Windsor Park - Charlotte, NC

Windsor Park rests on a section of land once owned by blacksmith and farmer Hezekiah Alexander. Alexander built his family home out of rocks characteristic of Pennsylvania German architecture of the late 1700s, and this sturdy abode still stands today as the oldest remaining residence in Mecklenburg County. The original 300-acre farm now contains over 2,600 homes in multiple subdivisions in the area known as Windsor Park.

Thanks to the preservation efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Charlotte Museum of History now operates a living history museum at the Hezekiah Alexander House.

Aside from localized block parties and neighborhood sponsored events within the communities of Windsor Park, Darby Acres, Central Park, Robinhood Woods, Markham Village, Windsor Forest and Nettlewood Acres, locals head uptown for annual events such as Shakespeare on the Green and the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade.

Restaurants and other amenities can be found scattered to the north and south of Windsor Park. This area in particular specializes in ethnic choices and people from all areas of Charlotte travel here for authentic Mexican, African and Asian-inspired dishes that can't be found elsewhere in the city.

Tacos El Nevado's fresh, handmade corn tortillas and quality meats will surely knock the socks off of anyone looking for an authentic taqueria experience. Tacos El Nevado serves traditional radishes and grilled jalapenos with taco platters, and at $2 per taco, the affordability can't be beat. Aside from the tacos, locals can't get enough of the hearty tortas and sopes. Don't be deterred by the nondescript facade; this is the real deal.

On Central Avenue sits a well-known American diner. Landmark Diner, featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, satisfies cravings of all sorts. The huge menu features favorites such as hot roast beef sandwiches, burgers and Greek platters. Come here hungry, because the portions are exceptionally large.

For nightlife options you have to head outside of the neighborhood. Head south of Windsor Park along Central Avenue and hit up the popular Flying Saucer pub. Members of the LGBTQ community frequent Central Station and Chasers, both located in nearby Plaza Midwood. The selection of clubs and bars around Windsor Park will satisfy just about anyone.

Considered car-dependent, Windsor Park residents generally rely on personal vehicles or public transportation to run errands and commute to work, as walking and biking are not recommended. Taxis and Uber service this area if called on. Bus transportation with Charlotte Area Transit System operates frequently and reliably in the Windsor Square community and commuters can expect transit pick-ups every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Numerous bus stops are located around the perimeter of Windsor Park along North Sharon Amity Road, Central Avenue, Eastway Drive and Shamrock Drive as well as within the neighborhood along Sudbury Road.

To access the inner loop of I-485, residents take Central Avenue to Albemarle Road for 9 miles. Drivers must navigate through uptown via Independence Boulevard and the Brookshire Freeway to reach I-77 and I-85. A short 5 mile drive along Central Avenue takes locals into the heart of uptown. Visitors to Windsor Park-area amenities find abundant parking available within the shopping centers.

Home to a couple of city-operated park facilities, Windsor Park residents enjoy the free for use and dog-friendly green space available in their neighborhood. The larger of the two, Kilborne Park, has 51 acres of walking trails, common space, athletic fields and an on-site 18-hole disc golf course. Birthday parties and group gatherings can be held at the large picnic shelter here. To the north of the neighborhood sits the 10-acre Methodist Home Park which houses 2 additional shelters, a great playground and recreation center.

Though no local annual activities and events occur directly within Windsor Park, opportunities nearby include Movies on the Lawn at the Kilgo United Methodist Church in Plaza Midwood and the Children's Summer Movie Series at Studio Movie Grill on Trade Street in uptown.

Windsor Park has long been considered one of the more affordable places in the city to live. Housing prices average 20 percent lower here, and the cost of living averages 6 percent lower than the Charlotte city average. Renters pay a reasonable $561 per month on a one-bedroom rental. Though over 60 percent of Charlotte city residents are homeowners, Windsor Park's residents primarily rent their homes.

In terms of transportation, passengers can expect to pay $2.20 for a one-way bus ride and $6.60 for a day pass, while gas here sits at around 1 percent below the national average. Locals pay $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

The only shopping center within the limits of Windsor Park sits at the very south along Central Avenue. Darby Acres houses a Sav-Way, Family Dollar, and Value Village Thrift Store. A mixture of national chain and local retailers line the perimeter of the entire community including multiple pharmacies and convenience stores. Those seeking fresh seafood head to Dockside Seafood Market on Kilborne Drive for a great selection of seasonal options. Arrive earlier in the day to beat the long after-work lines.

North of the community in the Kimmerly Glen shopping complex lies one of the Charlotte area's most popular florists. Colonial Florists of Charlotte impresses with elaborate arrangements at extremely reasonable prices. Staffers offer prompt delivery, and customers claim the service remains second-to-none.

Residents have a wide variety of grocery shopping options around the neighborhood. The majority of shoppers favor the Harris Teeter on Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood. Within Windsor Park, a Sav-Way, Compare Foods and multiple Asian and Mexican markets are housed. Any type of cuisine can be prepared with this abundant array of grocery options. The 7th Street Public Market in uptown is the closet farmers market to Windsor Park, although Atlantic Farmers Market represents another choice on Central Avenue. For high-end shopping, locals travel uptown to Founders Hall or southwest to the South Park area.