Briarcreek-Woodland - Charlotte, NC

Briarcreek-Woodland began developing in the late 1930s during a period of growth within the city of Charlotte. The area has undergone some significant boom and bust periods, such as the expansive growth during the 1960s around the time of Charlotte's urban renewal project. Nowadays, the area once known as Briarcreek-Woodland has adopted a new name, Commonwealth Park, and community members work hard to maintain the original character of their special neighborhood.

No museums sit within the neighborhood but the Charlotte Museum of History lies a few miles north on Shamrock Drive and exhibits the Hezekiah Alexander house. This house, the oldest in Mecklenburg County, and adjoining museum showcase colonial life through the artifacts preserved. For performances, crafts and a number of festivals, locals head uptown or to the Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium located along Independence Boulevard.

A majority of the restaurants in Briarcreek-Woodland lie within the shopping centers and strip malls along Eastway Drive and Central Avenue. In general, these establishments offer casual, family-friendly service, while upscale dining options can be found with just a quick drive to uptown Charlotte.

Locals enjoy diverse dining options including multiple Asian and Mexican joints. Three Amigos Mexican Grill serves classic Mexican dishes and combos at almost all hours of the day and night. Regulars suggest ordering the enchiladas carnitas and the mole poblano. A Charlotte-favorite, Portofino's Ristorante, serves homestyle Italian food reminiscent of dishes found in the mid-Atlantic states. The homemade gravy and house salad dressing are reason enough to stop by. Those who appreciate real Italian cuisine find the menu here extensive and impressive, while the vibe remains relaxed. South 21 Drive-in, featured on Food Network's popular television show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, lies along Briarcreek-Woodland's southern boundary on Independence Boulevard. This traditional drive-in serves more than 20,000 meals a month, including the popular Super Boy burger, which comes complete with made-from-scratch chili and coleslaw. Not much has changed at South 21 since it opened in the 1950s, making it a very special place to grab a quick bite to eat. No bars lie within Briarcreek-Woodland, but just a mile up Central Avenue towards uptown there are many options, including L4 Lounge and Blue Restaurant and Bar. High-end bars, nightclubs and most of the area's larger music venues are uptown. The Bojangles Coliseum, found across from Briarcreek-Woodland along Independence Boulevard, hosts popular musical artists, comedians, and plays all year long.

Personal vehicles remain the most popular way to get around the neighborhood and for good reason. Highways that run in and around Charlotte are easily accessed by driving through the city center to I-77. Drivers can then reach I-85 and the I-485 loop with a quick drive north. Parking can be found along residential streets and at shopping centers.

Those without vehicles have the option to use Charlotte Area Transit System's bus service. A majority of residents here have the ability to walk to a number of convenient stops throughout the neighborhood. Along Eastway Drive, buses operate every 20 to 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while Commonwealth Drive and Central Avenue buses run from 5:30 a.m until 1:00 a.m.

In addition to buses, Briarcreek-Woodland contains more commuter bike lanes and sidewalks than most neighborhoods within Charlotte. The walkability and bike-friendly options appeal to those seeking to utilize alternative modes of transportation. Taxis and Uber also service this area and locals may be able to hail a cab from some of the busier corridors though most find it best to call ahead to schedule a pick-up.

No parks lie within the neighborhood boundary, but east Charlotte houses a number of city-operated, free-for-use parks. Veterans Park, along Central Avenue, covers 19 acre and includes many facilities for athletes such as basketball courts, baseball fields and six tennis courts. During the summer months, children enjoy the 'Sprayground,' an outdoor water feature, as well as the large playground and walking trails. Follow Central Avenue southeast to encounter the Evergreen Nature Preserve, a 77-acre urban forest designed to protect the habitat of migratory birds. No facilities can be found at the preserve, but nature enthusiasts appreciate the two miles of quiet walking trails. Dogs are welcome at both of these parks, though they must be on a leash at the Evergreen Nature Preserve. Charlotte city parks host annual events like Festival in the Park at Freedom Park and the Easter Celebration at the Mallard Creek Recreation Center.

The cost of living in Briarcreek-Woodland averages about one percent higher than the city average of Charlotte, though residents agree that it is well worth it to live in this community. Around 64 percent of residents rent and they pay around $714 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Homeowners pay slightly more for their properties here than elsewhere around the metro area, as the median sale price hovers around $197,000.

Transportation costs throughout the city of Charlotte remain relatively constant and this goes for the Briarcreek-Woodland community as well. Gas sits at 4 percent less than the national average. Those using public bus transportation pay $2.20 for a one-way ticket and $6.60 for a day pass.

Other costs, including goods and services are also consistent with city averages. Restaurants and bars charge reasonable prices and local microbrew beer costs around $5 per pint.

Eastway Shopping Center, situated at the Eastway Drive and Central Avenue intersection, is the main area of retail in Briarcreek-Woodland. Stores here include a Payless Shoe Source, Cato, and Sally Beauty Supply. Le's Pharmacy sells standard medicinal and pharmacy services, but also provides notary, fax and other international services. Locals love having this locally-owned pharmacy nearby because of the personal touch it provides. Next door sits the Atlantic Farmers Market. Atlantic is not a farmers market at all, but rather an international market that features food from all over the world. Like many ethnic grocery stores, shoppers are welcomed with bold aromas, but that doesn't stop shoppers from loading up on priced-right produce and freshly-made corn tortillas.

For upscale shopping and high-end boutiques, locals must head uptown to Founders Hall or the Epicentre to visit stores like Jos A. Bank and the Ivey & Leo boutique. The South Park neighborhood has also become a popular shopping destination because of the large selection of name brands found at the South Park Mall, Phillips Place and Village at South Park.

For grocery shopping, locals head to the Food Lion located across Eastway Drive from the Eastway Shopping Center. Aside from the Atlantic Farmers Market, a stroll along Central Avenue presents shoppers with over a half dozen ethnic markets. The closest farmers market sits uptown at the 7th Street Public Market and remains open 7 days a week.