If you’re looking for a home in neighborhood in Charlotte, NC this year, exploring the cities nearby might be your best bet. Although Charlotte is a good place to live, these neighboring cities offer a blend of affordability and accessibility, providing a range of options for both renters and buyers. Live at an arm’s reach away from Charlotte in these top cities. In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences.
1. Concord
Average commute to Charlotte: 30 min Median home sale price: $396,000 Average rent: $1,050
Concord is great for: Motorsports, friendly activities, shopping
Concord, located just northeast of Charlotte, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. The city is home to the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts numerous NASCAR events and attracts motorsports enthusiasts from all over. Concord Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in North Carolina, offers a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
The local economy is bolstered by a mix of retail, manufacturing, and healthcare industries, providing a diverse range of job opportunities. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Concord is also known for its historic downtown area, which features charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its well-maintained public spaces and community events.
Average commute to Charlotte: 25 min Median home sale price: $396,000 Average rent: $1,162
Gastonia is great for: Outdoor activities, historical sites, affordable living
Gastonia, situated west of Charlotte, offers a blend of urban and rural living with a rich historical background. The city is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the popular Crowders Mountain State Park, which provides hiking, rock climbing, and stunning views of the surrounding area. The Schiele Museum of Natural History is another notable attraction, offering educational exhibits and programs for all ages.
Gastonia’s economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, contributing to a stable job market. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or rent a home. Gastonia is considered one of the most affordable suburbs of Charlotte. The community is tight-knit, with numerous local events and festivals that bring residents together. Gastonia’s historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, adding to the city’s charm and appeal.
Average commute to Charlotte: 20 min Median home sale price: $551,000 Average rent: $1,519
Huntersville is great for: Lake activities, friendly neighborhoods, shopping
Huntersville, located to the north of Charlotte, is a vibrant town known for its proximity to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Birkdale Village, a mixed-use development, provides a unique shopping and dining experience with its charming streetscape and community events.
The local economy benefits from a mix of retail, healthcare, and technology industries, offering diverse employment opportunities. Huntersville is characterized by its well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks and green spaces. The town’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its community programs and initiatives. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities and attractions of nearby Charlotte.
Average commute to Charlotte: 20 min Median home sale price: $592,000 Average rent: $1,444
Matthews is great for: Community events, parks, historic charm
Matthews, situated southeast of Charlotte, is a charming town known for its strong sense of community and historic character. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the popular Matthews Alive Festival, which celebrates local culture and heritage. Squirrel Lake Park is a favorite spot for outdoor activities, offering playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
The local economy is supported by a mix of retail, healthcare, and professional services, providing a range of job opportunities. Matthews’ historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, adding to the town’s appeal. The community is oriented, with excellent schools and a variety of recreational programs. Matthews’ commitment to preserving its historic charm while providing modern amenities makes it an attractive place to live.
Average commute to Charlotte: 25 min Median home sale price: $610,000
Mint Hill is great for: Suburban living, parks, community events
Mint Hill, located to the east of Charlotte, offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The town is known for its well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, including the popular Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, which features sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. The town hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a close-knit atmosphere among residents.
The local economy is driven by retail, healthcare, and professional services, providing a stable job market. Mint Hill’s residential areas are characterized by spacious homes and well-kept neighborhoods, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or rent a home. The town’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its community programs and initiatives. Mint Hill’s blend of suburban living and easy access to Charlotte’s amenities makes it a desirable place to live.
Average commute to Charlotte: 30 min Median home sale price: $434,000 Average rent: $1,470
Indian Trail is great for: Friendly neighborhoods, parks, community events
Indian Trail, situated southeast of Charlotte, is a rapidly growing town known for its friendly atmosphere and community spirit. The town offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, including Crooked Creek Park, which features sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. Indian Trail hosts numerous community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. Indian Trail’s residential areas are characterized by well-planned neighborhoods and excellent schools, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or rent a home. The town’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its community programs and initiatives. Indian Trail’s blend of suburban living and easy access to Charlotte’s amenities makes it a desirable place to live.
Average commute to Charlotte: 25 min Median home sale price: $635,000 Average rent: $1,689
Cornelius is great for: Lake activities, upscale living, parks
Cornelius, located north of Charlotte, is a picturesque town known for its proximity to Lake Norman. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Jetton Park and Ramsey Creek Park are favorite spots for residents, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and beach access.
The local economy benefits from a mix of retail, healthcare, and professional services, providing diverse employment opportunities. Cornelius is characterized by its upscale residential areas, excellent schools, and numerous parks and green spaces. The town’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its community programs and initiatives. Cornelius’ blend of lakefront living and easy access to Charlotte’s amenities makes it a desirable place to live.
Average commute to Charlotte: 35 min Median home sale price: $442,000 Average rent: $1,387
Mooresville is great for: Motorsports, lake activities, friendly neighborhoods
Mooresville, situated north of Charlotte, is known as “Race City USA” due to its strong ties to the motorsports industry. The town is home to numerous NASCAR teams and racing-related businesses, making it a hub for motorsports enthusiasts. Lake Norman offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over.
The local economy is bolstered by the motorsports industry, as well as retail, healthcare, and professional services. Mooresville’s residential areas are characterized by well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks and green spaces.
Average commute to Charlotte: 30 min Median home sale price: $310,000 Average rent: $1,244
Rock Hill is great for: Historic sites, parks, affordable living
Rock Hill, located south of Charlotte in South Carolina, offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The city is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the popular Glencairn Garden and Cherry Park, which provide walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, adding to the city’s appeal.
The local economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, providing a stable job market. Rock Hill’s cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or rent a home. The community is tight-knit, with numerous local events and festivals that bring residents together. Rock Hill’s commitment to preserving its historic charm while providing modern amenities makes it a desirable place to live.
Average commute to Charlotte: 30 min Median home sale price: $305,000 Average rent: $1,383
Kannapolis is great for: Biotechnology, parks, community events
Kannapolis, located northeast of Charlotte, is a city with a rich history and a focus on innovation. The North Carolina Research Campus, a hub for biotechnology research, is a major employer and contributes to the city’s growing economy. Village Park and Bakers Creek Park are popular spots for outdoor activities, offering walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds.
The local economy is supported by the biotechnology industry, as well as retail, healthcare, and professional services. Kannapolis’ residential areas are characterized by well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks and green spaces. The city hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. Kannapolis’ blend of historical charm and modern innovation makes it a unique and desirable place to live.
Methodology: All cities must be less than 50 miles away from Charlotte. Median home sale price and rent data sourced from the Redfin and Rent.com during June, 2024.
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Holly is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about home improvement and lifestyle. Her dream home would incorporate both an industrial and biophilic design.
