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University City neighborhood guide: Restaurants, UNCC botanical gardens, music

By Desiree Mathurin

Updated July 10, 2025 7:16 PM

Welcome to University City in north Charlotte, home to the only full-size IKEA in the Carolinas!

Why it’s called University City?

Also known as University, University Place, or “a city within a city,” University City is named after its largest resident, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. UNCC, moved to the neighborhood in 1961, taking over about 1,000 acres.

Median priced single-family home

As of February, the median sale price for a house in the neighborhood was $354,265, according to Redfin. The median price dips to $237,500 heading into University City North.

Apartment Rents

The average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,362, according to Apartments.com.

Who lives in University City?

Looking at the two major zip codes in University City, 28262 and 28223, the neighborhood has a population of over 50,100 people, according to census data. There are two additional zip codes that cover parts of University, 28269 and 28213, but they vastly cover other neighborhoods.

The 28223 zip covers UNCC. The median age is 19 years old. More than half the residents identify as female. More than half the population identifies as white.

In the 28262 zip code, which covers the majority of University, the median age is 30 years old. More than half the population identifies as female. And about 49% of the population identifies as Black. The median household income is over $66,700.

And the area is growing. In 2024, University City saw more 3,000 new apartments open up.

University City is also home to University City Research Park, one of the largest research hubs in the state with over 33,000 employees, according to University City Partners’ executive director Keith Stanley.

Restaurants

There are over 140 in University City, Stanley said. And they represent all cultures including Caribbean, Jamaican, Mexican, Italian and Chinese. Here are just a few and if you’re favorite is missing, let us know!

▪ McCullough Commons: Banh Mi Brothers, Crackin’ Crawfish, Jerk & Juice, King Fish Poke, Le Kebab Grill, Mike’s Vegan Grill, Picasso’s Sports Café, Vavela Cafe, Zafran Kabab Palace; 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd,

▪ The Shoppes at University Place: Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Ribs, Famous Toastery, Ninety’s Dessert Bar; The Wine Vault; 8931 J M Keynes Dr

▪ Armored Cow Brewing Co.; 8821 JW Clay Blvd.

▪ El Taco Veloz; 6701 N Tryon St.

▪ Flying Saucer Draught Emporium; 9605 N Tryon St.

▪ Giacomo’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant; 10230 Berkeley Pl Dr., STE 160

▪ Golden Owl Tavern; 9041 Robert D. Snyder Rd.

▪ Maria’s Grill; 2801 W Sugar Creek Rd.

▪ Passage To India; 9510 University City Blvd #101

▪ PUPUSA 503 Salvadoran Deli 850 Chancellor Park Dr.

▪ Rasin Haitian Restaurant; 5630 N Graham St.

▪ River Buffet Grill; 8215 University City Blvd

▪ Sarangi, Indian and Nepali Cuisine; 9211 N Tryon St #13

▪ Sol’Delish; 9211 N Tryon St #1

▪ Tequilas Tacos & Bar; 8650 University City Blvd

Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

▪ Charlotte Engineering Early College

▪ Charlotte Teacher Early College

▪ Governors’ Village STEM Academy

▪ James Martin Middle School

▪ Julius L. Chambers High School

▪ Mallard Creek Elementary School

▪ Performance Learning Center High School

▪ Stoney Creek Elementary School

▪ University Meadows Elementary School

Charter Schools

▪ TMSA Charlotte Elementary School - The Math and Science Academy of Charlotte

Private Schools

▪ Northside Christian Academy

Houses of worship

▪ Advent Lutheran Church; 8840 University City Blvd.

▪ Elevation Church - University City; 8105 IBM Dr.

▪ UMCC - University Muslim Community Center; 11915 US-29

▪ University City United Methodist Church; 3835 W W.T.Harris Blvd.

▪ Uplift Christian Ministries; 9100 Olmsted Dr.

Parks

Parks

Kirk Farm Fields Park; 210 E Mallard Creek Church Rd.

▪ Mallard Creek/Clarke Creek Greenway

Recreation Centers

▪ Keith Family YMCA; 8100 Old Mallard Creek Rd.

▪ Mallard Creek Recreation Center; 2530 Johnston Oehler Rd.

▪ UNC Charlotte University Recreation Center (UREC); 8827 Craver Rd.

City Council/District representative

University City is about 63 square miles and spills into two City Council districts. To determine who your representative is, simply input your address at this website.

Malcolm Graham, District 2, Malcolm.Graham@ci.charlotte.nc.us, 704.336.6105

Reneé Johnson, District 4, renee.johnson@charlottenc.gov, 704-336-3436

Dimple Ajmera, at-large, Dimple.Ajmera@charlottenc.gov, 704-336-2777

LaWana Mayfield, at-large, LaWana.Mayfield@charlottenc.gov, 704-336-3433

James Mitchell Jr., at-large, James.Mitchell@charlottenc.gov, 704-336-3430

Victoria Watlington, at-large, victoria.watlington@charlottenc.gov, 704-336-3435