Between Uptown and NoDa, the Optimist Park neighborhood has exploded over the last couple of years.
Since Optimist Hall — a 137,000-square-foot mixed-use development with a food hall — opened a little over a year ago, multiple luxury apartment complexes have popped up in the area. And another food hall, Lintmen’s, is opening a mile down the road in 2021.
Quick background: Both mixed-used projects are revamps of old mill buildings. Optimist Hall’s historic mill building was once one of the largest producers of gingham textile in the country, dating back to 1892. And Lintmen’s was formerly Lawrence Knitting Mills. The area was a booming hub for the textile industry, up until the ’80s.
Here are the 5 best apartments in Optimist Park (listed in no particular order).
Alta Purl
Location: 1005 N. Davidson St.
Monthly rent:
- 1 bedroom: $1,310-$1,660
- 2 bedroom: $1,865-$2,240
Rent specials: Half off rent for the first four months plus receive a gift card with 14- to 18-month leases.
Why it stands out:
- Great kitchens with sleek mid-century modern cabinetry, subway backsplash, quartz counters, and stainless steel appliances
- Rooftop lounge with Uptown views and social clubs with beer and wine on tap
- Game room with shuffle board and arcade games
- Resort-style pool with aqua loungers and swanky deck
- Across the street from Optimist Hall
Courtesy of Alta Purl
Alpha Mill
Location: 220 Alpha Mill Lane
Monthly rent:
- 1 bedroom: $1,255-$2,182
- 2 bedroom: $1,555-$2,490
Rent specials: Waived admin fee ($200 savings).
Why it stands out:
- Pricing. You can get a 1,000-square-foot 2-bed for under $1,600 a month
- 3 sky lounges with Uptown views, 2 fitness centers, dog park with agility course
- Blend of historic architecture and modern design
- 40 different floor plans, from lofts to two-story townhouse-like options
Courtesy of Alpha Mill
Alton Optimist Park
Location: 1009 N. Caldwell St.
Monthly rent:
- Studio: $1,260-$1,497
- 1 bedroom: $1,327-$1,905
- 2 bedroom: $1,775-$2,876
Rent specials: Two months of free rent + $1,000 gift card.
Why it stands out:
- Beautiful chef-inspired kitchens with 2 designer color options
- Custom closets and oversized balconies (on some units)
- Resort-style pool with tanning deck and fire pit
- Coworking space with Mac computers
Courtesy of Alexan Optimist Park
Edgeline Flats on Davidson
Location: 525 E. 15th St.
Monthly rent:
- 1 bedroom: $1,060-$1,075
- 2 bedroom: $1,300-$1,400
Why it stands out:
- Affordability (it offers one of the most spacious floor plans for the cost)
- Modern, industrial design
Cortland NoDa
Location: 1700 N. Brevard St.
Monthly rent:
- Studio: $1,368-$1,578
- 1 bedroom: $1,310-$1,944
- 2 bedroom: $1,750-$2,600
- 3 bedroom: $$2,567+
Why it stands out:
- Variety of layouts, including 3-bed option
- Stunning interiors with built-ins, huge windows, and sleek, stylish kitchens
- Heated resort-style pool
- Convenient to Optimist Hall and NoDa
Courtesy of Cortland NoDa
Still looking for *the one*? Check out our other apartment guides: 43 best apartments in Charlotte, sorted by hot neighborhoods, 23 apartments in Charlotte with sign-on deals like one or two months free rent
