Ballantyne

Ballantyne is a testament to what visionary urban planning can do to transform an entire community. The area where the neighborhood now sits was largely undeveloped up until the 1990s when the completion of the pivotal Ballantyne Corporate Park changed all that.

Today, Ballantyne is one of Charlotte’s most desirable suburbs. Residents have quick access to vibrant business parks, high-end shopping spots, green spaces, luxury communities, and the best attractions in the metropolitan area. Plus, ambitious new developments are underway to further improve quality of life throughout the neighborhood.

You get the best of two worlds when you choose to live in affluent and fast-growing Ballantyne. The peaceful suburban atmosphere attracts families of various sizes — as well as quite a few single professionals — to its tree-lined communities and generous homes. At the same time, there’s never a dull moment as there’s plenty in the way of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

All in all, Ballantyne offers prospective buyers plenty of reasons to consider a long-term move or real estate investment in this part of Greater Charlotte. If you are exploring homes for sale in Ballantyne, Charlotte, this comprehensive community guide will give you everything you need to know about this fantastic neighborhood.

Location

Ballantyne is situated at the southern edge of Greater Charlotte, just a few miles from the state border dividing North and South Carolina. It’s about 17 miles (20 minutes by car) from UptownCharlotte to the north. The main thoroughfares that cut through the neighborhood are Johnston Road, Providence Road, and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

Ballantyne also has the benefit of being within striking distance from I-485. Proximity to the interstate doesn’t typically entail affluence and calm, but there’s just enough space to distance residents from the bustling traffic without sacrificing accessibility to other parts of Greater Charlotte. For instance, top attractions like Bojangles Coliseum and The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery are approximately 20 and 15 minutes away respectively.

While it’s easy to get around other parts of Charlotte, all the essential destinations and entertainment one could ever want are all here in Ballantyne. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with family-friendly attractions, high-end shops and boutiques, and verdant golf courses and public parks.

Climate and weather

Much like the rest of Greater Charlotte, Ballantyne is a great community for sun worshippers and those looking to escape severe northwestern or midwest winters. The area receives over 200 days of sunshine annually, with average summer temperatures usually in the mid to high 80s.

Although snowfall is not frequent, the weather can get chilly but not unpleasantly so — the average winter temperature falls to the mid 50s. In addition, the area receives an annual rainfall of just over 40 inches on average.

The temperatures are most pleasant in the spring when everything starts to bloom again. Average highs are in the 70s range and average lows are in the 40s. It’s also the ideal climate for beautiful flora and fauna to thrive, such as the Cardinal Flowers, Stokes Aster, and the Carolina Chickadee.

The real estate market: spacious lots, well-adorned homes

Ballantyne homes usually go up for sale anywhere between $300,000 and as high as $3 million or more. Some of the most sought-after properties are in gated communities like the prestigious Ballantyne Country Club, where it’s rare for prices to dip below the million dollar mark.

Homes located in exclusive enclaves are adorned with the best features and finishes — from finely crafted French doors and elegant kitchens to generous lawn spaces and private tennis courts. Typical architectural styles in these affluent communities include Mediterranean and transitional (mix of traditional and contemporary elements).

Expansive homes on generous lots and top-tier features are staples in the neighborhood. In Ballantyne West and Ballantyne East, there are several fantastic homes to choose from, whether it’s relatively modest single-family homes or modern apartments in newer developments throughout town. Ultimately, buyers will find that there’s generally “more house” in Ballantyne than what is usually available in Greater Charlotte — especially when compared to more densely populated areas in the metro.

If you wish to see specific properties that are listed in the market today, you can search for active listings here or send a message to Native Collective. With deep roots in North Carolina and a combined 35+ years of experience in the industry, our team of award-winning Realtors would be delighted to assist you in your home search.

Retail therapy in Ballantyne

Ballantyne has much to offer in the way of luxury shopping and the finest in entertainment and relaxation. Upscale shopping centers and retail areas buzz throughout the week as families and young professionals gather to bond and unwind. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

• Ballantyne Village is a high-end outdoor shopping center located in the heart of the neighborhood, at the intersection of Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. Frequented by locals for its upscale atmosphere and excellent selection of shops, self-care facilities, popup vendors, and restaurants.
• Ballantyne Commons has a large supermarket chain (Harris Teeter) and a wide range of essential services (UPS, Firestone Complete Auto Care) and dining options (Librettos Pizzeria, Zapata’s Mexican, Sheng Ramen).
• The sizable Blakeney Town Center along Ardrey Kell Road is a weekend favorite thanks to its diverse range of food, grocery, and shopping options. You’ll find big-name chain stores like Old Navy, Banana Republic, Harris Teeter, and Shake Shack to smaller establishments like 131 Main and Pio Pio.
• Goodwill Ballantyne is an established nonprofit chain that doesn’t just offer affordable and good quality products (clothes, shoes, furniture and much more). When you shop at Goodwill, you help fund career and skills development courses for low income communities.
• The southern portion of the neighborhood is where you’ll find The Shoppes at Ardrey Kell, a small retail area with a well-stocked grocery and a few small restaurants and beauty salons.
• Toringdon Circle Shopping Center is located just beyond I-485 and features a slew of shops, hotels, steakhouses, wellness centers, and health clinics.

Some of the top restaurants in Ballantyne

The local restaurant scene in Ballantyne is one of the best in this part of Greater Charlotte. Below are a few recommendations to start you off.

• Housed inside The Ballantyne Hotel is Gallery Restaurant, where you’ll taste new American cuisine with a southern twist — from the truffle mushroom omelet to the lamb shank and Chilean seabass. Each dish reflects the flavor profiles of the season’s produce.
• Midwood Smokehouse is a great option for a casual Friday night with friends and family. This steakhouse chain is popular for its exquisitely tender and moist beef briskets and bacon-wrapped jalapeños.
• When done right, Peruvian rotisserie chicken is heavenly. That’s what Viva Chicken Ballantyne constantly strives for with every serving. This homegrown Charlotte restaurant also offers a range of delectable side dishes and desserts.
• Whether you’re unwinding in style or looking to impress a date, Tap & Vine Ballantyne provides a cozy yet elegant setting to enjoy good food and company. What’s more, the extensive selection of wines and reserve labels will surely be a delight to oenophiles.
• Duckworth’s Grill and Taphouse is a great pub grub spot to catch up on your favorite sports teams while savoring each bite of their excellent pizzas and chicken wings.
• Originally from St. John, Virgin Islands, Woody’s Seafood Saloon set up shop right here in Ballantyne, Charlotte. Enjoy traditional Caribbean bar fare and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in this part of town.

Outdoor recreation and luxury accommodations

Ballantyne strikes a careful balance between nature and urban convenience. There’s quite a few green spaces and outdoor recreational facilities where residents can stretch out and get some sun and fresh air.

• The nature preserves of Big Rock and Flat Branch are heavily wooded areas that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Bask in the serene surroundings as you take a leisurely hike along well-marked trail paths. The aptly named Big Rock is famous in the area for its unique rock formations and massive boulders. Flat Branch is right beside the eponymous park, which is frequented for its dog-friendly area and soccer fields.
• The sizable Elon Park not only offers serene green space and a charming fish pond. It also has a recreation and activity center where various youth sports programs take place.
• Smaller parks like Cullman, Brixham, and Patrick are pockets of calm amidst the vibrant commercial spots of the neighborhood. Families with small children and dog owners frequent the area.
• Completed in 1996, Ballantyne Country Club epitomizes what luxury living in Ballantyne is all about. The lavish 45,000 square-foot clubhouse stands out as you enter club grounds. Apart from the Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course, there are nine lighted tennis courts, four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a cabana bar & grill area, and so much more. Parents can sign up their children at the Kids Club, where summer camps and a variety of seasonal activities ensure the little ones have as much fun as the adults.
• Providence Country Club is another posh members-only club where Ballantyne residents love to drop by. Since its completion in 1989, Providence has made key upgrades to its Dan Maples course and various club facilities to continue providing top-tier service. Surrounding the Georgian-style clubhouse are 14 tennis courts, up-to-date fitness facilities, spacious conference and function rooms, and a pool complex.
• The iconic Ballantyne Hotel offers an exceedingly luxurious staycation experience. From the well-equipped fitness gym and top notch spa facilities to the opulent lobby bar with charming outdoor views, expect to be pampered throughout your stay. Conveniently located in the buzzing commercial core of the neighborhood, Ballantyne Hotel has quick access to nearby shopping centers like Ballantyne Commons and Ballantyne Village. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary bike rentals should you choose to explore the rest of the neighborhood at your own pace.

A short history of Ballantyne

Prior to the 1990s, Ballantyne was mostly a vast tract of undeveloped land and the nearby interstate highway had yet to be constructed. At the time, the area served mainly as a hunting ground of the wealthy Harris family (related to former North Carolina Governor Cameron Morrison). In 1992, real estate moguls John Harris and Smoky Bissell conceived the idea of a master-planned community that would be strategically placed fairly close to the planned I-485.

The completion of Ballantyne Corporate Park laid the foundation for their shared vision of a suburban paradise connected to urban amenities throughout the Charlotte Metro. More than 2,000 acres of land needed to be rezoned for the project, one of the largest rezoning efforts in Mecklenburg County.

The original blueprint for Ballantyne included the Ballantyne Hotel and the four iconic 30-foot pillars at the intersection of Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Johnston Road — designed by artist Boris Tomic. During this development phase, Crescent Resources had also acquired just over 600 acres of land which would be converted into the now prominent Ballantyne Country Club. As investors and new residents poured in, development spread outward from the initial Ballantyne Corporate Park to the present-day features of the community.

Explore your real estate options in Ballantyne with Native Collective

Whether you’re looking to move to a charming suburb in Charlotte or planning your next long-term real estate investment, Native Collective is ready to help shortlist the best homes for sale in Ballantyne.

Established in 2020, Native Collective is a powerhouse team of experienced luxury Realtors with firm roots in North Carolina. From finding the right property and building from scratch to closing the deal and making value-added improvements, rest assured you’ll receive expert guidance in every step of your real estate journey.

Native Collective is a premier team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and ensures high levels of market exposure and access to cutting-edge technology for clients. With a global network of professional agents and a vast array of resources at your disposal, the team guarantees a seamless and hassle-free home buying experience.

To book a private real estate consultation, you may get in touch with us by phone at 704.665.0527 or via email.