An established neighborhood next to parks, excellent schools, top shopping and dining destinations, and just minutes from Uptown. Whether you are taking your child to school or heading out for a family dinner at a favorite restaurant, you can easily walk along the peaceful streets and sidewalks past the beautiful assortment of unique homes built over the course of the last 70 years. Welcome to Cotswold.
In recent years, Cotswold has become quite a hotspot for young families and professionals. Proximity to Uptown, the airport, and some of Charlotte's top employers play a role in the community's popularity. Its quality homes, ranging from updated ranches built during the 1950s to new construction are also a major attraction.
However, the tight-knit sense of community, as well as the fact that everything you need is right there in the neighborhood, ranging from shopping destinations to schools, have also added to Cotswold's appeal. As a matter of fact, the community is named for the historic shopping center, Cotswold Village that still thrives there today.
History
The city of Charlotte incorporated way back in 1768. Named for Queen Charlotte of England, the city became the site of the first gold rush in 1799, but gold-seekers eventually left for better opportunities out west. For a while, the settlers in the area were mostly farmers, particularly cotton farmers, but soon textile production began. The railroads also came to town, providing those textile manufacturers with access to a large market of customers in Atlanta. This was just the beginning of the city's history as a business center.
In 1956, the Cotswold Village shopping center became one of the first malls in the city, and it made the mostly rural area around it a hotspot for city dwellers who wanted to get away from it all. They began moving to the area and named it Cotswold after the beloved shopping center which is still in business today. Modern Cotswold residents still have access to world-class shopping and dining, as well as unlimited business opportunities all over the Metropolitan Charlotte area. The city is home to many Fortune 500 companies and considered a major banking industry hub, second only to New York City.
Quick Facts
- Population: 5,200
- Public school students living in Cotswold have access to some of the best Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including Myers Park.
- There are also several private schools nearby. They include Charlotte Country Day School, St. Gabriel Catholic School, Philips Academy, Adventist Christian Academy, Providence Day School, Charlotte Preparatory School, and Charlotte Secondary School.
- The community is just under 5 miles from one of the top hospitals in the country: Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center.
- Cotswold is a quick commute to many of Charlotte’s top employers, including American Airlines, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Atrium Health.
- Several famous people from history were born or lived in the Charlotte area, including two presidents, James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson. Others include actor Randolph Scott, reporter and author Charles Kuralt, author Carson McCullers, and evangelist Billy Graham.
Local Attractions
Cotswold earned its name from a shopping center, so you know shopping is going to be plentiful in the area. From independent local shops to big-name national chains, there are plenty of opportunities in Cotswold and the surrounding areas. The same goes for great restaurants. Beyond shopping and dining, the community is close to several parks, golf courses, and even the Mint Museum. There are several sports and concert venues within a few miles of the community, as well as other museums and places for all ages to have a good time.
Dining
- Poppy's Bagels and More – When Ronnie Rippner moved from New York to Charlotte, he missed his hometown's bagels. So, along with his parents, he opened his very own bagel shop in 2010, and it has received rave reviews from Charlotte's top publications ever since. In addition to bagels, you can order omelets, sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads at this little place just south of Cotswold.
- Bistro La Bon – Find a mix of small plates with locally sourced food. They also serve "the best brunch in Charlotte." Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are available.
- Mezzanotte – For the "most authentic Neapolitan style pizza in Charlotte," skip the national chains and head to the local favorite Mezzanotte. Along with pizza, you will find pasta, gnocchi, meatballs, and other authentic Italian dishes on the menu. You can dine-in at the casual, family-friendly eatery or grab takeout on a busy night.
- Leroy Fox – Leroy Fox is one of the hottest places to eat and have a drink in the Cotswold area. The Southern eatery claims to mix old-world values with a modern vibe. All of the food is farm-fresh, and the fried chicken is legendary, whether you eat it with some home-cooked sides or on a sandwich or salad. You will also find other dishes on the menu like pork chops, shrimp, fish, barbecue, and other Southern dishes on the menu.
- Eddie's Place – Eddie’s Place is a favorite local neighborhood bar and restaurant in Cotswold, and it will immediately become a place you frequent. It opened in 1997 and serves up delicious dishes from breakfast to dinner every day. The staff is friendly, and the food is all inspired by New Orleans cuisine.
- Pizza Peel and Tap Room – Pizza, pasta, wings, fish tacos, and sandwiches are on the menu at Pizza Peel and Tap Room, along with live music and trivia nights. The restaurant opened in 2008 and quickly became a local favorite. You can bring the family out for a night out on the town or take advantage of one of the restaurant’s regular specials via takeout.
Transportation
- Airports – Cotswold is a little over 12 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It offers nonstop service to 159 destinations and handles about 713 departures daily as of 2015. It is also a major hub for American Airlines.
- Public Transportation – Six different bus routes serve Cotswold via the Charlotte Area Transit System or CATS.
- Major Roads and Interstates – Randolph, Sharon Amity, and Providence are the main roads that run through Cotswold. The community is also minutes from Andrew Jackson Highway and Interstate 77.
Shopping
- Cotswold Village – The Cotswold Village shopping center is a popular and historic shopping destination in the Cotswold community, and it is home to several popular stores and restaurants. They include Harris Teeter, Starbucks, Walgreens, Smashburger, ULTA Beauty, Marshall's, PetSmart, Panera, and Cost Plus World Market.
- Park Road Shopping Center – For a modern shopping experience in a vintage location, locals love to visit the Park Road Shopping Center which came to Charlotte in 1956. Stores there include Harris Teeter, Blackhawk Hardware, Michael’s, Walgreens, Park Road Books, Kid to Kid, Hallmark, and more. You will also find a theater and over 15 restaurants here, as well as services ranging from banks and a post office to hair salons and a gas station.
- SouthPark Mall – Cotswold is just minutes from the upscale SouthPark Mall, one of the most popular shopping destinations in North Carolina and one of the most profitable malls in the United States. Stores here include Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Belk, Nordstrom, Apple, American Girl, Crate & Barrel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., and Coach.
Entertainment
- Carowinds – Carowinds is less than 15 miles from Cotswold. One of the most exciting amusement parks in the Southeast, it offers rides for the whole family, ranging from thrill rides to water rides. It also features a water park, Planet Snoopy, live entertainment and more.
- Bojangles Coliseum – The Bojangles Coliseum is just a few minutes north of Cotswold and dates back to 1955 when it was the only sports and entertainment venue in the city. Today, it remains a popular spot for concerts, sporting events, and stand-up comedy shows.
Things To Do
- Cotswold Marketplace and Design Center – At Cotswold Marketplace, you can shop for gifts, home décor, art, antiques, customizable services, and much more from over 50 merchants and artisans in an 8,000 square foot space. It is a must-visit once you purchase your new home.
- Randolph Road Park – Cotswold has several small parks, playgrounds, and green spaces within its boundaries, but for larger parks, you will have to venture up the street to Randolph Road Park. It is 30 acres of baseball/softball fields, batting cages, concessions stands, a soccer field, walking trails, and tee-ball fields.
- Mint Museum – Cotswold's neighbor to the north, Eastover, is home to one of two locations for the Mint Museum. Here you will find an assortment of permanent art exhibits, ranging from contemporary art and photography to North Carolina pottery and African art.
Real Estate Information
Many of the homes in Cotswold were built during the 1950s and 1960s, so you will find an assortment of quality ranch-style, Craftsman, and split-level dwellings. Many of them have since been updated or remodeled. Among them are some traditional two-story homes built during the 1980s, as well as a little new construction and several sprawling estates. The lots are larger in this established neighborhood and some are even over an acre. A few condos and townhomes are also available. The average home sells for about $650,000.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of