You’ll find our apartments on Oxford Pond Drive, a few minutes from both University City Boulevard and I-85. You can reach a paved greenway, a grocery store, and several restaurants in under 10 minutes by car.

Where to Eat Around University City

Many of the restaurants closest to Oxford Pond Drive serve international food. Rasin Haitian serves griot and legume, Tora Izakaya makes Japanese plates and ramen, and Banh Mi Brothers is the place to go for Vietnamese sandwiches and pho. You can reach all three within a short drive of University City Boulevard.

If you want something faster, Ma Luz Mexican Grill and Chicken Box Cafe are convenient options for a weeknight when you would rather not cook. KPOT serves Korean barbecue and hot pot a few minutes away. A meal there takes a while, so it works best for a group meal when you have time to spare.

For coffee or breakfast, Vavela Cafe and Anatolia Cafe Cuisine are both a few minutes out along University City Boulevard. If you work from home, there is also plenty of space at Axis at the Park to get fresh views and coffee. Our 24-hour clubhouse at Axis at the Park is open to residents on the nights when the cafes have already closed.

Greenways and Outdoor Space

Charlotte has a large greenway system, and several of the trails run through University City. The Toby Creek Greenway runs 2.8 miles from Rocky River Road north to the Mallard Creek Greenway. Every mile is paved and about 10 feet wide, so walkers, runners, and cyclists can share the trail comfortably.

Farther north, the greenway crosses the western edge of the UNC Charlotte campus and passes the athletic fields and the tennis complex. From there, the trail connects to Mallard Creek Greenway and Clarks Creek Greenway, which add another 7.4 miles of connected path. You can start a two-mile loop or a 10-mile ride from the Kirk Farm Fields trailhead.

University City Partners publishes a map of the local greenway network, including the connection to the UNC Charlotte botanical gardens. Kirk Farm Fields has the closest parking lot if you would rather drive than ride the bus from home.

You don't need to go far from your apartment to get some fresh air and green views either. Our two gated dog parks and open lawn at Axis at the Park give you outdoor space without leaving the property. You can walk the dog after work instead of loading the car to go to a dog park miles away.

Shopping and Everyday Errands

University Place and the shopping along W.T. Harris Boulevard cover most weekly errands. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retail all cluster within a few miles of Oxford Pond Drive. That makes it possible to handle several errands in one trip.

Concord Mills is about 15 minutes north on I-85. More than 200 stores fill one building, so it works better for a planned afternoon than a quick errand.

Banks, urgent care, and auto shops are spread along W.T. Harris and University City Boulevard instead of grouped into one plaza. However, many are only a short drive apart.

Which Apartment Fits Your Week

How much you use the neighborhood depends on what your apartment already offers. If you cook most nights, your kitchen matters more than the nearby restaurants. If you work from home most days, a separate room may matter more than a short drive to Uptown.

The apartment and townhome options at Axis at the Park include studios to three-bedroom apartments. Select plans include a den or an attached garage. A den gives you a workspace away from the living room. Meanwhile, the townhomes put the bedrooms on a separate floor from the kitchen.

Students and solo professionals may want a studio because prioritizing space and cost is more important. Roommates splitting rent near campus can decide between various two- and three-bedroom plans. Additionally, families have the options of three-bedroom apartments and townhomes. Ultimately, the best apartment depends on your lifestyle and what you’re planning for the future.

Getting Around Charlotte

The LYNX Blue Line runs light rail from UNC Charlotte into Uptown, and both the JW Clay Boulevard and University City Boulevard stations are close to Axis at the Park. The ride takes about 30 minutes and skips I-85 completely.

However, driving still makes sense for most trips outside the corridor. I-85 is a few minutes from Oxford Pond Drive and runs west toward the airport or northeast toward Concord. Charlotte Douglas International is about 20 minutes out in light traffic.

Keep in mind that traffic here follows the academic calendar. Mornings and late afternoons get busy when UNC Charlotte is in session, and the same roads are clear in July. If you work from home part of the week, the heavier traffic affects you less.

Common Questions About University City

Is University City only for students?
No. UNC Charlotte is the largest presence in the area, but University Research Park brings in thousands of employees every day. The area also offers housing, shopping, dining, parks, and transit for a wide range of lifestyles.

How long is the commute to Uptown Charlotte?
The LYNX Blue Line takes about 30 minutes from the University City stations. Driving typically takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on I-85, so the train is often the more predictable choice.

Are the greenways connected to each other?
Yes. Toby Creek Greenway links to Mallard Creek Greenway, which links to Clarks Creek Greenway. Together, the three trails give you about 10 miles of continuous paved path without a major road crossing.

Seeing how close the greenway and the grocery store are tells you more than measuring the distance on a map. Schedule a tour at Axis at the Park and walk the block while you're here.

The post Things to Do in University City, Charlotte, NC: A Local Guide appeared first on Axis at the Park Blog.