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2019 Best Suburbs to Live in the Charlotte AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 96
Best Places to Live
96 results

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  1. Davidson

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 22 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Small town atmosphere near the big-city amenities of Charlotte- great schools and great neighbors! Affordability can be a concern, as well as traffic.
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 12,325 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Tega Cay

    • Suburb in South Carolina
    • 22 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I love that the houses in the neighborhoods are uniquely designed, and there are few "cookie-cutter" neighborhoods, where all of the houses look the same. I love having more space between different houses so that my family and I have some privacy. The people are incredibly welcoming, friendly, and willing to help out in any situation.
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 9,464 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Huntersville

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 172 reviews
    #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I have lived in Huntersville NC for almost 15 years. The area is smaller than others, but is full of fun things to do! I went to school here, learned how to drive here and since my family still lives here, I visit in the summer and on holidays when I am home from school. It is the perfect place for starting a family. throughout my time living in Huntersville, I have watched newly married couples move in across the street and have their first, and sometimes even second, kid before wishing them farewell when they decided its time to move into a new home.
    Read 172 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 53,302 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Weddington

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 37 reviews
    #4 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Weddington is constantly growing in terms of shopping centers, jobs, and houses. With all the good that this brings the community, it does cause the problem of overcrowding in schools. No new high schools have been built in recent years, and its starting to show. Weddington High School has amazing academics and phenomenal athletic programs, but classrooms are bursting with students. I would say redistricting was a practical solution, but every other school in the county has this problem. The community of Weddington is very welcoming. Though there aren't any big attractions around, there is still plenty to keep you busy and many places to eat, though its mostly chain restaurants. Its only about a 30 min drive to Charlotte and the CLT Airport, and nearly equal driving distance to the Appalachian Mountains and Outer Banks. It is a great place to settle and to raise children of all ages. In short, Weddington is an above average, though fairly standard suburb and a great community.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 10,388 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Matthews

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 121 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Matthews has an overall friendly attitude. You walk into a store and people greet you, ask you about your day, and are definitely ready and willing to have a nice conversation. Very family friendly with movie theatres, ice rinks, trampoline parks, go-carting, mini golf, and honestly way more than can be listing forever. I never have a hard time entertaining visitors from out of state. Charlotte is constantly growing, so job opportunities are booming. My biggest concern is the public high schools. The public schools I have gone to and visited usually have a vibe of disrespect. It’s more than not wanting to go to school, like most teenagers, it’s like students are outwardly hostile to the people around them because of their environment.
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 30,760 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Fort Mill

    • Suburb in South Carolina
    • 94 reviews
    #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Fort Mill is a nice southern town. It is very pretty and the weather is lovely. The FM natives are friendly and hospitable. There are so many positives to living here. The negatives are: rapid growth, there are thousands of northerners moving here and thousands of new homes going up. We are missing many of our beautiful trees now. The traffic lights are not timed, hopefully this will change in the following years. It’s not a big deal until rush hour comes. Finally, our schools are very highly ranked. I can tell you that your kids will get a solid education here. Unfortunately, our public schools don’t care about the mental health of kids and will shove them into honors and AP classes (because they get more money) until the stresses of life are just too much to handle and the teenager reaches their breaking point. I know the last part of my review wasn’t happy, but if you are planning to move here I want you to be able to make the most informed decision possible. Good luck!
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 14,451 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Cornelius

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 26 reviews
    #7 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Cornelius is a wonderful little town outside of Charlotte! With Lake Norman, Uptown, and other fun activities just a short drive away, it is the perfect place for families, young professionals, or retirees.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 28,052 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Marvin

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 6 reviews
    #8 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Marvin is a great community for individuals who want their kids to be given a great education. All of the schools in Marvin have amazing teachers who create a fantastic learning environment. One factor I would change about Marvin is its diversity. Most of the individuals in the Marvin suburb are primarily of the Caucasian race. I would love to see more races present in Marvin, so individusls could be exposed to other cultures, which would enhance their knowledge of the world.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 6,174 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Harrisburg

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 36 reviews
    #9 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I love Harrisburg, it's such a cute and quint place to live. It's on the road of expansion now, and if I could change anything, I would say the traffic in the intersection on Highway 49 and Veteran's Bridge. It's nearly impossible to drive in that area from like 3:30-6:00. It's also a bit dangerous too. Since most of the left turning lanes don't get green lights for very long, people will take any small chance they get to turn and it's so dangerous.
    Some places also need extra entrances so that it doesn't get super busy. They did that at the high school, and it's helped so much.
    I'm very excited for the Chick Fil A that's in the process of being built right now. I just hope it's built and opened by the time I graduate.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 14,856 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Lake Wylie

    • Suburb in South Carolina
    • 36 reviews
    #10 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Driving over the bridge daily and seeing the lake is so surreal. It's a beautiful place to live and visit with many outdoor activities on the water. Just a short commute to Charlotte, NC and close to the airport. I would like to see more restaurants and shopping stores come to the area. Lake Wylie is still growing but very up and coming. Many transplants from all over are moving to the area which offers a great variety of people from different backgrounds. I have to say that the only negative factor about this area is the traffic due to the recent growth.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 12,170 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Pineville

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 12 reviews
    #11 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I absolutely enjoy Pineville, it's nice and cozy. Although it isn't too big, it has so much to offer as far as different restaurants and local community activities. I love going down the to park during the summertime where the rec center plans movie nights and even festivals! This small suburb gives you the small community feel but with big city amenities.
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 8,418 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Waxhaw

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 64 reviews
    #12 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I love living in Waxhaw, and overall, I'd say it's been a very family friendly experience. There are year-round seasonal festivals and activities, and around Christmas time they string up lights on all the trees and offer horse and carriage rides across town. It may not be the most exciting place to live, and the commute time can be a bit inconvenient at times (especially during rush hour), but it's a lovely place to raise your family and the people are always willing to lend a helping hand. Despite its shortcomings, I wouldn't live anywhere else.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 13,343 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. India Hook

    • Suburb in South Carolina
    • 2 reviews
    #13 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Niche User: I am glad that their are police at the school to make everyone feel better and protective because of the police
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 4,117 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Indian Trail

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 104 reviews
    #14 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I have lived directly in Indian Trail for 4 years, and near the area for my whole life. I think that Indian Trail, especially the Sun Valley area, has become much more family-friendly and diverse. There are many restaurants and areas to spend time with friends and family. There are many parks that are accessible to all and allow children to play outside. Areas for community sports are available for children as well. I would like to see more shops or more indoor activities that would be more geared towards teenagers, as many places are restaurants or fast food.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 37,191 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Mooresville

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 136 reviews
    #15 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: In Mooresville, the amount of opportunity is wonderful. Considered "Race city USA", we see many racing teams and car company's building their headquarters in Mooresville. By providing us with jobs, Mooresville has developed into a hotspot for engineering in North Carolina. I love the opportunity, the culture and the food! With Seafood restaurants like "Big Daddy's" and steak houses like "Epic Chophouse", you will never find yourself wondering if there are any good places to eat.
    Read 136 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 36,577 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Stallings

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 26 reviews
    #16 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: We have lived in Stallings for the past 8 months. We love the closeness of Matthews and downtown Charlotte. Stallings has a small town feel but with access to everything Charlotte has to offer.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 14,970 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Belmont

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 32 reviews
    #17 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Belmont, NC is one of those hidden gems right outside of Charlotte, NC. 10 years ago there was very little there, but in the last couple of years, Belmont has become one of the those cool little towns with only a 15 mile commute to center city Charlotte. Main street is full of local restaurants and boutiques and the night life is thriving.

    Schools are great, cost of living is about par with the greater Charlotte area and it is a very family friendly community with several parks and greenways to enjoy.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 11,373 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Concord

    • Town in North Carolina
    • 195 reviews
    #18 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Concord, NC is an average-sized town that has quite a few attractions that visitors can enjoy. The Concord Mills mall houses many different shops that the entire family can enjoy browsing, a delicious food court, a go cart track, and an IMAX movie theatre. A short drive from there will get you the Charlotte Motor Speedway where thousands come to watch NASCAR racing, fireworks, and much more! For those who like a quiet, laid-back experience, Downtown Concord has a lovely, little row of small shops and restaurants to enjoy. The Depot, close to Downtown, is a huge antique mall housed in an old mill where you can find all sorts of items from years gone by.

    While it has a few attractions, Concord is not usually the reason most people come to the area. Charlotte, NC is just a short drive away, so most people prefer to travel there for entertainment. Also, the traffic in Concord can be rather hectic, so use caution when driving here.
    Read 195 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 87,607 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Mint Hill

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 54 reviews
    #19 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Mint Hill is a small town where everyone knows everyone! It is a fun place to live and work. Every year we have a fair called Mint Hill Madness, we have food trucks, rides for kids, music, and games. I love Mint Hill and can see myself living in Mint Hill after I graduate college and even after I get married and have children someday. Mint Hill is slowly growing and developing, everyone in Mint Hill is very friendly.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 25,600 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Wesley Chapel

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 27 reviews
    #20 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Moving from a far southwest suburb of Chicago, I love the past seven years living in this small agricultural city whose residents want to preserve its open land agricutural feel. I feel like I am on vacation every day. Homes being added to the city will sit on acre lots and retail will be limited while hoping to complete the Ashton Developed shopping area. Weddington Road will be expanded due to the impact of towns that surround its current borders. This is a town of community churches, sports and family gatherings hoping to include more small town, healthy family activities. My hope is to expand walking and bicycling trails to connect our community member to easy, yet beautiful access to shopping and activities while keeping its congestion minimal.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 8,447 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Lake Park

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 3 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Lake Park is one of the nicer neighborhoods in the area. It is really pretty and walking friendly. There is a tennis court, basketball court, a pool (with a swim team), parks, churches, even a school and day care. There are festivals throughout the year, and they constantly have smaller events sprinkled throughout the year. There are a lot of families living here, so a lot of kids.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 3,706 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Cramerton

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 8 reviews
    #22 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: Safe area, with a cute downtown area that includes a fantastic coffee shop. Goat Island Park is a great place for families, there's easy access to a grocery store, good schools, and close enough to Charlotte.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 4,274 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Newport

    • Suburb in South Carolina
    • 2 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Niche User: Besides from the education in this area, there new business opening everyday and new people moving here everyday. And there is hardly any crime that happens in this area.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 3,780 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Westport

    • Suburb of Charlotte, NC
    • 8 reviews
    #24 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Niche User: Our neighborhood works diligently with the police to try and keep the area safe. We have police officers who patrol the community every couple of hours and watch closely when the children get on and off the bus. They are always around to help. Also, as neighbors, we all look out for each other and help each other out whenever we can.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 3,942 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Clover

    • Town in South Carolina
    • 45 reviews
    #25 Best Suburbs to Live in Charlotte Area

    Current Resident: I have moved from Hopkinsville, KY to Clover, SC. At first, it was hard to adjust especially being a new mom and barely anyone I know here except for my darling husband. I have to say, I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan so anyone who is a fan strives to find a town such as Stars Hollow; well, Clover is my Stars Hollow. It has such an amazing feeling all throughout the seasons and a welcoming feel that will embrace you deeply! I love it here and would never want to live anywhere else!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 5,731 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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