In recent years, Charlotte has been the go-to city for people moving to Charlotte, and many of those people end up relocating to Uptown Charlotte. Charlotte’s Uptown area is made up of Four Wards that run along Trade and Tryon streets. The Four Wards have everything from the best apartments to the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte. At a glance, the wards may seem indistinct, but upon further investigation, you will see how each ward has its own story, history and characteristics.
First Ward
History of First Ward
First Ward encompasses anything east of the Trade and Tryon intersection and within the boundaries of the northwest end of North Tryon and the southwest end of East Trade. Ever since its revitalization in 1993 due to the HUD HOPE IV grant, First Ward has become one of the most sought after spots for those relocating to Charlotte and those who are already here.
Living in First Ward
First Ward is a great place to live. Located near several great private and public schools, it is a great location for families. The added B-Cycle stations that can be found on East 9th and 7th Street make it incredibly easy to get around if you are looking for a cheap way to get to work or explore the area. First Ward Park is a magnificent addition to this area; it is a beautiful four-acre park with tons of outdoor space for picnics, games and fun and even an interactive fountain for those hot Queen City days.
Things to do in First Ward
First Ward is the place to go for a night out with the family, friends or even a date. There are tons of bars and restaurants to choose from. You are bound to find someplace that will fit everyone’s needs. Go to Connolly’s on Fifth, one of Charlotte’s only true Irish Pubs, for some drinks. Or head on over to Sea Level, one of the best restaurants in Uptown Charlotte. Have a craving for coffee? Stop by Not Just Coffee for some of the best coffee you will ever have, located at Seventh Street Public Market. Looking for some fun for the whole family? ImaginOn brings together a library and theater for an awesome experience for kids and teenagers. If you are looking to learn more about the history of Charlotte, then look no further than the Levine Museum of the New South. The Levine exhibits what life was like in Charlotte after the Civil War. There are tons of things to do in Uptown Charlotte and many of them can be found in First Ward.
Second Ward
History of Second Ward
Second Ward is considered anything that falls directly south of Trade and Tryon but within the boundaries of the northwest end of South Tryon and the northeast end of East Trade. Second Ward used to be known as Brooklyn until the 1960s “Urban Renewal” initiative forced residents to move. Now Second Ward is home to hotels, condominiums, government centers, and parks.
Living in Second Ward
Second Ward is a great place to be when visiting Charlotte, as there are tons of hotels, the Charlotte Convention Center and the EpiCentre. Second Ward is home to some of the best apartments in Charlotte, but if you want to live there, they come at a high price. Thus, Second Ward is a big destination for singles relocating to Uptown Charlotte.
What You’ll Find in Second Ward
Second Ward is the destination for a lot of activities in Uptown. If you are looking for nightlife, visit the EpiCentre, which is a complex filled with some of the most popular bars in Uptown. Daytime activities like the Nascar Hall of Fame will keep you and your friends and family entertained for hours, as you learn about one of the nation’s biggest sports. Second Ward has a lot to offer those visiting Charlotte and those who already live here.
Third Ward
History of Third Ward
Third Ward is located west of Trade and Tryon but inside the boundaries of the southeast end of South Tryon and the northeast end of West Trade. One of the most interesting facts about Third Ward is that there was once a row of buildings called Film Row, located between the 200 and 300 blocks of South Church. Every major player in the U.S. movie industry had a building there between the 1920s and 1970s that handled film distribution for the Carolinas. These days, it’s home to stadiums, parks and much more.
Living in Third Ward
Third Ward is a great place for families and couples looking to buy a home in Charlotte, NC. There is a lot of real-estate available from apartments to townhomes in great locations in the city. Surrounding the BB&T Ballpark there are several little neighborhoods including a mix of old and new homes. Third Ward is also where one of the most popular parks in Charlotte’s Uptown is, Frazier Park. Families often go there for the day with their kids to play or let their dogs run around in the dog park.
Things to do in Third Ward
Third Ward is the perfect place for the Charlotte sports fan. Both BB&T Ballpark (home of the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team) and the Bank of America Stadium (home of the Carolina Panthers NFL team) are center points in this ward. On Sundays in the fall, the streets are packed with fans in their Panthers gear, enjoying time with their friends and families under the Carolina blue sky.
If sports are not your thing, no worries, as Third Ward is bustling with tons of other activities. Want to learn some history or see some art? Head over to the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Or go to Romare Bearden Park, which is one of the most beautiful places in Uptown to see the skyline and sit and enjoy the beautiful gardens. After that, head over to the French Quarter located at 321 South Church Street to enjoy a quaint row of restaurants and bars that will transport you to New Orleans.
Fourth Ward
History of Fourth Ward
Fourth Ward is located directly north of Trade and Tryon and inside the boundaries of the southeast end of North Tryon and the southwest end of West Trade. In the mid-1800s, this Ward was designated as one of the major parts of the city for election purposes, like the other three Wards. However, Fourth Ward is special in that when visiting you can still see a lot of the old, quaint charm that used to overwhelm this city. If you are visiting, check out the Dunhill Hotel that dates back to 1929 and was one of the first luxury hotels in North Carolina and part of the Historic Hotels of America.
Living in Fourth Ward
Fourth Ward is a large mix of old and new, from Victorian homes to new, contemporary condos and apartments. You can go from a small Victorian home that was built in the 1800s to a 50-floor luxury apartment, such as The VUE, in a matter of blocks. Fourth Ward Park is also a go-to spot for families and people wanting to enjoy the outdoors. Favorite spots for residents of Fourth Ward include Alexander Michael’s, which is a family-owned restaurant and bar that was built in the Crowell-Berryhill Store, a grocery store that originally opened in 1897
Things to do in Fourth Ward
Fourth Ward has some great things to do in Uptown. Head on over to Discovery Place for a fun, interactive day. It’s the perfect place to take your kids or just go with your friends and relive your childhood. Want to learn more about Charlotte’s history? Hop on a horse and carriage tour for a fun adventure. Craving a live show? Go to AvidXchange Music Factory. How about a creative and delicious meal? Grab dinner over at 5Church whose Executive Chef, Jamie Lynch, was on Bravo TVs Emmy winning show, Top Chef. Whatever you do, you will be sure to have an awesome time in Fourth Ward of Uptown Charlotte.
