Sonja Gantt NewsChannel 36 Anchor

With the exception of four years in Chicago, I've spent much of my adult life in University City. Soon after I got married 20 years ago, Mitch and I moved to a new development just a couple of miles north of UNC Charlotte. We were just the second house on the block and our "backyard" was a vacant field that was later transformed into what is now Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Our biggest complaint then was that there were so few places to eat out.

Things have certainly changed.

We chose University City because it seemed to be a growing and vibrant area -- a perfect place to begin our new life together. We've remained here because we enjoy the people.

In the University area, there is no better place to work out in the area than the University City YMCA. You can find exercise machines anywhere, but I love this Y for the fellowship and friendliness of its members. Drop by Becky's Total Strength class on Monday mornings at 9:30 and no matter what your skill level, you'll get a great workout and a good laugh from the gentle ribbing we give each other.

It seems counterproductive to talk about my favorite bakery after talking about working out, but here goes.

If you need to order a specially decorated cake, you've got to know about Hansel and Gretel Bakery just off Harris Boulevard. Over the years I've bought many wedding and baby shower cakes there and have never been disappointed.

And you can't talk about this area without recognizing its namesake. UNCC is a tremendous resource that I think many residents, including me, don't fully utilize. One of things I appreciated most about my undergraduate years was the exposure to new and different ideas not just from my classmates but from the nationally recognized speakers that visited campus. I regret not always taking advantage of the opportunity then but am glad to live close enough to draw on the energy of the campus now.

Hot Picks

Mallard Creek Greenway: The tree-shaded paths connect many neighborhoods. On a nice day you'll find joggers, moms walking babies and families taking bike rides. We've ridden all the way from our neighborhood near Mallard Creek Road to the soccer fields on N.C. 29.

Paventi's Pizzeria: Every neighborhood needs a great pizza place. It's a requirement when you have kids, right? Our family loves Paventi's Pizzeria, right next to Bloom off Harris. It's owned by two brothers and their wives. I hear they're from Syracuse and let me tell you, they know how to make pizza. I like a crust that's not too thin but not too thick. These guys have perfected it. 6434-D W. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte. www.paventispizzeria.com.

IKEA: I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I just recently dropped by the place that so many people have talked about. I'd never visited the store anywhere. The kids and I dropped in for lunch and a quick look through the aisles - that was a joke. I "quickly" realized this is a place where I could lose hours. 8300 IKEA Blvd., Charlotte.

Why You'd Want to Live Here: There's a great mix of natives and newcomers, young and old, and different ethnic groups.

Watch Sonja Gantt on NewsChannel 36 at 5, 6 and 11 p.m.

For your complete guide to the Charlotte Region and the best places to live, eat, work, shop and play. Take a look at the Charlotte Observer's Living Here site -- www.livinghere.com.

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