Section Image

Sterling

Sterling

3.4
$277,145 Average Value
$188 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Why Sterling is a practical choice for first-time homebuyers

Sterling is a lesser-known South Charlotte neighborhood that appeals to buyers seeking value and convenience. It has an array of housing options, from older detached homes and townhouses with character to brand-new builds, at prices that are much lower than what you’ll find in nearby neighborhoods. Straddling South Boulevard, the community is close to major roads, light rail stops and shopping centers. And it’s easy to stay active with parks, sports clubs and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway nearby.

Sterling has a mix of residential and commercial areas.
Sterling has a mix of residential and commercial areas.
Watch a movie at AMC Carolina Pavilion.
Watch a movie at AMC Carolina Pavilion.
1/2

From ranch-style homes and cottages to New Traditionals

Mature trees separate the neighborhood’s commercial areas from the quieter residential streets, where you’ll find a mix of single-family homes built between the 1940s and today. East of South Boulevard, ranch-style homes and split-levels rest on roomy lots. To the west, cottages, bungalows and two-story New Traditionals sit closer together on tract-style lots. Townhouses, condos and apartment communities dot the neighborhood, some of which offer amenities such as pools and clubhouses. With far more rental units than houses, renters vastly outnumber homeowners here.

Condo and apartment communities are a popular option in Sterling.
Condo and apartment communities are a popular option in Sterling.
A row of new rental townhomes in Sterling.
A row of new rental townhomes in Sterling.
1/2
Mature trees provide ample shade throughout Sterling.
Mature trees provide ample shade throughout Sterling.

Single-family homes and condos for well under the Charlotte median

Sterling’s median sale price is around $260,000, significantly lower than Charlotte ’s. Here’s how home prices break down by type:

  • Condos fall between the mid- and upper $100,000s.
  • Townhouses range from the upper $100,000s to the mid-$300,000s.
  • Detached homes start in the lower $100,000s and can reach the lower $300,000s.
The surrounding neighborhoods of Park Crossing, Starmount Forest and Ayrsley typically have much higher home prices. “With South Boulevard development expanding farther away from the city, it's a really smart place to buy,” says Lindsay Patton, a Realtor with The Redbud Group.

A magnet middle school and a brand-new high school serve Sterling

The neighborhood’s assigned public schools are Sterling Elementary School, Quail Hollow Middle School in Cameron Wood, which has an International Baccalaureate program, and Ballantyne Ridge High School in Whiteoak, which opened in 2024. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools holds an annual Program Choice Lottery for students interested in magnet schools. The highly rated South Mecklenburg High School, offering a World Languages program, is a nearby option among magnet programs.

The large campus of Sterling Elementary.
The large campus of Sterling Elementary.
The entrance of Quail Hollow Middle School.
The entrance of Quail Hollow Middle School.
1/2

Drive times to Charlotte job hubs and car-free commute options

Sterling is a convenient place to live for commuters. “It’s really centrally located to the most popular parts of Charlotte, with easy access to I-485, I-77 and South Boulevard,” says Dion Foulks, a Realtor with NorthGroup Real Estate. “Another good plus is that it’s an urban-suburban neighborhood with walkable access to shopping centers.” Nearby job hubs include:

  • Pineville, which is about 2 miles away (or 5 to 10 minutes)
  • Ballantyne, which is less than 6 miles away (or 7 to 20 minutes)
  • South End, which is about 11 miles away (or 12 to 40 minutes)
  • Uptown Charlotte, which is less than 13 miles away (or 15 to 45 minutes)
For a car-free commute, the neighborhood has CATS bus stops and access to two LYNX Blue Line light rail stations.

The popular LYNX Blue Line light rail runs through the Sterling.
The popular LYNX Blue Line light rail runs through the Sterling.
Atrium Health Hospital is just south of Sterling.
Atrium Health Hospital is just south of Sterling.
1/2

Shopping and dining options at Carolina Pavilion and Quail Corners

There are many places to shop and dine along South Boulevard. National retailers, such as Target, Nordstrom Rack and Ulta Beauty, anchor Carolina Pavilion, where you can spend an evening watching the latest blockbuster at AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 or host your kid’s birthday party at Slick City Action Park. Costa Del Sol Restaurant & Grill, known for its tortas, tacos and other Central American favorites, stands out among the various fast-food joints along this stretch of the boulevard. Nearby, Quail Corners has Harris Teeter and a handful of local restaurants, including Wolfman Pizza, Rusty's Deli & Grille, and Tap and Vine.

Target anchors the Carolina Pavilion shopping center in Sterling.
Target anchors the Carolina Pavilion shopping center in Sterling.
Enjoy your favorite Central American dishes at Costa Del Sol, just north of Sterling.
Enjoy your favorite Central American dishes at Costa Del Sol, just north of Sterling.
1/2

Where you can play sports and connect with nature near Sterling

Some homes in Sterling wrap around Pine Valley Neighborhood Park, which has a walking path, a playground and a community garden. There are other recreation spots in this area, such as the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a favorite for walks, runs and bike rides, and Ramblewood Park, where a playground sits between a massive soccer complex, a baseball field and basketball courts. If you’re into pickleball, the popular Pickleball Charlotte club is minutes away in Starmount Forest. Golfers can practice their swing at The Pine, where you’ll find a driving range, putting greens and indoor simulators, or they can join one of South Charlotte’s private country clubs.

Kids play at Ramblewood Park, located just west of Sterling.
Kids play at Ramblewood Park, located just west of Sterling.
Local residents love walking or biking the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Local residents love walking or biking the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
1/2
DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Ryan Gwilliam
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Charlotte/Douglas International

22 min drive

Subway

I-485/South Boulevard

Bus

Sharon Rd West & Sharonbrook Dr

Bus

South Blvd & 9440 (Discount Tire)

Bus

Sharon Rd West & Regent Park Ln

Bus

South Blvd & Cressida Dr

Bus

Sharon Rd West & Maggie Ln

Bus

I-485 Station

Bus

South Blvd & Westinghouse Blvd

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 7 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
10/9/2014 Niche Review
It jsut takes time to find a match that will suit me.
4.0 Niche User
5/14/2016 Niche Review
I've always felt safe living here. The police are present but it's usually for traffic related incidents (ex. ticketing an occasional speeder).
Are you familiar with the Sterling neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sterling US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
697
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1972
Months of Supply
5.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,216
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,520
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
982
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
15
Median Rent
$1,795
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,825
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,889
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,050
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,050
Median Condo Rent
$1,525
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,525

Demographics

Total Population
3,609
Median Age
34
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$57,643
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$68,673

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.5%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
31%
Advanced Degrees
7.6%
% Population in Labor Force
79.7%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat bikeable

Bikeability®

30 / 100

Somewhat walkable

Walkability®

30 / 100

Limited public transit

Transit®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sterling