Published November 11, 2025

$6B River District to Redefine West Charlotte’s Growth for the Next 30 Years

Written by Jay White

$6B River District to Redefine West Charlotte’s Growth for the Next 30 Years header image.

A $6 billion master-planned development is underway in West Charlotte, marking the region’s largest coordinated project since Ballantyne. Known as The River District, the 1,400-acre community is expected to reshape the area’s economic landscape, housing supply, and regional connectivity over the next two to three decades.

Located Between the Airport and the Catawba River
The River District sits between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Catawba River, with direct access from the newly opened West Boulevard extension — now a four-lane corridor with bike and pedestrian lanes. Uptown Charlotte is approximately 15 minutes away, positioning the project as a significant new gateway into the city.

A Massive Development With Long-Term Economic Impact
The project includes:

$6B+ in private investment
4,600+ total residential units
8 million sq. ft. of commercial and office space
500,000 sq. ft. of retail
1,000 hotel rooms
75 acres for schools and civic facilities

Developers estimate the River District will generate 50,000 permanent jobs and increase the local tax base by $2.7 billion once complete.

Builders committed to the community include David Weekley Homes, DRB Homes, Saussy Burbank, and Toll Brothers. Multifamily offerings are already underway, beginning with the 318-unit Noville River District community.

Nature-Forward Design Sets a New Regional Standard
More than 550 acres of preserved green space, riverfront trails, and forests will anchor the project. A 30-mile trail network, walkable mixed-use town center, and “one block from a park or plaza” design reflect the project’s nature-first planning philosophy.

The River District is the Southeast’s first One Planet Living community, emphasizing low-carbon construction, local food production, and wildlife protection.

Town Center, Retail, and Public Amenities Coming Online
The Westrow Town Center will feature a 70-acre mixed-use district with storefronts, cafes, event space, playgrounds, and waterfront access. Every home and business will be connected by a network of shaded, pedestrian-first streets and greenways.

A resident-maintained working farm and orchard, along with sustainability education programs, highlights the project’s focus on community partnerships.

Residential Pricing and Market Context
Initial new-construction pricing includes:

DRB single-family: from ~$574,000
DRB townhomes: from ~$474,000
David Weekley Homes: from ~$556,000
Toll Brothers single-family: from ~$550,000

With the median Charlotte home value near $435,000 and the 28278 zip code averaging around $500,000, early phases present a competitive entry point within a rapidly appreciating market.

Long-Term Outlook: Connectivity, Economic Vitality, and Rising Values
The River District is expected to drive substantial long-term growth in West Charlotte by:

Increasing regional connectivity through new roads and transit-ready infrastructure
Expanding employment opportunities through mixed-use job centers
Creating steady foot traffic from nearby stadium events and airport travelers
Offering an environmentally conscious, walkable community fabric rarely seen in the region

As the area evolves, property values surrounding the district are projected to rise, driven by demand for walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods with strong economic anchors.

Watch the full Realize Charlotte breakdown:
https://youtu.be/DJvfP1iI6_Q?si=VrSpBqE0h0NjIifc

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