Keep It Cool and Quirky in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood

Anyone who visits Plaza Midwood will surely feel the quirky, cool hipster vibe in the air. The mood is laid-back while still remaining trendy in this neighborhood that’s brimming with a variety of restaurants, funky boutiques, mid-century modern homes, and plenty of personality. An area full of individuality for individuals who want to experience Charlotte at its best, Plaza Midwood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Queen City.

Where is Plaza Midwood?

Roughly a mile from Uptown Charlotte, Plaza Midwood is boxed in by The Plaza on the northern side, Central Avenue in the south, Charlotte Country Club on the eastern side, and Hawthorne Lane in the west.

Plaza Midwood is in close proximity to another eclectic neighborhood that has people flocking to it: NoDa, and get views of the Uptown skyline on just about every rooftop bar and terrace.

History

Another one of Charlotte’s streetcar suburbs, Plaza Midwood has been around since 1910. It was a thriving corner of the city throughout the Great Depression, but its popularity started to wane in the 1950s. The urge to preserve the neighborhood began around 1975, and it really hit its stride in the 1990s. It was designated as a Historic District in 1992.

Many of the once dilapidated houses and storefronts have seen reinvestments, and Plaza Midwood is now seen by some as being experiencing a renaissance of its own.

Lifestyle

Plaza Midwood is seen as the hipster hangout of the city. The chill atmosphere makes you want to grab a beer and just stay for a while, which is easy to do with everything this neighborhood has to offer.

What to do

Shopping is easy to come by in Plaza Midwood. The neighborhood offers a wide range of boutiques, vintage stores and eclectic shops. From used bookstores to plant shops, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in one of its many retail establishments.

Need a culture fix? Plaza Midwood has you covered there too. The Light Factory on Central Ave aims to bring “photography education and exhibitions” to the area. Those who prefer their art on their bodies will be well-served there too as Plaza Midwood boasts a couple of tattoo shops including the Haylo Studio Lounge. For an entirely different type of culture, why not try axe throwing in this part of town? BATL Charlotte Plaza Midwood offers something to drink and eat while you show off your throwing skills.

Green spaces are also easy to come by here. Midwood Park is 6 green acres that include a picnic shelter, community garden, and basketball courts. There is also the larger Veterans Memorial Park which is 19 acres — a favorite spot in the summer due to the sprayground which keeps the little ones cool.

Where to eat and drink

The Plaza Midwood neighborhood is a foodie’s dream come true with cuisine covering all corners of the globe. Whether you are in the mood for some Carolina BBQ from Midwood Smokehouse or delicious sushi from Akahana Asian Bistro, you will find it all. This is where the city comes to sample the flavors of the world.

Drinks are as easy to come by as eats! You can keep things super casual at spots like Common Market or Thirsty Beaver. However, or try more discerning spots like Pint Central or Single Barrel Room. You will also find a handful of the city’s breweries in Midwood as well.

Moving to Plaza Midwood

Real estate snapshot

The average monthly rent in the city is roughly $1,250, but apartments for rent in Plaza Midwood run a little cheaper at about $1,136. For comparison, an apartment in Uptown pushes the price to around $1,778 per month.

You’ll find several new apartment complexes (one that literally wraps around the Thirsty Beaver!), as well as a few that have been around a little longer. Sizes range from minimalist studios to more spacious townhomes.

Transportation

The main thoroughfares through the Plaza Midwood neighborhood are Central Ave and Hawthorne Lane. However, it’s still considered a fairly walkable neighborhood with many restaurants and shops within easy strolling distance. It’s serviced by the CATS buses with four stops in the neighborhood proper. I-85 can be reached via car in less than 15 minutes.

There are also plans to add streetcar stops in Plaza Midwood and a possible light rail stop in the future.

Schools & Employment

Jobs in retail and foodservice can be found aplenty in Midwood, as are consulting firms. The Advent Coworking space also Calls Plaza Midwood home which offers a podcast studio, event venue, and other creative spaces.

Kids living in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood mostly center around two CharMeck schools: Eastway Middle School and Shamrock Gardens Elementary School. Plus, the neighborhood has its own library branch located on the corner of Central Avenue and The Plaza.

Charlotte is pretty special, and Plaza Midwood is a good reminder as to why. This neighborhood is a quirky, cool corner of a city full of historic charm!

Looking for the perfect new place in Plaza Midwood? Browse through thousands of apartments in Charlotte and find your ideal home!