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Did you know that Charlotte, NC, was voted the “#30 best place to live in the U.S.?” It’s true! And when you factor in the affordable cost of living (lower than the national average, in fact), great schools, art, and culture, it’s evident why this city ranks so highly.
So, if you’re thinking about moving to Charlotte for any of the reasons mentioned above, first: congrats! Second, we know you’re probably curious about where in the city to set up shop, which is why we compiled a handy guide of the best suburbs in Charlotte, North Carolina–just for you.
Let’s get right into it!
The best suburbs in Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the top destinations to move to, whether you have a family or are moving on your own. The city offers great education, wonderful weather, and a high quality of life, which make it clear why it’s a top location to live in here in the U.S.
It’s also renowned for its entertainment. Maybe you didn’t know, but it’s the city of the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame!
If you end up relocating to the Queen City, as Charlotte is so rightfully nicknamed, you’re sure to find many suburbs that feel like home. We hope that this blog helps you narrow down your options to just one or two that you could see yourself living in, which can make your move a little easier.
Below, we’ll cover some of the very best suburbs in Charlotte, NC.
Best suburbs of Charlotte for families
From the fun activities to incredible school systems and educated, caring teachers, you might think Charlotte has it all. And if you ask us, it does! (The awards truly speak for themselves.)
What are the best Charlotte suburbs for families? Ultimately, this depends on the housing costs, housing availability, schools, and general lifestyle you’re looking for.
If you want a quiet suburb where you can feel safe knowing your kids are playing with their friends, we’ll give you options for that. We’ll also go over more vibrant suburbs that offer plenty of things to do in case you’re looking for an adventure.
Here are some top suburbs to consider for your Charlotte move:
Marvin
Searching for a Charlotte suburb that gets an A in nearly every category, from public schools to family-friendliness? Look no further than Marvin! According to the city’s website, it’s “one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina” and is conveniently near many places of employment in Ballantyne, Center City Charlotte, and even South Charlotte.
That means that if you’re moving to Charlotte with kids, and you want a good job while you’re at it (someone has to pay for the Pizza Fridays, after all!), Marvin could be right for you. And as we hinted at above, it rates highly in terms of education.
Some of the schools in the area include Marvin Elementary School, New Town Elementary School, Marvin Ridge Middle School, Cuthbertson Middle School, Marvin Ridge High School, and Weddington High School.
After school, your kids can look forward to the JAARS Museum of the Alphabet, a picnic at Cane Creek Park, or Waxhaw Escape if they’re old enough. Then, don’t forget to check out the suburb’s many restaurants (Big View Diner, Rosati’s Pizza, Stacks Kitchen, Bistro D’Antonio, and much more!).
Davidson
Go east of Lake Norman, and that’s where you’ll find Davidson, a place that consistently pops up on lists of the best Charlotte suburbs for families. Niche even goes as far as to say it’s the “#1 best suburb to live in [the] Charlotte Area.”
What do residents love about it? That would be the rural atmosphere, friendly people, lakes, close proximity to the airport, and employment opportunities. (Davidson has many great places to work, including Civitas Media, Everblue Energy, and Davidson College.) Also, we can’t forget the activities for families, which include the Lazy 5 Ranch, Lake Hickory Tree Top Adventures, Aloha Safari Zoo, and miniature golf.
For schools, you have Davis-Towsend Elementary School, Northwest Elementary School, North Davidson Middle School, Central Davidson Middle School, Davidson Day School, and Community School of Davidson.
As for restaurants, there is just about every kind of food you can imagine. A few of our top picks include the Famous Toastery, Davidson Pizza Company, The Soda Shop, The Egg at Davidson, and Kindred. Basically, if you’re going to live in Charlotte, you have to check out the foodie scene. It’s an easy way to meet other parents, enjoy a bite to eat yourself, and help your kiddos feel more comfortable in their new home.
Ballantyne East
Did you know that Ballantyne East is rated 73% for livability (i.e., “excellent) and has a nearly 60% lower crime rate than Charlotte as a whole? If you can’t tell, those are two of the many reasons why this suburb is so desirable for families and even rated a top place to raise kids.
Local schools include Ballantyne Elementary School, Endhaven Elementary School, Community House Middle School, Jay M. Robinson Middle School, Ardrey Kell High School, and East Mecklenburg High School.
Once your kiddos are out of school for the day, you can take them to IDEA Lab Kids, Big Rock Nature Preserve, Sports Connection, My Gym, Ballantyne Country Club Family Activities Center, or Timed Out Escape. Just be sure to pack a few water bottles and some good shoes because those activities can quickly wear you out (maybe even more than watching the same thing over and over again–think: Frozen).
And, maybe–just maybe–your little ones are a bit hungry after a day of math and reading. If so, stop at Genghis Grill, Gallery Restaurant, Zinicola, Mahana Fresh, Cabo Fish Taco, or Sabor Latin Street Grill. There are plenty of tasty dishes that your kids are sure to love (and mom and dad, too)!
Best Charlotte suburbs for young professionals and singles
Just as Charlotte is a great city for raising a family, it’s pretty great for young professionals and singles, too. That means that if you have questions, namely:
- Is Charlotte a good place to live for a young professional?
- What are the best Charlotte suburbs for young adults?
- Where should I live in Charlotte in my 20s?
- What amenities and activities are available in the different suburbs?
- Where are the good places to eat?
…You’re in luck! Below, we’ll cover the basics so that you can start planning out your move to Charlotte. Remember: there are many, many suburbs in Charlotte. So, if one suburb doesn’t check all your boxes, keep looking! Before you know it, you’ll find a suburb you’ll love.
Matthews
Matthews is a historic, fun suburb that offers something for all ages. You’ll find it in the middle of Charlotte and Union County, and if you drive through, rest assured that you won’t miss it. After all, Matthew is known for its festivals, many amenities, and bustling nightlife.
Not only is this suburb an overall safe place to call home, but it’s also well-suited for young professionals and singles. Some of the things to do in the area include playing disc golf at Squirrel Lake Park, walking around Four Mile Creek Greenway, catching a movie at Cinemark Movies 10, or shooting at Point Blank Range.
You can also grab some grub at one of the city’s many restaurants, such as Bonefish Grill, Thai Taste Matthews, Americana Restaurant, Metro Diner, or CharBar7.
Of course, finding a job there is also a helpful way to get your move started. So, if you don’t have something in place yet, consider applying at PCA International, Apollo Valves, or Harris Teeter. You can also commute to Downtown Charlotte, which is only about 12 miles. That short commute makes living in Matthews even more enjoyable since you can escape at any time for a night in the city.
Pineville
Pineville is the leading Charlotte suburb for young professionals. Why? One resident says, “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.”
What kind of activities and amenities are available, you might ask? Some of the options include checking out the James K. Polk State Historic Site, playing an escape game at Breakout Games – Charlotte, skating at the Pineville Ice House, shopping at Carolina Place, or taking a workshop at AR Workshop Pineville.
You can also enjoy a hot meal or a cold drink at the Pineville Tavern, Sammy’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, Pintville Craft Beer, TAVERN 51, or Zee’s Tavern. (There are various bars and restaurants that offer delicious cocktails and good eating!)
And if you need a job for your big move to Pineville, and you don’t want to work directly in the city, you have many options at your disposal. That includes Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, Controls Southeast, Sdn Global, and Keller Crescent Co. There are also many other wonderful businesses located in Pineville.
Need a hand moving to Charlotte?
Bellhop has your back! Our local Charlotte movers and long-distance movers in Charlotte can help you plan out your move from day one, as well as take care of everything from the loading to the delivery. We can even help if you need a last-minute Charlotte mover.
Book a move online now, and start moving to one of the best suburbs in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Other Charlotte Guides
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Gastonia - October 16, 2023
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Concord - September 28, 2023
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Rock Hill - September 28, 2023
