The South End - Charlotte, NC

The South End neighborhood dates all the way back to the 1850s thanks to the presence of Charlotte's first railroad, constructed to connect the city to southern destinations like Columbia and Charleston. As a result, the textile industry began to thrive in South End, and manufacturing companies began to establish themselves here. Though businesses began to decline in the 1970s, in the 1990s the neighborhood picked back up and was re-established as a great place to live and work.

The history of South End is evident in the structures that compose it, as they're a mixture of the renovated factories that mark the area's birth and a number of modern, high-end constructions. This neighborhood acts as a hub for creativity and design for the Queen City. No fewer than 200 design businesses call the neighborhood home, including architects, interior designers, graphic designers and landscape designers.

For a taste of authentic Southern cuisine, stop by Mac's Speed Shop. Start your meal with an order of the Tabasco fried pickles. Follow that up with the juicy Carolina beef brisket, expertly smoked for 12 hours before being served. If you want a little taste of everything, Mac's Speed Shop has you covered with its combo platters. End your meal with a traditional Southern dessert of banana pudding.

For a unique dining experience, locals love stopping by 300 East for Sunday brunch. The restaurant sits in a charming, historic South End house. Try its rendition of grits, a Southern breakfast staple. This dish, served with grilled Cajun shrimp and fried eggs, makes for a deliciously hearty way to start your day.

Nightlife runs strong in South End. The area is home to Tyber Creek Pub, a low-lit traditional Irish bar with upstairs, downstairs and outdoor patio seating options. Jam out to traditional Irish music played by talented musicians, and eat upscale pub food that you normally find at fine dining establishments. Home to the area's most boisterous World Cup and St. Patrick Day parties, Tyber Creek Pub is a local gem that you'll want to visit frequently.

If there's one thing South End does better than the surrounding areas, it's transportation. The services offered make it quick and easy to get to any destination you desire. For trips to the airport, hop on a Sprinter bus to enjoy a quick and easy ride to the terminal. The bus runs every 20 minutes during the week and every 30 minutes on weekends.

For nice days that call for green transportation, check out one of the blue bikes from a neighborhood B-cycle station. Pedal to your destination and turn in the bike at another nearby station. B-cycle stands as one of the largest bike-sharing services in the Southeast, with 20 stations and 200 bikes located throughout the city.

For destinations within the city or in surrounding areas, the CATS bus system runs 70 routes to get you where you need to go, hassle-free.

The LYNX Blue Line is the city's first light rail service, giving residents an option for a quick and easy commute from 15 different stations and seven park-and-ride locations throughout the 9.6-mile rail line.

There are cab services available in South End, however they usually require that you arrange for your service in advance. Uber operates here, making for another fast and reliable option.

South End has several notable parks in its vicinity. Just a few blocks east of the neighborhood boundaries lies Latta Park, featuring 32 acres of recreational facilities and open space. Visitors can enjoy access to a basketball court, six tennis courts, a volleyball court, two soccer fields, a playground and several walking trails.

Head a few blocks west of South End to get to Revolution Park, home to the county's first recreation center to be certified with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design stamp. The 30,000 square-foot green facility offers athletic and fitness programs for people of all ages, though focusing on teen and youth development. Revolution Park also provides access to a golf course, athletic fields and the Irwin Creek Greenway.

The cost of living in South End rises slightly higher than that of other Charlotte neighborhoods. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment stands around $900, a tick above the city of Charlotte's average of $700.

The cost of gas in this neighborhood runs on par with the North Carolina state average, and is slightly lower than the national average.

When you head to a local pub or bar in South End to purchase a pint of beer, expect to pay between $2 and $4 for each glass.

South End comes loaded with everything you need for shopping purposes. Atherton Mill and Market has become one of the most coveted shopping options for locals. This neighborhood hub features vendors selling specialty coffee, plants, home supplies, and meats and produce from local farms. Health-conscious shoppers head to the Healthy Home Market, which sells organic, gluten-free and vegan foods. With its dedication to design, art and fashion, South End does not fall short when it comes to high-end clothing stores, art galleries and furniture stores. There are a number of locally owned retail shops like Blush Boutique, which offers a wide range of dresses at low prices, and Black Sheep, which specializes in skating clothing and gear.