Uncle Dennis, an uptown denizen I run into occasionally at places such as the Reid's wine bar, shares this link to a survey of uptown Charlotte residents.
The survey was sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners, the Urban Institute at UNC Charlotte, and UNCC's Center for Real Estate. Bill Graves in the UNCC Department of Geography and Earth Science prepared it.
A quick summary of its findings: Uptown Charlotte residents are younger, more affluent and better educated than Mecklenburg County residents as a whole. More of them moved uptown from Mecklenburg than from other places, and more moved in from the "outer suburbs" than the "inner suburbs."
Urban amenities were a big draw. Parking for visitors is a big problem, as is the lack of retail. Crime wasn't listed as a particular worry.
Does this ring true for you uptown dwellers? What about schools -- are they a concern for you? And what, if anything, might make you non-uptown dwellers more interested in uptown?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Who's living uptown, and why?
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52 comments:
Dead on. I live uptown as well.
We need retail. We also need the smaller cafes (Dean & Deluca) to stay open on the weekend. Places like Starbucks that close week nights at 9pm ought to be ashamed. I stopped frequenting all of these types of places during the weekdays since they do not care to cater to the residents on the weekend.
If you want our business then open on the weekends.
There is a huge selection of fine dining open all the time. We just need a few more casual places for Saturday and Sunday.
It would also be nice to have some bars for 40 year olds and up.
How about an outdoor market like Pike's in Seattle ?
On a smaller scale of course.
Crime isn't that much of an issue and we have seen an increase in bike patrols lately. More police presence is a plus and they need to stay on top of it.
One thing the city can do for sure is to adopt a "no loitering" law. Their are far to many vagrants laying around on the benches of Tryon between 7th and 10th. If they are not contributing then move them on their way.
I've got to say that the main reason I live uptown is the amenities and the closeness of all the other cool neighborhoods. You also get a feel unlike anywhere else in Charlotte. Urban, makes me feel like I am not in the South.
I currently have a home in Northlake area of town and are one of those people who is looking to move back to Uptown when I move back to Charlotte.
I lived in Uptown at Post Gateway when it opened in 2001 for a year. I moved there after living in places in University (while in college), Pineville, and Arboretium.
Every area had it pluses and minuses but I was truely happy in Uptown eventhough at the time there was very little in terms of conveince living in Uptown. Now with the Harris Teeter, CVS in 4th Ward it make it even more desireable to live in Uptown.
The only issue is cost of the units and space. At the time when I lived in uptown I was looking at a space for 70 grand for 550 sq ft. I decided that maybe too small for me so I settled on a 1,000 sq ft near Northlake for 90 grand.
But here is the kicker... I could now sell my 550 sq ft place for 150 grand but my 1,000 home is still selling for 90 grand and I came to the conclusion that I didn't need 1000 sq feet of living space because I really only use to the it to eat some nights and sleep.
Being a crime victim (here in Memphis) I realize its everywhere and nobody is safe and actually if you go to 4th ward after dark its a very safe area. Most crimes are done during working hours when people are not at home and therefore the 4th ward is safer than most because of the people constantly being around during the day.
Now is Uptown for everyone.. NO... I could not see a family of 4 living in uptown... but maybe a mother or father and 1 old child.
Once Epic Center opens it think it will truely change the way people live and work in Uptown. Memphis has the Pebody Place which has done alot to help Memphis downtown but Memphis still lacks the business and residences to truely support it.
Charlotte has a great balance between a variety of housing/business types which make Charlotte to me one of the best places to live.
WE NEED A GREAT N.Y. PIZZA PLACE UPTOWN.
FUEL and the others BLOW !!!!!!
PLEASE ! When I get the midnight munchies I want a slice NOW !
I need about 2,500 sqaure feet and 1/3 acre of land for a good sized yard. I have two labradors and three kids between the ages of 2 and 7. Also, I can afford about $250,000 for my home. Also need a good neighborhood school. Is anything like that available downtown?
Haaaaaaaa ! You crack us all up.
For $215k to $230k you may find an older 2 bedroom 1,100 sq. ft. townhome located at Springfield Square. It's right on 4th Ward park so you can get out with the dogs and a new playground is being built a block away.
Tons of cultural things for the kiddies. Imaginon, Belk childrens theater, Discovery Place, OmniMax.
But get real, a family of 5 cannot live uptown for under $450k.
If you can then maybe someone will post that info for you.
I believe there are 2 magnets schools uptown.
But who cares, I know you are just joking about your inquiry.
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Does anyone know if I can buy a nice 900 sq. foot condo in the suburbs for $250,000 ?
It must have floor to ceiling/wall to wall glass windows, granite countertops all around as well as hardwoods throughout. I want WiFi in the entire building as well as 2 T1 lines in my unit. Also must have a 24 hr. concierge, totally gated and secured, billiards room, video game room, 50 inch plasmas everywhere, an office center, a full gym, outdoor amenities terrace with gardens, fireplace and a jr. olympic pool. Hell, lets throw in a bar, full kitchen and a mini WiFi cafe on the amenities floor as well.
I also need the incredible city view to gaze upon as it twinkles in the nights sky. A nice balcony to enjoy the evening weather and some wine would be equally great.
I know I am being difficult but can it also be surrounded by fine dining as well as cafe's and sports bars ?
It would be really great if it had movies, a bowling alley, a Super Target, a Home Depot Design Center and a Lowes within walking distance.
I would like it to have street cars and a light rail to speed me around effortlessly to all of the close really cool neighborhoods like NoDa, Dilworth, Plaza, Central, Elizabeth, Myers Park and Southpark.
Can I also have the best shopping in the city (Southpark) within a 5 minute ride ?
Damn, I keep forgetting. I absolutely have to have theaters, sports and music venues.
How about a Harris Teeter right across the street ?
Can someone please find me this ?
Oh, that's right, I already bought one..........but it's UPTOWN.
Look people.... If everyone fit into the same type of housing it would all be cookie cutter and the same... but we don't... we don't all have the same requirements and desires. so why are we saying that anyone one type of housing is better than another type of housing. We need to focus on makeing sure our impact what ever it is minimized so that the HUMAN RACE race can continue to thrive eventhough we each have our different needs, wants and desires.
This blog always ends up with people saying living here is better than there or stop spending money there and spend it here.
We all need to get together and decide what is best for the entire Charlotte area, so that everyone can benefit from it and not just a select few.
Brad,
It is all cookie cutter and the same in Suburbia.
Big suprise that people living in uptown are more affluent. You have to be, at least to own. And there's no reason to respond to this if that offends you. Its a simple fact. Price per square foot is more expensive uptown than other parts of the city (Myers Park/Eastover/Elizabeth excluded). Whether the amenties (or lack thereof) are worth it to you is your choice.
Whenever I meet someone who lives Uptown, I can automatically assume they are "more affluent" than most people I know. And they're more likely to be young, professional, and Euro-American (or white if you please). But I didn't need a survey to know this.
Forget the pizza, we need knishes, falafels, and donar kabobs. But these are made by immigrants who probably aren't welcome Uptown.
^ Are immigrants welcome in gated suburban communities?
The only place in Charlotte that immigrants thrive is on the east side, well distant from both Uptown and the outer 'burbs.
I do think it is very admirable that 28% of Uptowners walk to work.
However, does anyone else find it hysterically funny that 52% of Uptowners still drive to work? They don't even ride the bus.
I thought one of the glorious things about moving to Uptown was the ability to never have to use your car. What gives? It must be that stigma thing that the bus has.
And please don't tell me that you were thinking 10 years ahead when light rail will be built.
Chicago Pizza,Chicago Pizza,Chicago Pizza,Chicago Pizza,Chicago Pizza, Chicago Pizza,
I didn't see any surprises in the post or the survey, but when people starting talking pizza, I had to put in my two cents worth.
There's NY, and then there's everything else.
Whoa Mary, I was just sending that to you as a reference, now I am named in a blog!!!
There is no "right" way to live. We each have our own personal needs, beliefs, and fears. We treat our resources in a way we believe is best for us, and therefore, we make choices.
Consider a mate for example. My wife chose me, though there is probably someone better looking out there. So far, she hasn't kicked me out.
Brad is right in saying that there is a great diversity of people.
My choice for an urban lifestyle forced me to examine how all my resources were being used, and I chose to use them this way.
The survey reveals some expected stuff, as well as unexpected stuff, but points to a path that is changing the complexion of Downtown. We will get NY pizza when Cato, or someone like Cato, decides that it will be profitable. Retail will start to come when retailers realize that not only does Downtown have the rooftops needed, but that Myers Park, Eastover and Dilworth are closer to Downtown than Southpark.
Are you listening Mr. Belk?
10 years ago only Hugh McColl could envision a vibrant popluation living in the city. 10 years from now that population will be approaching 20,000 residents.
All the shortcomings of an urban lifestyle will not go away because we are Charlotte, or because we are Southern. We will have vagrants. They are here because they find an easy mark begging in a population center, we actually encourage it by handing out money on the street.
Anyway, thanks Mary!
UD
Some friends of my wife and I moved downtown and we visited them often. Initially they enjoyed living there but one item became a major adjustment for them was the noise. Sirens seemed loader, people on the street making noise at all hours. After one year they had enough and moved back to the suburbs to have a more quiet and calmer environment.
knishes, falafels, and donar kabobs !!!
YES ! I agree and I live uptown and YES they are welcome !!!!
Pizza is still a must though.
Can we have a Polish joint as well ? Some fresh made Kielbasa !!!
Knishes are at 7th St. Deli and Gliebermans out on Providence.
Falafel and kabobs are awesome at Kabob Grill in Dilworth.
DAMN I am getting hungry. I am heading to Manhattan today so I will get my fill.
Rick,
I live uptown and HYBRID to work. I work 5 miles away at a business park. I will eventually love to work uptown but for now the great cash is 5 miles away.
I choose uptown to live for the conveniences as do many, many others I know who live uptown but work elsewhere.
I can't speak for the others but I looked into the light rail deal and I will be taking come this November.
This blog once again proves how close-minded the downtown snobs can be.
The people I know who live downtown love it but don't seem to have a need to rub it into "burb" faces as some badge of honor.
Downtown may be a great place to live with plenty of whatever one might want / need...but that doesn't make you a better person.
You can still be a jerk as evident from particular anonymous posts.
Brad is right. We all have a choice where to live and none is better than the other except for that which is better for the individual or family as THEIR choice.
Live where you want; I don't care.
Fed Up,
Excume me but as usual the smart ass from the Burbs was the one who started the bickering.
"I need about 2,500 sqaure feet and 1/3 acre of land for a good sized yard. I have two labradors and three kids between the ages of 2 and 7. Also, I can afford about $250,000 for my home. Also need a good neighborhood school. Is anything like that available downtown?"
The anon who posted the reply was juck mimicking the above poster. It was a joke. Get it ? Obviously not.
Before that started it was peaceful. So please take your Burban complaining elsewhere cry baby.
The "burb" comment may have been tongue-in-cheek and designed to rile someone like yourself,
but it doesn't make a claim to be better in the suburbs.
Nor does the poster that mimicked him. He just went into more detail of what he was "looking for".
His needs for amenities are obviously great than the suburban poster.
It's all light hearted and fun as I see it.
Get over yourself already Buddy. Life's too short.
If we didn't have a family and are planning for an addition, the wife and I would love to live Uptown. It's good but all the stuff going in there will make it great. The prices are still very cheap relative to the uptown areas of other large cities. We are investing in a rental property in the area.
Everyone has a different lifestyle. Uptown offers many things but especially convenience and amentities. And our uptown is super-safe relative many, many cities. I think it's awesome. The mixed-use buildings put there are really cool.
Myself, I'd really like to see a pro baseball team up there and more shopping. Also a better museum or two. What we have now is lackluster at best.
No, the tone was pretty evident in the anon. post after Mr. Pizza, pizza, pizza...as well as the cookie cutter comment.
Obviously Fed Up is not going to get over himself.
So lets move on.
To the Anon who wants retail and museums.
They are coming. Plans for Brevard to be a pedestrian friendly retail area are in the works. The more residents the better it looks for retail to make the investment. They are just sitting and waiting for the demand to go up.
As for museums we are getting a bunch of new ones at the new Wachovia project on S. Tryon.
It will all be here within the next 5 years.
Chill, grab a beer in the meantime and watch the development.
Uptown is still too much of a dead zone almost every night to be worth living in. I will stick with living off of East which has a great walkable district, for at least 5 more years before considering moving in further.
East is also nice. But you better buy uptown now and rent it. It will be too expensive in 5 years uptown.
As far as being dead I don't have a clue as to what you are talking about. In the winter it's quiet on the streets from about 7pm-10pm because everyone is inside at the restaurants. After that the clubs are packed on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
But in the sumertime it's jammin' out into the streets. It still doesn't really get going until 9:30 or 10:00 even in the summer. By midnight the streets are flooded with partygoers and people out for dinner and music. We even have a 12 person brass band now that plays on the street throughout the spring, summer and fall.
This Charlotte native, no longer living there (I'm in San Francisco) is thrilled that so many people are living and working in the center city. It's great that so many have embraced Charlotte. I can remmeber what it was like in the mid 70s when the center city had really hit bottom and no one ever went there. What a difference a generation has made. As the banks continue to grow and people continue to move there, the center city amenities will only get better. Hooray for all of you!
Five miles? That is easy bicycling distance for a healthy adult. Better for the environment than even a hybrid, and good for your health as well!
True, but not at 5:30 a.m. when I would have to leave to get there. I work 6am-3pm.
I don't think it would be very safe riding anywhere in Charlotte in the dark. It's hard enough not getting hit on my bicycle during the daylight hours.
Hell, I can't even walk across a street to get groceries without being nearly mowed down.
Two sets of flashing signals, strobes in the road at the cross walk, painted pedestrian crossing and signage everywhere. They still don't slow down.
But back to biking. I do a lot of it. All around the inner neighborhoods. The only time I am in my car is to go to work, the airport or an occasional trip to the mountains. Otherwise it's bike or foot.
Besides, it's a hybrid and I only do about 3,500 miles a year in it.
BRAND NAME retail on Brevard Street such as H&M, French Connection, HMV, and an Armani Exhange would be great for Center City. A NBA restaurant and Hard Rock Cafe' would be ideal as well. No mom & pop stores please.
A brand name book and sporting goods store is needed in the area.
AMENITIES, AMENITIES, AMENITIES...Uptown needs amenities. Hopefully the increase of residents will attract amenities to the area. Yes, South Park mall is a few minutes away, but it would be nice to have a variety of shops and services within walking distance. I agree with the previous Anon, the area would benefit from upscale shops. Uptown needs a STREEL LEVEL hair salons, post office, bakery, stationary store, cosmetic shop.
Uncle Dennis said:
"We will get NY pizza when Cato, or someone like Cato, decides that it will be profitable."
Selling pizza to me has probably been profitable for most vendors - unless they were running a buffet.
They make these neat little battery-powered lights you can strap to your handlebars and seatpost now, so you can see and be seen. They even make ones powered by generators attached to your wheels. I bike to/from work in the dark for a good portion of the year.
NO MOM & POP STORES!!!! They are what provide the character you are seeking uptown. Chain stores are souless and a waste of space. Go into any brand name chain store and you could be anywhere in the world - there is no identity. If you want uptown to have it's own identity and feel, push for the independently owned stores and resturants.
Independently owned stores and restaurants are not attractive. A few mom & pop boutique shops would be good, but more brand name stores are needed. Since Charlotte is not a retail destination, internationally known shops would help make the area a good place to shop.
PIZZA PIZZA !!!
There really needs to be a mix of independent and name-brand retail; any healthy downtown has both. You want to be able to browse for music at a locally-owned CD shop, then cross the street to a major department store (Macy's, etc.) to shop for clothes. Having both allows for a mix of experiences, selection and price levels.
One of uptown's biggest flaws right now is that it is courting name-brand business, but mostly shunning the local stuff. What little locally-owned businesses exist there are upscale stuff that most people can't afford, or aren't looking for.
Has anyone ever been to a city with a real downtown (please, hicks-stop calling it 'uptown')?
Charlotte's downtown has a population of 11,000. Thats less than one percent of the greater area population. There are more people at the South Park Mall on a wednesday night.
Downtown Charlotte is about 5 blocks long. Compare this to St Louis, Milwaukee, Louisville, Indianapolis, etc. that all have huge downtowns.
One big problem, too much cheap land frmo here to the ocean, and when the 'young affluent' as Mary puts it, get older and have kids, they run as fast as they can from CharMeck schools.
to each his own. If you want to pay $500K for a shoebox, knock yourself out.
You left out the rising property taxes and the 300/month condo fees to pay like suckers to feel like you live in New York.
Guess what, you don't. You live in lil' ole Charlotte.
LOL
I'll think about that while I gaze at the gorgeous skyline from my shoebox's balcony. Thanks for the input.
"Has anyone ever been to a city with a real downtown (please, hicks-stop calling it 'uptown')?"
Hey Dueche Bag,
We know it's not NYC you Moron. Nobody said it was. I grew up in NYC. No place is like NYC.
But hey, it's the best place to live in this po'dunk town. As far as 5 blocks go you are wrong again. It's 12 blocks North/South and 17 Blocks East/West.
Is it because they aren't all numbers East to West that you cannot count them ?
My "shoebox" as you call it is 770 sq. ft. with a 60 sq. ft. balcony. Granted, small, but not $500k either Dueche Bag. But I don't spend my time cleaning and doing yard work either. I did that deal years ago. 3,600 sq. ft. in Ballantyne. Never again. Now my free time is mine.
I paid $222k for it. My h.o. dues are only $212/month and include concierge, 24/hr. total secured building, gym, pool, 2 T1 lines in my unit, billiards and a slew of other amentinities that would boggle your small mind.
So there it is Stupid, all of that for $212 / month. Not bad since I don't have to pay for water, internet or my gym membership for 2 anymore. It's basically a wash for the h.o. dues.
$222k to live in a brand new hirise in the middle of town with an awesome view.
Stop crying and wishing you lived here too.
Wow, you're really smart...$2400/year for a gym membership.
When you get tired of dodging bullets at the 4th of July fireworks, I'll rent you my shed, it's twice the size of your place.
(Your boyfriend can live there too)
And you wonder why people leave the Burbs ?
Okay, let me explain again you simple minded jackass. $2,400 a year is for EVERYTHING. Not just the gym. This I have already stated but you must not have comprehended it. Home owners insurance, high speed internet, pool, tons of other amenities , security, water, etc.
To make it very simple for your pea brain to understand I will break down only the most basic amenities for you.
When I lived in the Burbs:
1. Gym: YMCA membership metro, family $93/ month
2. High speed Internet: $45
3. Water: $35
4. Monthly home security: $25
5. Monthly house insurance: $15
Okay boys and girls, this is the time to take out your calculator since you cannot use your brain.
Total: $213 a month.
It's a WASH Bozo !
Only thing is that in the Burbs I had to drive everywhere, sit in traffic, mow my lawn, clean a huge house and live next door to asswipes like you.
By the way my WIFE says you must be obsessed with your BIG house for the typical small manhood reasons.
Does your "WIFE" approve of your name-calling...or doesn't he know about it.
Yet bet your ass she does. She's born and raised above the line just like me. It's called standing up for youself. If you don't like it go somewhere, cower and sulk.
Does your wife change your diaper after you crap little man ?
I wont stand for someone throwing out B.S.
If you don't have the back bone for it then sit this one out.
Pay attention if you are going to make a smart ass comment to me. Don't quote me incorrectly and don't write a response that makes no sense just because you didn't pay attention to what you were reading the first time.
Those are strong words, you sound quite tough.
I guess livin in the 'hood has taken a toll on you.
Are you always so sensitive about your decision-making and your "urban" lifestyle?
Maybe you and your "wife" should get yourself a nice dinner tonight and RELAX...before you blow a gasket.
No Buddy. I got my tough attitude from 18 years of dealing with people like you in Charlotte.
Living in the hood? Whatever Bud. My zip code s the most expensive in the entire state. Uptown is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the entire city. Read the stats. I've been uptown for 4 years now and have never even come close to any confrontation. Unlike some I have had while living in Burbia.
Why don't you guys get together, grab a PIZZA and a six-pack, RELAX and enjoy the view?
PIZZA PIZZA !!! BEER BEER !!
Who in their right mind calls Uptown "the 'hood"? Have you even BEEN Uptown in the past 20 years?
No shit. The people that call it the "hood" are just the type of Bozo's that we don't want in our neighborhood.
So for me it's great that they don't like uptown. That means less jerkoffs on the street.
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