Charlotte Real Estate And Community Information
“Charlotte is ranked 15th among the Best Places To Live In The USA and described as a blend of “old-fashioned charm and high energy cosmopolitan bustle”.
-US News & World Report
The largest city, and commercial hub of North Carolina, Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County with I-485 forming a radius around the city. In Charlotte, over 1 million people have claimed this city as their own.
The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 23rd largest in the U.S. and has experienced great growth and a booming economy. Now the nation’s 2nd leading financial center, it was built upon the crossroads of two Native-American Trading paths. These paths are now known as the heart of Charlotte; ‘Trade & Tryon’.
History runs deep in Charlotte and is steeped in the discovery of gold, and the pride of Scot-Irish settlers. In fact, Charlotte was named after the wife of King George III of England… Queen Charlotte. Remnants of the great architectural heritage remain intact today in the Charlotte Historical District. This gorgeous area encompasses the highly desirable Fourth Ward, Pinewood/Elmwood, and more. You will also see many venues that feel like you’re stepping back in time; drive-in movie theaters, diners and billboards of yesteryear.
Charlotte is ranked No. 2 among the country’s 25 largest cities for population growth.” – US Census Bureau
BELMONT
Belmont is a small but growing city with neighborhoods steeped in American history, picturesque surroundings, and diverse cultures.
Just around 15 miles west of the City of Charlotte, Belmont holds irresistible appeal for urbanites looking for quick getaways.
Dutch settlers first arrived in the area in the 1750s, setting up camp at the junction of the South Fork and Catawba River. Its peninsular geography – with the Catawba River, the South Fork of Catawba River, and Lake Wylie flanking its boundaries – kept the place mostly isolated from neighboring Gastonia and Charlotte. It was only in the 1870s when a railroad connected the area to the rest of the region.
CATAWBA
Nestled in the western Piedmont region of North Carolina, Catawba is a gorgeous semi-rural escape just under an hour away from Charlotte Center City and 15 to 25 minutes east of Newton and Hickory, respectively.
With a population of roughly 620 residents, Catawba’s distinct small-town charm presents a welcome respite for those who work in the city. Its verdant landscapes and location along the banks of the Catawba River create a nature-embraced enclave that boasts unparalleled peace and tranquility.
The town of Catawba is part of the county of the same name, which was formed in 1842 and was named after the indigenous people that once inhabited the area. The region’s earliest settlers who arrived in the area in the 1700s were Germans, the Swiss, and those of Scottish-Irish descent.
CHARLOTTE
Known as “The Queen City,” Charlotte is a wonderful blend of gracious Southern charm and the cosmopolitan lifestyle of one of the United States’ leading financial centers. In the past few years, the city has seen tremendous progress and is considered one of the fastest growing communities in the sunbelt.
The City of Charlotte is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. It is also the heart of the Charlotte metropolitan area – the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the US. The city is second only to New York as the top financial center in the country and is home to some of the biggest financial institutions in the world.
CHINA GROVE
Said to have been named for a grove of chinaberry trees that once thrived beside the old train depot, China Grove has a population of more than 4,000 and is one of Rowan County’s larger communities. It’s known throughout the county for Farmers Day, a colorful event that attracts thousands to the city each year.
Located around 14 miles north from the heart of Concord and roughly 30 miles from Charlotte’s central business district, China Grove used to be a significant stop for travelers and was the site of one of the first rural mail routes in the nation. Today, it is filled with trendy cafés, restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Some of its historic attractions still stand, such as the China Grove Roller Mill and the Rowan Museum, which is housed in an old courthouse.
CONCORD
A city that goes by the motto, “High Performance Living,” Concord certainly lives up to the billing. As one of the top cities with the fastest growing economies in America, the Cabarrus County seat is a viable residential alternative to the city of Charlotte.
With a population of roughly 90,000, Concord maintains Charlotte’s urban conveniences and economic opportunities in a less crowded location just 25 miles northeast of Charlotte.
Concord was first formed with the arrival of German Lutheran and Scotch-Irish Presbyterian settlers in the 1750s. The original town, founded in 1796, stretched across 26 acres. It was later incorporated in 1806. Its name – which is synonymous with harmony – resulted from the resolution of a lengthy dispute on where the county seat should be located.
CORNELIUS
Located just 20 miles to the north of Charlotte, Cornelius is a charming historic town in the highly sought-after Lake Norman area. With over 70 miles of the Lake Norman shoreline, Cornelius offers plenty of opportunities for the much-desired waterfront lifestyle, as well as easy access to the urban amenities and conveniences of The Queen City nearby.
Cornelius incorporated as a town of Mecklenburg County in 1905 but was founded in 1893 at the height of cotton production in the region. It was originally called Liverpool, but was renamed to Cornelius after Joseph Benjamin Cornelius, a principal stockbroker in the town’s largest cotton mill.
Together with Huntersville and Davidson, Cornelius today is one of the Lake Norman towns that make up “North Meck,” an area marked by rapid growth since the 1990s. While riding the waves of significant progress, long-time residents strive to preserve their town’s pastoral charm and small-town sensibilities, making Cornelius one of the most livable and desirable communities in the region.
DAVIDSON
A pleasant suburban escape awaits just 20 miles north of the City of Charlotte. The quaint college town of Davidson immediately takes your mind off the urban hustle and bustle with its old-town charm and warm community vibe.
Built around the 665-acre Davidson College campus, Davidson is an inviting suburb where a population of 13,000 enjoys a vibrant and historic downtown district, soothing open spaces, and an exciting local culture.
DENVER
Located by the west shores of Lake Norman, some 25 north of Charlotte, Denver is a quaint census-designated place (CDP) that offers peaceful, suburban living, as well as a deep connection to American history.
The area welcomed its first settlers in the late 1740s. Adam Sherrill, along with his eight sons, and John Beatty were the pioneer families that established a home along the west bank of the Catawba River. Because of its location adjacent to a swamp area, it was first known as “Dry Pond.”
HICKORY
Located on the shores of Lake Hickory, the city of Hickory is mostly in Catawba County, with some areasin neighboringCaldwell and Burke counties. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city’s mild year-round weather makes it an amazing place to live. It’s also home to furniture manufacturing as well as Apple’s largest data center.
The revitalization of Hickory’sdowntown area has given residents plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Union Square hosts various events throughout the year, including the highly anticipated Oktoberfest, a farmers market, a summer concert series, and more.
HUNTERSVILLE
Huntersville is the first Lake Norman town located just10 miles north of the City of Charlotte. Along with Cornelius and Davidson, it makes up the area known as “North Meck” – one of the most sought-after locations in the region today.
Huntersville consistently makes it to lists of the best places to live in North Carolina and the United States. Its ideal location puts residents close to Lake Norman and its many recreational opportunities, as well as to the financial center of Charlotte. Nearby I-77 and I-485 make the town highly accessible to the rest of the region.
LAKE NORMAN
Lake Norman was constructed by Duke Energy from 1959 to 1964, originally to provide fresh water and hydroelectric power to the surrounding communities. With a surface area of more than 50 square miles, it is the largest manmade lake in the Carolinas. It spans four counties – Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg – and its 520-mile shoreline is shared by 11 municipalities.
Over the years, Lake Norman has dramatically redefined the area, changing not only its physical make-up but also its lifestyle, economy, infrastructure, and population.
Lenoir
Lenoir, North Carolina is a former furniture-making capital; its fine Southern style of furniture graces homes in almost 30 countries and brings huge business for Lenoir. Lenoir, NC is located in Caldwell County and it has a population of 18,282.
LINCOLNTON
Located northwest of Charlotte, the small city of Lincolnton rests squarely in the Charlotte metro area, on the South Fork of the Catawba River. With a population of more than 10,000, it is the county seat of Lincoln County. Encompassing an area of8.2 square miles, Lincolntonis home to scenic trails, cultural institutions, and a thriving downtown area.
Robust revitalization efforts have created a resurgence in downtown Lincolnton, where pottery and antiques enthusiasts will find shops that cater to their interests.
The Marcia Cloninger Rail Trail is another highlight, allowing visitors to stretch their legs and get in shape. Here you’ll find residents walking, jogging, hiking, and biking on any given day.
MATTHEWS
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Mecklenburg County, this idyllic town has a population of roughly 27,000. Nestled south of Charlotte and north of Monroe, this rapidly growing town was home to just 200 people when it was first chartered in 1879.
What used to be a sleepy borough is now a destination in its own right – Downtown Matthews is hip and happening, with a host of shops, breweries, and restaurants. Grab a coffee at a cozy café, sample the local beer, and book a table at a trendy restaurant.
Niche.com has givenit an A+ rating, with high marks for housing, education, and diversity. It hosts a series of annual events, such as the Auto Reunion & Motorcycle Show, that brings the community together.
MOORESVILLE
The Town of Mooresville is the largest municipality in Iredell County, NC with a population of around 36,500. It lies just 25 miles north of the City of Charlotte. Like most of the communities in Lake Norman, Mooresville has experienced fast economic and populationgrowth since the lake opened to the public in the 1960s.
Mooresville is popularly known as “Race City USA” – a tagline inspired by the many NASCAR teams and drivers, as well as an IndyCar team,who call the town home. Some of the biggest businesses in the United States have their headquarters or offices in the town, including Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Technical Institute.
Morganton
Morganton is the largest city in and the county seat for Burke County with a population around 17,000. The city was named after Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan who led a patriot force to victory over the British in the 1781 battle of Cowpens. Morganton is a thriving place, known throughout the state and the southeast generally for its natural attractions, its dedication to the arts, and the many important state institutions here. Small-town living at its finest, Morganton has the shopping, restaurants, historical ambiance, temperate climate and friendliness to attract visitors year-round.
MOUNT HOLLY
Located west of the Catawba River, in northeastern Gaston County, Mount Holly boasts a rich cultural heritage that few cities in North Carolina can match. It boasts athriving economy, prime real estate, and a wide selection ofcommunity events.
Despite recentgrowth, Mount Hollyhas retained much of its charm as a small town amidst the natural scenery of the Catawba River. It calls itself a place “Where community connects with nature,” and for good reason – it’s home to over 10 miles of Catawba River frontage and the Tailrace Marina. It also has six well-maintained parks, two of which front the water.
PINEVILLE
Pineville is a town located in south Mecklenburg County, between the cities of Charlotte and the town of Fort Mill. The town covers a total area of roughly 3.6 square miles, and is home to more than 8,500 residents.
Officially incorporated in 1873, Pineville is named after the soaring pines that covered most of the area back in the day. At the time, the community was known as a trading hub for mules on the intersection between two major Native American trading routes. With its expansive meadows and vast open space, traders were able to turn their animals out to pasture with ease.
SALISBURY
Historic Salisbury is the seat of Rowan County and is located nearly 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. Encompassing a total area of about 18 square miles, it is one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing cities, with a current population of more than 34,000 residents.
In its early days, the city (then known as “Salisbury Township”) was a prominent economic hub along North Carolina’s Great Wagon Road due to its prime location on an intersection of well-established trade routes.
SHERRILLS FORD
Sherrills Ford is a small town located in Catawba County, about 45 miles north of uptown Charlotte. Included in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area, this unincorporated community covers nearly eight square miles, and is home to more than 900 residents.
The town is named after Adam Sherrill, who forded the Catawba River back in 1747 in the town’s present location. The Sherrills originated from northeast Maryland, travelling across Pennsylvania and Virginia. Some descendants of the Sherrill family still reside in Sherrills Ford today.
STATESVILLE
Centrally located in Iredell County, the city of Statesville serves as the county seat and is the heart of a fast-growing region. Covering about 24 square miles and currently home to more than 26,000 residents, it is about 40 miles north of downtown Charlotte.
Originally a settlement known as the “Fourth Creek Congregation” in the mid-1700s, Statesville was used as a frontier fort during the Anglo-Cherokee War and the French and Indian War. A year after the division of Rowan County in 1788, state legislature selected the Fourth Creek Congregation as the county seat for the newly formed Iredell County, changing the settlement’s name to “Statesville.”
Taylorsville
Taylorsville, NC is nestled in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains in beautiful Western North Carolina and is the county seat of Alexander County. Alexander County was established in 1847, the year of the first sale of land in the county seat (Taylorsville). With the proceeds from the sale, the first courthouse was built on the present site.
TROUTMAN
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Carolina Piedmont, Troutman is a town currently home to more than 2,500 residents. South of Statesville, the county seat, it is located about 35 miles north of Charlotte, encompassing around five square miles in south-central Iredell County.
Settled in 1778, Troutman is named after John Jacob Trautman (later spelled Troutman), one of its first residents. The town’s economy was initially fueled by milling and furniture-making during the late 1700s to early 1800s, but was later on replaced by cotton farming and textile mills after prime timber was depleted in the area. Troutman was officially incorporated as a town in 1905.
WAXHAW
Waxhaw is a friendly, vibrant prosperous town where history and creativity build an enduring, safe and healthy community for people of all ages to live, learn, work, play.
