Berkeley

Comparatively higher home prices and a fast-moving market

The neighborhood’s median sale price is around $840,000, nearly double Charlotte ’s median. Townhouses start in the lower $400,000s and can reach the mid-$600,000s, and detached homes range from the mid-$600,000s to more than $1 million. These prices are on par with those in nearby neighborhoods such as Hembstead and Providence. “Houses go under contract very quickly for Berkeley,” Fenno says. “I sold a house there last year that sold for $80,000 over asking in three days. We had multiple offers.”

What to know about the Berkeley HOA

Membership in the Berkeley HOA is voluntary, with annual dues of about $155 that help fund neighborhood improvement projects, common-area landscaping and social events. Residents living in the neighborhood’s townhouse communities have separate mandatory HOAs, with monthly fees ranging from about $340 to $375.

Families have access to top-rated public and private schools

Whether you prefer public or private education, the schools serving Berkeley are highly rated. “The schools in South Charlotte are award-winning. Everybody loves the schools in South Charlotte,” Fenno says. If you go with the public Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district, your children can attend Providence Spring Elementary School, Jay M. Robinson Middle School or Providence High School. The district also lets families apply for magnet options through its annual Program Choice Lottery. Charlotte Latin School and British International School of Charlotte are just two of the private options within 5 miles of the neighborhood.

Shop, dine and hang out at Promenade on Providence

You don’t have to travel far to pick up groceries or get a bite to eat. There are two shopping centers in the neighborhood. Harris Teeter and Lowe’s Home Improvement anchor Providence Commons. The larger Promenade on Providence is across the street, where you can shop at a variety of national retailers, including The Fresh Market, Total Wine & More, and HomeSense. “There’s a court in the middle where they sell ice cream and have concerts in the summer. It’s a big green space. People will come out and throw a ball and bring the kids,” Fenno says. Restaurants here range from Arooji's Wine Room, an elevated spot pairing wines with Italian dishes, and Hickory and Heart, which offers a more casual atmosphere for barbecue. There’s an even wider selection of eateries and shops at Waverly, a massive mixed-use development less than 3 miles away.

What commuting looks like from Berkeley to Uptown and beyond

Next to the Interstate 485 and Providence Road interchange, Berkeley makes it easy to hop onto the highway for daily commutes. Common destinations include:

• Uptown, which is about 13 miles away (25 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic)
• Ballantyne, which is about 6 miles (12 to 18 minutes, depending on traffic)
• University City, which is about 29 miles away (28 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic)

Country clubs, public parks and greenways offer outdoor recreation

While you won’t find a community pool or clubhouse in Berkeley, there are plenty of places to enjoy recreation nearby. Popular spots include:

• Raintree Country Club, where members can golf, swim and play tennis
• Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park, with ballfields, mountain biking trails and a large lake
• Williams R. Davie Park, which is a favorite for its dog park and playground
• Four Mile Creek Greenway, where you can bike, run or walk through nature