Why Live in Sterling
Sterling, a neighborhood in Charlotte, is defined by its bustling South Boulevard, which features car dealerships, shopping centers, and industrial areas. Residents benefit from convenient commuting options, including proximity to Interstate 485 and two Lynx Blue Line light rail stations. The neighborhood's residential areas are a mix of ranch-style, Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, and New Traditional homes, primarily built between the 1970s and 2010s. Garages are rare, with many opting for carports. Sterling offers a quieter living experience, particularly along Longleaf Drive, which boasts high Soundscore ratings. Home values in Sterling are relatively affordable, with detached homes averaging around $275,000, significantly lower than the Charlotte average. The area includes a variety of housing options, from townhouses and condos to apartments, catering to different budgets.
Local amenities are plentiful, with Carolina Pavilion providing retail options like Big Lots and Ross Dress for Less, and nearby grocery stores such as Harris Teeter and Food Lion. Dining options include Costa Del Sol for Mexican and Central American cuisine and Middle James Brewing for craft beers and pub fare. Outdoor activities are accessible with Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Ramblewood Park offering recreational spaces. Quail Hollow Club provides a golf course, and AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 offers a modern cinema experience.
Families have access to a range of schools, including the highly rated South Mecklenburg High, known for its Career & Technical Education programs. While Sterling scores higher on the CAP Index compared to the national average, it remains a practical choice for many due to its amenities and transportation links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling a good place to live?
Sterling is a good place to live, receiving 3.4 stars from its residents. Sterling is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Sterling is a suburban neighborhood. Sterling has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.1 people per acre and a median age of 34. The average household income is $68,673 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 31% of residents. A majority of residents in Sterling are renters, with 68.9% of residents renting and 31.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Sterling can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Sterling neighborhood guide.
Is Sterling, NC a safe neighborhood?
Sterling, NC is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 8 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Sterling?
The median home price in Sterling is $439,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $87,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,280 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $98K a year to afford the median home price in Sterling. The average household income in Sterling is $69K.
What are the best public schools in Sterling?
The best public schools that serve Sterling are:
What are the best private schools in Sterling?
The best private schools that serve Sterling are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Sterling, Charlotte, NC?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Sterling, Charlotte, NC?
Are home prices dropping in Sterling?
Yes, home prices in Sterling are down 6% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Sterling, NC
On average, homes in Sterling, Charlotte sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sterling, Charlotte over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$425,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$439,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$159
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$439,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%