Best Suburbs of Charlotte, NC

The suburbs of Charlotte, NC, are a vibrant community with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Whether you're a young professional, a family with kids, or a retiree, this area is a wonderful place to put down roots.

In this guide, we'll cover five of the best suburbs Queen City has to offer. Factors to consider include distance from the city, schools, cost of living, and fun things to do nearby. We've also included suggestions for who might be the best fit for each suburb so you can find the location that suits your dream lifestyle.

Belmont

This beautiful suburb is located about 20-25 minutes west of Charlotte. Belmont offers small-town charm with a thriving main street, beautiful parks and green spaces, and an affordable cost of living compared to nearby suburbs. You'll also be close to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Some fun things to do in this area include visiting the Riverwalk and Stowe Park.

If you're a family or young professional who wants a small-town vibe with easy access to Charlotte, Belmont is a wonderful option. It has several highly-rated schools, so supporting your child's education will be easy. It is also a great place to live if you're looking for an area with easy access to the city and all of its nightlife and entertainment options.

Huntersville

Located 20 minutes north of Charlotte and south of Lake Norman, Huntersville is one of the best suburbs of Charlotte. Because it's so close to the lake, it offers a prime location for water sports and recreation. In this area, you'll find excellent schools, family-friendly amenities, and fun dining and shopping opportunities like those in popular Birkdale Village.

If you have kids, love the outdoors, or enjoy boating, Huntersville is a great option outside of the city. The median income for the area is higher than many others. You can enjoy a relaxed lakefront lifestyle and still have access to the career opportunities and fast-paced fun found in the city.

Cornelius

Located just north of Huntersville, Cornelius is a 30-minute drive into Charlotte and also close to Lake Norman. In this charming lakeside destination, you will find a friendly community and enjoy a mix of historic and modern homes. There are also a variety of shops and restaurants in the town center, along with excellent schools and a strong sense of community.

Families and retirees looking for a peaceful waterside retreat will love living in Cornelius, especially if they do not want to be too far from Charlotte's shopping and entertainment. If that wasn't enough of a draw, the cost of living in Cornelius is relatively close to the national average and is balanced by a high median income across the area.

Davidson

Regularly listed as one of the best places to live near Charlotte, Davidson is a 30-minute drive into the big city. This vibrant college town offers a charming downtown, the prestigious Davidson College, and many education options for families. Its location on Lake Norman also makes it a fantastic place for water sports, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.

Because it's close to the water, the cost of living is higher than the national average. If you enjoy arts and culture, spending time in nature, and an academic environment, you'll love living in Davidson. It's easy to see why this is one of Charlotte, North Carolina's best suburbs!

Waxhaw

About 45 minutes south of Charlotte, Waxhaw is another highly-rated suburb you should consider. A few things that make this area unique include a well-preserved historic district, abundant equestrian facilities, and fun annual events like the Waxhaw Autumn Treasures Festival. This suburb also offers strong schools and an excellent sense of community.

Because of all these incredible amenities, Waxhaw does have a higher cost of living than many other suburbs around Charlotte. However, if you have kids or love being outdoors, it is a wonderful place to live. The area is more rural, offering plenty of equestrian trails and other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There is plenty of history here to keep you learning about for years to come, and the close-knit sense of community will soon make this area feel like home.

How to Choose the Right Suburb for You

With so many wonderful options, choosing the Charlotte suburb may feel daunting. Here are some guidelines you can use to find the right place for your family to put down roots:

Start with priorities. Ask yourself whether a suburb offers the lifestyle you would prefer. Factors to consider include your budget, family needs, and access to desired amenities like boating, horseback riding, and nearby restaurants. What kind of community do you want to live in? How close to the city do you need to be?
Plan a visit. While research can help you, it's not as powerful as visiting a place in person. Make a list of three to five suburbs you're interested in, then spend time driving through each area and experiencing what it's like in person. Stop by a local restaurant for a bite to eat, and strike up a conversation with the locals to get a feel for the community. These in-person visits will give you confidence about your move because you'll be physically familiar with the area and how it feels.
Connect to residents. Before you visit, reach out to locals on online forums and Facebook groups. Ask for recommendations and an assessment of what it's like to live in each suburb. People near Charlotte have a reputation for being friendly and will likely be happy to share their experiences.

With a little preparation and strategic visits, you can easily find the best suburb for your family near Charlotte. Because there are so many wonderful options, it's really just a question of which area better suits your family's priorities and hobbies. Living in the suburbs outside Charlotte allows you to enjoy a quiet pace without being too far away from the amenities and career options you'll find in a fast-paced city.

Find Your Dream Home Near Charlotte, NC

The suburbs near Charlotte offer so much for families, young professionals, and retirees considering a move to this beautiful part of North Carolina. At Keystone Custom Homes, we can help you find or build a new construction home in one of these suburbs:

We'll take you through the process of finding your dream home, from choosing a homesite and design to construction and all the steps in between. The team at Keystone Custom Homes is committed to helping you achieve a lifestyle your family loves. Contact us today at 717-368-9831 to request an appointment!

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