Charlotte is buzzing this September. From exciting restaurant openings to new shops changing the local scene, plus the latest shifts in our housing market. Here’s everything you need to know.
Dining & Food Scene
Charlotte’s dining scene continues to thrive with fresh flavors and new experiences.
New & Now Open
Mama's Comfort food and Cocktails on Park Road has brought California Cuisine to Queen City. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full bar menu. Over in Uptown, the Retro Bar features 80s and 90s vibes with a dance floor. After being in the Plaza Midwood area, the Soul Gastrolounge makes a move to NoDa, where you can find sashimi tuna tacos.
Food Events this Month
The Uptown Brunch Pop‑Up is held in the Iron District on September 13th. It features brunch bites from local chefs, vendor tents, live entertainment and art installations; tickets cost just $7. Also happening this month are Takeover Tuesdays at L’Ostrica in Charlotte. A rotating series where local chefs take over the kitchen for exclusive menus. Next up is the Vivienne Sommar Pop‑Up at Bar à Vins happening September 23rd. This event provides a Nordic‑inspired menu with fjord scallops, Nordic hot dogs and wine pairings.
Must-Try Favorites in 2025
Tripadvisor’s top Charlotte restaurants right now include:
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Mico Restaurant: An elevated steakhouse experience in Uptown with Argentinian influence
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Dos Caminos: Mexican-inspired with a vibrant bar scene.
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The Capital Grille: A classic for fine dining and celebrations.
Retail & Shopping Highlights
Charlotte is also seeing a wave of unique shops and boutiques open in 2025.
The new Trope Bookshop now has a permanent location at Plaza Midwood. It is a stylish, romance-focused shop gaining attention in the area. You also do not want to miss Reclectic, an overstock store featuring popular brands like Free People, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters at discounted prices. Also at Plaza Midwood, Jaide is a new lifestyle boutique that combines a lounge, restaurant, and shop. If you are a local influencer, you also want to check out KIKI, which sells waterproof and hypoallergenic jewelry. Have fun exploring these new shops that bring vibrancy to the retail landscape in Charlotte
Housing Market Update
Charlotte’s housing market is showing signs of balance as we head into fall. The median sale price in July was about $440,000, which is a 4.1% increase from last year. That’s steady growth, but not the rapid surge we saw during the peak pandemic years. Inventory has also ticked up, which means buyers have more options to choose from compared to last summer.
Homes are taking a bit longer to move. The median days on market is now 47, up from 40 a year ago. This shift gives buyers more breathing room, though sellers are still in a good position if they price their homes correctly from the start.
On the financing side, mortgage rates are holding near 6.5% for a 30-year fixed loan and about 5.6% for a 15-year fixed. While that’s higher than rates we were used to a few years ago, they’ve remained fairly consistent in recent months, which is helping both buyers and sellers plan with more confidence.
Overall, Charlotte remains a strong market with steady growth, more balance between buyers and sellers, and plenty of opportunity for those who know how to navigate it.
If you’ve been thinking about making a move in Charlotte, I'd love to be your resource. Whether that’s finding your next home, selling while the market’s still strong, or just getting a feel for what’s out there. I know this city inside and out, and I’m here to make the process feel less overwhelming and more exciting. Reach out anytime, even if it’s just to talk through ideas over coffee.
