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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Hoyle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Waxhaw, NC sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waxhaw, NC over the last 12 months is $1,050,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked into a tree-framed neighborhood in the heart of historic downtown Waxhaw, 232 Old Town Village Rd offers 2,003 square feet of beautifully designed low-maintenance living across three thoughtfully planned floors. The entry-level flex space adapts easily to a home office or guest suite, while oak box stairs lead you up to the heart of the home. The second floor is anchored by a gourmet
Beautiful Home Across from the Carolina Thread TrailWelcome home to this spacious, open-concept home featuring a sunroom, large living area, dining room, breakfast area, half bathroom, and flexible office/multipurpose room. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and a pantry, with upgraded light fixtures and LVP flooring throughout.Upstairs, the spacious
Price Improvement!!! Beautiful craftsman style home situated on 1.1 acres includes exceptional main level living, saltwater pool & hot tub with outdoor kitchen, private backyard and a 3 car garage! Located in desirable Kensington Park, this neighborhood is known for its expansive homesites that offer exceptional space and privacy between neighbors. A welcoming front porch swing sets the tone. As
1405 Saratoga Woods is a stunning estate on 1.78 acres in a private gated community offering 8,630 sqft of luxurious living. Crafted w/ exceptional quality, it features an open floor plan, soaring wall-to-ceiling windows & high-end finishes. Main-level primary suite is a retreat w/ a sitting area, see-through fireplace, &walkout terrace w/ panoramic views of the manicured grounds.
Walk to Downtown Waxhaw from your own half-acre retreat! Welcome to 424 Arbor Dr, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch situated on an impressive .52-acre lot with NO HOA—all just a short stroll from the heart of one of the Charlotte area’s most charming small towns.Fully renovated in 2021, this move-in-ready home offers the ease of single-level living with an updated interior
Motivated sellers—bring your offer! The home has been recently reduced in price, leaving room for buyers to make their own decorative enhancements while benefiting from over 5,400 square feet of quality construction. Welcome to the Estates in Hollister. Where custom full brick homes sit on 1/2 acre wooded homesites. This impressive, original-owner, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath residence nestled on a lush
Nestled on a private 1.70-acre lot in Waxhaw, this custom-built home offers the perfect blend of thoughtful design, modern comfort, and exceptional energy efficiency. Exterior walls feature 6” Icynene spray foam insulation, complemented by extended rooflines with large eaves, an 18 SEER high-efficiency HVAC system, and ductwork primarily located within conditioned space for optimal performance
Back on the market. Discover the opportunity to own a peaceful slice of Waxhaw countryside on approximately 4.3 acres. This classic brick ranch offers 2 ensuite bedrooms on main, 1 ensuite bedroom in walk out basement. With fresh modern kitchen and bathroom updates on the main level, this home combines the charm of country living with the convenience of nearby shopping, dining, and downtown
Nestled on almost ½ acre private cul-de-sac lot, just 7/10 mile from the heart ofdowntown Waxhaw (with no HOA!), this gorgeous residence is the definition of move inready. Featuring hardwood flooring, dual shower heads in both showers, custom blindson every window, beautiful quartz countertops, a double oven range; and therefrigerator, washer and dryer convey to new owners! The
Experience an exceptional level of luxury in this magnificent executive residence, ideally situated within the prestigious gated community of Skyecroft. Thoughtfully designed with sophisticated finishes, elevated craftsmanship, and effortless indoor-outdoor living, this extraordinary home is perfectly suited for both grand entertaining and intimate everyday moments. At the heart of the home, the
Welcome to 200 Barra Drive, an absolutely stunning ranch home with a versatile bonus room, thoughtfully designed for today's modern lifestyle. Impeccably maintained and truly move-in ready, this home showcases exceptional finishes and an open, light-filled floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining—all with the added benefit of no HOA and no CCRs, giving you the freedom to truly
Discover the perfect setting for your future home on this beautiful 0.75-acre wooded lot, offering a gentle slope that provides excellent building potential while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Mature trees create a peaceful, private setting with plenty of flexibility for your homesite design. No HOA.Conveniently located less than five minutes from the charm of historic
Location, Location, Location—and Better Than New in Waxhaw! Welcome to Grove Manor, where easy, low-maintenance living meets an unbeatable Waxhaw location. Enjoy one-story living without spending your weekends mowing the lawn—the HOA maintains the lawn for just $175 per month! Located only minutes from charming Downtown Waxhaw, you'll love being close to local breweries, boutique shops,
Bring your architect, builder and vision to this 2.02-acre wooded homesite on Nablus Drive, ideally positioned between Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel. Mature trees and natural screening create a private setting for one detached single-family residence, while shared recorded deeded access from paved Nablus Drive provides a quiet sense of arrival. A four-bedroom septic permit has been issued; a private
Located in the distinguished, gated Providence Downs neighborhood, this impressive home features over 7000 square feet of well appointed living space. Home is priced to sell, listed well below tax value! Owner has July 2025 appraisal for $1,925,000 and equity is there if new owner would like to update to their particular taste. Two story foyer upon arrival, formal office and dining rooms, two
Beautiful 5 bedrdoom 3.5 bath home in desirable Lawson! The kitchen has a gas stove, granite countertops, tile backsplash, tons of cabinet space, a drop zone, a breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, and is open to the great room w/gas fireplace. Formal dining room with wainscot panels. Main level office/study with French doors. The large primary suite on the 2nd floor has a custom walk-in closet and
Waxhaw Mills Apartments is located at Price Street in historic downtown Waxhaw, North Carolina, approximately 25 miles south of Charlotte and accessible via Providence Road and I-485. The community is steps from downtown Waxhaw's acclaimed restaurants, boutique shops, Waxhaw Elementary School, and the seasonal farmers market and community events that make Waxhaw one of the Charlotte region's most
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 $2788.70. That covers your base rent, $2649.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Waxhaw, NC, has a lot to offer; does it check all your boxes?
Experience refined living at 1009 Honors Court, an exceptional residence located behind the prestigious gates of Firethorne Country Club. Tucked away on a peaceful, wooded cul-de-sac, this meticulously maintained, original-owner home offers an impressive combination of privacy, space, comfort, and timeless design. Featuring 5 spacious bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms, the home is thoughtfully
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant. Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve this
Property Id: 1372145 Introducing your dream rental property in the highly sought-after Milbridge community! This stunning, newly built single-family house is nestled in a picturesque neighborhood known for its premium amenities and outdoor recreational offerings. The interior of this smart home is designed for utmost convenience and style. Enjoy the contemporary charm of a spacious open
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom rental home in Waxhaw, NC, might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Relax and
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected. Interested in this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 3.0-bedroom, 2.0-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart home features to make everyday life more convenient and
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 $2664.70. That covers your base rent, $2525.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Waxhaw, NC, might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Relax
Now offering 16-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 16 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 16-month lease and move-in by October 15, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 16-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
