As a new school season begins students all over the country are making the trip to college for the first time. But for the parents they leave behind, this can be a major life change. Suddenly the house can feel too big, and paying to live in a top school district no longer makes sense. The obvious choice for many parents is to relocate or downsize. If your flock has flown the nest and you’re in search of somewhere to plant your roots for good, keep reading. Below we explore the top five Charlotte, North Carolina neighborhoods for empty nesters!

Davidson

Davidson is a popular Charlotte suburb with a population of about 13,000. The affluent suburb is a very safe place to live and reports 90% less violent crime than the national average. Given its low crime rates, pedestrian-friendly roads, and close-knit community it offers empty nesters the perfect environment to embark on the next stage of their life. The charming, southern town has an abundance of food spots, markets, and outdoor space.

Downtown Davidson is brimming with quaint stores like the Village Shop for a spot of retail therapy, and you’ll find several great establishments to grab a bite to eat. The James-Beard nominated Kindred restaurant on Main St. provides an ‘innovative take’ on the American classics you love. Davidson residents can also take advantage of their proximity to the Lake Davidson Nature Preserve with water activities like kayaking and sailing.

While Davidson offers residents a relaxed pace you will never be far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The suburb is just a short 20-minute drive to Charlotte’s city center. With more time on your hands, you may be inclined to watch the Hornets compete in the Spectrum Center or the Carolina Panthers play at the Bank of America Stadium. Alternatively, you can keep it local and head to Davidson college to watch the Wildcats play.

Housing: According to Niche.com, the median home value in Davidson is $439,100 as of 2022. You can find stunning and affordable waterfront condos in the neighborhood of Davidson Landing, ideal for the empty nester looking to downsize. Alternatively, you can shop for luxury homes just minutes from downtown Davidson in the affluent Anniston neighborhood. Homes in Anniston are usually priced between $700,00 to more than $1.5 million.

Don’t miss…the Davidson Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday from 9am to noon on Main St. You can shop for fresh produce and delicious baked goods while mingling with your new neighbors!

Pineville

This charming Charlotte suburb is located in the southernmost part of Mecklenburg County and has a population of about 9,000. A rapidly growing and prosperous town, Pineville sits just outside the Charlotte city limits and was once a mule-bartering post. Today it boasts a burgeoning craft beer scene, numerous community activities, and the Carolina Place shopping mall. The mall is a go-to destination for shoppers throughout Charlotte with stores including Pandora, House of Hoops, and H&M all under one roof.

There are copious eateries for Pineville residents to dine out. OooWee BBQ is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and their signature BBQ sundae is a must try. You’ll often spot the OooWee food truck parked outside of local Pineville breweries and they also have a brick and mortar location. Craving some classic German cuisine? Waldhorn offers its customers a taste of authentic German food including stuffed pork schnitzel and apfelstrudel.

With a Niche.com A rating for health and fitness and B+ for outdoor activities, Pineville has plenty of green space and amenities for you to keep active in your free time. Many residents enjoy a picnic or a jog in Pineville Lake Park and your four-legged friends will feel right at home in Canine Commons Dog Park. You can also pick up locally sourced produce and sample cuisines from food trucks at the Pineville Farm Stand.

Housing: According to a 2022 Niche.com report, the median home value in Pineville is $225,000. For those looking to downsize, there are approximately 400 condos listed for sale in Pineville per Realtor.com.

Don’t miss…the over 25 homemade wing flavors at D.D. Pecker’s and quality craft beer at Kit’s Trackside Crafts.

Belmont

Belmont is a Charlotte suburb in Gaston County with a population of approximately 13,000. It is an excellent option for people seeking a quieter alternative to Charlotte without sacrificing access to first class amenities. Located just 15 miles from Charlotte, NC you only have to drive 30-minutes to reach Uptown Charlotte. However, Belmont itself has plenty to offer and is an enticing mix of culture, outdoor recreation, and friendly neighbors.

At the heart of the burb is Main Street, the vibrant epicenter offering everything from fitness classes to food spots. Now that your nest is empty you make be looking for new hobbies to fill your free evenings. Belmont Yoga on Main St. provides a wide variety of classes in several yoga specialties like power flow and kids yoga. Perhaps you plan on becoming a fully fledged foodie and dining out more? There are several great options to choose from including the Bottle Tree Restaurant. The restaurant gets its name from the many blue and green bottle trees across the South and ‘serves up globally inspired dishes made with seasonal Southern ingredients.’ Start your day right with the fried egg banh mi for brunch or sample delicious small plates from bao buns to ceviche for dinner.

There are also plenty of community events and activities to get involved in. Honoring its former name, Belmont still holds an annual Garibaldi Festival which celebrates local art, crafts, and music. Discover more Belmont community events with this updated calendar. Fortunately, the suburb is situated between the Catawba River and Lake Wylie, and within driving distance of Crowders Mountain State Park. This makes it the ideal location for people interested in hiking, fishing, camping, and rock climbing.

Housing: According to Niche.com, the median home value in Belmont is $249,500 as of 2022. The suburb also has lots of affordable townhomes and ranch style homes, as well as spacious and historic craftsman style abodes.

Don’t miss…the Catawba River Outfitters. With an abundance of green spaces for you to explore, a visit to Catawba River Outfitters is a must. The store specializes in outdoor gear including camping gear and waterproof clothing.

Lake Park

Lake Park is a suburb of Charlotte in Union County with a population of about 4,000. Living here offers its residents a relaxing small-town environment and most own their own home. Locals are surrounded by nature with five parks and several ponds located throughout the town. Head to Indian Trail Park for hiking, Buzzard Rock Trail for a picnic, and Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation for a round of golf. A tight-knit and safe suburban community you can rest easy knowing that crime problems are minimal.

However, Lake Park is not a walkable city with a walk score of 26 and a bike score of 38. While some may prefer a walkable city that offers amenities next door, others will appreciate the outdoor space and tranquil streets of this peaceful suburb.

Housing: According to Niche.com, the median home value in Lake Park is $203,400 as of 2022. You will find lots of housing options to suit your needs and lifestyle – condos if you are looking to downsize, a spacious single-family home if you want room for when the kids visit, patio homes, and much more.

Don’t miss…Trivia night at Sweet Union Brewing Company. Visitors can try flavorful tapas and craft beets while testing their trivia knowledge every Thursday and Sunday night.

Matthews

If you’re looking for the quaint feel of a small town coupled with convenient access to all the amenities the city has to offer, then Matthews is for you. This charming Charlotte suburb is situated in Mecklenburg County and has a population of 32,000. Historic buildings lining the town’s Main St give the area a rustic and authentic feel. Funderburk Brothers Complex, Heath and Reid General Store, and Renfrow Hardware have all been in the town since the late 1800s.

There are also some fantastic restaurants and cafes located throughout Matthews. Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply is a picturesque white-picketed fence coffee house selling artisan coffee and tea. Their signature lavender latte is a must try! Sante, located in the historical district, is a fine dining restaurant. Its intimate dining space with brick walls and stunning artwork, paired with a menu of divine French-American dishes makes Sante a popular choice among Matthews locals.

After an evening well-spent in one of Matthews’ many excellent restaurants, a morning run may be just what you want. Head to Four Mile Creek Greenway or Idlewild Road Park where you will find scenic walking trails. Other notable amenities in the suburb include Matthews Public Library and the McDowell Arts Center. The center hosts a variety of classes from adult tap dancing to art and clay workshops.

Housing: Niche.com estimates that the median house value in Matthews, NC is $283,100 as of 2022. There is an impressive range of housing options to choose from including spacious farmhouse style homes to fit the children when they visit, and historic Colonials and craftsman style homes if you’re looking for something unique.

Don’t miss…Matthews Farmers Market. It is the largest producers-only farmers market in the Charlotte area and the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Are you considering a move to Charlotte, North Carolina? We have some great resources to get you started! Check out our moving checklist for information on how to prepare for your move and use our free move estimate tool to determine the cost of your Charlotte move. If you are not in Charlotte, check out this page to discover if we offer moving services near you.