes directly into the city center. Traffic in this area can be heavy during rush hour.

Those relying on public transportation utilize Charlotte Area Transit System's convenient and affordable bus service. The Arboretum Express route's southernmost bus stop is located at the intersection of Providence Road and Alexa Road at the Promenade Shopping Center, and it runs every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. Taxis do not regularly serve this area but will provide a ride if called. Uber's ride-share program is also available here.

City-operated Flat Branch Park and Preserve sit to the southwest of Providence Crossing, close to the Tom Short Road and Ardrey Kell Road intersection. This 43-acre preserve was planned and developed in 2008 on the largest plot of upland swamp forest land in Mecklenburg County, and it houses soccer fields and walking paths. Visitors should look for members of the large spotted salamander population, and children always enjoy the playground here. Flat Branch Park and Preserve is free, and dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them.

The Providence Crossing neighborhood also houses the prestigious, private and family-friendly Providence Country Club. Members enjoy a world-class golf course, tennis courts, three pools and an outdoor bar. Private parties and weddings are commonly held on these picturesque grounds.

Annual and ongoing community events occur at the Promenade on Providence shopping center and include Christmastime Santa Visits, Music on the Green and Movies on the Green. A concert series is held during the summer months at nearby Blakeney, just west of the Providence Crossing.

The cost of living in Providence Crossing averages 30 percent higher than the rest of Charlotte. Groceries, utilities, transportation, goods and services cost the same here as they do elsewhere around the city. In terms of transportation, one-way express bus fare with Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.60, and gas prices here are approximately 5 percent lower than the national average.

Renters can expect to pay $1,530 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Providence Crossing. A local beer at one of the many restaurants in the area costs around $6.

Providence Crossing borders some of the best shopping centers in Charlotte. To the north on Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Promenade on Providence offers everything from clothing retail stores such as Jos A. Bank and Ann Taylor to home furnishing outlets like Kirklands and Pier 1. Local specialty stores can be found sprinkled in between these higher-end national retailers. This great and diverse shopping center houses the impressive children's boutique Posh Closet. Carrying name brands like Melissa and Doug and Lemon Loves Lime, perfect gifts for an expectant couple can be found here. To the southwest of Providence Crossing, at the intersection of Ardrey Kell Road and Rea Road, lies the Blakeney Shopping Center. One of the newer and more popular shopping complexes, Blakeney houses multiple chain retailers such as Target, HomeGoods, Victoria's Secret and Banana Republic. This mixed-use area contains restaurants, a grocery store and services such as banks and salons. A great store to find accessories, home furnishings and the perfect hostess gift is Creative by Nature. Here, shoppers can find specially preserved flower arrangements, handmade candles and scrumptious local preserves.

For groceries, locals head to Charlotte-favorite Harris Teeter at the Ardrey Kell Road and Providence Road intersection. For specialty butcher-quality meats, The Butcher's Market on Rea Road contains a great selection. The manager-special marinated steak tips here are a local favorite. Providence Crossing residents head 6 miles east to Matthews on Saturday mornings for the year-round Matthews Community Farmers Market. Gates open at 8 a.m., and market owners advise shoppers to arrive early for the best selection.