Dilworth, located southwest of center city, holds the title of Charlotte's first suburb and is credited with starting the residential rush towards the edge of the city that continues today. Ranked as one of Charlotte's premier neighborhoods at the beginning of the 20th century, the streets of Dilworth are lined with Victorian-style homes that were popular during that era.
Besides being Charlotte's first suburb, Dilworth is also home to Charlotte's first suburban industrial park, which was formed to cut down on the commute from the neighborhood to the city.
And although Dilworth was a neighborhood that was ahead of its time when it was first formed, today it is one of the quieter areas of Charlotte -- which is part of its beauty and appeal.
What's so great about Dilworth?
"When we moved to Charlotte, we were looking for an older neighborhood with dense living and was walker-friendly, so we could walk to bars, restaurants, the grocery store. Dilworth has great houses, great parks, a nice commercial area and nice people live here -- in general, pretty salt-of-the-earth people," says Geoff Owens, a Dilworth resident for 6 years. "It's like any of the newer neighborhoods, of course. A stone's throw from downtown. It's probably the first time that I've ever lived in a neighborhood where you can have the amenities of a suburb close by. Dilworth's got the whole package. You get the benefits of being near Uptown, but you get to put your feet on the grass and sit under a nice canopy."
Favorite hangouts?
"We go to all the places pretty evenly. I own Owen's Bagel and Deli, and I think the best hangout is Owen's Bagel and Deli. Other places we go to include: Cantina 1511, Showmars, Brixx; Latta Park and The Nature Center at Freedom Park, too."
Hood Stats
Dimension Ratings
Social Dimension:.............................Low
Crime Dimension:.............................Low
Physical Dimension:..........................Low
Economic Dimension:.......................Low
Profile NSA City
Population..........................................7,334 656,983
Youth Population...............................930 168,188
Number of Housing Units.................4,523 281,358
Area (Acres)......................................1,197 150,093
Median Household Income...............$61,469 $46,082
Average House Value........................$329,302 $192,844
Number of Organizations..................3 N/A
Unemployment Index........................Medium N/A
Hood Attractions
RESTAURANTS AND BARS:
300 EAST, 300 East Blvd., 704-332-6507. Locals have long gathered at this casual neighborhood bistro in a vintage house featuring an inventive, eclectic menu.
BERRYBROOK FARMS NATURAL FOODS, 1257 East Blvd., 704-334-6528. Homemade soups, herbed tofu sandwiches, bean burritos and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices found in a natural food shop.
CANTINA 1511, 1511 East Blvd., 704-331-9222. This upscale spot tips the sombrero to the Yucatan's regional specialties, but still has enough Tex-Mex on the menu for the less adventurous to enjoy. Dozens of tequilas on the bar list.
CITY TAVERN, East Blvd. 1514 East Blvd., 704-343-2489. Eclectic menu offers everything from salads and apps to sandwiches and entrees in a "casually upscale" ambiance.
COMET GRILL, 2224 Park Rd., 704-371-4300. Dependable bar food in a friendly neighborhood joint. Big burgers, great fries, a spicy shrimp app and some vegetarian alternatives too.
RUSAN'S JAPANESE FUSION, SUSHI AND SEAFOOD, 2440 Park Rd., Park Square Shopping Center, 704-374-0008. A high spirited, high volume, reasonably priced (for sushi) restaurant where the ambiance is half the experience.
SOLÉ SPANISH GRILL, 1608 East Blvd., 704-343-9890. After almost a decade away, the owners return to Dilworth to once again serve legendary tapas and sparkling fresh Spanish and New World entrees and wines. Heated patio.
PARK AND RECREATION:
FREEDOM PARK, 1900 East Blvd. 98 acres, baseball, tennis, soccer, basketball, badminton, picnic shelters, trails, indoor shelter, playgrounds, 7 acre lake, amphitheater.
LATTA PARK, 601 East Park Ave. 31 acres, basketball, tennis, volleyball, picnic shelter, playground, trails
LATTA RECREATION CENTER, 500 East Park Ave., 704-336-2533. Full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, kitchen, stage.
