One of the most historically-rich, inner-city neighborhoods in Charlotte is without a doubt Dilworth. The 1970s were a time of struggle for this community, but they were also a time of growth, as well as the beginning of some long-standing traditions. The Dilworth Jubilee and Home Tour were born.
The Dilworth Community Development Association says this about the traditions: “In 1973, the Dilworth Jubilee began as a celebration of the diverse place known as Dilworth. The Dilworth Home Tour was an outgrowth of the Jubilee, and, as a 1973 editorial column in The Charlotte News said, “ ‘It was not just an effort to show off, but to share; the home tour, for example, was intended to not only display the products of renovation, but to pass on the secrets and to perhaps infect visitors with the enthusiasm to try it. The City was invited to see not a wax works or museum, but a work very much in progress. The celebration was not just of the place that is Dilworth, but of the human energy that is trying to make of it a Community.’ ”
Today, the Dilworth Home Tour serves to exhibit some of the area’s most historic, diverse and impressive homes. This year, 2011, the 3rd Dilworth Quarterly recapped the featured bungalows, brick ranches and remodeled, traditional homes throughout the area – the construction of most dating back to the early 1900s. If you like what you see and want to learn more about Dilworth real estate, contact experienced Realtor Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.
But it’s not just the homes or the community events that make Dilworth such a great place to live. It’s the people. “There is a good chance that if a pet has been either lost or found nearby, or a new person is moving onto your street, or there is a block party being organized for Halloween, or there is a crime alert…..your block captain might be your best source for information,” notes the DCDA. This is part of the Dilworth Neighborhood Network. Neighbors helping neighbors stay informed. There is also a Men’s Club, a Ladies of Dilworth organization, clubs for children and charity programs in place throughout the community.
Plus, the people of Dilworth are always looking for new and engaging ways to improve their neighborhood. The Dilworth Art Sculpture Project, for example, will be the area’s first public piece of art, slated for installation in 2012. It will incorporate materials salvaged from the community’s old streetcar line – Dilworth is commonly referred to as Charlotte’s first streetcar community – and it will be created by a local, Carolinas-based artist.
The perfect neighborhood doesn’t exist, but Dilworth comes pretty close. It’s progressive but intent on preserving and celebrating its history. It’s smallish, but it’s nearness to the City of Charlotte makes its location ideal. And its residents are involved, communal and dedicated to maintaining Dilworth as a wonderful place to live.





