A city known for its schools, commuting and growth
Indian Trail is the largest municipality in Union County, and this commuter town has seen a population boom for the past decade. “Indian Trail has been growing like crazy,” says Jennifer Masucci, Realtor and broker/owner of Sun Valley Realty. She’s also been a resident since 2006. “Indian Trail has been and continues to be a very desirable area, with steady, strong growth over the past two decades. There are many housing options available, including single-family communities, townhomes, and now even a few apartment complexes. It appeals to all ages, as some 55-and-older communities have also sprung up over the past five to seven years, offering a wonderful place to serve the needs of a growing population."
The town was founded in 1861, and the name Indian Trail is quite literal, as the area was known for its farming and Native American trade route that extended into Virginia. Today, over 40,000 people live in the city, and more are moving in as new apartment buildings, townhouses and single-family homes continue to pop up. Brand-new homes aren’t the only draw, as many residents choose Indian Trail for its school district and access to jobs in Charlotte and other nearby areas. The city isn’t done growing, but it also keeps its farming roots close, as working farmland surrounds the city’s border. “Having raised kids here, we were so thankful to be around a lot of families,” Masucci says. “My kids grew up with other kids in the neighborhood. It’s a very family-friendly community.”
The City of Indian Trail was incorporated in 1907.
Indian Trail is known as a bedroom community in Union County, NC.
Indian Trail continues to grow while keeping a priority on family friendly activities.
Indian Trail residents have over a 30 minute commute into Uptown Charlotte.
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Commuting to Charlotte and other nearby cities
According to 2019 census data, only 10% of employees live and work within Indian Trail. The rest commute out to surrounding areas like Charlotte or Monroe, primarily for construction, retail or manufacturing jobs. Because commuting is a daily part of life, the transportation department built the Monroe Bypass — a toll road — in 2018 to make accessing Interstate 74 easier. I-74, commonly known as Independence Boulevard, leads about 15 miles northwest to Charlotte, and 5’o clock traffic is especially heavy on the interstate.
Charlotte Area Transit runs a CATS 74X Union County Express Bus on weekdays, which takes passengers from Union Towne Center Park to Uptown Charlotte. Walking and biking are limited since sidewalks are mainly in residential areas, but the town accepted the 2041 Comprehensive Plan in 2022 to improve multiple aspects of life, including accessibility with more greenways and sidewalks.
Multiple brand-new homes with more under construction
Grand contemporary homes near Providence can sell for over $1 million, and smaller Colonial Revival homes in Crismark can sell for more than $700,000. Most homes are like those in Brandon Oaks, Bonterra and Annandale, with Craftsman designs and prices that range between $375,000 and $575,000. Townhouses and ranch-style homes surrounded by trees often sell for less than $400,000. “Lake Park is a big planned community," Masucci says. "It’s a town center with its own post office and little lakes, and it's very walkable. There are garden homes, townhomes, some condos and single-family homes.”
Around 6,000 people moved to the city between 2010 and 2020, and more continue to move in as brand-new neighborhoods and apartment buildings are built. Near Poplin Elementary, two new developments are currently under construction to build single-family, multifamily and commercial buildings.
Indian Trail’s median price for single-family homes is $548,144, higher than the $418,600 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors. Homes take an average of 35 days to sell compared to the national average of 44 days. Like the rest of Union County, Indian Trail often has humid summers and mild winters with little to no snowfall.
Grand contemporary homes in Indian Trail can sell for over $1 million.
Larger Colonial Revival style homes are a popular option in Indian Trail.
You can find smaller colonial style homes in Indian Trail.
There are many different styles of townhomes in Indian Trail.
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Highly rated Union County private and public schools
Ball says Indian Trail schools are one of the biggest reasons people move to town. “Both the public and private schools are excellent and are some of the best in the area,” says Abbey Ball, Indian Trail's communications director. Union County Public Schools District earns an A from Niche and is ranked as the third-best district in North Carolina. Union County Early College is the highest-ranking high school in the city, as it allows students to earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree through South Piedmont Community College.
Most places of worship within Indian Trail are churches. First Baptist Indian Trail operates Metrolina Christian Academy, a prekindergarten through 12th-grade school that Niche rates as the best private school in Union County.
Union County Public Schools serves students of Indian Trail and the surrounding areas.
Students at Union County Early College can earn their associate degree.
Many students in and around Monroe gain valuable skills at South Piedmont Community College.
Metrolina Christian Academy serves students in grades K-12.
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Popular events at Crooked Creek and Chestnut Square Parks
Chestnut Square Park surrounds Carolina Courts, an athletic complex that hosts sports leagues. The park often hosts annual events like Hits After Six, where live bands perform while visitors stop at food trucks or play in the sand volleyball pit. Crooked Creek Park is tucked behind Sardis Road Elementary, with a splash pad, dog park and baseball field. Family Fun Day happens every June in Crooked Creek, and the popular event is always full of carnival rides, food trucks and a night-capping fireworks display. “People come out in droves,” Ball says. “We literally bus people in for this event and get tens of thousands of people that show up.”
Indian Trail’s Parks and Recreation Department organizes various programs, from self-defense classes to yoga. Anyone 55 and older can go across the street from Chestnut Square Park to Town Hall for Coffee, Cards & Conversation. The community also holds parades to celebrate the Fourth of July and Christmas. “A lot of the town works closely with the VFW to host Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events,” Ball says.
Take a stroll on the paved walking path at the Chestnut Square Park in Indian Land.
Carolina Courts offers year round programs for all age groups.
The Crooked Creek Park has 4 baseball diamonds.
The Crooked Creek Dog Park requires a membership to receive the gate code.
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Hanging out in Sun Valley Commons
The few locally owned restaurants are primarily in the Sun Valley District. Sun Valley Commons has newer chain restaurants and franchise stores near the Sun Valley 14 movie theater. Indian Trail also features national grocery stores and major chains like Lowe’s, but many residents drive to Matthews or Charlotte to shop at malls or in large shopping centers.
The Sun Valley Commons in Indian Trail has newer chain restaurants like Hickory's Tavern.
The Sun Valley 14 movie theater is a popular spot for Indian Trail locals.
Indian Trail residents have easy access to big box stores like Lowes.
Many Indian Trail residents drive south to shop at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte.
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Union County Sheriffs serve Indian Trail
Indian Trail contracts with the Union County Sheriff’s Office regarding policing. According to FBI data, Union County saw a 29% increase in violent crimes and a 13% decrease in nonviolent crimes between 2022 and 2023. “It is a very safe place with minimal violent crime,” Ball says. “If something happens, they can call the entire sheriff’s office, not just the Indian Trail Division.” Crime reports for Indian Trail alone are not readily available.
Written By
Rylee Doyle
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Indian Trail, NC sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Indian Trail, NC over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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