City Guide Charlotte
Ready to explore the Queen City? JWU’s North Carolina campus is centrally located in the Third Ward neighborhood of Uptown Charlotte. It’s a short walk to the city center (less than a mile) or you can hop on the CityLynx streetcar line (which stops in front of JWU’s Academic Center) to easily travel through Uptown.
Live & Work in One of America’s Best Cities
Home to eight Fortune 500 companies, Charlotte has quickly become a popular city among students and young professionals. Niche.com ranks Charlotte at #23 on its Most Diverse Cities list and #44 on its Best Cities in America list.
Charlotte has 199 distinct neighborhoods — explore them via Charlotte’s Got a Lot.
Uptown Charlotte is divided into four wards that cluster around the city’s financial center. JWU Charlotte is located on West Trade Street in the Third Ward, which also includes sports arenas such as Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field, public parks and green spaces, and museums and theatres.
The city’s cultural organizations, neighborhood festivals and arts education programs produce more than 65,000 performances and events annually.
Where is Charlotte Located?
Charlotte is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, just over 100 miles north of South Carolina. Greensboro is roughly a 90-minute drive away, and it takes about two hours to drive to beautiful Asheville, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Close to Industry Partners: Charlotte’s proximity to major cities has led students to some incredible internships and careers. Each year, thousands of companies post internship opportunities on the JWU recruitment platform.
199
distinct neighborhoods
72
miles of greenway, parks & walking
6
professional sports teams
Charlotte Highlights
Attractions
- AvidXchange Music Factory: This entertainment complex is home to two concert venues, a nightclub, comedy club, restaurants and more.
- Mint Museum: Experience international art spanning across five floors at North Carolina’s first art museum.
- Camp North End: This 76-acre industrial complex features food, retail, art and entertainment, all in one place.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: 1,300 acres of outdoor recreation for all skill levels, including flat water kayaking, paddleboarding, zip lining and rock climbing.
Tours
- TripAdvisor has a frequently updated list of city tours in different formats, from eco-friendly carts to Segway, bus and foot tours. Most run 60-90 minutes and are a great way to get oriented quickly.
- Love hiking and walking trails? Explore Charlotte’s Got a Lot’s extensive trail guide.
Where to Stay
Discover where you can unwind after exploring the vibrant city of Charlotte
Below are several nearby hotels with convenient access to the Charlotte Campus.
Marriott City Center
100 West Trade Street (0.5 miles from campus)
704-333-9000
Omni Hotel
132 East Trade Street (0.7 miles from campus)
704-414-4819
Aloft Charlotte Uptown
210 East Trade Street (0.7 miles from campus)
877-465-5638
Hilton Charlotte Towers
222 East Third Street (0.8 miles from campus)
704-377-1500
Holiday Inn Center City
230 North College Street (0.8 miles from campus)
704-335-5400
Embassy Suites
401 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (1 mile from campus)
704-940-2517
Dunhill Hotel
237 North Tryon Street (1 mile from campus)
704-332-4141
Courtyard by Marriott
237 South Tryon Street (1.1 miles from campus)
704-926-5800
Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown
530 E. Martin Luther King Blvd (1.2 miles from campus)
704-347-5972
Westin Hotel
601 South College Street (1.3 miles from campus)
704-375-2600
Crowne Plaza Hotel
201 South McDowell Street (1.4 miles from campus)
704-372-7550
Where to Eat
Owned or run by JWU alumni, these can’t-miss spots can satisfy any craving:
- Community Matters Café: this breakfast, lunch and coffee spot partners with the Charlotte Rescue Mission to provide work and life skills
- Root’s Café: serves breakfast, brunch and lunch using locally sourced ingredients
- Cuzzo’s Cuisine: known for its unbeatable lobster mac & cheese and its Soul Food Sundays buffet
- Aria Tuscan Grill: a go-to spot for modern Italian dining and date nights
15+
colleges or universities in greater Charlotte
25+
museums & art galleries
90%
of NASCAR teams based in N.C.
How to Get Around
LYNX Blue Line Light Rail: Runs more than 20 miles — and with 26 stops — from the University of North Carolina’s main campus in the northeast to Pineville in the south.
CityLYNX Gold Line Street Car: Connects the east and west sides of the city along a four-mile route.
Electric Bikes or Scooters: Rent an electric bike from Charlotte Joy Rides to explore Uptown. Dockless electric scooters are also available around the city; rent via an app like Bird or Lime.
