Hi, I’m Maureen Mahood, broker-owner of SellYourHomeCharlotte.com. Tucked inside a graceful bend of Briar Creek—and barely five traffic lights from Uptown—Merry Oaks and Commonwealth Park offer 1950s brick ranches, million-dollar moderns, and new townhomes you can lock-and-leave for the weekend. If you crave a yard and a greenway trail but refuse to spend half your paycheck on a mortgage, start here.
Quick-Glance Numbers
Why it matters | Today’s number |
Median list price | ≈ $625 K |
Starter condo | Low- to mid-$200 Ks |
Top of market | New builds to $1.25 M |
Price / sq ft | $290 – $360 |
Typical lot size | 0.20 – 0.30 ac |
Commute to Uptown | 4 mi · 10 min car · 18 min bike via Central Ave cycle-lane |
WalkScore hotspot | Mid-70s at Briar Creek & Commonwealth Ave |
Budget check
10 % down at 7 % on $625 K ≈ $4,150 / mo PITI. A household income of about $140 K keeps life comfortable.
Six Reasons Buyers Zero-In on Merry Oaks & Commonwealth
Why you’ll love it | Quick details | |
Leafy streets, bigger yards | Quarter-acre ranch lots shaded by oaks—more elbowroom than Plaza Midwood without the extra commute. | |
Central-Avenue eats—no parking drama | Common Market Oakwold, tacos at Three Amigos, ramen at Kō•sen, craft pints at Pilot Brewing—all inside five minutes. | |
Briar Creek Greenway (coming) | Planned extension will link Arnold Dr to the Cross-Charlotte Trail for a car-free ride to Uptown or Mint Museum. | |
Townhome convenience | Capital Ridge and Briar Creek Towns deliver 3-story, 2023-built units from the high-$400 Ks. | |
Ranch-to-modern flip upside | Investors love adding a primary-suite pop-top; end users gain instant equity. | |
Eastland-Yards shuttle loop | City proposal ties Commonwealth Ave to the 69-acre entertainment district—goodbye, concert-night traffic. |
What Homes Really Cost
Home style | Active list range | Competition level | 5-yr appreciation* |
1950-60s brick ranch (original) | $500 K – $700 K | Moderate | 7.4 % |
Renovated ranch / 2-story craftsman | $725 K – $1.0 M | Low (< 30 days) | 9.0 % |
Custom new-build (4–5 BR) | $1.1 M – $1.25 M | Very low | 10.2 % |
Modern townhome (2022-25) | $425 K – $550 K | Steady | 8.3 % |
Starter condo (1960s Williamsburg row) | $250 K – $300 K | Moves fast | 7.1 % |
*Charlotte Regional REALTORS® Assn., 2020-2025
Schools & Learning Pods
- Merry Oaks International Academy (K-5) – dual-language Spanish track
- Shamrock Gardens ES – new media lab & outdoor classrooms
- Eastway Middle (IB MYP) – Global Studies magnet option
- Garinger High – IB Diploma & early-college engineering
- Private/Charter: Sugar Creek Charter, Veritas Community, Trinity Episcopal (10 min)
What’s on the Horizon
Project | What it means | Timeline |
Walk/bike to Plaza Midwood & Eastway without a car | Design 2025 · Build 2026-27 | |
Center-turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalk widening | Construction 2025-26 | |
Direct CATS link to concerts, ice rink, markets | In planning |
10 Neighborhood FAQs
1. HOA? | None on ranch streets; townhomes run $200-240/mo. |
2. ADUs allowed? | Yes—lots ≥ 5,000 sq ft qualify under UDO. |
3. Flood risk? | Small slice along Briar Creek—ask me for map. |
4. Best reno ROI? | Open kitchen + pop-top primary suite. |
5. Rent the ADU? | Long-term fine; short-term requires city permit. |
6. Safety? | CMPD Eastway patrols; crime rates match city average for inner ring. |
7. Car-free commute? | #9 Central bus + future greenway spur. |
8. Parking? | 2-car driveways common; townhomes = 1-car garage + pad. |
9. Dog parks? | Veterans Park leash-free area (7 min) until Briar Creek dog run opens. |
10. Coffee walk? | Common Market Oakwold (0.4 mi) or Night Swim (5 min drive). |
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