Charlotte Neighborhoods Ranked Top in Nation

An annual study of the best places to live in the country was released on Monday listing three Charlotte neighborhoods in the top 100.

Niche, a Pittsburgh-based ranking site, released their “2019 Best Places to Live in America.” The list is formulated by taking U.S. Census Bureau data and coupling it with surveys from actual residents in order to form a “comprehensive assessment of the overall livability of an area.”

Ultimately, the list ranks over 11,000 cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the country. The findings show that Charlotte’s “City Center,” Dilworth, and Sharon Woods neighborhoods landed at No. 30, No. 35, and No. 91 respectively.

The Niche Method

These rankings are formulated by assessing a variety of factors. Factors like quality of schools, housing trends, employment availability, crime rates, and access to amenities. All factors are weighted depending on their importance in the community. So for example, cost of living is weighted at 12.5% of the total score while quality of public education and housing availability are each weighted at 10%.

City Center received the bulk of their weight because of commute. Other high ranking factors are overall health and wellness, nightlife, and being good for families. It would have received a higher ranking if it weren’t for cost of living.

Both Dilworth and Sharon Woods got the bulk of their points for health and fitness, and being good for families. Notably, neither neighborhood received a score of lower than B+.

Additionally, Niche ranked the nation’s best cities with populations of at least 100,000. Raleigh bested Charlotte by claiming the #13 spot. Charlotte came in at the 35th best city to live in America.

To read up on the full methodology for Niche’s ranking system or to see all the top lists, visit Niche!