Charlotte has a lot of charm! The Charlotte metropolitan area is the sixth-fastest growing metro area in the United States, with the population growing by more than 200,000 people between 2016 and 2021. Residents love Charlotte for its fun, family-friendly attractions, beautiful weather, and prosperous companies.
Another major reason why the population is booming is that there are dozens of cities and towns in and around the Charlotte metro area. Whether you’re looking to start living in Charlotte NC or just visit the city, you should cast your net wide and explore the whole metro Charlotte area. Here is your guide to the best cities near Charlotte NC!
Largest Cities Near Charlotte NC
The following cities have a population of at least 10,000 people and are located within 35 miles of Charlotte. Some but not all of the largest cities in North Carolina are included here. Many residents consider these cities to be the best cities near Charlotte, NC, and each one has its own charms worth considering.
Concord – 24.2 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 105,186
- County: Cabarrus
Concord is the second-largest city in the Charlotte metro area, behind Charlotte itself, and it’s one of the best suburbs in Charlotte. It is a major hub for tourist attractions in the Charlotte area; it is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills, and Great Wolf Lodge Concord.
Its economy is developing quickly; between 2019 and 2020, the median household income rose by 4.4% while the poverty rate dropped by 5.9%. The most popular industries in Concord NC include health care, retail trade, finance and insurance, and manufacturing, creating a very diverse and competitive economy.
Gastonia – 22.3 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 80,411
- County: Gaston
Many people consider moving to Gastonia NC for its manufacturing centers. Parkdale Mills, A.B. Carter, US Cotton, and other national and international manufacturing companies have offices or factories in the city. This makes Gastonia a great place for people looking for work. Downtown Gastonia Historic District contains more than 75 buildings, including historic sites, stores, and public services. You can also enjoy green spaces and outdoor attractions like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Kannapolis – 26.8 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 52,173
- County: Rowan and Cabarrus
Kannapolis NC is best known for its connections to sports. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are an affiliate team of the Chicago White Sox and play games at Atrium Health Ballpark in downtown Kannapolis. The Haas F1 racing team also has its headquarters in town.
But the city is developing quickly and making a name for itself in academic research. The North Carolina Research Campus in the city is a hub for agricultural and nutritional research. Employees of Dole Food Company and students at the University of North Carolina work on the campus, making Kannapolis a good place to live for professionals and students.
Monroe – 26.7 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 34,551
- County: Union
Monroe was once known for its tobacco industry. The city now has a diverse economy, with 17.4% of residents working in manufacturing and 14.3% working in construction. The poverty rate dropped by 19.5% between 2019 and 2020. The city has very few tourist attractions, making it a good choice for people looking for quiet cities around Charlotte. The city is also a hub for the Hispanic and Latino communities in North Carolina; 28.8% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Mount Holly – 12.1 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 17,703
- County: Gaston
Mount Holly is a family-friendly city near Charlotte. It is home to Mount Holly Middle School; 44% of students test at or above the proficiency level for math, six points higher than the state median. Other schools in Gaston County Public Schools are within driving distance of the city, making it easy for your children to go to school. If you or your older children are looking for an education, Belmont Abbey College and Gaston College are within 15 miles of town.
Belmont – 11.9 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 15,136
- County: Gaston
Many people start living in Belmont, NC to attend classes at Belmont Abbey College, a private Catholic college. US News and World Report ranks Belmont Abbey the best school in the South for undergraduate teaching.
Belmont also has terrific transportation. Interstate 85 and Route 74 pass through the city, and the Charlotte Area Transit System serves the community. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also seven miles away. This makes Belmont one of the best cities to live near Charlotte NC for international students, commuters, and business travelers.
Tega Cay, South Carolina – 20.4 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 12,336
- County: York
Tega Cay is a planned community built on a peninsula adjacent to Lake Wylie. You can enjoy waterfront beaches, walking trails, and green spaces with great views of the water. Tega Cay Golf Club is the leading attraction in the city, offering 27 holes of golf, an on-site restaurant and a golf shop, and a 23,000-square-foot community center you can rent for weddings and special events.
Kings Mountain – 32.1 Miles From Charlotte
- Population: 11,409
- County: Cleveland and Gaston
Kings Mountain got its name from the Battle of Kings Mountain, a crucial battle in the American Revolution. Unlike other small cities in Charlotte NC, Kings Mountain has a Greyhound bus station, making transportation to and from the city easy. You can also access Interstate 85 and US Highways 29 and 74 within a few minutes of town. Several state parks and large green areas are near the city, including Crowders Mountain State Park and John H. Moss Lake Recreation Park.
Other Cities Close to Charlotte
The following Charlotte surrounding cities and towns all have a population of at least 10,000 people. A few towns are bigger than the cities to visit near Charlotte NC listed above. There is no difference between a town in Charlotte and a city; residents decide whatever they want to call the place to live.
Though all of these communities have something to offer, Huntersville is the most popular. It has a population of more than 61,000, making it the third-largest town in Tennessee and bigger than most cities. It is close to Lake Norman, a man-made lake home to beaches, fishing, and bird hunting.
| Towns and Cities Near Charlotte | County | Population (2020-2021) | Distance From Charlotte in Miles |
| Huntersville, NC | Mecklenburg | 61,376 | 14.2 |
| Cornelius NC | Mecklenburg | 30,925 | 19.9 |
| Davidson, NC | Mecklenburg and Iredell | 14,644 | 21.1 |
| Mooresville, NC | Iredell | 50,933 | 26.8 |
| Waxhaw, NC | Union | 19,645 | 22.9 |
| Weddington, NC | Mecklenburg and Union | 12,851 | 15.8 |
| Indian Trail | Union | 39,997 | 16.2 |
| Mint Hill | Union and Mecklenburg | 26,236 | 12.2 |
| Stallings | Mecklenburg and Union | 15,932 | 14.7 |
| Matthews | Mecklenburg | 29,417 | 11.5 |
| Pineville | Mecklenburg | 10,317 | 14.1 |
| Fort Mill, SC | York | 24,521 | 18.7 |
| Lake Wylie, SC | York | 13,560 | 18.9 |
Map of Cities Near Charlotte and Surrounding Area
You can find the best cities near Charlotte NC, with this handy map!
Small Cities Near Charlotte NC
The following cities and towns near Charlotte are within a 35-mile radius of the town and have a population of at least 1,000 people. Though they’re small and contain fewer attractions than larger cities near Charlotte NC, towns around Charlotte have affordable homes, quaint stores, and convenient access to green spaces.
| Small Cities and Towns Near Charlotte, NC | County | Population (2020-2021) | Distance From Charlotte in Miles |
| India Hook, SC | York | 4,092 | 25.7 |
| Lake Park | Union | 3,317 | 18.0 |
| Hemby Bridge | Union | 1,615 | 16.8 |
| Unionville | Union | 6,634 | 24.8 |
| Fairview | Union | 3,463 | 21.9 |
| Wesley Chapel | Union | 8,681 | 20.7 |
| Mineral Springs | Union | 3,129 | 26.7 |
| Marvin, NC | Union | 6,326 | 20.1 |
| Landis | Rowan | 3,109 | 32.5 |
| China Grove | Rowan | 4,434 | 34.4 |
| Mount Pleasant | Cabarrus | 1,981 | 34.0 |
| Midland | Mecklenburg and Cabarrus | 4,519 | 22.5 |
| Stanfield | Stanly | 1,453 | 26.9 |
| Locust | Cabarrus and Stanly | 4,275 | 25.9 |
| Marshville | Union | 2,533 | 34.7 |
| Wingate | Union | 3,830 | 30.7 |
| Westport | Lincoln | 4,250 | 25.9 |
| Denver | Lincoln | 2,827 | 26.1 |
| Cramerton | Gaston | 5,312 | 17.3 |
| Bessemer City | Gaston | 5,437 | 29.3 |
| Dallas | Gaston | 5,936 | 24.1 |
| Ranlo | Gaston | 4,511 | 20.9 |
| Lowell | Gaston | 3,650 | 17.5 |
| Stanley | Gaston | 3,911 | 18.6 |
| Lowesville | Lincoln | 3,180 | 17.5 |
Major Cities Near Charlotte
Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina and the second-most populous city in the Southeast. Most major cities in the Southeast are within driving distance of Charlotte, making Charlotte a great place to live for people who like to travel throughout the country. Here are some of the major cities you can visit on day trips from Charlotte!
| Major Cities Near Charlotte | Population (2020-2021) | Distance From Charlotte in Miles |
| Greensboro, NC | 299,035 | 92.3 |
| Columbia, SC | 136,632 | 92.8 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 208,501 | 130 |
| Durham, NC | 283,506 | 145 |
| Raleigh, NC | 467,665 | 152 |
| Augusta, GA | 202,081 | 163 |
| Athens, GA | 127,315 | 193 |
| Wilmington, NC | 115,451 | 201 |
| Charleston, SC | 150,277 | 209 |
| Knoxville, TN | 190,740 | 231 |
| Atlanta, GA | 498,715 | 245 |
| Savannah, GA | 147,780 | 252 |
| Richmond, VA | 226,610 | 293 |
Charlotte Area Cities FAQs
What cities are near Charlotte NC?
Charlotte NC is located near Concord, Gastonia, and Kannapolis, as well as Greensboro and Columbia.
What major cities are near Charlotte NC?
Charlotte NC is within 200 miles of Concord NC, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Augusta. You can also make day trips to Atlanta and Richmond.
What are the safest cities near Charlotte NC?
Concord NC has very low crime rates, with an overall crime rate that is 42.7% lower than the state average.
The Charlotte metro area is brimming with beautiful outdoor attractions, great job opportunities, and accessible streets! Whether you’re an out-of-town visitor looking for a great vacation or someone looking to move to Charlotte permanently, you’ll find something to love in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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