$374,559Average Value$177Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
From a small farming community to a thriving Black neighborhood
Grier Heights is a neighborhood built on history and community ties. Its origins date back to 1890 when Sam Billings, a formerly enslaved man, bought a 100-acre farming settlement to create a community where people of color could feel safe and prosper. Grier Heights, also known as “Grier Town,” would later get its name from Arthur Samuel Grier, a prominent resident and businessman who built nearly 100 homes in the neighborhood for Black soldiers returning after World War II. Some of these houses still stand today in the neighborhood’s northwest corner. “It’s a place where I’d love to own a home, not just based on the history but the love that you get,” says Norrisa Bass, the program coordinator for Grier Heights Community Center, which sits in the historic Billingsville School. “It’s a welcoming community. Everyone loves on everyone. Everyone looks out for each other.” With some of the most affluent neighborhoods in Charlotte nearby, Grier Heights is experiencing a shift. New residents are moving in next to families who’ve lived here for generations. “It's going through a sort of transition period right now as the location becomes more popular,” says Kevin Thompson, a Realtor with Helen Adams Realty, who has several years of experience in Charlotte.
Grier Heights in located less the 4 miles south of Uptown Charlotte.
The Grier Heights neighborhood dates back to 1890.
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CrossRoads Corporation focuses on improving quality of life
There’s been a decades-long effort to reduce crime in Grier Heights and improve the quality of life for residents. The neighborhood receives a CAP Index crime score of 9 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. “Right now, it’s an economically challenged community. The annual median income for a person living in Grier Heights is less than $20,000 a year,” says Tiffany Capers, the Executive Director of CrossRoads Corporation, an affordable housing developer and place-based initiative working to support Grier Heights residents. “There are persons living in the community that are living in housing that’s supported by public subsidy and there are homes in the community that are $800,000.” CrossRoads runs the Grier Heights Community Center and partners with various organizations to provide services, such as the Homebuyer Pathway Program. “We’re focusing on workforce development, mental healthcare and building the people of the community as much as we’re focusing on providing homeownership and building homes,” Capers says.
Grier Heights Community Center is a neighborhood resource
The historic Billingsville School sits in the heart of Gier Heights and has been a community hub for nearly 100 years. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, the four-room red-brick school was built in 1927 as one of Mecklenburg County’s all-Black schools. Today, it’s home to the Grier Heights Community Center. Residents walking in are greeted by a colorful mural that honors the neighborhood’s continuing story: A teenager reading a book is surrounded by black and white portraits of Sam Billings, Arthur S. Grier and Naomi Drenan, known as the “momma of the neighborhood,” according to Bass. “One of the main things we offer here is after-school programs and tutoring. It’s a place for children to come. We give snacks and help with homework,” she says. “We also offer GED classes and literacy classes. A better question is, ‘What don’t we do?’” Grier Heights Park is next door, featuring a large playground shaded by trees and a community garden. A thick line of trees separates the park from Randolph Road Park, a popular spot for youth baseball and soccer. Its multiple ballfields host the Myers Park Trinity Little League.
Younger residents can spend time at the Grier Heights Community Center.
Children love to play on the playground at Grier Heights Neighborhood Park.
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Grier Heights Annual Labor Day Reunion
The streets of Grier Heights come alive with music and fellowship for the Grier Heights Annual Labor Day Reunion, also known as “Grier Town Day” or “G Day.” This big show of love and appreciation for the community is often described as a family reunion. Celebrated for nearly 60 years, the event starts with a parade through the neighborhood that ends at Grier Heights Park. “When it gets to the community park, we have a celebration. Local artists come out and perform. There are vendors, and we have neighbor awards to recognize people and what they’ve done for the community,” says Bass, who adds that the event is about honoring the neighborhood’s roots while looking toward its future. “Residents really build on the history of the neighborhood. They want to keep it alive.”
Randolph Road makes up Grier Heights western boarder.
You can enjoy lunch in the shade at Grier Heights Neighborhood Park.
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A mix of older ranch-style homes and new Craftsman builds
Tall oak trees tower over the wide streets of Grier Heights. Sidewalks and driveways of varying condition frame small front yards modestly landscaped with small shrubs. "It's a historic area with older homes," Thompson says. "But you'll see people buying and re-doing the properties." The neighborhood’s original midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows sit next to newly built two stories, often in the Craftsman style. However, most Grier Heights residents rent, and much of the neighborhood is populated by low-lying apartment complexes. Single-family homes typically fall between $250,000 and $500,000, but remodels, investment properties and new construction can start at $500,000 and reach $800,000. There are also townhouses available between $295,000 and $435,000. CrossRoads has built 25 homes in the community since 2008, and Capers says more are on the way. “We’re hoping to build another 20 to 25 units of single-family housing in partnership with DreamKey Partners beginning at the end of 2025.”
Some residents of Grier Heights choose to renovate existing homes in the neighorhood.
Newly built craftsman style homes are popular in Grier Heights.
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Vintage vibes and familiar faces at Lupie’s Café
People across Charlotte visit Grier Heights to dine at Lupie’s Café, a lunch staple in the former site of Grier’s Grocery that’s known for its unique vibe. “It’s old Americana kind of food,” says Jennifer Monroe, a longtime city resident and Realtor with Compass. “Everybody loves the place. You always run into somebody you know when you’re there for lunch.” The cafe's off-beat décor features layers of nostalgic memorabilia and a space-themed mural listing the daily specials on the outside façade. The vintage atmosphere spills across the street into Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina, serving Tex-Mex cuisine through the front end of an antique Ford fire truck. The colorful eatery draws customers for its Tipsy Trivia on Wednesdays and live bands on Saturdays. Bojangles Coliseum is less than a mile away, hosting concerts and Charlotte Checkers games. The Checkers are the minor-league affiliate of the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League. Medical offices and shopping centers surround the neighborhood. Food Lion and Family Dollar are the go-to spots for groceries and essentials.
For 30 years, Lupie's Cafe has been one of Charlotte's treasured eating establishments.
Grier Heights is less than a mile away from the Bojangles Coliseum.
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A college campus-like environment at Myers Park High
Flowering crepe myrtle trees sit in front of Billingsville Elementary, serving kindergarten through second graders. It gets a C-plus rating from Niche and offers an After School Enrichment Program. For third through fifth grades, Cotswold Elementary receives a B-minus and offers after-school activities such as Chess Club and Girls on the Run. Graham Middle earns a B-plus and is supported by a PTO that hosts events throughout the year, including a Family Fiesta in September, which connects families with local resources. With 13 buildings connected by a courtyard, the sprawling campus of Myers Park High offers the feel of a small college. The A-rated school is a big draw for the neighborhood and features a college and career center to help students plan for life after high school. Several private schools are near Grier Heights, including Providence Day School and Charlotte Country Day School. Both receive A-plus ratings and offer financial assistance.
The Myers Park High School serves students in grades 9-12.
Alexander Graham Middle is ranked #282 in North Carolina Middle Schools.
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Short commutes into Uptown Charlotte
With schools, parks and retail nearby, Grier Heights offers some walkability, but most people drive or take the bus to get around Charlotte. North Wendover Road provides quick access to U.S. Route 74. Charlotte’s Center City is only about 3 ½ miles away via East 7th Street, one of the neighborhood’s bike-friendly streets. Charlotte Area Transit System bus routes loop around Grier Heights and pass through the middle of the neighborhood along Sam Drenan Road. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 9 miles away.
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Grier Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Grier Heights, Charlotte sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Grier Heights, Charlotte over the last 12 months is $252,200, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Special near the City Center of Charlotte! Charming 2/1 brick home located in an established neighborhood. Short drive from Plaza Midwood, NoDa and South End with access to numerous restaurants, shops, parks and public transit. Tons of potential. You do not want to let this one pass you by!
Investor Special near the City Center of Charlotte! Charming 2/1 brick home located in an established neighborhood. Short drive from Plaza Midwood, NoDa and South End with access to numerous restaurants, shops, parks and public transit. Tons of potential. You do not want to let this one pass you by!
Welcome home to this Well maintained 3-bedrooms, 3 bathroom home. 2021 Built 2-Story, fenced yard. Includes Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer and Dryer. Move-in Ready. Close to Shopping, Entertainment, Shows, Greenway and Museum.
Updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom featuring a beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The open-concept creates a inviting atmosphere. Must See!Washer/dryer is for tenants use, as-is. Please note Renters Insurance is required.
Property Id: 1994366 A throwback to a simpler time. The house is conveniently located near downtown Charlotte, Southpark mall, Cotswald shopping center and walking distance to food, close to the highway. This location is great! Core Values Living is a shared living environment that offers comfortable living for less. Tenants have their own space but share the bathroom, (well maintained ),
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Martha Mendoza Borgese,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,035
Median Age
32
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
34.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$18,841
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$28,573
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.6%
College Graduates
8.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
