Apartments: What $1,200 a month gets you in three different Charlotte neighborhoods

It’s not surprising that $1,200 a month (the average cost of rent in Charlotte) lands you a studio apartment in neighborhoods like South End. Venture farther from Uptown, and you’ll get more space for your money.

Everyone’s priorities are different, though.

For example, I share a 630-square-foot one-bedroom in Dilworth. It’s cozy, but after several trips to the container store and a few closet clean-outs, it’s comfortable. Every time we consider searching for a two-bedroom place, one lap around the neighborhood convinces us we’re in the right place.

Here’s what $1,200 gets you in three different Charlotte neighborhoods.

Bradham at New Bern | Studio | $1,200+

Best studio apartment for $1,200 a month

Bradham at New Bern started leasing about a year ago in South End. I toured it, and almost moved there — it’s beautiful. Each apartment has a homey feel, with details like thick moldings and built-ins. You also have two options for kitchen cabinetry (sleek white or gray shaker) and quartz countertops.

Community amenities include direct access to the light rail (and a transit lounge with the schedule televised), dog park, pool with cabanas, private work pods, an outdoor kitchen, and a courtyard with corn hole and conversational seating.

Plus, with Eight + Sand below, direct access to the rail trail, and Suffolk Punch in your backyard, you can walk to all of South End’s best spots.

Move here if: Your prioritizes are central location, cushy amenities, and top-of-the-line interiors.

Size: 590-600 square feet

Price per square foot: $2.03+

Location: 145 New Bern St., South End

Berkshire Dilworth | 1-bed | $981-$1,262

Best one-bedroom around $1,200 a month

Some highlights include 9- and 10-foot ceilings, French doors leading to a private balcony, chef-inspired kitchens with white cabinets and subway tile backsplash, and large walk-in closets.

The complex has a pool with expansive deck, a rooftop lounge with a fireplace and bar area, CrossFit and free weight gym, fitness center, barre/yoga room, and a dog spa.

Plus, you can hop on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and walk to Trader Joe’s/the Metropolitan or take it all the way to Freedom Park. (There’s also a B-Cycle station if you prefer to rent a bike.)

Move here if: You want your apartment to have a neighborhood feel close to greenways, the farmers market, and Uptown and Midtown.

Size: 617-740 square feet

Price per square foot: $1.58+

Location: 1351 E. Morehead St., Dilworth

Retreat at McAlpine Creek | 2-bed | $1,085-$1,295

Best two-bedroom around $1,200

Recently renovated, these Ballantyne apartments have updated kitchens with shaker cabinets and tile backsplash, fresh paint, and modern lighting and fixtures. Some units also have fireplaces, sunrooms, and/or built-ins.

The community has tennis courts, two pools, a 24-hour gym, dog park, fire pit area, and a playground.

Move here if: You don’t mind being several miles from Uptown if it means you get more than 1,000 square feet. With more square footage and a playground, this is a good option for families, too.

Size: 1,038 square feet

Price per square foot: $1.08+

Location: 6800 Fishers Farm Lane, Ballantyne

Still on the hunt? Here are some other $1,200 and under options.

South End

• Camden Gallery: Studio, 522-540 square feet, $1,059+
• Fountains South End: Studio, 528-564 square feet, $1,178+; 1 bedroom, 687-731 square feet, $1,203+
• Solis Southline: Studio, 472-510 square feet, $1,049+
• Maddox: Studio, 588-643, $1,195+

Dilworth

• Lincoln at Dilworth: Studio, 590-615 square feet, $1,080+; 1 bedroom, 670-805 square feet, $1,095+

Montford

• The Abbey: Studio, 606-613 square feet, $1,194+; 1 bedroom, 729-853 square feet, $1,146+

• Link Apartments Montford: 1 bedroom, 584-631 square feet, $1,098+

SouthPark

• LaVie SouthPark: Studio, 740 square feet, $1,165+; 1 bedroom, 711-729, $1,135+
• Post Park at Phillips Place: Studio, 672 square feet, $1,280+; 1 bedroom, 779-882 square feet, $1,075+

NoDa/Villa Heights

• Mercury NoDa: Studio, 545-673 square feet, $1,032+; 1 bedroom, 738-768 square feet, $1,080+
• 30Six NoDa:  Studio, 517-566 square feet, $1,078+; 1 bedroom, 684-727 square feet, $1,229+
• The Collective: Studio, 525-545 square feet, $1,085+

Optimist Park/Belmont

• Alpha Mill: Studio, 537 square feet, $990+; 1 bedroom, 667-887 square feet, $1,060+
• The Lofts at Hawthorne Mill: 1 bedroom, 563-666 square feet, $1,175+
• Overton Row: Studio, 546-788, $935+; 1 bedroom, 689-817, $1,119-$1,197+
• Alexan Optimist Park: Studio, 663 square feet, $1,085+; 1 bedroom, 670 square feet, $1,150+
• The Gibson: 1 bedroom, 596-725 square feet, $1,161+

Plaza Midwood

• Village at Commonwealth: Studio, 607-825 square feet, $1,153+; 1 bedroom, 723 square feet, $1,273+
• The Edison: Studio, 503-515 square feet, $999+; 1 bedroom, 562-717 square feet, $1,025+

Wesley Heights

• Wesley Village: Studio, 566 square feet, $1,105+; 1 bedroom, 735-834, $1,140+
• Arlo: Studio, 549 square feet, $1,215+

Ballantyne

• District South: Studio, 575 square feet, $1,054+; 1 bedroom, 709-813 square feet, $1,188+
• Element Ballantyne: Studio, 594-610 square feet, $1,095+; 1 bedroom, 750-890 square feet, $1,105+
• Plantation Park: 1 bedroom, 669-956 square feet, $983+; 2 bedroom, 923 square feet, $1,278+

University/North Charlotte

• Blu at Northline: Studio, 570 square feet, $1,030+; 1 bedroom, 675-790, $1,050+
• Lantower Garrison Park: Studio, 658 square feet, $1,094+; 1 bedroom, 780-819, $1,092+
• Pavilion Village: 1 bedroom, 647-701 square feet, $945+
• Berkeley Place: 1 bedroom, 740-862 square feet, $1,076+; 2 bedroom, 1,026 square feet, $1,251+
• Autumn Park Apartments: 1 bedroom, 593-812 square feet, $921+; 2 bedroom, 892-1,203 square feet, $1,158+; 3 bedroom, 1,267 square feet, $1,257+

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