Welcome to our blog series where we spotlight communities in and around Charlotte so you can experience the neighborhood just like a resident from favorite eateries to local hang-out spots to housing trends. This month, our Assistant Broker and REALTOR® Siobhan Koch guides you around her new neighborhood, Plaza Midwood. Siobhan and her family moved to Plaza Midwood in 2021 from neighboring Villa Heights. She loves this area of town so much that she can literally walk to all of the homes she has lived in since becoming a Charlottean. Close proximity is just one of the many things that draw people to Plaza Midwood. There are countless things to do, great local spots, and a rich neighborhood history. Get to know a little more about Siobhan’s Plaza Midwood…
Plaza Midwood
Long before it was known as Plaza Midwood, “Chatham Estates” was one of Charlotte’s first streetcar subburbs with a trolley line running along Central Avenue, The Plaza, and Mecklenburg Avenue. The neighborhood and city have grown tremendously since the early 1900s, but Plaza Midwood has remained one of the most charming, diverse, and architecturally inspiring areas of Charlotte throughout it all. It is one of the few neighborhoods where you can find historic homes (about 14% of Plaza Midwood is in a designated Historic District), locally-owned businesses, new construction, and vibrant large-scale murals all within blocks of one another. Residents are passionate about preserving and celebrating Midwood’s eclectic appeal.
Places to Eat & Drink
From breweries and BBQ to sandwiches and sushi, there is something to satisfy every craving in Plaza Midwood. There are so many amazing local restaurants (we hope you try them all!), but we are some of Siobhan’s personal favorites.
Calle Sol
The latest brainchild of one of Charlotte’s favorite restaurateurs, Frank Scibelli, Calle Sol was inspired by Latin restaurants in cities like Miami and Tampa. You can’t go wrong with any of the Cuban and Peruvian flavors you will find at lunch or dinner, but the ceviche always tops Siobhan’s list of favorite dishes.
Address: 1205 Thomas Ave.
The Giddy Goat
Given The Giddy Goat is across the street from the Genevieve Williams Real Estate office, to say we are regulars would be an understatement. This laid-back coffee shop serves house-roasted coffees and baked goods. Siobhan’s pro tip: order an empanada when you visit. You won’t regret it.
Address: 1217 The Plaza
Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
Hattie’s Tap & Tavern proudly wears the badge of neighborhood dive and that is exactly why Plaza Midwood neighbors love it. It’s a great spot to enjoy a craft beer or cocktail while playing a bar game and taking in the kitschy decor.
Address: 2918 The Plaza
Supperland
Supperland is Siobhan’s pick for the perfect Plaza Midwood place to celebrate a special occasion… even if that special occasion is simply making it to the weekend! Focused on upscale Southern cuisine, the food is made even better by the atmosphere. The renovated historic church even houses a hidden basement speakeasy and a separate 2,250 square foot cocktail bar with a sprawling outdoor patio.
Address: 1212 The Plaza
The Bohemian
Many a girls’ night out are spent at Siobhan’s favorite local wine bar, The Bohemian. The relaxed and intimate environment is comfortable for wine aficionados and novices alike. You can even join a membership-based wine club that includes 4 bottles of wine each month, a discount on all retail bottles, and monthly wine tastings.
Address: 1319 Pecan Ave.
Two Scoops Creamery
Ice cream is a year-round treat in our book so Siobhan doesn’t let a little thing like cold weather stop her family from enjoying Two Scoops Creamery. With over 30 homemade and deliciously unique flavors, everyone will find something they love from Bubble Gum to Cookies by the Sea. Another pro tip from Siobhan: Two Scoops makes awesome custom ice cream cakes that are perfect for birthdays. Her 4-year-old can attest to that fact.
Address: 1913 Central Ave.
Coming Soon
Keep your eyes open for several new spots opening in the neighborhood including Milkbread, a new restaurant from the owners of Kindred and Hello, Sailor where the iconic walk-up Dairy Queen once operated, and a second location of the very popular Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood both on Central Ave. Plus, a couple of new breweries including a Charlotte location of Asheville’s famed Burial Beer Co. on Thomas Ave. and Southern Strain Brewing on Central Ave. that will feature artwork from local artists at the Southern Tiger Collective.
Places to Shop
Charlotte Collective
Charlotte Collective proudly considers itself the shop small destination for the Queen City as all of its goods are from local makers and creatives. Plan to spend a lot of time browsing as the store is filled with so many unique pieces that are truly functional works of art!
Address: 1222 Central Ave.
Moxie Mercantile
Moxie Mercantile is a beautifully-curated store of home and lifestyle goods. The store is filled with great gift items (including gifts to yourself!), vintage treasures, and pieces by emerging artists. Siobhan is especially a big fan of their candles from seasonal scents to year-round favorites.
Address: 2008 Commonwealth Ave.
Betty
Betty is the sister store to Moxie Mercantile and is conveniently located just around the corner. Betty focuses on adult apparel, accessories, and children’s toys and clothing. The store’s name is a tribute to 87-year-old Betty Ziegler Mims, who owned Bride’s House of Originals, which was once located in the original Moxie Mercantile building.
Address: 1219 Thomas Ave.
Gear Goat XCHG
Siobhan loves spending time outdoors whether it is biking with her entire family or going for a solo run so it’s no surprise she frequents Charlotte’s only new and used outdoor gear consignment store, Gear Goat XCHG. In addition to bicycles, you can also find goods for all of your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, running, skiing, yoga, and camping.
Address: 824 Lamar Ave.
Lunchbox Records
Are you as much of a music lover as Siobhan? You are in luck. Lunchbox Records is new and used record store that specializes in below Top 40 artists. About 80% of the store is Vinyl, but you can also find some CDs, DVDs, and cassettes.
Address: 825 Central Ave.
Slate Interiors
Slate is multi-merchant venue filled with eclectic and one-of-a-kind finds for your home. Featuring over 60 merchants and artists, every booth is uniquely curated so each time you visit the store you will be greeted with new items to love from art to furniture to rugs.
Address: 1401 Central Ave.
Places to Visit
Midwood Park
A 6-acre park and all-around fantastic place to meet up with neighbors and friends thanks to its large playground, soccer field, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Midwood Park also has an outdoor amphitheater, which is the perfect home for some of Plaza Midwood’s signature events including Midwood Maynia and Fall Crawl.
Address: 2100 Wilhelmina Ave.
Plaza Midwood Community Dog Park
The Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association has partnered with Barnhardt Manufacturing Corporation to create a neighborhood-use dog park that opened in 2021. The Dog Park is a perfect place for all of the four-legged members of your family and is free to use for all Plaza Midwood neighbors.
Address: Along Clement Avenue and Hamorton Place
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Park is a 19-acre urban park with endless activities for all ages. Baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a large playground, walking trails, a basketball court, and a sprayground for kids are just some of the amenties you will find in this beloved Plaza Midwood park.
Address: 2136 Central Ave.
Places to Live
Plaza Midwood offers a wide variety of housing options from historic bungalows and newly-built homes to contemporary townhomes. Looking at the last six months, the average sales price in the neighborhood was $735,571 and the average price per square foot was $352.04. Plaza Midwood homes averaged 13 days on market and sold (on average) at 101.1% to list price. The most expensive sale in the last six months was a 3,984 square foot 6 bedroom / 4 bathroom new construction home for $1,367,458.
Interested in learning more about Plaza Midwood or considering this dynamic neighborhood for your next move? Our team is happy to help.