Old North Charlotte (Charlotte neighborhood) facts for kids

Map showing when buildings were built in Old North Charlotte

Old North Charlotte is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. Even though it's called "Old North Charlotte," it's actually a big part of the city's east side.

This area is one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods. Its history goes back to the early 1880s. Back then, the economy in Mecklenburg County relied a lot on making cloth and fabric. Because of this, you can still see many old mill buildings around. Today, Old North Charlotte is also home to Charlotte's arts district, known as "NoDa" (short for North Davidson). This area is full of art galleries, music venues, and unique shops.

After World War II, Old North Charlotte was like many other "mill towns." These were towns where workers lived in company-owned homes near the factories where they worked. These homes looked very similar. The area got its name because it was on the northern edge of Charlotte at that time.

In 1975, Johnston Mill was the last textile mill still running in Charlotte. It closed down soon after. When the mills closed, many people lost their jobs. The area faced tough times. But in the 1990s, community leaders, including church leaders, worked hard to improve the neighborhood. Their efforts made the area safer and more appealing. Because Old North Charlotte is close to Uptown Charlotte, it became a good place for new businesses and homes.

What are the Boundaries of Old North Charlotte?

The official boundaries of Old North Charlotte are different from the "NoDa" arts district. It's good to know the difference!

Old North Charlotte is bordered by:

• West side: Matheson Avenue and Clemson Avenue
• North side: The North Carolina Railroad tracks
• East side: Eastway Drive
• South side: The Plaza

This means the people and businesses in Old North Charlotte are not exactly the same as those in the NoDa arts district.

Parks in Old North Charlotte

Old North Charlotte has several parks where you can relax and play:

• North Charlotte Park (at Spencer Street and Herrin Avenue)
• Charles Ave. Park (at Charles Avenue and Pinkney Street)
• Clemson Ave. Park (at Charles Avenue and Clemson Avenue)

Schools in the Area

Here are some schools near or in Old North Charlotte:

• Highland Montessori School
• Garinger High School (located in nearby Shamrock)

Images for kids

• 

  The meeting room above the Hand Pharmacy (1900) was once a place where workers tried to form a union. Today, it's home to NoDa's Cabo Fish Taco restaurant.

• 

  The Johnston YMCA building has a classic style and has been a proud part of Old North Charlotte for over 50 years.