Matthews, Pineville, Mint Hill, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Fort Mill SC, Weddington, Monroe, Waxhaw…these are the towns within commuting distance of Uptown Charlotte.
Charlotte annexed most of unincorporated Mecklenburg county, but there were a few towns that remained independent. In surrounding counties there are also towns that offer a small town feel. You have the best of both worlds to choose – country living or urban nightlife all within a reasonable commute to uptown.
Matthews – The town of Matthews is one of those towns that offers a small town feel with all the benefits of being right next to Charlotte. Main street is closed twice a year for festivals, parades, and family oriented celebrations.
Mint Hill – You can drive through downtown Mint Hill before you realize it, even though the incorporated town has over 20,000 residents. Half the town is in Mecklenburg county and the other half is in Union county. Even some neighborhoods are split between these counties so make sure you keep this in mind when you are looking to purchase a home.
Pineville – Some people think Pineville is about the mall. Carolina Place Mall is built here along with all the stores you normally see around a large mall environment. When you come to visit make sure you drive through the downtown area. It’s not big, but has some great small shops.
Union County
Union County is known for its beautiful horse farms and country living. The taxes are approximately half that of Mecklenburg county and the schools are great!
Weddington -Weddington holds a special place in my heart since I live here. Town Hall is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9AM to 12noon. (You have to love that!) It’s housed in one of the original historic homes in the region. We have one shopping center across the street from a “pick your own” farm. Yet it only takes me half an hour to drive to uptown Charlotte or to several of the malls in town.
Indian Trail – Downtown Indian Trail is easy to miss but the development here has been tremendous. You’ll find lots of new here…new homes, new shopping centers and new schools.
Mint Hill – I mentioned that Mint Hill is split between both Mecklenburg county and Union county. The Union county side is on the outside of our loop of I-485.
Waxhaw – Follow Providence Road south and you will drive directly into downtown Waxhaw. If you like antiques this is the place for you. It use to feel like you were way out in the country when you drove out to Waxhaw, but so much development has occurred along Providence Road that this is now a thriving point of interest.
Iredell County
Iredell county has grown significantly over the past 10 years. There are many wonderful shopping areas and a new mall (Northlake Mall). The focus is lake activities.
Cornelius – When I visit Cornelius I enjoy the feeling of quality and afluence. The stores are high-end and geared to the multi-million dollar homes along the lake.
Davidson – Home to Davidson College. A beautiful small college town feel with the influence from the lake community.
Mooresville – Honestly, if you are planning to work in uptown Charlotte this is about as far as I believe you would want to commute. However there are plenty of business headquarters on the north side of Charlotte which allow for a reasonable drive from here. Most people that live here are focused on lake living and that easy, relaxed lifestyle.
Cabarrus County
If you like auto racing then you’ll LOVE Cabarrus county. Lowes Motor Speedway is located here. The Verizon Amphitheatre hosts many great concerts and happening events. And you’ll find Concord Mill Outlet Mall, the largest outlet mall in the state.
Harrisburg - Convenient to several major road systems Harrisburg is a growing community.
Concord – Also a revitalized community Concord is a large medical and research center.
York County SC
Fort Mill – Even though Fort Mill is in South Carolina it is an easy commute up I-77 into Charlotte. Over the past 10 years there has been major development in the Fort Mill area so schools, shopping and roads have all been improved. I’ve been impressed with the park areas, the local farmers market, and the planned communities of Baxter Village and Carolina Lakes Sun City, an active 55+ retirement community.
