Charlotte Real Estate

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Ten years ago, at least one-third of you reading this didn't yet live here. Bank of America was still Nationsbank. Concord Mills and Northlake malls didn't exist. The Charlotte Hornets NBA team played in a coliseum off Tyvola Road. Times have changed, but the things that keep people moving to this region haven't changed much. For 10 years, The Observer has been helping newcomers and oldtimers alike keep track of changes and discover the area's gems through the annual Living Here magazine. As the Observer's newcomer reporter and near-lifelong resident of the region, I've compiled a subjective list of the 10 best things about living here. If you have other thoughts, I hope you'll let me know. Keep an eye out for follow-ups in my column in the Observer, which runs Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and in my blog, New Around Town. Without further ado: Trees. I wish newcomers could have seen this place before Hurricane Hugo made a serious dent in 1989. But we still have one of the best tree canopies of any city our size -- head to the top of a tall building and check out how even our most developed areas look green from up high. But for the best view, see the cathedral effect where tree branches meet over stately streets in Myers Park. Friendly people. Newcomers frequently comment on how friendly people are compared to wherever back home is. "Everyone waves at you," said one. "I haven't met a grumpy Charlotte person yet," said another. Well, we've got grumps but they aren't likely to be the first people you'll meet. Outdoor dining. Europeans have told me some of our outdoor cafes remind them of theirs. We can eat at many of them more than six months of the year, thanks to our balmy climate. Check out the patios at Ri Ra uptown (which overlooks the plaza in front of the Art Deco Hearst Tower on North Tryon) and Village Tavern at SouthPark to get started. Fun around the corner. Shopping, museums, free outdoor concerts, theater, symphony -- I could go on. A personal fave is the N.C. Dance Theatre -- they can hold their own with any other company in the country. Fun close by. Whether it's mountains, beaches or historic sites, we've got some of the best destinations in the country within an easy drive. Heading the list are Asheville and Charleston, but in the region we've also got Reed Gold Mine, site of the first U.S. gold discovery; Historic Brattonsville, where Mel Gibson's 2000 movie "The Patriot" was filmed; and more. Southern food. Sure, we've got most ethnic foods you can imagine and some creative chefs. But if you've never had N.C.-style barbecue (that's shredded pork with vinegar sauce), you've got a treat in store. We also boast some of the best sweet ice tea around, down-homey fish camps and many fine soul-food spots. Our uptown skyline. Every time I fly into Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, I get happy when I see it outside the plane window. It is beautiful, modern, bank-dominated -- the perfect iconic image for Charlotte. And it makes me feel at home. Sports. Personally, I'm partial to Duke basketball (hush, Tar Heels). You're in the heart of ACC country, and of course we've got the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NASCAR and a strong assortment of minor-league, college and prep sports to root for. Houses of worship. Here in the Bible Belt, they've created some of our area's most beautiful architecture and provide the backbone to many communities. Many of their leaders are vital to civic debate. We encourage involvement. We've got our share of messes to work on -- schools, traffic, race relations, environment, poverty, crime. Want to get involved in your favorite issues? Roll up your sleeves and jump in. You'll be warmly welcomed.