Kristin Hobson has been living in Cotswold since she graduated college. She and her husband purchased their first house in 1994 and have been members of the community ever since. Hobson has seen changes in Cotswold, but she still calls the place home. Here's what she has to say about her "hood":
How would you describe Cotswold?
I would say: vibrant, up-and-coming, social and a nice mix of old and new.
What is the most eye-catching landmark in your neighborhood?
Now, it's probably Rosewood, the condominiums that were just built at the corner of Providence and Sharon Amity.
What are the top three places to shop in Cotswold?
Harris Teeter, Marshalls and Books-A-Million.
Top three places to eat?
Eddie's Place. I think a lot of people go to Mezzanotte. And I would have to say, Charley's.
Top three party spots?
There's not a lot. Hotel Charlotte and Eddie's Place are both decent bar-type atmospheres. This isn't a bar-type [neighborhood], so that would be it.
What's a little-known fact about Cotswold?
Hmm, I don't know to be honest with you.
Where is the first place in Cotswold you would take a newcomer?
I'd probably get them up to the Cotswold Shopping Center. There really isn't anything within the neighborhood that would be any different than what's in any other neighborhood.
How has the recession changed your neighborhood?
Construction; anything that has not started prior to the recession is not being built. Whatever was started is continuing, but the builders who were holding on to the lots for teardowns are not moving them. There is no spec building at this point.
Why should people move to Cotswold?
I think it offers a great sense of community -- great lots in an older neighborhood of Charlotte, good schools and proximity to downtown and South Park.
Name one downside to living in Cotswold.
The only thing that has been hard on the residents of Cotswold has been all of the storm water construction, which is all coming to a halt. But other than that, it may be trying to cope with the transition from old 1950s ranch homes to 5,000-plus-square-foot newer construction.
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