Kotara and Kotara South make up the area between Charlestown and Adamstown. The area has good access to public transport, schools, shopping centres and recreational areas. The most prominent feature of Kotaras recreational facilities is Blackbutt Reserve. The reserve combines walking tracks, picnic facilities and wildlife and is one of Newcastles main attractions. Kotara also has a large number of parks. Nesbitt Park, Kotara Park and Lugar Street Reserve provide sporting fields and childrens equipment. Tennis courts are available and a cycle way runs through the residential area. Kotara has a large commercial district containing two main sections. Westfield Kotara provides supermarkets and other retailers whilst the Homemakers Centre provides a number of lifestyle stores such as Domayne, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi. Kotaras shopping area is one of the largest in Newcastle.

Kotara was originally established to create a garden suburb with high quality housing. The area developed slowly until 1947, but grew rapidly after this time. There is a suburban atmosphere in Kotara today and the neighbourhood remains consistent with 76% of people living in the same house for more than five years. Kotara combines a commercial centre with residential living as well as a convenient recreational area.