From 2016 to 2021, the Charlotte metropolitan area gained over 200,000 residents. Charlotte neighborhoods such as Gastonia and Concord provide great options for both renters and investors.
Are you considering different neighborhoods in Charlotte but aren't sure which one to choose? The following guide will explore the unique features of each area to make your decision simple.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Charlotte MSA neighborhoods.
What Is a Charlotte MSA Neighborhood?
MSA stands for Metropolitan Statistical Area and the U.S. OMB designates them around the country. They must have one or more urbanized areas and a population of at least 50,000 people.
It's an area made up of a city surrounded by neighborhoods that are connected by economic and social characteristics. Metropolitan statistical areas help group cities and counties into distinct geographic regions for censuses and other important data.
Investors typically favor MSA neighborhoods for their excellent market stability. They're usually close to employment centers and transportation hubs, which is also a benefit for renters.
Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is just west of Charlotte and it's the second-biggest population in the area. It's apart of Gaston County and known for its affordable rentals and beautiful parks.
Renters that love nature often flock to the nearby Crowders Mountain State Park. It's known for its great hikes, impressive cliffs, and excellent views of surrounding Piedmont. It also includes a 9-acre lake for activities like fishing and canoeing.
Families with young children tend to move to the southeast portion of Gastonia for elementary schools. Brookside Elementary School and Webb Street School are two of the best in the city.
The southeast area also boasts great parks and walking trails to help the whole family stay active. It's a very safe area as well, which makes it a top choice for families.
For young professionals and couples, the downtown Gastonia area makes a perfect fit. There are many small townhomes and apartments to choose from and they're all close to great shopping and dining options.
Concord, NC
You'll find Concord about 26 miles northeast of Charlotte's energetic downtown area. It has an ever-growing population with an average resident age of about 36 years old.
The name Concord means "harmony" and parks like Frank Liske Park live up to that name. It has walking trails, a soccer complex, and a lake spread out over 238 acres.
If you're looking for excitement, Concord sits very close to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. There, you do things like watch races, monster trucks, or even drive on the track yourself!
Rental prices are very reasonable and job opportunities continue to grow in the area. Concord is home to many reputable companies such as Atrium Health, S&D Coffee and Tea, Amazon Warehouse, and ACN just to name a few.
Most Concord residents drive their own vehicles, but the area also has top-notch public transportation options. It also has a regional airport that sends travelers to several areas of Florida and New Orleans.
There's an Amtrak station less than 10 miles from Concord if railroads are more your style. A lot of Concord residents take advantage of carpooling to save money as well.
For families, there are outstanding public and private school options in the area. Kids in Concord also enjoy the Sea Life Aquarium and Extreme Play facility.
There are plenty of restaurants, breweries, and wineries for foodies considering Concord. There are also several museums, art galleries, and theaters, too. No matter the age of your household, there's something to do in Concord for everyone.
What to Know About Charlotte
Whether you choose Gastonia or Concord, you'll be close to Uptown Charlotte and you'll need to know the basics. First, it's a financial industry hot spot and great for those who work in banking.
It's home to Bank of America's headquarters which is one of the biggest banks in the country. Other giant companies like Duke Energy and Nucor also have their headquarters in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Area Transit System, also known as CATS, allows residents to use streetcars, buses, or the LYNX Light Rail. Even if you have your own vehicle, it makes it much easier to beat rush hour and save money on gas, too.
Charlotte residents experience all four seasons no matter which neighborhood they choose. The winters are quite mild compared to other areas of the country and the area receives more rain than snow in those months.
Uptown has plenty of breweries open year-round, but you'll definitely want a cold drink during a Charlotte summer! While the summer weather doesn't get overly hot, it does get very humid.
Whether you travel for business or leisure, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport can get you where you want to be. It's located just west of the city's central business district and hosts most major airlines.
Lastly, Charlotte is a sports fan's dream with teams like the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. The city also has minor league baseball and hockey teams, the Knights and Checkers.
Choosing Charlotte MSA Neighborhoods
Now you know what Charlotte MSA neighborhoods have to offer and why so many new residents move to them each year. With so many job opportunities, activities, and wonderful schools, the choice is easy.
We hope this brief guide has given you a good idea of how special the Charlotte area is and we hope you make the move soon! You can contact us at Bottom Line Property Management for more rental and investing information.
