■ Area 1 The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University City, Research Park, new construction such as attached housing. Easy access to I77 and I85 as well as Lake Norman.

■ Area 2 Albemarle Rd, Lawyers Rd, Eastland Mall area…older homes closer in to the city, moderate, diverse, great restaurants. Plaza-Midwood. NoDA (North Davidson Street).

■ Area 3 Mint Hill. Lots of new construction yet still has rural feel. McManus Road is the prettiest in any season. Elizabeth, charming 20th century homes, good restaurants.

■ Area 4 Matthews. Sardis Area, Stonehaven, Lansdowne, older neighborhoods and much new construction further south. Easy access to main roads into the city such as: Providence Road, Monroe Road, Independence Blvd., convenient to 485.

■ Area 5 High-dollar new construction, larger homes, more glitz. Arboretum area, Raintree, Carmel, Ballantyne, Stonecrest, Blakley.

■ Area 6 Dilworth falls in Areas 5 and 6. 6 is Park Road area, Starmount, Huntingtowne Farms, Quail Corners. Some areas include established neighborhoods that are great for starter homes; others, such as Dilworth include timely renovated homes that are known for location and style. South End is seeing revitilization with the upcoming light rail.

■ Area 7 York Road area, the Coliseum, Airport and Carowinds.

■ Area 8 In the older sections, brick ranches, larger home sites, unpretentious. New construction seems to favor first timers.Be sure to check Airport Noise Corridors and ask about Airport expansion.

■ Area 9 Mountain Island Lake area. If you do not mind the traffic, properties around the lake have great appeal.

■ Area 99 Uptown Charlotte, Historic sections, older neighborhoods, hi-rise condos inside 277. Snazzy attached housing, cool restaurants, exciting art galleries and cultural spots. The ultimate in center city living.