How walkable is Charlotte? These are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods and areas

Kae Lani Palmisano
·5 min read

If you’ve searched for a home to buy or rent over the past few years, you may have come across something called a Walk Score, a grade that attempts to quantify how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is.

Charlotte, North Carolina has an overall Walk Score of 26 out of 100, meaning that it’s a “Car Dependent” city that requires a vehicle for most errands. However, when you look at specific neighborhoods, there are some areas of Charlotte that have a higher Walk Score, ranging from “Somewhat Walkable” to “Very Walkable.”

Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0-100 broken out into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean:

  • 0-24: Car Dependent where almost all errands require a car

  • 25-49: Car Dependent but only most errands require a car

  • 50-69: Somewhat Walkable meaning some errands can be done by foot

  • 70-89: Very Walkable meaning most errands can be completed by foot

  • 90-100: Walker’s Paradise meaning daily errands do not require a car

So what went into measuring Charlotte’s Walk Score? The company Walk Score, a subsidiary of the real estate website Redfin, collects and interprets data using their own methodology that helps determine the walkability of ZIP codes throughout the United States and some cities abroad.

When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Walk Score takes into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and even restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.

Below are the most walkable neighborhoods in Charlotte, according to Walk Score and Redfin — and where we recommend going for a stroll.

Fourth Ward

Walk Score: 89/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Charlotte’s Fourth Ward was made for walking. From parks to historic cemeteries, there are plenty of places in this neighborhood to go for a stroll. To experience the most charming parts of the Fourth Ward’s historic district, consider taking the self-guided walking tour created by the Friends of Fourth Ward. The scenic walk guides you along tree-lined streets where you’ll see historic churches and Victorian homes.

Size: Approximately 30 city blocks

First Ward

Walk Score: 85/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: In the heart of the First Ward is First Ward Park, an urban park where you can enjoy the fountains, bring your children to play, or go for a walk while enjoying the city views. The park also connects to the Charlotte Rail Trail, a 19.3-mile trail for walkers and bikers that runs along the Blue Line, giving locals convenient access to bars, restaurants and other amenities.

Size: 4 acres

Second Ward

Walk Score: 84/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: With its large lake and fountain, Marshall Park is a serene green space in the heart of uptown Charlotte. In addition to scenic views of the city skyline, the park is home to a statue of Martin Luther King Jr., a Holocaust memorial monument and an amphitheater.

Size: 17 acres

Cherry

Walk Score: 80/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Bordering the Cherry neighborhood is the trailhead for the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Running along the Little Sugar Creek, this trail offers a place to walk and bike through nature and connects to several parks, gardens, recreational facilities and more.

Size: 11.78 miles

Dilworth

Walk Score: 78/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Latta Park is all about play as it was designed with kids in mind. The park has tennis, volleyball and basketball courts as well as playgrounds and soccer fields. There’s also a “sprayground,” a splash pad area where kids can cool down and play during the hot summer months.

Size: 31 acres

Third Ward

Walk Score: 72/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: The city melts away when you’re among the trees of Fraizer Park. Sit in the shade of a tree on one of the park’s numerous benches, pick up a game of basketball, soccer or tennis, enjoy the community garden, or go for a walk on one of the greenway trails along Irwin Creek.

Size: 11.9 acres

Brookhill

Walk Score: 70/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Near the corner of Hawkins Street and Rampart Street is where you can access the Charlotte Rail Trail a paved, urban trail that connects with bars, restaurants and other attractions throughout the city.

Size: 19.3 miles

Commonwealth

Walk Score: 66/100 Somewhat Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Veterans Park is a family-friendly park with plenty of space for children to play, including a playground, a baseball field and a splash park. There is also a walking trail through the park for walkers, runners and bikers to enjoy.

Size: 19 acres

North Charlotte

Walk Score: 65/100 Somewhat Walkable

Where to go for a walk: On the northern border of North Charlotte is Eastway Park, a large park featuring athletic fields, a disc golf course and a 0.9-mile out-and-back tree-lined nature trail. It’s also home to the Eastway Regional Recreation Center where visitors can take a few laps around the pool or workout in the gym.

Size: 90 acres

Plaza Hills

Walk Score: 62/100 Somewhat Walkable

Where to go for a walk: The nearby Midwood Park is small but filled with plenty of things to see and do. Visit the community garden, enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas, or play at the playground on your walk through the Park.

Size: 6 acres