5 Best Charlotte Neighborhoods for Leasing Industrial Property

The greater Charlotte area is packed with opportunity, and the industrial sphere is a significant part of its success. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, more and more businesses are choosing Charlotte and its surrounding areas to plant their roots. Within the map of the Charlotte metro area, a few cities hold the most potential for leasing prime industrial properties. Let’s explore the 5 best Charlotte neighborhoods for industrial space.

KEY TAKEAWAYS / TL;DR

• Much of Charlotte’s industrial space is concentrated along the I-85 corridor, I-485 loop, and I-77 corridor. These areas offer strategic interstate access and proximity to two major transportation hubs: the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Norfolk Southern’s Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility.
• The Airport neighborhood offers unmatched industrial advantages through direct access to the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility’s 19,500-mile freight route and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which connects to over 180 locations worldwide as one of the top 10 most connected airports globally.
• Five of the premier Charlotte neighborhoods for industrial property leasing include the Airport neighborhood, Steele Creek (Westinghouse Boulevard), Concord, Charlotte North, and Huntersville. Each one offers distinct transportation advantages and diverse building options.
• Industrial zoning falls into two main categories: light industrial and heavy industrial. However, each area has its own specific zoning categories, and zoning and rezoning properties can be  extremely difficult. Therefore, it is essential to verify zoning compliance before committing to a property.
• Square footage planning for industrial space must account for future business growth, operational layout requirements, and seasonal inventory fluctuations to avoid premature relocation or wasted lease expenses.

Where is Charlotte’s Industrial Space, and Why?

Charlotte’s thriving economy can be credited to a variety of factors, including strong job growth, an increasing population, and a wide range of industries. In addition, another major factor in Charlotte’s industrial success is its opportune access to a web of highways and interstates.

Not only does Charlotte offer prime transportation options leading all over the country via its interstates, but it’s also home to two prized transportation hubs: the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Norfolk Southern’s Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility.

Most of the industrial space in Charlotte is concentrated along its interstates and ring roads, including the I-85 corridor, the I-485 loop, and the I-77 corridor.

These convenient locations not only allow for transportation across state lines, but also give businesses quick access to clients and customers nearer to the city. For service-oriented businesses, the ability to hop on the highways and reach a wide client base in just minutes can make or break business success.

So where exactly should you start your search for leasing industrial property?

Within Charlotte’s local market, our top 5 neighborhoods for finding industrial real estate include:

1. The Airport Neighborhood
2. Steele Creek
3. Concord
4. Charlotte North
5. Huntersville

Let’s explore why these are some of the best industrial opportunities amongst Charlotte’s real estate market.

5 Best Industrial Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC

1. Airport Neighborhood

The airport neighborhood is one of the very best neighborhoods to find industrial space in the Charlotte market. Why? Here are a few reasons.

• Convenient product transportation via the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Easy access to Uptown Charlotte
• Plenty of industrial options
• Variety of building choices

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport reaches over 180 locations and is among the top 10 most connected airports in the world. This successful airport is part of the secret behind Charlotte’s fast-growing economy. For industrial businesses, the airport makes it easy to connect with companies all over the world.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport vs. Regional Competitors: Connectivity Advantage

Not only do businesses in this neighborhood have quick access to this massive airport, but they also benefit from Norfolk Southern’s Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility, located right next to the airport. This 200-acre facility was added to the landscape in 2014, giving commercial businesses a huge boost by providing a straightforward way to move freight around the country on the intermodal’s 19,500-mile route. The Norfolk Southern Intermodal offers a reliable way for businesses to transport products, with the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility bringing this enormous asset right to Charlotte’s front door.

The airport neighborhood is just 6 miles west of Uptown, Charlotte, and sits conveniently on the I-485 ring road, providing easy access to stops all over the landscape of the greater Charlotte area and beyond.

Although industrial space is in high demand around this area, it’s not necessarily reflected by higher prices or by a lack of properties. On the contrary, the success of this area has only brought more options to the neighborhood as investors understand its incredible potential.

Learn more about the airport neighborhood, or let us find you your perfect industrial property.

2. Steele Creek (Westinghouse Boulevard)

On the south side of Charlotte, Steele Creek makes up another one of the top markets around the Queen City for leasing industrial property. Steele Creek offers:

• Close proximity to the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Quick access to I-485, I-77, and Highway 160
• Westinghouse Boulevard – a hub for industrial space

For businesses who want to find quality, affordable industrial space that offers an abundance of transportation options, Steele Creek is one of the top picks. Located just 10 miles south of the airport, this flourishing suburban neighborhood effortlessly pairs warm community with industrial success.

Steele Creek is more than just an industrial hub – it’s also home to office space, retail space, and plenty of residential homes. Just minutes from the South Carolina border, it’s become a thriving area well-loved by families, young professionals, and business owners alike.

Westinghouse Boulevard is the area’s most popular nucleus for industrial and warehouse space. Here, you’ll find major industrial complexes including Commerce Park, SilverLake Industrial Park, Westinghouse Logistics Park, and the Steele Creek Commerce Park.

Find out more about Steele Creek, or get your free, customized market report.

3. Concord

Concord (together with its neighbors, Mint Hill and Harrisburg) marks another one of the best places for finding industrial space in the greater Charlotte area. Why choose Concord?

• Quick access to I-85 and I-485, as well as other major highways (U.S. Route 601, U.S. Route 29, Highway 3, and Highway 73, among others)
• Diversity in options for square footage
• Opportunities for new builds
• Space for IOS (industrial outdoor storage)

Concord is located on the northeast side of Charlotte, just 20 miles from Uptown. The city’s proximity to the I-485/I-85 corridor makes it a hot spot for industrial businesses who need to send products across the country. With I-85 running all the way from Washington D.C. to Alabama, this pinpoint on the map marks an ideal location for reliably and sustainably sending trucks.

Investors and business owners continue to take advantage of this industrial sweet spot, and as a result, you’ll find buildings and properties within a wide range of sizes and features. Whether you’re looking for a 700-square-foot garage or 20,000 square feet of commercial space, Concord may be the right area for finding your ideal industrial real estate opportunity.

In addition to available buildings, Concord also has open land available for new builds or for industrial outdoor storage sites.

Take a peek around Concord, or contact us to see how we can help.

4. Charlotte North (I-85/I-77 Intersection)

Charlotte North, sometimes referred to as the North Submarket, is a key industrial transit route just 3.5 miles north of Uptown. Although it’s right outside Center City, this channel for industrial infrastructure is a highly prized location for businesses.

Charlotte North is known for:

• The convenience of its central setting
• Its magnetic location on the intersection of I-85 and I-77
• Available land and properties

The North Submarket’s centrality makes it perfect for attracting employees and customers. Not only is it just a short drive to the city center of Uptown, but Charlotte North also offers quick access to popular dining options and convenience stores.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a major transportation time saver to be right at the center point of I-85 and I-77.  With each of these intersecting interstates running over 600 miles in length, this connective location offers maximum convenience.

While Charlotte North is best known for its industrial businesses, the area is also home to other commercial property types as well as beautiful green spaces, including nature preserves and golf courses. The North Submarket also offers available land for real estate investors.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of convenience, a strong economy, and high-quality listings, Charlotte North might be the best real estate market to explore as you start your search.

Need help? Our team would be honored to assist you in finding your most valuable industrial site. Still thinking about it? Explore more about the benefits of Charlotte North.

5. Huntersville

Heading up I-77 from Charlotte, you’ll bump into Huntersville and the rest of the Lake Norman cities – another popular location for securing industrial property. This upscale neighborhood offers some breathing room from the hustle and bustle of the city, close proximity to the lake, and critical access to I-77. Other reasons why businesses choose Huntersville include:

• Less development
• Affordable land
• Diversity in options
• Industrial powerhouse

15 miles north of Uptown, Huntersville opens up and offers a more open landscape away from the closely-packed city buildings. But although Huntersville and its surrounding cities are highly prized for their lakefront, suburban areas, industrial real estate is surprisingly affordable. Most of the commercial land is on the east side of I-77, opposite the lake.

Just north of Huntersville is Mooresville, and the corporate headquarters of Lowe’s Home Improvement – another draw for industrial connections.

Huntersville’s location on I-77, diversity of industrial land and building options, and industrial community make it another one of Charlotte’s optimal industrial positions.

Read more about Lake Norman’s commercial real estate opportunities, or contact us to start your search.

Tips for Choosing an Industrial Property

Choosing an industrial property can significantly affect your business results. Here are some tips for selecting the best property for your business needs.

• Consider square footage requirements. Too much space leads to unnecessary expenses, while too little causes frustration and can potentially lead to a sooner-than-necessary move. When considering your space requirements, think about future business goals, building setup, and seasonal influxes.
• Evaluate accessibility. When it comes to commercial properties, accessibility is key. Consider ease of access for shipping and receiving, prime modes of transportation (truck, intermodal, air), and proximity to customers and employees.
• Check into zoning. Commercial zoning is split into two main categories: light industrial and heavy industrial. Zoning restrictions vary by area, and it is quite difficult to have a property rezoned. Thus, it’s imperative to explore the zoning laws for potential properties in relation to your specific needs.
• Don’t forget due diligence. There are many steps involved in conducting due diligence for industrial properties. Still, this process remains perhaps the single most important step in ensuring you don’t find yourself sitting on a major money pit down the road. When you work with our team, we’ll handle the whole process, so you can relax.

Read more: What to Look for When Leasing Commercial Property in Charlotte, NC

FAQs About the Best Charlotte Neighborhoods for Leasing Industrial Space 

Is industrial space popular in Charlotte, NC?

Yes, industrial business is a major driver of the thriving economy of Charlotte, NC. Advanced manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and warehousing are especially popular in the metro area. These industries contribute to a strong base of industrial properties both for sale and for lease.

What are the best neighborhoods for finding industrial space near Charlotte, NC?

The top neighborhoods for industrial space near Charlotte include:

1. The Airport Neighborhood
2. Steele Creek
3. Concord
4. Charlotte North
5. Huntersville

These areas benefit from Charlotte’s convenient interstates and ring roads, such as I-85, I-77, and the I-485 loop.

Is the Charlotte Airport neighborhood a good place to find industrial space? 

Despite its unmatched benefits, the Airport neighborhood offers numerous options for industrial buildings at affordable prices. This neighborhood boasts access to the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, close proximity to Uptown and the I-85 ring road, and a variety of building choices.

How long does the due diligence process typically take for industrial properties in Charlotte?

Industrial due diligence in Charlotte typically requires 30-75 days, though timelines can extend further for properties with prior industrial use or unresolved environmental questions. The process generally includes environmental assessments (Phase I, and Phase II if warranted), zoning verification, a property condition assessment, and title review. Properties with a history of industrial use often require more extensive environmental review, while newer construction or previously remediated sites tend to move through the process faster. 

Working with an experienced commercial real estate team can help streamline the timeline by coordinating these steps concurrently rather than handling them one at a time.

What is the average lease term length for industrial properties in Charlotte neighborhoods?

Industrial lease terms in Charlotte typically range from 3-10 years, and 5-year terms are a common baseline for warehouse and distribution space. Manufacturing tenants often favor longer terms, due to the investment required for equipment and space customization. Flex space tends toward shorter, more flexible terms suited to businesses testing a new market. 

Landlords generally prefer longer commitments and are often more willing to negotiate favorable terms, such as tenant improvement allowances, in exchange for them.

What’s the best way to find industrial space in Charlotte?

Find Charlotte industrial space quickly and easily by partnering with our experienced team at Regent CRE. Contact us today or simplify your property search by requesting a free, customized list of properties. 

Start Your Search for Leasing Industrial Property in Charlotte

With nearly 1000 successful sales and lease transactions completed in the greater Charlotte area, we’ve earned the trust of hundreds of local business owners and real estate investors. Will you be next?

Whether you’re searching for a quiet industrial flex building, a spot within one of Charlotte’s thriving industrial complexes, or land for your next industrial outdoor storage site, you can trust us as your source for the newest properties available, while tapping into our wealth of knowledge about the Charlotte neighborhoods and commercial opportunities.

With our network of resources and comprehensive market database tools, we have access to the widest range of properties, even if they’re not on the market yet. Our goal is to understand your needs and business objectives so that we can match you up with a property that will work with you to achieve success.

Ready to get started? Contact us today, or request your free market report.