With low living costs, a bustling downtown, a burgeoning economy, and a dining scene of a foodie’s dreams, the Queen City can suit anyone’s tastes (and budget).

Here’s the million-dollar question, though: where in Charlotte should you live?

Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, the car and home insurance super app

Jerry

has compiled a list of Charlotte’s hottest spots based on key criteria. We’ll break down crime and housing rates, the percentage of owners and buyers, and what you’ll fall in love with about each corner of Charlotte.

Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Shop Now

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Tega Cay

Crime rating: B

Housing rating: A

Rent vs. own percentage: 4% renters vs. 96% owners

Cul de sacs, a golf course, and a picturesque downtown put Tega Cay on the list of suburban sanctuaries near Charlotte. This one is technically in

South Carolina

, but it’s a straight shot to Charlotte for commuters to the financial epicenter. While the golf course is the main attraction for adults there, Mr. Putty’s Fun Park earns rave reviews from every member of the family.

With Tega Cay Elementary School ranking number two in the state, this neighborhood is a family-friendly hub offering residents the serenity of rural living with access to financial opportunities in Charlotte.

Providence Crossing

Crime rating: B+

Housing rating: A

Rent vs. own percentage: 19% renters vs. 81% owners

Strap on your walking shoes, because Providence Crossing is a walkable community with short distances between local favorites like The Flying Biscuit Cafe and Bad Daddy's Burger Bar. With mouth-watering eateries dispersed throughout the local business district, there’s a close-knit feel in the sparse, suburban neighborhood.

That’s not to mention Providence Crossing’s A+-rated schools—including Marvin Ridge High School’s number seven ranking in the state.

Sharon Woods

Crime rating: A+

Housing rating: A-

Rent vs. own percentage: 33% renters vs. 67% owners

With a booming real estate market, Sharon Woods is ideal for any newcomers to the area. Whether you decide to plant roots and buy a house or rent for a short time, it’s crucial to explore the neighborhood’s restaurant scene and experience what the buzz is about at the famous Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.

You can confidently stroll to Carmel Road Park thanks to Sharon Wood’s A+ crime rating, and immerse yourself in the friendly community feel at any age.

Commonwealth

Crime rating: C

Housing rating: A-

Rent vs. own percentage: 71% renters vs. 29% owners

Known to locals as the home of “Downtown Plaza Midwood,” Commonwealth is a vibrant corner of Charlotte with some of the hottest dining spots in town. With the number two spot in terms of livability scores in Charlotte, Commonwealth offers enough common ground for people of all demographics.

Renting is a viable option in this neighborhood, so it’s perfect for those getting a start with a new role near Queen City.

Third Ward

Crime rating: D

Housing rating: B+

Rent vs. own percentage: 69% renters vs. 31% owners

Go Panthers! If you bleed blue as a Panthers fan, you’ll love the Charlotte spot housing the Bank of America Stadium: Third Ward. With alumni investing in their alma mater, the area is on a trajectory for financial growth, which spills out into the corners of the neighborhood.

The schools are above average, but the nightlife can’t be matched. While you’re out and about, though, be mindful of the area’s crime rating. With a high density of residents, commuters, and visitors, it’s essential to be alert while you enjoy the surroundings.

MORE: What is a student away at school discount?

Uptown

Crime rating: D

Housing rating: B-

Rent vs. own percentage: 83% renters vs. 17% owners

It may be called Uptown, but it’s known by locals as Downtown Charlotte. It’s the heartbeat of the city, with rich, historic sites and the HQ of Wells Fargo at its helm. Originally, the neighborhood was called Charlotte’s central business district until it was renamed Uptown in 1974.

Keep in mind that Charlotte has a high overall crime rating, and this spot is right at the center of the action. Most residents report feeling secure on the sidewalks, but it’s a good idea to practice caution as you would in any city.

Davidson

Crime rating: C+

Housing rating: A-

Rent vs. own percentage: 21% renters vs. 79% owners

Just one mile northeast of Uptown, what’s evolved from a textile manufacturing center to an arts district has become known as Davidson. North Davidson, or NoDa, boasts illustrious art galleries amidst music events, restaurants, and shops.

The area’s schools have an A rating, and the walkable landscape makes the artsy area the perfect place for families to buy a home.

Ballantyne

Crime rating: C+

Housing rating: A-

Rent vs. own percentage: 41% renters vs. 59% owners

A fast-growing, upscale neighborhood near the South Carolina border, Ballantyne is home to prominent company headquarters like MetLife, Babcock and Wilcox, Extended Stay America, and more. The area is packed with restaurants, golf courses, and wedding venues for swanky couples.

With businesses abounding, it’s a desirable place to rent, but it also makes for a worthy family spot with walkable roads and a highly-rated school district.

Dilworth

Crime rating: C-

Housing rating: B

Rent vs. own percentage: 56% renters vs. 44% owners

Known as Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb, Dilworth’s grid-like layout allows for seamless transportation in and out of the city that sets it apart from other neighborhoods. Economic access, a Historic District, and nostalgic curb appeal position Dilworth to be one of the best places to live in the area.

Southern charm pervades the oak-tree-lined streets, welcoming front porches, and local eateries along East Boulevard.

Fourth Ward

Crime rating: C-

Housing rating: A-

Rent vs. own percentage: 62% renters vs. 38% owners

A renter’s paradise, Fourth Ward is a sprightly neighborhood with plenty of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Young professionals flock to the quiet streets to enjoy the Victorian housing designs and expanding economy.

Since the collaboration of the Junior League and Bank of America to refurbish the area in 1970, Fourth Ward has been on the rise for commercial growth—and isn’t stopping any time soon.

MORE: How to choose the right kind of home insurance for you

Buying cheap insurance

Alright, current and future Charlotteans, whether you’ve landed in the Panther-prowling center of Uptown or the cul de sacs of Tega Cay, there’s one thing missing from your new digs: insurance. Despite living costs being low in Charlotte, any new investment—

rented or owned

—can cost a pretty penny.

There’s no need to worry about insurance costs when you’ve got the broker app

Jerry

in your pocket. Driven by finding you the best savings, Jerry generates competitive quotes from premier insurance companies within minutes of signing up.

Just download the app, enter some basic information, and choose a quote that meets your needs for the lowest price. Jerry is a connoisseur of discounts, and bundling your new home with your car insurance is just one easy way to unlock some serious savings.

How much, exactly? The average user rakes in an average of $887 per year with Jerry!

“I was literally floored by the savings
Jerry
found for me. I was paying close to $960 every 6 months and now I’m paying $380 every 6 months for IDENTICAL COVERAGE in North Carolina!” —Olivia Z.

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Charlotte?

If you’re heading to Charlotte on a budget, Ballantyne West and Providence Crossing are the two most wallet-friendly spots in the area.

What neighborhoods are near the best schools in Charlotte?

If you have kiddos or are planning for a family in the future, you’ll want to zero in on areas like Sharon Woods, Common Wealth, and Providence Crossing with the best-rated schools in Charlotte.

Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance

Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!

Try Jerry