Is Living In Waxhaw And Weddington NC Worth It? | Exploring The Towns Of Waxhaw And Weddington
Quick Overview
South Charlotte’s Union County gems—Waxhaw and Weddington—offer very different lifestyles only minutes apart. Below you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of their history, housing trends, schools, parks, and the day-to-day experience so you can decide which one best fits your future move.
Historic Roots
- Waxhaw (1700s) – Named for the Waxhaw Native-American tribe; railroads & cotton turned it into a bustling brick-lined trading town that still thrives today.
- Weddington (late 1800s) – Founded when Reuben Weddington donated land for a school & church. The rural heritage continues through 1-acre zoning and quiet, estate-style neighborhoods.
Location & Commuting
Both towns sit along Providence Road (NC-16), roughly 40 minutes south of Uptown Charlotte, yet their conveniences differ:
| Weddington | Waxhaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Uptown CLT | ≈18 mi (35 min) | ≈24 mi (45 min) |
| Retail / Dining | Waverly, Arboretum, Wesley Chapel | Historic Downtown, Ballantyne, Stonecrest |
| Commercial Zoning | Very limited (one small center) | Active downtown, breweries, shops |
Real-Estate Snapshot (2023-24)
- Months of Inventory: Both hover at ≈1–2 months—strong seller’s market.
- Median Sale Price:
- Weddington – $1.29 M (+7.6 % YoY)
- Waxhaw – $715 K (+10 % YoY)
- Lot Size: Weddington enforces ≈1-acre minimum; Waxhaw allows higher-density single & multi-family builds.
- Days on Market: 14 days (Weddington) vs 6 days (Waxhaw) median.
School Rankings
GreatSchools ratings (10-point scale):
| Town | Elementary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weddington | Weddington ES / Antioch ES (10) | Weddington MS (9-10) | Weddington HS (10) |
| Waxhaw | Kensington ES (9) • Waxhaw ES (8) • Western Union ES (7) | Cuthbertson MS (9) | Cuthbertson HS (9) or Parkwood HS (7, upgrades pending) |
Parks & Outdoor Fun
- Dogwood Park – 22-acre lakefront park between Weddington & Wesley Chapel.
- Weddington Optimist Park – Youth soccer, football, and baseball hub.
- Waxhaw Downtown Park & David Barnes Park – Playgrounds, events, splash pad.
- Carolina Thread Trail – Scenic walking & biking path through historic Waxhaw.
Pros & Cons At A Glance
Weddington 👍
- Spacious 1-acre lots & pastoral scenery
- Top-tier “W” school trio
- Quick hop to I-485, Waverly & Arboretum
Waxhaw 👍
- Charming walkable downtown with breweries & festivals
- More housing variety & lower entry price
- Abundant parks + Thread Trail access
Weddington 👎
- Very limited in-town dining/shopping
- Higher real-estate price point
Waxhaw 👎
- Longer commute to Uptown Charlotte
- Higher density means busier roads
