A charming vintage mill village turned walkable arts district. A funky, eclectic neighborhood packed with local eateries, boutiques, art galleries, live music venues, and historic bungalow homes. Welcome to NoDa.

Located about two miles northeast of Uptown, you will find one of Charlotte's most unique communities. NoDa, short for North Davidson Arts District, is a haven for everyone from artists to young professionals. It is one of Charlotte's most walkable neighborhoods and also one of its most tight-knit. There is always a community event to attend, such as outdoor movie nights, softball games, trivia nights, block parties, and scavenger hunts. Due to COVID-19, some events are temporarily suspended. Check the website before you go.

Locally-owned businesses line the streets and twice a month, residents gather in town for art gallery crawls. Every street in the district oozes a creative vibe you will not find anywhere else in North Carolina. When they are not checking out the art galleries, residents are heading out to enjoy a drink at a local pub, catch some live music, or enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants offering an assortment of dishes from around the world. NoDa residents also take great pride in supporting their local businesses and artists.

History

NoDa's history dates back to the early 1900s when development began on what was farmland at the time. The city of Charlotte was a thriving hub for textile production at the time, and several businessmen decided to build a mill in the area, along with homes for the mill workers. As those mill workers moved into the community, others followed, and soon businesses, churches, and schools began popping up around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, those textile mills began to close in the 1960s and 1970s, and workers began selling their houses and leaving. Sadly, the area suffered a bit of a decline in the years that followed. However, as the city of Charlotte began to grow into a major banking center, a few local artists decided to make the NoDa area a popular place to live again. They bought and renovated homes and buildings, and others began to follow. Today, the area is thriving once again, though residents work hard to help the neighborhood retain its historic appeal.

Quick Facts

• Population: 3,000
• Students who live in NoDa will attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including the historic Garinger High School.
• The neighborhood has a reputation for being a pet-friendly area, and it is even home to Dog Bar, a place where you enjoy a drink and a night on the town with your furry companion.
• A branch of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is located here on N. Davidson Street. It is called the Johnston YMCA.
• Over the last few decades, Charlotte has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, thanks to its booming financial and banking business, as well as its affordable real estate and cost of living.
• Some of the city’s top employers are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, American Airlines, Harris Teeter, Atrium Health, Lowe’s, and Duke Energy.

Local Attractions

The neighborhood is just a quick drive into Uptown, which means residents have access to dozens of sports venues, museums, theaters, concert venues, and more, but for a night out on the town, it is not necessary to leave NoDa. The community has a vibrant nightlife which includes restaurants, bars, breweries, live music venues, and a theater. There are also a few noteworthy parks, gardens, and historic sites scattered throughout the area. If you prefer to shop in local, eclectic boutiques instead of big-box stores and malls, you are in the right place. The community's walkable streets are lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, offering something for every taste.

Dining

• Boudreaux's Lousiana Kitchen - Craving your Cajun favorites? You can find them all here. From jambalaya, etouffee, low country shrimp & grits, to the gumbo, you won't be disappointed. Don't miss the brunch offerings served on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm.
• Cabo Fish Taco – Cabo Fish Taco is so good that it was once featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The eclectic little Baja seafood spot is one of the most popular restaurants in the entire NoDa neighborhood. As you enjoy dishes like BBQ Mahi Tacos and Rosarita Fajitas, you will feel like you are sitting at a little beach café in Southern California rather than a restaurant in the big city of Charlotte.
• Heist Brewery – The no-frills Heist Brewery, with its Belgian influence, knows how to blend craft beer with delicious cuisine. The moment you walk in the door, you will fall in love with the restaurant's modern yet rustic charm. Enjoy the spacious atmosphere as you dine on favorites like burgers, wings, ribs, and pork belly tacos, or have a cocktail while catching a football game on the big screen.
• Haberdish – Southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar that serves Carolina inspired cuisine like crispy fried chicken, southern vegetables, and more. Don't miss the smoked deviled eggs or the mouthwatering hushpuppies while you wait for your main dish. the fried chicken is the dish that brings the patrons back again and again, but we haven't tried anything we didn't like on the menu. Save room for the banana pudding.
• Crepe Cellar – Crepe aficionados will fall in love with NoDa's very own creperie, Crepe Cellar. Part creperie, part European gastropub, the eatery is trendy without being over-the-top and cozy without being cramped. Its burgers and cocktails have been named some of the best in Charlotte, and it has been featured in Charlotte magazine.

Transportation

• Airports– NoDa is just about 10 miles east of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country that offers service to over 155 destinations.
• Public Transportation – The Charlotte Area Transportation System offers a few different bus routes through the NoDa neighborhood and there is a LYNX Light Rail stop at 36th Street in the heart of the community.
• Major Roads and Interstate – North Davidson Street runs through NoDa from east to west, while E 36th Street runs north to south between North Tryon Street and The Plaza. Interstates 77, 85, and 277 are all just a quick drive away.

Shopping

• Local Shops – Dozens of small boutiques line the streets of NoDa for your shopping pleasure. For everything from antiques to yarn, shop at places like Rat's Nest, Four Dogs Pet Supplies, Pura Vida, Ruby's Gift, and Jade Sky.

Entertainment

• The Evening Muse (Temporarily Closed) – There are a few places to catch live music in NoDa, but one local favorite is the Evening Muse. Part café, part art gallery, and part concert venue, this beacon of creativity offers art exhibitions and live music throughout the week, making it a great hangout for locals.
• Neighborhood Theatre (Temporarily Closed) – Another great spot for live music is the historic Neighborhood Theatre. It was once a burlesque theater, but it is now a cozy spot for listening to everything from pop and jazz to rock and Americana music from both up and coming and established artists.

Things To Do

• McGill Rose Garden – One of the only gardens of its kind in the United States, the McGill Rose Garden features over 200 varieties or gorgeous roses. It was once an industrial area, but when Henry and Helen McGill purchased it in 1950, Helen began planting roses there, and 17 years later, they opened it to the public. Though it is only 1.33 acres, the garden, which now features over 1,000 rose bushes, is a popular spot for nature and gardening enthusiasts. It also features walking paths, sculpture from local artists, fountains, benches, and perennials, herbs, and annuals.
• North Charlotte Park – When you want to spend a nice sunny day outdoors in NoDa, the 3-acre North Charlotte Park is your best bet. It features a full basketball court and multipurpose field, a playground, walking trails, and picnic shelters with grills.

Real Estate Information

In NoDa, new residents will find a variety of housing options made up mostly of single-family bungalows and condominiums. Many of the Craftsman-style bungalows date back to the early half of the 20th century when they served as homes for local mill workers and still maintain their historic charm. Some have undergone renovation, while some are waiting for your personal touch. A number of condos are located in NoDa, including some old warehouses that were converted into hip living spaces.