Instead, these multi-story dwellings are, in part, the product of the buyers' demands. "I think that is how people want to live," says Drakeford, "I don't think its being driven by how many units we can put on this property. There is a large segment of the market that just wants to live that way." But the price of land can also play a part in the decision to build condos that reach at least nine or 10 stories tall. "If you are looking to build in areas where the land is more expensive than other parts of the city, they're [builders] going to try to have a higher density," says Scott Hartis, Realtor and Broker with [HM Properties]. "They [builders] are going to try to get more housing units per acre like in SouthPark. That is probably the fastest growing area in Charlotte behind Uptown." Indeed, condo mid-rises continue to take shape throughout this prosperous district all centered round SouthPark Mall. One of the most notable being Piedmont Row, this mixed-use community offers great restaurants and night life options at the street level while upper floors are filled with a number of residential spaces sold at affordable prices.

In effect, the high price of land in the city's sought-after areas prompts builders to find ways that will allow more buyers to live in these locales without having to spend a million dollars or more to do so. Condos are certainly a good investment for all parties that are involved especially the closer you get to uptown. According to industry experts, it is a function of available space and cost. Building single family homes can get expensive. According to Drakeford, location is crucial, "The urban market has limited housing stock and limited land to build on. Because of that, we see this dramatic appreciation for development." But there is a tradeoff with living close in to Uptown or within the beltline. Life in Uptown can be compact. However, Center City's residents know this and it remains a lifestyle they want to be a part of.

But there is a tradeoff to living in or around uptown. The lifestyle can seem compact. A condo's living space, for the most part, has undergone alterations to be more useful to owners. Most new condos have a "loft" feel to them, one big, open space. Realtors® who list property in Uptown say the appeal really depends on the buyers. "I think it [floor plans] is becoming more driven by the consumer's lifestyle…" says Drakeford. "I think we are now finding a lot more common area space on the exterior walls instead of being tucked inside. It used to be the bedrooms always had the exterior walls and exterior windows, but now plans are directing the public living areas along exterior walls where you have a lot of windows." The layout is not the only feature being tweaked to meet buyer demands. The "hardware" has also changed. Carpet, whose heyday has come and gone, has been relegated to the bedroom while hardwoods and stained concrete floors run throughout the living spaces offering what is hot in today's décor as well as easy maintenance. "Other big trends with new construction are stainless steel appliances and granite countertops," says Hartis, listing just a few more "must haves". "Usually in condos," he adds, "the big issue is storage. So either extra storage or a closet for clothes and other normal stuff."

One thing buyers typically want less of is homeowner's dues. While the rate varies from community to community, the square footage of a condo is generally a good precursor to the amount of dues owed. "On average," says Hartis, "$170 is a good number for an 800 to 1,000 sq. ft. condo. Usually they base it on how much space you have and that dictates how much your share of the homeowner's dues is." Whatever amount is paid out for monthly homeowner's dues, however much storage space is available, and whether there are windows in the living areas, high rise living is only gaining momentum. Though the Charlotte metropolitan area is decades away from being built out, more high-rises are on the horizon for Uptown as the mass and scale of development continues at its current pace. Meanwhile, mid-rises are dotting the landscape, spreading outward as condo projects reach a higher density. Drakeford agrees, "I think you will see more mid-rises, meaning eight to 10 stories in height, in areas other than downtown".