Waxhaw
Neighborhood Guide
Welcome to Waxhaw
Waxhaw is a charming town that prides itself on its small-town feel and historic roots. Famous for its iconic overhead footbridge and antique shops, downtown Waxhaw is a delightful place to spend a weekend. The area is also known for its equestrian culture and spacious properties, making it ideal for those seeking a bit more room to breathe without sacrificing community connection.
$580k
Median Price
22k
Population
A
Schools
40m
Commute
Local Highlights
Historic Downtown
Walk across the famous overhead bridge and explore a downtown filled with antique stores, boutiques, and local eateries.
Equestrian Lifestyle
Discover a community that values open spaces, horse farms, and a connection to the land.
Community Events
From the Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival to the holiday parades, Waxhaw is known for its vibrant community gatherings.
Popular Waxhaw Neighborhoods
Discover Waxhaw's premier communities
Millbridge
Waxhaw's most popular master-planned community, Millbridge offers resort-style amenities including multiple pools, a clubhouse, fitness center, and miles of walking trails. The neighborhood features a variety of home styles from traditional to contemporary, all built by top national builders. Millbridge's strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere make it consistently the top-selling neighborhood in the Waxhaw area.
Price Range: $500k - $750k
Anklin Forrest
A well-established neighborhood offering traditional homes on generous lots with mature landscaping. Anklin Forrest features a community pool, tennis courts, and playground, all within a peaceful setting. The neighborhood's convenient location near downtown Waxhaw and top-rated schools makes it highly desirable for families seeking a traditional suburban lifestyle with small-town charm.
Price Range: $450k - $650k
Camberley
An upscale neighborhood featuring custom and semi-custom homes on large lots, many with equestrian amenities. Camberley appeals to those seeking privacy and space while remaining close to Waxhaw's amenities. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and spacious properties create a serene, country atmosphere while maintaining convenient access to Charlotte.
Price Range: $600k - $1.2M
Cureton
A newer community offering modern homes with open floor plans and contemporary finishes. Cureton features a resort-style pool, clubhouse, and walking trails throughout the neighborhood. The community's family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Waxhaw schools make it popular with young families and professionals seeking a move-in ready home.
Price Range: $475k - $700k
Harrison Park
A charming neighborhood featuring traditional homes on wooded lots with a strong sense of community. Harrison Park offers a neighborhood pool and playground, with many homes backing to natural areas for added privacy. The neighborhood's location provides easy access to downtown Waxhaw while maintaining a peaceful, residential atmosphere.
Price Range: $425k - $625k
Grove Manor
An established neighborhood offering brick traditional homes on large lots with mature trees. Grove Manor provides a quiet, family-oriented environment with sidewalks throughout for evening walks. The neighborhood's proximity to Union County schools and shopping makes it a practical choice for families seeking a traditional suburban lifestyle in Waxhaw.
Price Range: $450k - $650k
Shopping & Dining
Historic downtown and local favorites
Historic Downtown Waxhaw
The heart of Waxhaw, the historic downtown district features the iconic overhead footbridge, antique shops, boutiques, and locally-owned restaurants. Main Street comes alive with seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events. Popular spots include 701 Main, Maxwell's Tavern, Waxhaw Taphouse, and Emmet's Social Table, offering everything from casual dining to upscale cuisine.
Providence Marketplace
A convenient shopping center located just north of Waxhaw featuring major retailers including Harris Teeter, CVS, and numerous restaurants and service providers. The center provides easy access to daily necessities and is centrally located for Waxhaw residents.
Local Favorites
Waxhaw is home to beloved local establishments including Waxhaw Coffee Company for your morning brew, Waxhaw Creamery for homemade ice cream, and numerous farm-to-table restaurants celebrating the area's agricultural heritage. The town's emphasis on local businesses creates a unique shopping and dining experience.
Nearby Shopping
While Waxhaw maintains its small-town charm, major shopping destinations are nearby including Ballantyne (20 minutes), SouthPark (30 minutes), and Fort Mill's retail centers (25 minutes). This provides the best of both worlds - peaceful small-town living with convenient access to big-city shopping.
Parks & Recreation
Outdoor spaces and community activities
Cane Creek Park
A 1,050-acre park featuring hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, and a large lake for kayaking and canoeing. The park offers both primitive and RV camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The extensive trail system provides opportunities for all skill levels.
Waxhaw Community Park
A family-friendly park featuring playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The park hosts youth sports leagues and community events throughout the year, serving as a central gathering place for Waxhaw families.
Equestrian Facilities
Waxhaw's equestrian culture is alive and well with numerous horse farms, riding stables, and equestrian centers throughout the area. The town's rural character and spacious properties make it ideal for horse enthusiasts.
Education
Quality schools and educational opportunities
Union County Public Schools
Waxhaw is served by Union County Public Schools, which consistently ranks among the top school districts in North Carolina. The district boasts high graduation rates, strong test scores, and a commitment to academic excellence. Waxhaw-area schools include Waxhaw Elementary, Cuthbertson High School, and Marvin Ridge High School, all highly rated by parents and education organizations.
The district offers Advanced Placement courses, STEM programs, fine arts opportunities, and competitive athletics. Small class sizes and dedicated teachers create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
Private School Options
Waxhaw and surrounding areas offer several private school options including Waxhaw Christian Academy, Covenant Day School, and Providence Day School. These schools provide alternative educational approaches with strong academic programs and values-based instruction.
Higher education is accessible with Wingate University nearby and numerous Charlotte-area colleges and universities within a 30-40 minute drive, including UNC Charlotte, Queens University, and Davidson College.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Waxhaw
What is Waxhaw NC known for?
Waxhaw is known for its historic downtown featuring the iconic overhead footbridge, antique shops, and small-town charm. The town is also recognized for its equestrian culture, with numerous horse farms and riding facilities throughout the area. Waxhaw has nearly doubled in size since 2010, becoming a popular Charlotte suburb while maintaining its historic character and community spirit.
Is Waxhaw a good place to live?
Yes! Waxhaw consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the Charlotte metro area. The town offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, a strong sense of community, and more affordable housing compared to Charlotte proper. Residents enjoy small-town living with easy access to Charlotte's employment opportunities and amenities. The combination of quality of life, community events, and family-friendly atmosphere makes Waxhaw highly desirable.
How far is Waxhaw from Charlotte?
Waxhaw is approximately 25 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte, with a typical commute time of 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and your specific destination. The drive takes you through scenic countryside before reaching the city. Many Waxhaw residents work in Charlotte's Ballantyne area, which is only 20 minutes away, making the commute even more manageable.
What is the cost of living in Waxhaw?
Waxhaw's cost of living is moderate, with median home prices around $580,000. While housing costs are higher than the North Carolina average, they're generally more affordable than comparable Charlotte neighborhoods, especially considering the larger lot sizes and newer construction. Union County's tax rates are competitive, and overall expenses including groceries and utilities are in line with the Charlotte metro area.
What are the schools like in Waxhaw?
Waxhaw is served by Union County Public Schools, one of the top-performing school districts in North Carolina. Schools in the Waxhaw area consistently receive high ratings from parents and education organizations. Cuthbertson High School and Marvin Ridge High School both offer excellent academic programs, competitive athletics, and strong arts departments. The district's commitment to small class sizes and individual attention helps students succeed.
What is there to do in Waxhaw?
Waxhaw offers diverse activities including exploring historic downtown with its antique shops and restaurants, attending seasonal festivals like the Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival and Holiday Festival of Lights, enjoying outdoor recreation at Cane Creek Park, and participating in the free summer concert series "Jammin' by the Tracks." The town also provides easy access to Charlotte's cultural attractions, professional sports, and entertainment venues.
Is Waxhaw NC growing?
Yes! Waxhaw has experienced significant growth, nearly doubling in population since 2010. The town continues to attract families and professionals seeking quality schools, spacious properties, and a strong sense of community while remaining connected to Charlotte. New neighborhoods and developments continue to be built, though the town works to maintain its historic character and small-town atmosphere.
What is the history of Waxhaw?
Waxhaw was founded in the mid-1800s and named after the Waxhaw Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area. The town grew as a railroad stop and agricultural center. President Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaw region in 1767. Today, Waxhaw preserves its heritage through historic buildings, museums, and community events while embracing modern growth as a thriving Charlotte suburb.
Location & Commute
Connectivity and accessibility
Highway Access
Waxhaw is accessible via US-521 (Providence Road) and NC-16, providing routes to Charlotte and surrounding areas. While not directly on an interstate, the town's location offers scenic commutes through countryside. Many residents access I-485 via Providence Road for convenient travel around the Charlotte metro area.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
CLT Airport is approximately 40 minutes from Waxhaw, making air travel accessible for business and leisure. As a major American Airlines hub, the airport offers nonstop flights to over 170 destinations worldwide. The drive to the airport takes you through Ballantyne and South Charlotte.
Commute Times to Key Locations
Uptown Charlotte: 40-45 minutes
Ballantyne: 20 minutes
Charlotte Airport: 40 minutes
Fort Mill: 30 minutes
Matthews: 25 minutes
South Park: 35 minutes
Regional Access
Waxhaw's location provides access to regional destinations including Monroe (15 minutes), Rock Hill, SC (30 minutes), Columbia, SC (2 hours), and the Blue Ridge Mountains (2.5 hours). The town's central location in Union County makes it an excellent base for exploring the Carolinas.
Ready to Call Waxhaw Home?
Experience the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. With excellent schools, historic downtown, and a strong sense of community, Waxhaw offers an exceptional quality of life for families and professionals alike.