$500,099Average Value$344Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
The many evolutions of Optimist Park
Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood has changed and adapted with the city since the late 1800s. It was initially an integral part of the textile industry with two of Charlotte’s first cotton mills. When mills began closing in the 1950s, the neighborhood hardships like high crime rates and unemployment. In 1983, Habitat for Humanity built 14 new affordable homes in the neighborhood, and Former President Jimmy Carter was one of the many volunteers. Now, Optimist Park is considered one of Charlotte’s up-and-coming neighborhoods because of its proximity to Uptown, NoDa and the light rail. "Although new development is quickly adding to the area, there's still that kind of old-timey feel from hearing trains pass through at night,” says James Webb, a former resident and Realtor who has sold homes in the area since 2019. That historic charm also exists in repurposed spaces, including a mill turned into a food hall.
Optimist Hall showcases a large number of dining options for locals to gather in Optimist Park.
Optimist Park is located just north of Uptown Charlotte.
Condos bring a more affordable option for ownership to residents of Optimist Park.
Residents can take in the view of Uptown Charlotte at sunset from the Optimist Park.
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Mixed housing in quickly-developing neighborhood
Housing options in Optimist Park include a mix of apartments, townhouses and single-family homes, with both original and new construction in the area. Single-family bungalow and ranch-style houses that were built in the 1970s and 80s rarely go on the market. Many longtime Optimist Park residents are uninterested in selling their homes despite offers from developers. Townhouses built in the mid-2000s and as recently as 2023 range in price from $344,000 to $735,000, depending on the number of bedrooms and how recently the houses were built. One- to two-bedroom condos start at $265,000 and go as high as $325,000. About 64% of Optimist Park’s residents are renters. Modern apartments are designed around the original mill style found in the neighborhood.
In Optimist Park you can find brand new homes sitting next to older homes.
Many of the homes in Optimist Park are older and share the deep history of the area.
Optimist Park features many modern homes throughout the neighborhood.
Townhomes are a great option for low maintenance homeownership in Optimist Park.
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Optimist Hall and other local shopping and dining
Optimist Hall is a repurposed mill that anchors the neighborhood by blending Charlotte's past and present. “It has an open-air interior where you can sit and work or eat at one of the many food venues,” says Jennifer Monroe, a broker with Compass who has been selling homes in Charlotte since 2012. This funky food hall offers an array of over 25 different eateries with spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas where residents can try options like Felix’s Handmade Empanadas or Bao and Broth, where they can get steamed buns and fresh bowls of ramen. Botiwalla Indian Street Grill is another option serving Indian casual cuisine like masala smashed potatoes and savory puffed flour crisps filled with sweet yogurt, tamarind chutney, cilantro and potatoes.
Separate from the food hall, Optimist Park has a handful of local breweries, restaurants and cafes. For big-name stores and supermarkets like Target and Trader Joe's, the Metropolitan shopping center is a few miles away.
Optimist Hall is a food hall located in Optimist Park offering a variety of food options.
Optimist Hall is a great place for locals to gather where there is something for everyone.
Rhino Market and Deli is a popular deli option for the residents of Optimist Park.
The NoDa Market and Deli in Optimist Park provides residents with fresh deli meat.
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Community events in the neighborhood and Charlotte's arts district
Optimist Hall hosts various events throughout the year, including a neighborhood block party in the summer. Neighbors can enjoy live music in the courtyard or customize trucker hats at the craft table. The Charlotte Vintage Market sometimes sets up shops at the hall, where 30 vendors sell clothes, accessories, and other retro finds. Just north of the neighborhood, North Davidson (commonly referred to as NoDa) is Charlotte's Arts district and is a popular spot for eclectic galleries and live events. Locals often visit the area for bustling bars and music venues like the Neighborhood Theatre and the Evening Muse which offers a more intimate setting.
You can take in a show at the popular NoDa Neighborhood Theatre.
Optimist Park's Optimist Hall
The McGill Rose Garden is a beautiful hidden gem with over 200 rose varieties in Optimist Park.
Grab a craft beer and socialize with friends at Birdsong Brewing in Optimist Park.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools with transfer options
Villa Heights Elementary earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Both Eastway Middle and Garinger High score a C rating. The high school had a total student population of 1,822 for the 2023-2024 school year. In the same year, 50% of graduating students went to either 2-year or 4-year colleges, while 50% joined the military, workforce or attended a technical school. Students can apply to attend magnet schools within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. These schools offer specialized themes and programs, including STEM, visual & performing arts and world languages.
Villa Heights Elementary School thinks of every lesson a student may need to excel.
The Eastway Middle School entrance in Charlotte.
The AP participation rate at Myers Park High School is 62%.
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Exploring the Little Sugar Creek Greenway
McGill Rose Garden has over 200 varieties of roses. When the garden isn’t hosting a wedding, it’s open to the public for walking or a picnic lunch. “They have a small wine and coffee bar on the property,” Monroe says. Little Sugar Creek Greenway passes through the neighborhood and offers 19 miles of paved trails along Little Sugar Creek. It is a part of the Cross Charlotte Trail, which will be within walking distance of around 130,000 jobs when completed. Cordelia Park is another nearby option with shady greenspace, a basketball court and a playground. Residents can visit the park to spend a sunny day at the public outdoor swimming pool or take in city views while walking along the park's small system of trails.
Residents can job on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway that runs through Optimist Park.
You can enjoy some coffee or wine at McGill Rose Garden in Optimist Park.
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway connects many Charlotte neighborhoods to Uptown and beyond.
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte stretches more than 19 miles.
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Getting around Optimist Park with the light rail
A convenient location and accessible transportation contribute to Optimist Park's growing popularity. The neighborhood features transportation channels like the Parkwood station on Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line (also called the light rail) and CATS bus stops that run up and down North Davidson Street. Optimist Park also borders Interstate 277, which makes getting around the greater Charlotte area convenient. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is just ten or so miles to the west, while the closest hospital, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, is about two miles south.
Optimist Park has many CATS bus stops that run up and down North Davidson Street.
Optimist Park residents have easy access to the LYNX Blue Line.
Optimist Park locals have quick access to the light rail system for car free travel.
The Optimist Park neighborhood is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Crime
Optimist Park's CAP Index crime score is 9 out of 10, significantly above the national average of 4. However, many local organizations are helping address Charlotte’s high crime rates. Life Connections works to lower juvenile crime rates through mentoring, counseling and workforce exploration programs. The nonprofit organization was based in Optimist Park until 2024 when it moved to the Oakview Terrace neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dulce Delgado,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Alexander Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Progress Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Bike Trails
Trails
Parking Lot
Little People's Park
Playground
Charles Avenue Park
Cordelia Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Grills
Tryon Hills Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Charlotte/Douglas International
18 min drive
Bus
Davidson St & 28th St
Bus
Davidson St & Belmont Ave
Bus
Davidson St & 19th St
Bus
Davidson St & 16th St
Bus
Davidson St & 25th St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Optimist Park
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Optimist Park, Charlotte sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Optimist Park, Charlotte over the last 12 months is $541,069, down 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location! Location! Location! Gorgeous, like-new modern stunner with amazing skyline city views in Optimist Park/Belmont neighborhood on a dead-end street, next to Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This three-bedroom, three-bath house is sure to wow you! 10ft high ceilings and beautiful floors guide you through the open-concept main living area. The kitchen, dining, and great room are open to one
Live in the heart of Optimist Park! This 2BR/2BA condo offers unbeatable location—right across from Optimist Hall and just steps to Bird Pizza & the Parkwood Light Rail Station. Enjoy skyline views of Uptown from your private deck and spacious primary suite. Freshly painted interior with updated lighting, 2021 HVAC, and open layout. The oversized primary suite features a 5-piece bathroom with
Welcome to the rooftop lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—where skyline views, city vibes, and modern luxury collide. Located in Charlotte’s sought-after Optimist Park, 224 Parkwood Ave is a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath stunner designed for those who crave style and convenience. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept layout with fresh paint, upgraded hardwoods, and a chef-inspired kitchen featuring a granite
Historic charm blends with urban convenience and an industrial-inspired look you'll love at MAA Optimist Park. Part of the eclectic NoDa neighborhood of Uptown Charlotte and thanks to the proximity to the light rail, our community opens the door to a kaleidoscope of experience that includes vibrant leisure spaces and art centers to the buzzing nightlife of countless hotspots downtown. Explore
Luxurious townhome living near Uptown Charlotte. Spacious 3 Story End Unit Townhome, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with 2 car tandem garage located across the street from vibrant Optimist Hall. Main living area includes luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, quartz counters and stainless steel appliances on the second floor. Both bedrooms each with an attached bath on third floor with stackable
Proud & Local. Located on the edge of Uptown, adjacent to several of Charlotte's most dynamic neighborhoods and acclaimed breweries. This is vibrant urban living that embraces all that the city has to offer, here, you can truly live untapped. Welcome to Broadstone Craft.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dulce Delgado,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,887
Median Age
32
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,874
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,175
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.2%
College Graduates
49.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.1%
% Population in Labor Force
83.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
52/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
