Wendover-Sedgewood - Charlotte, NC

Like most of the neighborhoods around Myers Park, Wendover-Sedgewood developed during the turn of the century and became home to the families who fueled the Industrial Revolution in North Carolina. A few historic homes still exist, dating back to the early 1900s, and many mid-century houses have been updated and restored. The area is still one of the most prestigious in Charlotte and has a rich cultural side. The Mint Museum on Randolph Road showcases this through art and design, while a variety of local festivals demonstrate it through food, crafts and more.

There are limited dining options in the Wendover-Sedgewood neighborhood. The majority of this lies south on Randolph Road at the Cotswold Shopping Center. Here you can find a variety of chain restaurants as well as a few local joints, such as pizza shops Wolfman Pizza and Pizza Peel and Tap Room. Both restaurants are local favorites and great places to grab a fresh slice and a beer after work.

For savory Chinese food visit the locally owned Shun Lee Palace. One of Charlotte's hidden gems, make sure to try the crab rangoon or one of their many tasty rice dishes. They also do a great General Tsos Chicken. For other options Myers Park, located slightly west on Wendover, is also a treasure trove of culinary delights.

If you're craving something with international flair, take a five-minute drive northwest for the neighborhood to the historic Elizabeth district. From Italian and French to Cajun and Ethiopian, this is Charlotte's hot spot for foreign flavors.

The nightlife around Wendover-Sedgewood has just as much variety, ranging from lively dance clubs to sports bars and local breweries. Head outside the neighborhood to enjoy live music and daily drink specials at venues throughout the area. Many locals head to South End when they're ready for a night on the town. This district is known for its trendy pubs and fun atmosphere. Stop by The Liberty, and sample some of the best craft beers around, including a great selection of local brews from the nearby NoDa district. Pair your draft with the signature Southern prime crunch burger, topped with pimento cheese, jalapeño bacon and onions, or munch on house-made pretzels with beer cheese and mustard. The Liberty also features seasonal entrées, such as fresh N.C. trout and skillet-roasted filet mignon with oyster butter, along with an extensive wine list.

An Uber-friendly neighborhood, getting around Wendover-Sedgewood is easy. The area is serviced by several bus lines, but most residents drive their cars to get from point A to point B. The streets lack bike lanes, and it's easier to drive than to walk unless you're taking a stroll around the block. Plenty of free parking is available, and most residences have off-street parking. The neighborhood sits between three major highways, the 16, 27 and 74, and it is just a short jaunt to I-77.

When you're ready for some fresh air, visit one of the public parks surrounding the Wendover-Sedgewood neighborhood. Randolph Road Park hosts many of the city's baseball games. The 30-acre complex doesn't have a playground but does have walking trails. If you're out with the kids, consider visiting Oakhurst Park to use the playground or the basketball court. The skaters in the family can head to Grayson SkatePark for some wheeled fun. Freedom Park is also close by and has something for everyone to love. This 98-acre park includes a lake, trails for jogging and biking, picnic shelters with grills, two playgrounds and a sports complex. Events and festivals happen regularly, so be sure to check the calendar. Feel free to bring along your four-legged friend to any of the free city parks in the neighborhood, as long as the pooch stays on a leash.

Featuring many high-end homes, Wendover-Sedgewood's rental rates are surprisingly reasonable averaging $1,005.59 per month. It's slightly higher than the city norm but not bad for the upscale location.

You can usually find pint specials at a nearby tavern for less than $5. The cheapest gas prices tend to be closer to the interstate. Neighborhood stores often charge about 10 cents more per gallon or about four percent more than the national average. The city's public transit system is the most cost-efficient option. It costs just over $2 to get to uptown, and daily, weekly and monthly passes are available.

The first suburban shopping mall in Charlotte, Cotswold Village Shops has everything you need for daily living. Find groceries, clothing and accessories, pet supplies, home decor and more at this convenient shopping center. Stop in to browse the ever-changing selection of furnishings, gifts, and artwork at Cotswold Marketplace while you're in the area. If you're looking for more variety, the Southpark Mall has over 150 retailers and service providers from Abercrombie & Fitch to Solstice Sunglasses. It is easily accessible by bus or just a 15 minute drive by car.

Traveling 15 minutes in the opposite direction takes you to the trendy shops and boutiques of Plaza-Midwood. Upscale consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange and the Frock Shop are common here, along with unique establishments such as Green With Envy. You never know what to expect inside this one-of-a-kind store, but there's always a great selection of handmade jewelry, soaps and housewares, including products crafted by local artisans. Grocery stores such as Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and ALDI are conveniently scattered throughout the area, along with a farmers market in Myers Park and another in nearby Elizabeth.