Cheapest Places to Live near Charlotte, NC

Written by Move and Care Team

Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: January 07, 2024

Moving to Charlotte, NC? Charlotte, known as the “City of Queens”, is currently one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, which is extremely hospitable to newcomers! However, the growing popularity of the city means that the issue of affordability is becoming more and more of a concern to potential residents.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest places to live near Charlotte that also offer a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you're just looking for a convenient place to commute to work and entertainment, a vibrant community, or excellent schools for your children, we'll provide you with all the information that will be a starting point for you to choose a place to stay!

Methodology: How We Selected the Best Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Our Selection Criteria

Top Neighborhoods and Suburbs by Category

Affordable Suburbs Within a 30-Minute Commute

These affordable suburbs near Charlotte, which is located near the city. Here you will find a balance between affordability, safety and a calm and urban life.

• Lowell

  • Median Home Price: $299,000
  • Median Rent: $1,425/month
  • Population: ~3,794
  • Safety: Lowell has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 37%
  • Commute Time: ~30 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Residents have access to nearby parks. Parks include Bob Bolick Park, Harold Rankin Park. There is also local dining and family-friendly activities available.
  • Why Live Here: Lowell is a top pick for those seeking affordability. It has a quiet and small-town feel. This makes it appealing to families and professionals wanting to live near the city.

• Bessemer City

  • Median Home Price: $225,000
  • Median Rent: $1,450/month
  • Population: ~5,625
  • Safety: 17.5% lower than the national average.
  • Commute Time: ~53 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Bessemer City Park is a local attraction. The charming downtown is also another favorite place. Bessemer City boasts nearby industries such as FMC Lithium.
  • Why Live Here: The city provides affordable homes. Welcoming small-town atmosphere is dominant. This entices buyers. Renters are also drawn to the area. They seek value and a community living.

• Rock Hill, SC

  • Median Home Price: $324,414
  • Median Rent: $1,509/month
  • Population: ~75,654
  • Safety: The crime rate in Rock Hill is 35.9% higher than the national average.
  • Commute Time: ~60 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Main Street Children’s Museum, Cherry Park and local arts scene contribute to the appeal of this area.
  • Why Live Here: Commute to Charlotte is remarkably short. Rock Hill offers lower home prices. It also has South Carolina’s favorable tax rates. This combination makes the place a top choice.

• Concord

  • Median Home Price: $374,589
  • Median Rent: $1,929/month
  • Population: ~110,119
  • Safety: Concord crime rate is 53.1% lower than the national average.
  • Commute Time: ~38 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Charlotte Motor Speedway is a big attraction. There are others like SEA LIFE Aquarium and numerous parks for families.
  • Why Live Here: Concord offers the perfect mix of affordability, entertainment. It's also ideal for suburban living for larger families and professionals. It's a great place to live.

Safest Neighborhoods for Families

These safe neighborhoods are near Charlotte. They offer schools with high ratings and family-friendly amenities. Safe environments can be found here.

• Providence Crossing

  • Median Home Price: $763,786
  • Median Rent: $1,880/month
  • Population: ~10,813
  • Safety: Providence Crossing crime rates are 33% lower than the national average.
  • Commute Time: ~50 minutes to Uptown Charlotte.
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Lifestyle amenities include excellent schools. Schools like Jay M. Robinson Middle School and Rea Farms STEAM Academy. Family-focused events and parks are also factors.
  • Why Live Here: This is an ideal place for families. Those seeking a quiet and secure environment will fit right in. The neighborhood offers access to top-notch schools and suburban charm.

• Ballantyne West

  • Median Home Price: $435,273
  • Median Rent: $2,096/month
  • Population: ~14,268
  • Safety: Ballantyne West crime rates are 17% higher than the national average.
  • Commute Time: ~45 minutes to Uptown Charlotte.
  • Lifestyle Amenities: Features include Ballantyne Corporate Park. Local community events are also present. Access to parks such as Elon Park are accessible.
  • Why Live Here: This neighborhood is family-oriented and offers safety. Excellent schools are a great attraction, and there are plenty of amenities here. Ballantyne West are within a short commute to the city.

Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

These areas near Charlotte offer proximity to nightclubs. They are focused on a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle and offer the opportunity to quickly get to the city and achieve career growth.

• Chantilly

  • Median Home Price: $699,000
  • Median Rent: $2,508/month
  • Population: ~23,107
  • Safety: Chantilly is in the 92nd percentile for safety, meaning 8% of cities are safer.
  • Commute Time: ~12 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: It is close to nightlife hubs in Plaza Midwood. It is near Elizabeth and parks like Chantilly Park. Also is easily accessible to public transit.
  • Why Live Here: It is perfect for young professionals, who like noisy entertainment.

• Mount Holly

  • Median Home Price: $348,595
  • Median Rent: $1,475/month
  • Population: ~18,373
  • Safety: Mount Holly is in the 80th percentile for safety, meaning 20% of cities are safer and 80% of cities are more dangerous. 
  • Commute Time: ~30 minutes to Charlotte
  • Lifestyle Amenities: The Catawba Riverfront Greenway provides outdoor recreation. It has a historic downtown with vibrant community events.
  • Why Live Here: This area is an excellent choice. Those desiring a mix of outdoor activities are well suited here. It is also an ideal option for those with a manageable commute to Charlotte.

Comparative Table

Relocation Guide

Finding a new place to live is not easy. It's more than that. It's about choosing a location. A place that meets practical needs and lifestyle. When you start to evaluate your proximity to work, it becomes real. The time it takes to get to work is of great importance. For example, Ballantine West and Mount Holly are excellent choices. From these places, you can quickly get to Charlotte. This makes them especially convenient for those who work.

Access to quality schools is a top priority for families. The highest quality schools can be found in Providence Crossing. Their high marks attract many. If it's important for you to have a vibrant nightlife nearby, Chantilly might be a great option. Especially considering its proximity to places like Midwood Plaza.

Beyond these essentials, your lifestyle preferences are significant. Do you prize tranquil suburban living rife with parks, events friendly to families? Or are you swayed by the vigour of city conveniences? Think about dining shopping. Areas like Rock Hill furnish a bargain on affordability safety, as well as a lively local culture. This makes them attractive for those with diverse needs.

By the way lifestyle preferences are also important. Do you love suburban life? The one teeming with parks? How about events friendly to families? Or do you feel captivated by the energy of city amenities? Think. About dining. About shopping. Take for instance Rock Hill. Rock Hill present good deals. Low costs. Safe surroundings. Plus a spirited local culture. All this makes this suburb attractive. Especially for those with different needs.

Hidden Costs of Living

Initial costs of housing are crucial. These can include the median home price or rent. But don't forget to consider the hidden costs. Property taxes fluctuate widely from one region to another. For example South Carolina has a favorable tax structure. This makes Rock Hill a cost-effective choice. It is cheaper than Charlotte's North Carolina suburbs.

Unexpected HOA fees can make a dent in your budget. This is especially true in areas with community amenities. Think of neighborhoods with pools or parks that are maintained. Ballantyne West and Providence Crossing are two examples.

Then we must factor in commuting expenses. Living in outskirts more distant from Charlotte is one instance. Think about a city like Concord. This could translate to higher fuel bills. And, it will definitely lead to longer travel times. You must weigh your options. Do savings on housing make the rising commute costs worth it?

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