Charlotte's oldest and most scenic neighborhoods form a crescent around uptown. These "streetcar suburbs" date back to before the turn of the century and feature homes ranging from tiny bungalows to grand Georgian mansions, with new construction sprinkled throughout. 

Dilworth, Charlotte's oldest suburb, was developed in the 1890s. A "front porch" community, Dilworth's homes are primarily lovingly restored bungalows of the Craftsman style. A stroll down its avenues will take you back in time. East Boulevard, at Dilworth's center, is lined with local restaurants and businesses. Freedom Park, well known for its annual arts festival, "Festival in The Park", is at the eastern end of the boulevard. Carolinas Medical Center, a 777-bed teaching hospital and the region's only Level-1 trauma center, sits a block off East Boulevard. 

One of Charlotte's hottest communities, South End, is on Dilworth's western edge. Its refurbished textile mills provide interesting venues for restaurants, shops and office lofts, making it a trendy locale. New residential options complement the booming commercial development. 

The Charlotte Trolley is a popular ride with Carolina Panther fans who walk to Ericsson Stadium from the Stonewall Street stop. In 2002, the trolley will transport riders from South End through uptown, as it did 100 years ago. Myers Park is the neighborhood of choice for those who value tradition over trend. The one-time "country" neighborhood is now a mere five minutes' drive from uptown. But the setting remains idyllic, as even the largest of its classic homes are dwarfed by towering willow oaks. Among the older, traditional houses, you'll find a number of newer mansions and infill projects. Myers Park homes carry a steep price tag due to the neighborhood's unwavering desirability. Queens College, a small liberal arts school, has been a member of the Myers Park community since 1914, when it moved to its Selwyn Avenue campus. The college offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

The Eastover community emerged shortly after Myers Park and features majestic homes set back from winding streets on expansive lawns. Like Myers Park, Eastover's original homes are interspersed with grandiose new homes. In 1936, the Mint Museum of Art opened in Eastover in the building that once housed Charlotte's original U.S. Mint. However, the museum may leave Eastover for uptown in a few years. 

Elizabeth is an historic community where residents enjoy an urban lifestyle. In this designated historic district with strict renovation guidelines, the architecturally diverse homes still have much of their original character and charm. The compact neighborhood includes several popular restaurants and shops. The intersection of Randolph Road and Caswell Avenue is a medical crossroads. Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital, Mercy Hospital and numerous medical offices are located at or near the intersection. The main campus of Central Piedmont Community College, the state's largest community college, is also in Elizabeth. 

Another neighborhood popular among young professionals who want to live in the shadows of uptown is Chantilly. Chantilly features beautiful narrow streets with charming cottages. Though not yet as expensive as Elizabeth and Dilworth, prices are climbing rapidly. Chantilly's neighbor, Plaza-Midwood, traces its development back to 1903 and boasts a diverse population and variety of home styles. This is one of Charlotte's few historic neighborhoods where you still find small, affordable homes around the corner from expensive, stately residences. 

Central Avenue and The Plaza are the community's main arteries. Central Avenue is enjoying a rebirth, with new restaurants and entertainment venues that make it a popular evening destination. Along The Plaza, a traditional boulevard, you'll find elegant old homes, including the historic Van Landingham Estate. Nearby, grand homes dating back to 1920 line Country Club's quiet, curving streets. The small community is named for its centerpiece, Charlotte Country Club, the city's oldest country club. 

Head out North Davidson Street to 35th Street to reach Historic North Davidson, known for its funky galleries, colorful "shotgun" homes and popular apartments in the renovated Johnston Mill. "NoDa" is a regular destination for gallery crawls, drawing people from all over town.