Just down Providence Road over the Union County border is a once-sleepy town that’s experienced exponential growth in the past few years. Waxhaw, NC has seen its population spike 93% since 2010.
And for good reason — this charming small town has plenty to offer. In the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the town added a dozen new businesses, more than 120 new jobs and invested $4 million into its downtown areas. We spoke to the experts at Helen Adams Realty to find out what it’s like to live in Waxhaw.
“Waxhaw has a small-town, casual, laid-back vibe,” says Helen Adams Realty Agent Marcia Folnsbee. “One of the best things about living in Waxhaw is how rural it feels with some farmland remaining, but still so close to life’s conveniences.”
The housing in Waxhaw is a mix of new construction and homes built in the past 10 to 20 years, with historic homes in some parts of town.
“There is a hip trendy vibe that makes you feel both small town and metropolitan at the same time,” says Helen Adams Realty Agent Teri Bird.
For looking at houses, Marcia recommends the Village of Marvin, a small part of Waxhaw just over the Union County line from Ballantyne, where there are many luxury home communities and several award-winning golf courses. Teri says Aero Plantation has always been a favorite of hers — it even has its own airstrip for small planes.
Marcia says to get the true feel of Waxhaw, head downtown and walk down Main Street, where it’s lined with train tracks and historic buildings filled with flourishing shops and restaurants.
“It’s one of the oldest towns in Union County,” Teri says. “The bridge that many love to stand on and watch the train pass used to be used by cars many years ago.”
Hungry?
“Stacks Kitchen gets my vote for breakfast with a casual, diner-type feel,” Marcia says. “And Emmet’s is always a crowd-pleaser for something a little more upscale and unique, but still comfortably casual, set in a 19th Century former cotton mill.”
Teri said Mary O’Neil’s Irish Pub, Dreamchaser’s Brewery and 701 Main are some of her favorites.
When you visit Waxhaw, bring the kids — Marcia says lots of families visit David. G. Barnes Children’s Park when they visit downtown.
“It even has a skate park where the big kids like to hang out, and a skate shop nearby,” she says.
If you like to walk, visit the extensive walking trail with a swinging bridge in the Millbridge community.
“Stop under the water tower downtown to see if you can find the Little Free Library to grab a book to enjoy across the street at Crossroads Coffee House,” Marcia suggests.
On Saturdays, visit the Farmers’ Market and stand on the historic Waxhaw footbridge while a train passes underneath for a thrill.
For a treat only locals know about, visit Fox’s Pizza Den for a scoop of homemade ice cream, Teri suggests.
Ready to buy? Marcia says as of September, the average price per square foot for a home in Waxhaw was $193.
Thank you to our contributors
Marcia Folnsbee
482 Mercantile Place Suite 101
Fort Mill, SC 29715
704.575.8576 (Mobile)
803.650.3028 (Office)
Teri Bird
482 Mercantile Place Suite 101
Fort Mill, SC 29715
704.533.2236 (Mobile)
803.650.3028 (Office)
Helen Adams, a sixth-generation Charlottean, founded her residential real estate company in Charlotte in 1975. Her achievements as an entrepreneur and community leader laid the foundation for a thriving, multi-office real estate business, and today she has become a role model for women throughout the Charlotte region. Second- and third-generation family members, led by Jeff Adams, continue to successfully operate four offices serving Charlotte’s finest neighborhoods with a stalwart commitment to perfecting their craft.
