Wessex Square - Charlotte, NC

The original residential neighborhood of Wessex Square, developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s to cater to middle-income wage earners interested in living outside the city center, includes the communities of Candlewyck and Wessex Square. Located within the formal boundary of Wessex Square, Phifer Crest features larger homes. Businesses and infrastructure continue to be built in and around the neighborhood, but the tree-lined streets and family atmosphere have remained unchanged over the years.

Wessex Square does not contain any museums or other art outlets, but residents head to Charlotte to get their fill of culture at museums, theaters and galleries. However, individual homeowners associations within the neighborhoods host numerous events for residents, including holiday-themed parties and potlucks. Those looking for larger annual events and festivals head to uptown or the nearby city of Matthews.

Wessex Square borders multiple shopping centers that house local and chain restaurants, but many residents choose to make the drive into Charlotte's city center for a larger selection of high-end restaurants and nightlife options. Arboretum Shopping Center to the south and Colony Place Shopping Center directly north each contain a number of casual dining spots.

Widely popular Cajun Yard Dog in Arboretum serves tasty creole food, including a huge selection of po' boys, melt-in-your-mouth fried green tomatoes, and andouille gumbo. Diners rave about the blackened mahimahi. With such an extensive menu and great reviews, this restaurant keeps locals coming back for more.

Restaurants in Colony Place appeal to Wessex Square residents because many can actually walk to these establishments. Chinese restaurant Jade Dragon has become so popular that people from all around Charlotte head here for wonton soup, fluffy rice and affordable lunch specials. Also located in Colony Place is The Lodge: A Sportsman's Grill. A favorite of locals, The Lodge delivers an extensive draft beer selection, daily drink specials and tasty pub grub.

Locals head to uptown Charlotte for music venues, bars, clubs and other nightly entertainment options as none reside in the immediate vicinity.

Considered a car-dependent neighborhood, Wessex Square residents find having a personal vehicle most convenient for commuting and running errands. Locals love walking and biking around the picturesque neighborhood of Wessex Square, but bike lanes are uncommon on city streets and a car becomes necessary to run errands in this area.

Drivers access the Interstate 485 loop from Rea Road and Providence Road. Interstates 77 and 85 can be accessed from I-485. Those commuting to uptown Charlotte take Providence Road into the city center. Cab companies do not frequent the area, but will service if requested, and Uber operates within the neighborhood. Shopping centers house an abundance of public parking.

Charlotte Area Transit System is a reliable and affordable option for those needing public transportation, as buses operate from the Arboretum Shopping Center into uptown every 40 minutes, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Express bus service from the Rea Road and Pineville-Matthews Road intersection runs from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., and again at 5:00 p.m. during the week.

Locals have a good number of options to get out and explore the outdoors. Those who enjoy a country-club experience become members of private Cedarwood Country Club, located directly within the boundaries of Wessex Square. Originally developed as a golfing mecca, Cedarwood delivers an affordable means for the entire family to make friends, play tennis and enjoy a dip in the pool.

Directly north of Wessex Square lies Olde Providence Park, on the property of Olde Providence Elementary School. Operated by Mecklenburg County, Olde Providence Park sports a 39-acre property with athletic fields, walking trails and a playground. Most residents can easily walk here on a nice day, and easily forget that they're actually within the city while strolling the scenic 5.8-mile trail. Olde Providence Park welcomes dogs as long as they're leashed.

The cost of living in Wessex Square averages 44 percent higher than the rest of Charlotte and 40 percent more than country as a whole.

Bus service in and around Charlotte with Charlotte Area Transit System costs $2.20 for one-way fare, or $6.60 for a day pass. The average price for a gallon of gas drops 1 percent below the national average.

Renters pay around $880 for a one-bedroom apartment. Groceries, goods and services here cost about the same as they do in the rest of the city. Patrons pay $5 for a pint of beer at local restaurants.

Surrounded by Arboretum Shopping Center to the south, South Park to the northwest and numerous strip malls, Wessex Square residents needn't go far to visit a large number of national and local retailers. Arboretum Shopping Center has become the anchor shopping complex in South Charlotte. Arboretum houses a mixture of big-box stores like Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Barnes & Noble alongside a handful of local shops.

A short, 10-minute drive north on Sharon Road takes residents to the South Park shopping area. Famous brand names and trendy boutique stores fill South Park Mall, Phillips Place complex and Village at South Park. Considered one of the more congested areas of Charlotte, a more enjoyable shopping experience can be had at off-peak times.

Most Wessex Square locals satisfy their everyday shopping needs at Colony Place Shopping Center. Restaurants, two salons, a bank, and other businesses sit alongside Harris Teeter grocery store. Those in the market for gifts, apparel and home décor enjoy browsing the shelves at the highly rated Mole Hole specialty shop located here.

Landscapers flock to Southern Styles Nursery and Garden Center on Rea Road for a large selection perennials, trees and shrubs. This beautiful store provides friendly service, competitive prices and a gigantic selection of Japanese maple trees.

The popular Matthews Farmers Market sits just 10 minutes east of the neighborhood, operating year-round on Saturday mornings.