The ‘burbs are back.
While Charlotte is growing quickly, the big city can’t match the rapid growth of the suburban towns all around its periphery.
These suburbs added more than 10,000 people over just the past year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released in late May. The new data captures each town’s growth between July 2017 and July 2018.
The 20 towns and unincorporated areas listed below all had growth rates higher than the 1.5 percent posted by the city of Charlotte. The Queen City grew by 13,151 in that year period, according to the estimates, bringing the city’s population to 872,498. Our city is now the 16th largest in the United States.
While the percentage doesn’t seem like much, it’s a lot of people in absolute terms. That was the fifth-highest numeric growth in the entire country.
(23) Mint Hill
Population: 27,169
1-year growth: 1.5%
Growth since 2010: 19.6%
Cranes: Mint Hill is booming with development, but you can still get a taste of horse country.
(22) Matthews
Population: 32,635
1-year growth: 1.5%
Growth since 2010: 20%
Don’t miss: Downtown Matthews is now a weekend mecca, boasting the Carolina Beer Temple, Temple Mojo, Seaboard, Jekyll and Hyde and Stumptown Station.
Agenda guide: 8 best reasons to visit downtown Matthews
Brakeman’s, an awesome coffee shop in downtown Matthews
(21) Pineville
Population: 8,897
1-year growth: 1.6%
Growth since 2010: 19%
Up and comer: Don’t expect Pineville to stay this far down the list. The McCullough development is adding hundreds of new homes and CATS recently unveiled possible light rail routes to Pineville.
(20) Mooresville
Population: 38,431
1-year growth: 1.6%
Growth since 2010: 17.5%
Living here: Walk around town and you’re certain to run into a few NASCAR drivers, who love to make Mooresville home and King Canary, the area’s only lakefront brewery, is located here.
(19) Huntersville
Population: 57,098
1-year growth: 1.6%
Growth since 2010: 22.1%
Why it’s hot: Huntersville’s Birkdale Village is a model for modern development across the country.
Now Open: Frankie’s Fun Park, where Disney World-like attractions meet Las Vegas vibe
Frankie’s, located in Huntersville
(18) Cornelius
Population: 29,748
1-year growth: 1.6%
Growth since 2010: 19.6%
Don’t miss: Mecklenburg County’s only beach is right here at Ramsey Creek Park and Joe and Katy Kindred’s lakeside restaurant Hello, Sailor is a popular draw.
(17) Rock Hill
Population: 74,309
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 12.3%
Thriving downtown: Rock Hill’s Main Street drag has seen major growth in recent years and is home to Legal Remedy Brewing, craft beer bars and bottle shops, popular restaurants like Flipside Cafe and even an Amelie’s location.
(16) Stallings
Population: 15,892
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 14.9%
Big plans: Town leaders are laying the groundwork for a new live, work, play downtown area.
(15) Weddington
Population: 10,949
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 15.8%
Taste of home: Move here from the city? Weddington has a Poppyseeds Bagels.
Bacon, egg and cheese from Poppyseeds Bagels
(14) Unionville
Population: 7,041
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 18.8%
Getting around: The new Monroe Expressway whisks folks from Unionville to Charlotte in no time.
(13) Indian Trail
Population: 39,619
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 18.2%
Coming soon: The Silver Line light rail will one day make commuting to and from Indian Trail a breeze.
(12) Wesley Chapel
Population: 8,984
1-year growth: 1.8%
Growth since 2010: 20.4%
Expansion: Charlotte hotspot Greco Fresh Grill has put a new location here.
Gyro from Greco Fresh Grill
(11) Marvin
Population: 6,592
1-year growth: 1.9%
Growth since 2010: 18.2%
House hunting: This affluent enclave near Ballantyne is full of new homes for sale.
(10) Kannapolis
Population: 49,761
1-year growth: 2%
Growth since 2010: 16.7%
Head downtown: The quaint downtown is home to the Gem Theater, a beloved old-school movie house.
(9) Mount Pleasant
Population: 1,952
1-year growth: 2.1%
Growth since 2010: 18.2%
Farm to table: Marvin’s Fresh Farmhouse is known for supporting local farmers near this Cabarrus County spot.
(8) Concord
Population: 94,130
1-year growth: 2.2%
Growth since 2010: 19.1%
You’ll never leave: Between Concord Mills, the aquarium and Charlotte Motor Speedway, there’s no reason to head into the city.
(7) Midland
Population: 3,692
1-year growth: 2.2%
Growth since 2010: 20.1%
Make the trip: Rocky River Vineyards is an Instagram-ready day trip.
(6) Harrisburg
Population: 16,075
1-year growth: 2.3%
Growth since 2010: 39.5%
Summer fun: Harrisburg’s Fourth of July fireworks are a regional draw.
(5) Belmont
Population: 12,495
1-year growth: 2.9%
Growth since 2010: 24%
Choo-choo: CATS is planning to bring light rail across the Catawba River into Belmont in the next decade.
Agenda Guide: 20 things to see, do and eat in Belmont, 15 miles west of Charlotte
The Jailhouse, a craft cocktail lounge and cigar bar in the old town jail in downtown Belmont
(4) Mount Holly
Population: 16,135
1-year growth: 3.4%
Growth since 2010: 18.2%
Throw it back: Check out the Brightstar Drive-In, featuring old-school burgers and cherry Sun Drop.
(3) Tega Cay
Population: 10,863
1-year growth: 5.2%
Growth since 2010: 42.6%
What to do: Golfing and boating are the kings in this lakeside town.
(2) Waxhaw
Population: 16,181
1-year growth: 6.4%
Growth since 2010: 64.1%
Don’t miss: Waxhaw’s eminently walkable downtown, complete with a craft brewery and luxury apartments in a renovated mill.
(1) Fort Mill
Population: 19,848
1-year growth: 13.2%
Growth since 2010: 83.6%
Locals know: The area around Baxter Village is the epicenter of suburban Charlotte growth.
The Lucky Duck, now open in Fort Mill’s Baxter Village