Sardis Woods - Charlotte, NC

Major development in the area started in the mid 1970s when the Sardis Forest neighborhood was established. The Sardis Forest enterprise brought close to 600 homes to the area, and the amenities surrounding soon followed. Though many original owners still reside here, families of all sizes and backgrounds have grown increasingly common.

Without any museums, theaters or annual events in the immediate area, residents happily make the 15-minute drive north to uptown to catch live music or to spend a rainy day at the Discovery Place museum.

While nightlife may seem a bit limited in the area in and around Sardis Woods, diners have numerous local and chain restaurant options. Casual dining can be found within the major shopping centers located along Sardis Road, Monroe Road and Independence Boulevard.

Tony's Pizza in the Galleria Shopping Center offers a great selection of Italian fare. Northern transplants and Southerners alike crave the authentic New York-style pizza and the Philly cheesesteak. Thanks to its reasonable prices and a huge variety of food, locals keep coming back to Tony's.

Southern Gourmet on Monroe Road mixes southern comfort staples with a modern flair. It uses local and organic meat and produce to complete their lunchtime sandwiches. Those searching for food just like mama used to make will enjoy the mac and cheese cupcake and banana pudding. Southern Gourmet is only open at lunch and also serves as a full service catering company.

Craving sushi? Look no further than New Zealand Cafe. Foodies rave about the gigantic variety of sushi rolls and bento boxes. The décor and space may need a little modernization, and lines may be long, but that doesn't stop regulars from coming back time after time.

At night, locals have some options in the area to unwind and grab a drink. With daily drink specials and enough televisions to watch the game on Sunday, Boardwalk Billy's II Raw Bar and Grill is a great place to start the party. Though not as popular, Russell's Pub and Grille can be considered as another option. Those looking for brighter hotspots will find the short drive to uptown appealing.

Similar to most of Charlotte's neighborhoods, personal vehicles are the ideal way to get around Sardis Woods. Charlotte's growing public transportation options make alternative modes of transportation a good option for those without a car. The Charlotte Area Transit System operates routes from the Sardis Road North and Monroe Road intersection into uptown every 10 to 20 minutes from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.

Conveniently located 6 miles south, the I-485 loop can take drivers to both I-77 and I-85. Fortunately for Sardis Woods residents, interstate/highway travel is not necessary when commuting into uptown Charlotte. Finding a taxi can be difficult in Sardis Woods, but local cab companies will service this area if called upon. Uber operates within the neighborhood boundaries. Shopping centers host an abundant amount of public parking.

Sardis Woods has a limited number of bike lanes, and it's not walking friendly.

Sardis Woods' proximity to a large city park as well as its neighborhood amenities ensure that residents have ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The city-run McAlpine Creek Park borders Sardis Woods and hosts over 100 acres of free outdoor opportunities for visitors. Park attendees enjoy ample hiking and biking trails, a fishing pier and athletic fields. There's even a dog park for animals lovers and a championship-level 5K course for exercise enthusiasts.

Many residents of Sardis Woods live in the Sardis Forest development. Within this neighborhood lies the Sardis Forest Swim Club, and residents and nonresidents alike are welcome to join this reasonably-priced pool and tennis facility.

Sardis Woods does not host any reoccurring festivals or annual activities, but events abound in nearby Matthews. Attending Matthews Alive, an annual Labor Day weekend celebration, has become an annual tradition for many residents of Sardis Woods.

Sardis Woods has a slightly increased cost of living when compared to the rest of Charlotte. Residents pay about three percent more to live here. Bus fare in and around Charlotte with the Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.20 for a one-way fare or $6.60 for a day pass. Gas prices average one percent lower than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $705 per month. A pint beer at one of the establishments in the nearby Galleria shopping center will set patrons back $5.

Sardis Woods contains just a handful of shopping options within the neighborhood boundary. However, residents are not at a loss with great and varied options within a 2-mile radius. Just across Monroe Road following Sardis Road North lie 3 shopping centers: Galleria, Sardis Village and the Sardis Crossing Shopping Center. The Galleria shopping complex can be considered the anchor of this area. Groceries can be found at Food Lion in Sardis Crossing and Harris Teeter in Sardis Village. The Healthy Home Market, located in Galleria, caters to those who prefer a more health-conscious lifestyle.

Those looking for higher-end boutiques and specialty shops have more options closer to uptown Charlotte, but the shopping centers do contain a number of reasonable and interesting stores. The inner artist in everyone will have a field day at Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, located in Galleria and hosting a huge variety of paint, canvas and art supplies. Seafood lovers can't get enough of the Deep Sea Seafood Market. Named “Best of the Best” by Charlotte Magazine in 2014, this market sells fresh fish from all around the world. The selection varies daily, and shoppers can even catch a tasty bite during lunch hours.

For a farmers market experience, the year-round Saturday morning market in nearby Matthews is an option.