East of uptown, Charlotte is home to a wide collection of neighborhoods, some new, some established. All of them have a distinct "laid-back" atmosphere that hints of rural life, but they're without doubt part of metro Charlotte. To catch a look at how people in these parts lived some 200 years ago, visit the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, Charlotte and Mecklenburg's oldest surviving structure. Check the old cabin, then visit the museum for permanent and touring exhibits. The wooded grounds are a lovely respite from city life. The site is also home to the world's largest ground-level bell, the American Freedom Bell, which is nestled in a lovely setting on the property on Shamrock Drive. 

Central Avenue/Albemarle Road and East Independence Boulevard are two of Charlotte's busiest commercial districts, with loads of stores and the traffic to go along with them. Independence is home, to a sprawling collection of auto dealers, among other things, big-box stores and strip shopping centers. Eastland Mall, which sits on Central Avenue between Sharon Amity and Albemarle roads, draws shoppers from around the region to its healthy assortment of national chain specialty stores, anchors and a food court. The 1.1-million-square-foot, double-decker center also is one of the "coolest" places in town, thanks to the ice rink in the center of the mall. Shoppers who want to take a break can look over the balconies overhead or even rent a pair of skates for a spin on the ice. 

East Charlotte is home to some of the city's most affordable housing, which makes it an especially good spot for first-time buyers and folks who want value and good prices. The area also boasts several large apartment and townhome communities. 

A trend that's shaping East Charlotte is the influx of immigrants and new citizens who make their homes in this family-friendly area. Here's where you'll find the Hindu Center, the Islamic Center, the Chinese Baptist Church and a host of other facilities, as well as plenty of ethnic groceries and specialty stores. Perhaps because of this, East Charlotte also has developed an eclectic selection of restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, steakhouses, family restaurants and cafeterias. 

If you want to get outdoors, check out Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve on Rocky River Road, which features more than 800 acres of nature trails, recreational fields, a disc golf course, fishing ponds and picnic areas. Golfers will enjoy teeing off at a number of public and semi-private golf courses, including the Charles T. Myers course on Harrisburg Road. 

For a city that combines country atmosphere with city convenience, take a look at Mint Hill, a town on the southern fringe of East Charlotte. Mint Hill was incorporated in 1971, but the city traces its history back to Scotch-Irish settlers in the mid-1700s. The town's proximity to Union County and some well-executed plans that required large homesites contribute to the cozy feel. The area is a good place to look for sprawling ranch or two-story homes with a little acreage, but the area also offers new construction. The intersection of N.C. 51 (Matthews-Mint Hill Road) and Lawyers Road is the town's center, with shopping areas and town offices nearby. You'll also find a few manufacturing companies and business parks nearby. 

For recreation, visit Mint Hill's 54-acre community park, which includes a nature trail, playground, ball fields and an asphalt track for walking, bicycling or in-line skating. Folks who want more peace and quiet enjoy the Mint Hill branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public library, a 14,000-square-foot facility that has a loyal following, and the pretty meditation garden at St. Luke Catholic Church on Lawyers Road.