NoDa, a portmanteau of “North Davidson,” is a transit-friendly North Charlotte art community branching from the intersection of 36th and N. Davidson Streets. Historically, the area was once a thriving textile hub until the last mill closed in 1975, relinquishing its red brick factory buildings for redevelopment and discovery. From the famous gallery crawls, held the first and third Friday evenings each month, to outdoor concerts—whether organized or impromptu performances by street musicians — there’s always something fun and exciting to experience here. A plethora of eclectic restaurants, and entertainment venues, along with some half a dozen craft breweries, have all proliferated in the revitalized locale, most arriving over just the past two decades. And if you weren’t already sold, residents of NoDa’s industrial-chic lofts, bungalows, and new construction condos also enjoy breezy Center City commuting, thanks to the recently extended Lynx light rail.