Charlotte, North Carolina, is a bustling metropolis with a thriving economy, diverse culture, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. But if you’re looking for a change of pace or even a more affordable cost of living, consider these top 10 cities near Charlotte that will offer a great quality of life in 2024
The best cities near Charlotte
- Huntersville
- Gastonia
- Concord
- Kannapolis
- Rock Hill
- Matthews
- Mooresville
- Indian Trail
- Fort Mill
- Cornelius
1. Huntersville
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 14.1 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 19 minutes
- Population: 63,035
- Median household income: $110,615
- Median rent: $2,150, +3% higher than the national average as of the May 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Lake Norman, Birkdale Village, and Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville
Why Huntersville is a great place to live
Huntersville offers a perfect blend of suburban living and easy access to Charlotte’s urban amenities. With its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and access to Lake Norman, Huntersville is ideal for families and people who love the outdoors. The town is also home to the enjoyable Birkdale Village, which is just one of the nearby options for dining and shopping.
2. Gastonia
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 22.9 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 31 minutes
- Commute time to Charlotte via public transit: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Population: 82,653 (2022)
- Median rent: $1,399, which is -28% lower than the national average, according to the June 2024 rent report
- Unemployment rate: 3.80% as of June 2024
- Best for: Affordable living, history buffs, and those seeking a small-town feel
- Attractions: Schiele Museum of Natural History, Rankin Lake Park, and the Gastonia Farmers Market
Why Gastonia is a great place to live
Gastonia offers a more affordable living cost than Charlotte, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. The city has a rich history, evident in its downtown area and various museums. Gastonia also provides easy access to outdoor recreation, such as hiking trails and fishing spots, while maintaining a close-knit community feel.
3. Concord
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 26.9 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 36 minutes
- Population: 109,896 (2022)
- Median household income: $78,775
- Median rent: $1,800, according to the June 2024 rent report, which is 8% lower than the national average
- Best for: NASCAR fans, shopping enthusiasts, and those seeking a balance between city and suburban life
- Attractions: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills Mall, and Frank Liske Park
Why Concord is a great place to live
Concord is known for its thriving motorsports industry, with the Charlotte Motor Speedway attracting NASCAR fans nationwide. The city is also great for shopping, with the Concord Mills Mall, one of the largest in North Carolina, within its city limits. With its growing economy and diverse housing options, Concord provides a great balance between urban convenience and suburban comfort.
4. Kannapolis
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 26.7 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 33 minutes
- Population: 55,448 (2022 estimate)
- Median household income: $66,487
- Median rent: $1,605, which is 17% lower than the national average as of the June 2024 rent report
- Best for: Sports enthusiasts, foodies, and those seeking a tight-knit community
- Attractions: Atrium Health Ballpark, Village Park, and the Kannapolis Farmers Market
Why Kannapolis is a great place to live
Kannapolis is home to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, a Minor League Baseball team, and the Atrium Health Ballpark, which offers a great sports and entertainment experience. The city also boasts a growing food scene, with various local restaurants and the Kannapolis Farmers Market providing fresh, locally sourced produce. Kannapolis has a strong sense of community, with numerous events and festivals.
5. Rock Hill
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 27.1 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 40 minutes
- Population: 75,349
- Median household income: $80,609
- Median rent: $1,480, which is 24% lower than the national average, according to the June 2024 rent report
- Unemployment rate: 4.00%
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking affordable living in South Carolina
- Attractions: Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill Outdoor Center, and the Center for the Arts
Why Rock Hill is a great place to live
Rock Hill, located just across the state border in South Carolina, offers a more affordable cost of living while still being within easy reach of Charlotte. The city is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, which offers hiking trails, kayaking, and rock climbing. Rock Hill also has a thriving arts scene, with the Center for the Arts hosting various exhibitions and performances yearly.
6. Matthews
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 11.9 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 24 minutes
- Population: 30,124
- Median household income: $124,723
- Median rent: $1,746, according to the June 2024 rent report, which is 11% lower than the national average
- Best for: Families, shopping enthusiasts, and those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Charlotte
- Attractions: Matthews Community Farmers Market, Squirrel Lake Park, and the Matthews Heritage Museum
Why Matthews is a great place to live
Matthews is a charming, family-friendly suburb of Charlotte. The town is known for its vibrant downtown area, full of unique shops and restaurants. It is home to the Matthews Community Farmers Market—a popular stalwart within the community. Matthews also has ample green spaces, such as Squirrel Lake Park, and fosters a strong sense of community, with annual festivals aplenty.
7. Mooresville
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 26.8 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 35 minutes
- Population: 52,656
- Median household income: $87,480
- Median rent: $1,867, -4% lower than the national average, according to the June 2024 rent report
- Unemployment rate: 3.60%
- Best for: Racing enthusiasts, lake lovers, and those seeking a small-town feel with modern amenities
- Attractions: Lake Norman, North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, and the Mooresville Golf Course
Why Mooresville is a great place to live
Mooresville, otherwise known as “Race City USA,” is a haven for racing enthusiasts, with many NASCAR teams and suppliers in the area. The town also offers access to Lake Norman, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. Mooresville has a charming downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining and is home to several great schools, making it an attractive option for families and professionals.
8. Indian Trail
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 15.8 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 31 minutes
- Population: 41,724 (2022)
- Median household income: $121,305
- Median rent: $2,157, which is 3% higher than the national average, according to the May 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Crooked Creek Park, Crossing Paths Park, and the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center
Why Indian Trail is a great place to live
Indian Trail is a growing suburb of Charlotte that offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment. The town is known for its beautiful parks, such as Crooked Creek Park and Crossing Paths Park, which provide ample opportunity to relax in the outdoors. Indian Trail also firmly commits to the arts; the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center offers numerous classes, workshops, and events throughout the year to the community.
9. Fort Mill
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 18.7 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 33 minutes
- Population: 30,940 (2022 estimate)
- Median household income: $146,042
- Median rent: $1,854, which is 4% lower than the national average, according to the June 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, history buffs, and those seeking a small-town atmosphere with excellent schools
- Attractions: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill History Museum, and The Peach Stand
Why Fort Mill is a great place to live
Fort Mill, located in South Carolina, is a great place for families. The town has great schools, and its rich history is evident in its charming downtown area and the Fort Mill History Museum. Fort Mill has plenty of parks and green space, such as the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, lakes, and a dairy barn. The town’s proximity to Charlotte and its small-town atmosphere make it an attractive option for those craving both urban convenience and a close community.
10. Cornelius
- Driving distance from Charlotte: 19.8 miles
- Commute time to Charlotte via car: 26 minutes
- Population: 32,294 (2022 estimate)
- Median household income: $173,729
- Median rent: $1,995, -4% lower than the national average as of the May 2024 rent report
- Best for: Lake enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking an upscale suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Lake Norman, Jetton Park, and Cornelius Wine Vault
Why Cornelius is a great place to live
Cornelius is an upscale suburb on Lake Norman’s shores, offering a luxurious lakeside lifestyle. Residents take pride in the town’s beautiful parks, such as Jetton Park, which provides access to the lake. Cornelius also has a thriving wine scene, with the Cornelius Wine Vault offering tastings and events. The town’s proximity to Charlotte, its high-end amenities, and good schools make it an attractive option for professionals and families seeking a prestigious suburban lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking affordability, a family-friendly atmosphere, or easy access to outdoor activities, these top 10 cities near Charlotte provide a variety of options to suit your lifestyle in 2024.
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