Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret: Where was the film shot? – Filming Locations & Other Details

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is an interesting American comedy-drama film directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. This movie is based on Judy Blume’s 1970 middle-grade novel. It takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the coming-of-age story of 11-year-old Margaret Simon and her family. In this article, we will explore the filming locations of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – a remarkable production providing detailed insights into the settings that brought Margaret’s world to life.

What is the Movie about?

The movie follows the journey of Margaret Simon, an 11-year-old girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when her family relocates to a new city. As Margaret adjusts to her new surroundings and school, she faces the challenges of adolescence alongside her newfound friends. Throughout the film, Margaret seeks consolation in her mother, Barbara, who struggles to adapt to their new life away from the fast-paced city. Margaret’s loving grandmother, Sylvia, also plays an important role, consistently expressing her discontent about their decision to move.

Amidst the changes in her life, Margaret starts on a personal exploration of her religious identity. With her parents practicing different faiths – Christianity and Judaism, Margaret struggles with questions of spirituality and strives to find her own path.

In “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” audiences are taken on a heartfelt journey as Margaret navigates the complexities of growing up, forming new relationships, and discovering her sense of self against the backdrop of her family’s relocation and the exploration of her religious beliefs. It has an emotional and happy ending that you just can’t miss.

Where was ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ shot?: Filming Locations 

The production team of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” transformed the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, into a vivid backdrop reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s New York City and New Jersey. The charming neighborhood of Foxcroft played an important role, serving as the stand-in for Margaret’s family’s 1960s neighborhood. While watching the film, viewers can catch a glimpse of the historical Elevate at Tryon building, located at 508 North Tryon Street in Charlotte. Additionally, significant exterior scenes were filmed in notable areas such as Park Road and Cloverhound Office, located at 501 North Church Street.

Several crucial sequences in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” were filmed in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. One memorable scene showcases the Simons bidding farewell to New York City, with Sylvia waving them goodbye. This particular segment was shot around Beauty Bar Concord, located at 56 Union Street South in Concord. The film also features the city of Kannapolis, situated in both Cabarrus and Rowan counties, adding depth to Margaret’s transformative journey.

Aside from Charlotte and Cabarrus County, the filming unit explored numerous other locations in North Carolina. Gaston County, which is known for its scenic beauty, and provided additional picturesque backdrops for the movie. Union County, particularly the city of Monroe, also played a significant role, with its distinct locales contributing to the overall authenticity of the film. Hickory, a charming city in North Carolina, further enriched the visual storytelling by serving as a captivating filming site.

In the film, McCelvey Center, situated at 212 East Jefferson Street # A in York, South Carolina, takes center stage as Margaret’s elementary school. This historical location, serving as the county seat of York County, perfectly captures the essence of Margaret’s educational journey. York boasts several noteworthy historical sites, including Allison Plantation, Hart House, Wilson House, Witherspoon-Hunter House, and York County Courthouse. The rich heritage of this region creates an immersive experience for both the cast and the audience.

New York City and New Jersey

As a significant part of the story is set in New York City, it comes as no surprise that the cast and crew of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” ventured to the Big Apple to capture the essence of this vibrant metropolis. While predominantly focusing on exterior shots, the film showcases iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center, and Central Park. These glimpses of New York City enhance the narrative, offering viewers a genuine sense of time and place.

The suburbs of New Jersey play a crucial role in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” To capture the suburban atmosphere, the production team filmed exterior scenes on location in the Garden State. Over the years, New Jersey has become a sought-after filming destination, hosting various renowned productions. Aside from “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.,” it has provided settings for other notable films such as “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “As Good as It Gets,” and “She Hate Me.” This rich cinematic history further solidifies New Jersey’s significance in the world of filmmaking.

“Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.” takes viewers on a heartfelt journey through Margaret Simon’s life as she navigates the challenges of growing up. The meticulously chosen filming locations, spanning from North Carolina to New York City and New Jersey, contribute to the film’s authenticity and immerse the audience in Margaret’s world. From the transformed streets of Charlotte to the historical charm of York, each location adds depth and richness to the story, elevating the overall viewing experience.

Is “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” available to stream on Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, or Prime Video? 

The movie is available to rent or purchase on VOD services like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, or Apple. Apart from that, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, has some potential to come on Netflix for you to watch in the future.