Union County as a whole is one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina, and Waxhaw has seen a similar trend. The city was established in 1889 and was named after the Waxhaw Native American tribe that lived there before it was settled. A textile boom in the 1800s lasted until the 1940s, and the city had a resurgence in the 1960s and 2000s with the downtown commercial scene. Today, Waxhaw balances its history by preserving historical landmarks while continuing to welcome fast-paced growth.
“Basically, Waxhaw is a suburb of Charlotte,” says Josh Burnett, a Waxhaw local and team lead of J. Burnett Realty Group. “You have a small-town atmosphere, but you’re five to 10 minutes from south Charlotte. We’ve got a lot of restaurants and shops, and the school system is rated really well. There’s a rich history, too. It’s the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, and it was on an old Native American trading route.”
Waxhaw was established in 1889 and was named after the Waxhaw Native American tribe.
Waxhaw has a long history with the railroads.
Waxhaw had a textile boom in the 1800s lasted until the 1940s.
Waxhaw balances its history by preserving historical landmaks.
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Constantly growing population and busy downtown scene
Waxhaw’s population grew over 108% from 2010 to 2020. Today, over 20,500 people call the city home. Waxhaw has a 67.7% employment rate, and the Charlotte Observer ranked the town as one of the best places to work in 2023. Anyone who doesn’t own a business or work in town has a roughly 30-minute commute to Uptown Charlotte, not counting traffic.
The Nationally Accredited Downtown has over 100 small businesses. The Downtown Waxhaw Association works to preserve the historic buildings while still making them usable for new businesses. A brand-new town hall and surrounding complex were officially opened to the public in late 2024, and more renovations are on the way with the Waxhaw 2040 plan, aimed at improving daily life and accommodating future growth.
The Downtown Waxhaw Association preserve the historic buildings like The Women's Club.
Many residents own business like the Iris and Poppy Boutique.
Downtown Waxhaw has over 100 small business.
A brand-new Waxhaw town hall just officially opened to the public.
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Broad price ranges and new Craftsman homes
Home prices range from the mid $300,000s to almost $1 million across the city. “Depending on the type of housing you’re looking for, you can find cheaper housing than you can in Charlotte,” says Burnett. “But ... there are some high-end luxury neighborhoods as well. Pricing has increased year-over-year, looking at the three years. Compared to this time last year, the median price is up 11.3% at $679,000.”
Ranch-style homes and Craftsmans close to downtown usually make up the lower end of the price range. Most homes are three-bedroom Craftsmans built as recently as 2024. Areas like Millbridge, Cureton and Lawson are the most popular. “I have a listing in Millbridge, and a family from Lawson was looking to move to Millbridge. They’re similar neighborhoods, but the family wanted a different home style for their needs. These neighborhoods are only a couple miles apart, but they wanted to stay in the same area.” On average, Waxhaw has all four seasons, with humid summers and mild winters.
Craftsman style homes near downtown Waxhaw are also a popular option.
New traditional homes in neighborhoods like Millbridge are most popular in Waxhaw.
You can also find larger higher end traditional homes in Waxhaw.
Ranch style homes make up the lower end of the price range in Waxhaw.
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Moving to town for Union County Schools
The Union County Public Schools District is one of the major reasons people move to Waxhaw. It has a lower student-to-teacher ratio than Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, and Niche gives it an A. As of 2023, 96.7% of residents have a high school diploma, and 53.8% have at least a bachelor’s degree. Waxhaw alone has six schools. Waxhaw Elementary School earns an A-minus, and Cuthbertson High School gets an A.
Waxhaw Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Union County.
Cuthbertson Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of
Union County.
South Providence School provides education in the neighborhood of
Union County.
Cuthbertson High School provides education in the neighborhood
Union County.
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Brand-new Downtown Park and historic places to visit
Town Creek Park has a playground, but most residents park there before walking the Twelve Mile Creek Greenway. The Southwest Regional Library opened in April 2024, and it’s the newest branch of the Union County Library. Harvey Clay Nesbit Park features soccer and baseball fields, but Downtown Park is Waxhaw’s largest park, with 9 acres holding an amphitheater, play area, pond and paved walking paths. Downtown Park opened in 2024 and was designed to have enough space for events organized by the Waxhaw Parks and Recreation Department. The Jammin’ by the Tracks and Music in the Park will be combined into one summer concert series held at the park, and the area will become a little winter wonderland for the annual Menorah and tree lighting ceremony. Residents from across Union County, even from South Carolina, visit for the two-day Autumn Treasures event in November. In 2024, over 100 vendors participated while musicians performed.
The city stays true to its motto, “Proud of Our Past. Passionate About Our Future," with The Museum of Waxhaw. The museum tells the story of the Waxhaw tribe and European settlers who paved the way to Waxhaw’s founding. The Waxhaw Overhead Bridge is one of the many historic landmarks in the city today. The bridge was built in 1888 for cars, but it was renovated so pedestrians can safely cross, even as trains rumble across the tracks below.
The younger residents of Waxhaw love the new playground at the Downtown Park.
You can take an evening walk on the paved trail at the Town Creek Park in Waxhaw.
The Southwest Regional Library in Waxhaw is the newest branch in Union County.
The Twelve Mile Creek Greenway in Waxhaw is popular with residents.
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Waxhaw Police and Union County Sheriff activity
The Waxhaw Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Office patrol the city. From 2022 to 2023, reported nonviolent crimes decreased 31%, while reported violent crimes rose 7%. In 2022, the EPA reached a settlement with the New-Indy Paper Mill in South Carolina after many residents across South Carolina and Union County filed complaints of a rotten egg smell from the mill’s emissions. The New Indy Containerboard facility now posts daily air sample reports on its website, and residents who smell the odor can report it to the New Indy site.
Downtown Waxhaw shopping and nearby commercial centers
Downtown Waxhaw is full of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and small commercial businesses. Narrow sidewalks run throughout the historic downtown, and the city is working to add wider concrete sections for easier strolling. Shoppers don’t have to worry about feeding a parking meter, as the city offers free parking downtown.
On South Main Street, Maxwell’s Tavern serves lunch and dinner in a brick building with ambient lighting and a bar. The Waxhaw Antique Mart is a few doors down with tidy collections of decor and trinkets. Crossroads Coffee House started in 1999, and every cup of coffee brewed is made with coffee beans roasted in-house. National chains and grocery stores fill the Old Hickory Shopping Center and Cureton Town Center. Waxhaw's Farmers' Market was established in 2001, and the weekend event has continued to be successful. Residents stop by to shop locally produced items from vendors, from skincare and woodworking to vegetables and fresh bread.
Maxwell’s Tavern is a popular choice for lunch and dinner in Waxhaw.
The Waxhaw Antique Mart in Waxhaw has a collections of decor and trinkets.
You can find national chains like Harris Teeter at the Cureton Town Center in Waxhaw.
You can grab a freshly roasted cup of coffee at the Crossroads Coffee House in Waxhaw.
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Getting around town and to Uptown Charlotte
Downtown Waxhaw is 5 miles from the South Carolina border and 28 miles from Uptown Charlotte. When driving to Uptown, State Route 16 leads north and connects to I-485. Atrium Health Waxhaw is also on Highway 16, with an emergency room and routine medical services. Waxhaw has multiple churches along Main Street and Highway 16, including Waxhaw United Methodist Church, dedicated in 1928. Most residents commute by car, as Waxhaw’s only public transportation is through U Can Go!, Union County’s on-demand transportation buses. Riders have to book a ride at least 48 hours in advance, and the buses run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 31 miles north, about a 40-minute drive.
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Emily McNamara
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Waxhaw, NC sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waxhaw, NC over the last 12 months is $1,095,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$3,000 closing costs credit if using our preferred lender!! 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, home on a .5 Acre Lot! Located in desirable Wrenn Creek Located just minutes from historic downtown Waxhaw! This stunning property features a bright, open floor plan. The main floor is brimming with elegant finishes including tray ceilings, wainscotting and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen
Welcome to this beautifully appointed 4-bedroom home with a huge bonus room in the sought-after Lawson community! **NEW wood flooring on the main level – November 2025!** The primary suite is conveniently located on the main level and features a renovated spa-like bath with a clawfoot tub, frameless glass shower with gorgeous tile, and a massive walk-in closet. The spacious kitchen boasts granite
Discover comfortable, low-maintenance living in this beautifully designed home located in the sought-after 55+ community of Encore at Streamside – Classic Series. Thoughtfully crafted with upscale finishes and modern conveniences, this home offers a relaxed lifestyle just minutes from historic Waxhaw and the Charlotte area. The open-concept floor plan is ideal for everyday living and
Discover this cozy 4-bedroom ranch nestled among mature woods, offering a serene and private setting. Home is also equipped with a whole house generator.. Enjoy a spacious fenced backyard complete with a large shed/workshop—perfect for storage or hobbies. Inside, hardwood floors flow throughout an inviting open floor plan. The kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Discover this well-appointed 5-bedroom, 3-full-bath Millbridge home offering 3,100 sq ft of bright, open living space featuring granite kitchen countertops with gas cooktop, a versatile main-level flex room, and a private backyard designed for effortless everyday living. Enjoy a large primary ensuite upstairs with 3 additional bedrooms. Located in award-winning Millbridge, residents enjoy
A rare opportunity— a prime interior larger lot which with a view. Premium upgrades, and move-in ready comfort Welcome home to effortless luxury and vibrant community living. Absolutely charming and beautifully upgraded, This 3 Bedroom + Office home sits on a desirable corner lot across from a wooded area in Encore at Streamside—David Weekley’s premier 55+ Waxhaw community. Thoughtfully designed
Welcome to 8004 Penman Springs Drive in Waxhaw—an inviting and spacious home offering a versatile layout and exceptional indoor-outdoor living. The main level features a full bedroom and bath, ideal for guests or multigenerational living, along with a formal dining room and formal living room that provide elegant spaces for entertaining. A welcoming great room with a fireplace flows seamlessly
This beautifully maintained, AS-IS home offers the perfect combination of modern style and everyday comfort. Located in a desirable Waxhaw community, this property features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 1 half-bath, along with an open floor plan ideal for entertaining and relaxing.As you enter the home from the front steps, notice a small waterfall and pond with goldfish. The interior has
Located in the prestigious gated community of Chatelaine in Waxhaw, this exquisite 3-story Old World Architectural Style Home showcases gorgeous stonework on the exterior and an interior where every room offers something unique from soaring cathedral ceilings to custom wood finishes and detailed moldings throughout. Three floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces anchor the living rooms on the main and
Price Improvement & motivated Seller! Classic brick ranch offers great potential for the buyer who is looking for a first home, a long-term investment or a home to size down to after the kids have left the nest. Home features a brand new roof, updated kitchen and bath on a large lot. Convenient location close to all the restaurants and shops of downtown Waxhaw! Home to be sold as-is.
Almost-new, energy-efficient home offering 4 bedrooms, a versatile loft, and 2 full bath backing up to a woods for privacy. Solar panels provide meaningful energy savings while supporting modern, sustainable living. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features an open-concept layout ideal for today’s lifestyle. The main level showcases durable LVP flooring and a gourmet-style kitchen perfect for
Welcome to Waxhaw’s newest community: Oak Ridge Farms; a private large-tract subdivision located in the scenic countryside of Waxhaw in Union County. This exclusive community offers 8 spacious lots ranging from 3.6 to over 20 acres, ideal for horse farms, hobby farms, or simply enjoying peace & tranquility. Oak Ridge Farms is located off S. Providence Road, accessed via a private gravel drive
Welcome to Valley Farms, an exceptional equestrian community nestled just minutes away from downtown Waxhaw, where rural charm meets modern living. This inviting property not only boasts access to top-notch boarding facilities and stables that host the prestigious Queen's Cup, but it also embodies the essence of serene country life with thoughtful updates and breathtaking natural surroundings. As
$3,000 closing costs credit if using our preferred lender!! 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, home on a .5 Acre Lot! Located in desirable Wrenn Creek Located just minutes from historic downtown Waxhaw! This stunning property features a bright, open floor plan. The main floor is brimming with elegant finishes including tray ceilings, wainscotting and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen
Seller Financing Available—pay only a portion now!Discover ±22 acres in Union County, just outside Waxhaw. The front of the property offers dry land for your potential homesite, while the back features ±16 acres of wetlands backing up to Waxhaw Creek. This diverse landscape attracts deer, waterfowl, and other wildlife, creating the perfect setting for recreation, hunting, or a private
With two distinct luxury buildings, the Waxhaw Mills Apartments gives you choices. Offering luxury living in the premier area in Waxhaw, residents come home to all-inclusive amenities like our resort-style pool, renovated clubhouse, and dog park. With the most up-to-date selection of amenities and relaxing views, our community is a merging of luxury amenities with modern comforts and
Discover this updated one-story quaint cottage lease residence in the heart of historic downtown Waxhaw. Notable features include: 3-bedrooms/2-bathrooms, 1,000+ sq/ft one-level open floor-plan, new quartz and stainless kitchen appliances, LVP flooring throughout, fresh paint, fixtures and vaulted ceilings. Private lot and No HOA. Just a short walk to quaint historic downtown Waxhaw, new Downtown
We are currently making final preparations for this home to be available. We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be
Fantastic five bedroom home in the desirable Lawson neighborhood with enviable community amenities. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout first floor. Huge open kitchen with island and plenty of cabinet space. Dining room has nice moldings. Office space downstairs. Large bedrooms and all guest baths have dual sinks. Spacious primary suite with dual sinks and garden tub. Fresh paint. Large
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2438.70. That covers your base rent, $2299.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Unique Brayden floor plan in MillBridge with award-winning resort-style amenities! This home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 1 powder room. Open-concept kitchen and family room with gas fireplace and built-in cabinetry, gas cooking, large island with pendant lighting, and oversized pantry. Covered screened porch overlooks the backyard. Spacious owner’s suite with sitting area and large
Special security deposit offer: Pay just 50% of your base rent as your security deposit (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by February 28, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this recently-constructed property located in the Lindsay Meadows community.This
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 6-bedroom, 3-bath house offering space, comfort, and an exceptional location in the Weddington school district. Fresh paint and new carpet upstairs create a clean, move-in-ready feel. Enjoy outdoor living with a deck, fenced backyard, and play set, plus the convenience of a 2-car side-entry garage. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool,
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Special security deposit offer: Pay just 50% of your base rent as your security deposit (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by February 28, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this recently-constructed property located in the Lindsay Meadows community.This
Special security deposit offer: Pay just 50% of your base rent as your security deposit (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by February 28, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This property is professionally managed by AMH, a leading single-family rental company.
3009 Lyndey Cir is a 4-bedroom, 4-bath single-family home offering approximately 2,841 sq ft of living space, built in 2020 and located in the desirable Millbridge community of Waxhaw. The main level features a bright, open layout with a gourmet kitchen including quartz countertops, a large island with bar seating, double ovens, and ample cabinet space, flowing into a spacious living area with a
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