The “Queen City,” Charlotte, NC, is the largest city in the state. Home to a number of major corporations, sports teams, cultural attractions, warm summers, and mild winters, there’s no shortage of reasons Charlotte is an awesome city.
Certainly, Charlotte is a great place for many to live, but it may not be your top choice. So even if your job is in the city, you don’t have to live in Charlotte. There are lots of unique cities near Charlotte that you may want to buy or rent in instead.
We’ve compiled 5 of those cities near Charlotte so you can decide what area meets your needs and lifestyle.
#1: Huntersville, NC
Miles from Charlotte: 15
Population: 57,500
Median home sale price: $504,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,608
Walk Score: 16
Transit Score: 28
Homes for sale in Huntersville, NC
Apartments for rent in Huntersville, NC
The city of Huntersville is home to about 57,000 people and is a relatively small city. However, it has many perks, such as its location at the southern tip of Lake Norman. Additionally, the city is home to a 25-acre renaissance-themed amusement park. There’s no shortage of things to do in Huntersville, from exploring local parks and checking out the best restaurants in town, to enjoying the vibrant arts and culture scene.
Be sure to visit some of the city’s popular museums, like the North Carolina Museum of History, and catch a show at one of the many performing arts centers, such as Bailey Road Park Amphitheater and Da Knox Productions. And when you need a break from exploring, relax in one of the city’s many parks and green spaces, such as North Mecklenburg Park, Richard Barry Park, and Huntersville Athletic Park.
#2: Gastonia, NC
Miles from Charlotte: 24
Population: 77,000
Median home sale price: $277,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,237
Walk Score: 23
Transit Score: 27
Homes for sale in Gastonia, NC
Apartments for rent in Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is just west of Charlotte, and home to many activities, such as whitewater rafting, golfing and hiking. You can find North Carolina’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History.
There are a variety of things to do in Gastonia. Just some of the popular options include visiting the Gaston County Museum, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, or the Charlotte Motor Speedway. For those looking for a more active experience, the city boasts a number of parks and trails perfect for hiking, biking, and or picnicking.
#3: Concord, NC
Miles from Charlotte: 25
Population: 94,000
Median home sale price: $387,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,444
Walk Score: 18
Bike Score: 11
Transit Score: 24
Homes for sale in Concord, NC
Apartments for rent in Concord, NC
Concord is a city in North Carolina’s Cabarrus County, just northeast of Charlotte. The city is great for exploring, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or NASCAR.
Downtown Concord is full of unique shops and restaurants, like the Cabarrus Brewing Company, which is a great place to sample some local craft beer. There are also several great hiking trails in and around Concord, so be sure to bring your hiking boots. The Richard Petty Museum is a must-visit for any NASCAR fan, and Concord is also home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks.
#4: Kannapolis, NC
Miles from Charlotte: 25
Population: 50,000
Median home sale price: $299,900
Average 1-bed rent: $1,627
Walk Score: 22
Bike Score: 20
Transit Score: 26
Homes for sale in Kannapolis, NC
Apartments for rent in Kannapolis, NC
Kannapolis is a small city just north of Concord. The city is home to the headquarters of several major corporations, including the ContiGroup, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Research Campus.
There are many things to do in Kannapolis, including visiting the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, the Kannapolis Intimidators Minor League Baseball Stadium, the Kannapolis City Park, the Gem Theater, and the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Park.
#5: Rock Hill, SC
Miles from Charlotte: 27
Population: 75,000
Median home sale price: $310,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,387
Walk Score: 28
Transit Score: 31
Homes for sale in Rock Hill, SC
Apartments for rent in Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill is located in northwestern South Carolina, just south of Charlotte. The city is a great place to move to if you’re looking for a small-town feel. The city is also home to several bronze statues, known as the four “Civitas” statues, which symbolize the city’s culture and spirit of creativity.
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that Rock Hill is home to over 31 parks, including Cherry Park, which features a softball and baseball facility, hiking trails, and playgrounds. There are 8 museums in the city, including the Museum of York County, the Arts Council of York County, and the Main Street Children’s Museum. Other popular destinations include Johnson Hall, Main Street Theater, and Old Town Amphitheater. And don’t forget to try some of the local restaurants, like Luigi & Sons Italian Restaurant, The Flipside Restaurant, and El Cancun Mexican Restaurant.
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Charlotte. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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