When most people think of SouthPark, they automatically think of SouthPark Mall, one of the largest and ritziest malls in the city. But there's much more to this neighborhood than just great shopping ... or maybe not. SouthPark is a semi-urban area that has become a hub for business and retail activity; within its neatly manicured perimeters lay some of the city's most exclusive enclaves. And in the past few years, office buildings and luxury condos have popped up bringing more people into the area to live and work.
While many people come to SouthPark to shop, it is still primarily a residential neighborhood and has very little to offer in terms of public attractions. But quite a few nice restaurants -- such as Brio, Del Frisco's and The Palm Restaurant -- have popped up in recent years. If you like to shop and you like to eat, you'll definitely want to pay SouthPark a visit.
What's so great about Southpark?
"Location," says Clint Davis, a SouthPark resident for 8 years. "It's close to everything. It's not too far to get out to Ballantyne, it's not far from the airport and it's a short cab ride to downtown. Schools are excellent over here. You've got Myers Park High School, Alexander Middle and Selwyn Elementary. Truthfully, that's one of the reasons why I bought the house over here because of the school district. I would say that for people to think SouthPark is all money-driven, they're wrong. There are a lot of really nice, middle-class houses."
Favorite hangouts?
"One thing a lot of people don't realize is that there is a lot of stuff in walking distance. You don't really think of SouthPark being a real urban-friendly area, but I can walk from my place to Phillips Place. I go to Original Pancake House quite a bit. Baoding's is one of the better Chinese restaurants in town."
Dimension Ratings
Social Dimension:...........................Low
Crime Dimension:...........................Medium
Physical Dimension:.......................Low
Economic Dimension:.....................Low
Profile NSA City
Population........................................3,798 656,983
Youth Population.............................680 168,188
Number of Housing Units...............2,127 281,358
Area (Acres)....................................1,097 150,093
Median Household Income.............$74,286 $46,082
Average House Value......................$351,203 $192,844
Number of Organizations................6 N/A
Unemployment Index......................Medium N/A
BARRINGTON'S RESTAURANT, 7822 Fairview Rd., 704-364-5755. Place is small, and wine list is brief, but food is powerful. Chef and Co-owner Bruce Moffet achieves sensational tastes while creating simple and honest New American cuisine dishes.
BaODING, 4722 Sharon Rd., Suite F., 704-552-8899. Named for Charlotte's sister city, this place offers funky haute Chinese with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and unusual vegetarian selections.
BRICKTOP'S, 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704-364-6255. Find comfort in the familiar with barbecue ribs, rotisserie chicken, lobster bisque and key lime pie.
DEL FRISCO'S, 4725 Piedmont Row Dr., 704-552-5502. Enjoy straightforward steakhouse fare paired with a glamorous fine dining experience. Don't skip the famous shrimp cocktail and crab cakes.
P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO, 6809-F Phillips Place Ct., 704-552-6644, www.pfchangs.com. Arizona chain, upscale ethnic eatery, very popular with SouthPark work crowd.
PALM RESTAURANT, 6705 Phillips Place Ct., 704-552-7256, www.thepalm.com. National chain excelling in such classics as Clams Casino, Maryland crabcakes, Caesar salad and of course the all-American steak. Relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and popular bar.
THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM, 620 Piedmont Row Dr., 704-554-8811. An upscale seafood chain from Minneapolis with a variety of fresh fish and large portion favorites from the sea.
UPSTREAM, 6902 Phillips Place Ct., 704-556-7730. This stylish interior reminds one of a mountain stream. Dishes are delightfully harmonious and visually pleasing.
DEAN & DELUCA WINE ROOM, 6822 Phillips Place Ct., 704-552-5283. This upscale wine room is a nice place to grab a drink and some food as you enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
JERALD MELBERG GALLERY, 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd., 704-365-3000.
SKILLBECK GALLERY. 248 S. Sharon Amity Rd., 704-366-8613.
PHILLIPS PLACE, Phillips Place Ct., and Fairview Rd. A shopping alternative to SouthPark mall. Stores carry everything from New balance to Christian Louboutin. Home to fine dining and a movie theater.
SOUTHPARK MALL, 4400 Sharon Rd., 704-364-4411. The Carolinas' best mall. Pretend you're on 5th Avenue as you window shop at Tiffany's, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus.
HARRIS YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Rd., 704-716-6800.
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