Getting to Know the Queen City

Incorporated in 1768, the city of Charlotte and its resident county were named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. Charlotte Town originated at the crossing of two Native-American trading paths, the intersection that is now known as the heart of Charlotte – “Trade & Tryon.” In 1770, surveyors marked the streets in a grid pattern for future development and the city grew over the years into four distinct settlements within the quadrants created by the original intersection. These areas are now known as the First, Second, Third and Fourth Wards in Uptown Charlotte.

Today, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and is a major U.S. financial center, second by financial assets only to New York City. The banking industry encouraged growth within the Center City, and now the skyline of Charlotte reflects the skyscrapers and high-rises that house Bank of America, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo and many other corporations, as well as new construction with high-end condominiums like The Vue and SKYE Condominiums.

Residents refer to the city center as “Uptown” rather than “Downtown” – while there is some debate, most Charlotteans agree the reason is the epicenter is uphill from all surrounding areas, and derived from early settlers who would go “up to town.” Whatever the reason, Uptown is enjoying a renaissance and is now home to nighttime hotspots, upscale restaurants, bars and trendy clubs, as well as housing opportunities for urbanites.

With neighborhood options like art-centric NoDa (North Davidson); Myers Park, Dilworth and Eastover filled with some of Charlotte’s oldest and largest homes on tree-lined boulevards; or new high-end condominiums with skyline views of Charlotte, many individuals are opting to live close to the heart of Charlotte.

Learn More About Specific Areas In and Around Charlotte

Uptown Charlotte
Old Charlotte
South Charlotte
To the East
To the North
To the West