In Charlotte, Brookhill and Dilworth sit atop new survey of top neighborhoods
With a diverse mix of coffee shops, bars and places to eat, the Brookhill neighborhood near South End was ranked the best place to live in the Charlotte region, according to Niche, a neighborhood grading site.
The rankings are based on a rigorous analysis of public schools, local amenities and crime statistics using data from the U.S. Census, the FBI and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Niche looked at suburban cities and towns as well as neighborhoods in big metro areas like Charlotte.
Brookhill received an overall A+ rating for the outlet’s annual 2026 list. The neighborhood ranked high for nightlife (A+), being good for families (A), public schools (A-), cost of living (B), diversity (B) and housing (B-).
Located south of uptown along Remount Road and South Tryon Street, the area is named after Brookhill Village. It was built in the 1950s as a segregated community for Black residents.
Some Brookhill attractions include Inner Peaks Climbing Center, an indoor rock-climbing facility, Puttery, an indoor mini-golf bar for adults and bars such as Pins Mechanical, a social spot with a retro arcade and other games.
It is home to Club West Brewing, formerly Sycamore Brewing Co. The brewery anchors The Line, a 16-story building with office space, a sky lobby and outdoor terraces.
The median monthly rent and home value are $1,891 and $376,723, respectively. Just 2% of residents in the area are homeowners, while 98% are renters, according to Niche.
Here’s how the other following contenders landed in the top five for Charlotte’s best places to live.
2. Dilworth
With a population of more than 10,000, Dilworth is one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods. It is named after Edward Dilworth Latta, a traveling salesman who opened a clothing store in 1876.
The neighborhood features the Dilworth historic district, known for its 19th-century luxury estates. Other highlights include Lark & Key art gallery and The Morehead Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast.
- Overall grade: A+
- Good for families: A
- Public schools: A-
- Outdoor activities: A-
- Jobs: A-
- Diversity: B
- Housing: B
- Cost of living: B-
Dilworth was fifth among the best places to live in North Carolina and 245th nationwide.
Rent vs. own
- Median home value: $632,350 (38% of residents are homeowners)
- Median rent: $2,112 (62% are renters)
3. Ballantyne East
Located in south Charlotte, Ballantyne East is an affluent area home to more than 10,000 residents. It is named after Barbara Ballantyne, the aunt of real estate developer Howard “Smokey” Bissell, who is credited with the area’s modern transformation.
A few attractions in the area include the Big Rock Nature Preserve, Ballantyne’s Backyard — a park with biking and walking trails — and restaurants such as Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Ma Ma Wok and Kozi Italian Street Food.
- Overall grade: A+
- Public schools: A+
- Diversity: A
- Good for families: A
- Jobs: A-
- Housing: B+
- Outdoor activities: B+
- Cost of living: B-
The neighborhood was sixth in North Carolina for best places to live and 282nd nationwide.
Rent vs. own
- Median home value: $672,125 (52% of residents are homeowners)
- Median rent: $1,976 (48% are renters)
4. Davidson
About 30 minutes from uptown Charlotte near Lake Norman, the suburban town of Davidson is home to 15,600 people. It’s named after Revolutionary War Brig. Gen. William Lee Davidson. The town is centered around Davidson College.
The historic downtown and its main street offer a variety of shops and restaurants. Some of those places are 77 Grounds Coffee, The Village Store and The Brickhouse Tavern.
- Overall grade: A+
- Good for families: A+
- Jobs: A+
- Housing: A-
- Public schools: A
- Outdoor activities: B+
- Cost of living: B+
- Diversity: B
Davidson was seventh-best place to live in the state. It was also ranked as the top suburb in the Charlotte area. Nationwide, it was No. 128 for American suburbs.
Rent vs. own
- Median home value: $687,700 (80% of residents are homeowners)
- Median rent: $1,652 (20% are renters)
5. Southside Park
Located a few miles southwest of uptown Charlotte, Southside Park is a small neighborhood with more than 2,200 residents. It’s named after a park near Remount Road.
Southside Park is home to popular restaurants and bars such as Triple C Brewing Company, Suffolk Punch Brewing and Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Good for Families: A
- Jobs: A
- Diversity: A-
- Public School: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Housing: B+
- Cost of Living: B-
Southside Park was also eighth in North Carolina for best places to live.
Rent vs. Own
- Median home value: $441,962 (10% are homeowners)
- Median rent: $2,624 (90% are renters)
Top South Carolina suburb: Tega Cay
Just across the state line, Tega Cay swept several top spots in South Carolina.
The York County city was first for best place to raise a family, public schools, best suburb and best place to live in South Carolina. Niche also ranked Tega Cay as the best suburb in the state and the top place to raise a family in the Charlotte region.
With an A+ grade, it came in sixth place as the metro’s best place to live and second for suburbs.
Located on Lake Wylie, the city has a population of around 13,600. It’s home to several parks and facilities. Some of them include Catawba Park, Nivens Creek Landing and the city’s Beach and Swim Center.
Rent vs. own
The median monthly rent is $1,408, and the median home value is $529,200. Homeownership is high in this area, with 84% of residents owning their homes.
