This Charlotte Suburb In South Carolina Ranks #1 Nationwide For Livability
When you’re looking to purchase a home, looking outside the city limits and in the suburbs is the best option for many people. You can typically get more home for…

When you're looking to purchase a home, looking outside the city limits and in the suburbs is the best option for many people. You can typically get more home for your money, more outdoor living space, in many cases better schools, and a slightly more family friendly way of life. This is certainly true in the Charlotte market. And new research from Today's Homeowner that was shared with us, determined the top suburbs across the country. They looked a 580 suburbs surrounding the 78 largest cities in the country. And they determined that the top Charlotte suburb? It's actually right across the border in South Carolina.
The rankings are based on housing affordability, inventory, job market and livability (climate risk, entertainment and dining, etc.) metrics. And the it was the Charlotte suburb of Fort Mill, SC that actually ranked as the second best suburb nationwide. Not only that but when it came to livability this city ranked in the top spot. Fort Mill was boosted not only for it's livability score but it's inventory aka the number of homes available. Taxes across the border are typically cheaper as well as gas. The downside to living in Fort Mill? The commute into uptown Charlotte during the workweek. Fort Mill wasn't the only Charlotte suburb that was recognized positively in this study. Overall Charlotte ranked as having the second best suburbs. Only Nashville, a city who has seen similar growth in a similar time period as Charlotte.
Keep reading to see where each Charlotte suburb ranked in this study. Interested in the full research or methodology? You can find that via Today's Homeowner here. If you're looking to buy a home anywhere in the Charlotte region, suburb or not, good luck. It's tough out there!
10. Cornelius, NC
Tenth on this list is the Lake Norman town of Cornelius, NC. Residents and visitor loves the 54 miles of shoreline. But that lakefront property does come with a price tag.
9. Rock Hill, SC
A short drive south to South Carolina and you'll find Rock Hill, SC. The city is growing like never before with wonderful amenities like shops, dining, activities, and more plus all the benefits of living in South Carolina.
8. Gastonia, NC
Don't let your preconceived and outdated opinions of Gastonia sway you from calling this Gaston County city home. There are more things than ever to do in the county's largest city including breweries, restaurants, shopping, and more. Plus you're close to Charlotte and other fun towns in the county like Belmont and McAdenville.
7. Huntersville, NC
The southernmost city on Lake Norman is the 7th best suburb of Charlotte. Hunsterville is a short drive up 77 but has tons to offer especially at Birkdale Village. And they recently dodged a lagoon project that residents adamantly opposed.
6. Kannapolis, NC
Kannapolis sits in both Rowan and Cabarrus County. The city boasts a minor league baseball team, Village Park, and quaint downtown, as well as the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
5. Matthews, NC
Located just outside of Charlotte still in Mecklenburg County is Matthews, NC. The town borders Charlotte with easy access to the city. The downtown is growing and features breweries, restaurants, parks, and more.
4. Mooresville, NC
Mooresville, NC is also known as Race City USA. The last of our Lake Norman towns, Mooresville is home to many NASCAR drivers. There are also numerous festivals, a craft beer trail, delicious restaurants, and did we mention the lake?
3. Concord, NC
Concord Mills Mall and Charlotte Motor Speedway are just some of what Concord has to offer. This city has all the breweries, restaurants, shopping, and more you could want, still with a small-town feel.
2. Indian Trail, NC
Located off 74 Indian Trail in Union County has easy access to so many other places in the area. Not only is it ranked the 2nd best suburb in the Charlotte area, it is ranked 14th nationwide. Not bad Indian Trail not bad!
1. Fort Mill, SC
And of course you already know Fort Mill took the top spot on this list! If you haven't paid a visit recently what are you waiting for?