Waxhaw, NC
Waxhaw is North Carolina’s Best cities for young families. Waxhaw may be only 23 miles south of Charlotte and approximately 3 miles from the South Carolina State line, but this community of 11,295 wears its small-town badge proudly. Dating back to the 1700s, Waxhaw is one of the oldest towns in Union County, taking its name from the Waxhaws (originally called Wysacky), an Indian tribe that once inhabited the area. When chartered in 1889, Waxhaw established its rightful place as the third oldest town in Union County.
The Waxhaw Historic District at the heart of town is on the National Register of Historic places and boasts proud old buildings and unique attractions.
Families are attracted by ongoing events around the town’s Main Street, including First Fridays, with its focus on local restaurants and retailers; the Jammin’ By The Tracks concert series, which takes place every Friday during the summer; and the Dickens of a Christmas event, which brings “A Christmas Carol” to life in suburban Charlotte. Aside from its lively social calendar Waxhaw has amazing places to visit, The Museum of the Waxhaws, Museum of the Alphabet, Andrew Jackson State Park, Queens cup Steeplechase, Military wall of Honor, Waxhaw Historical walking Tour, Cane Creek Park and Skate park.
Waxhaw is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $231,800, which is below the top 10 average of $250,000 in North Carolina. Surrounding communities include Marvin, Mineral Springs, Wesley Chapel, and Monroe. Only twenty minutes from Charlotte, residents and local businesses enjoy a peaceful and relaxed rural setting while living in a close proximity to big city amenities, including excellent medical care and facilities, top rated schools, retail therapy opportunities and rich historical and cultural avenues.
Many families move to Waxhaw just so their children can attend one of its prestigious public or private schools. Public schools in the area, like Marvin Ridge was named a North Carolina Honor School of Excellence. The school has a college preparatory orientation, offering a variety of Honors and Advanced Placement classes as well the only International Baccalaureate Diploma program in the Union County schools. It earned a GreatSchools rating of (9 out of 10) and nearly half of family households have children younger than 18.
Public elementary schools:
- Kensington Elementary School
- Sandy Ridge Elementary School
- Waxhaw Elementary School
- Western Union Elementary School
- Newtown Elementary School
- Rea View Elementary School
- Wesley Chapel Elementary School
- Marvin Elementary School
Public middle schools:
- Marvin Ridge Middle School
- Parkwood Middle school
- Cuthbertson Middle School
Public high schools:
- Marvin Ridge High School
- South Providence High School
- Parkwood High School
- Cuthbertson High School
- Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA)
Private schools:
- Arborbrook Christian Academy
- Omni Montessori School
The most iconic attraction is the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks.It was once used for automobiles to cross over while trains ran through the town below it. In 1940 it was designated for pedestrians only and it is still used daily by adults and children standing on the bridge waiting for a train to pass underneath their feet. Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was born nearby in 1767. Waxhaw has evolved as an antique and fine dining center. Its Small Town Main Street committee is working on an integrated approach to developing and marketing the historic center of town. Waxhaw currently has dozens of specialty shops and dining restaurants. Restaurants located in town range from mom & pop restaurants to fine dining bistros. The Waxhaw Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes retail businesses as well as architecturally significant houses near the center of town. Also listed is the Pleasant Grove Camp Meeting Ground.