The rapidly-growing town of Waxhaw, NC is located about 23 miles southeast of downtown Charlotte. Waxhaw is in Union County and bordered by Mineral Springs, Marvin, Wesley Chapel, Monroe, Fort Mill, Indian Trail, Matthews, Stallings, and Weddington.
Waxhaw’s name comes from the Native American group that was first met by Spanish conquistador Juan Pardo in the 16th century. The majority of people who later settled in the area were of German or Scots-Irish descent and chose to become independent farmers. Many historians also believe that seventh US President Andrew Jackson was born near Waxhaw, NC in 1767.
The town of Waxhaw is known for its history as a destination for antique collectors. Sarah Lynn Byrum opened the area’s first antique shop back in the 1960s and began a trend for many other companies and merchants who ended up doing the same.
Some of the most notable people who have lived in Waxhaw are NFL quarterback Josh McCown, Pixar’s Frozen songwriter Kristen Anderson-Lopez, American soccer coach Mark Steffens, and others.
Table of Contents
1. People Living in Waxhaw, NC – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Waxhaw? After only 2,600 residents lived in the area in 2000, massive growth has occurred during the past two decades with more than 16,000 new people moving to Waxhaw. The current Waxhaw population is 19,099 residents with a median age of 37 years.
Waxhaw’s demographics are made up of 77% Caucasian, 10% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 4% Asian. The gender ratio in Waxhaw is split between 52% female and 48% male. An affluent town, the median household income in Waxhaw is $111,642.
Located near the southwest border of Union County in North Carolina, the area of Waxhaw takes up about 12.05 square miles. People moving to the town will have either
28112 or 28173 zip codes. The phone number area code in Waxhaw is 704.
Is Waxhaw a safe place to live? Ranked as the 12th safest city in North Carolina, the crime rate in Waxhaw is 58% lower than the national average along with a violent crime rate that is 62% lower. People residing in Waxhaw typically have a 1 in 96 chance of becoming a victim of a crime while living there. Waxhaw is widely considered a safe place to live near Charlotte.
2. Cost of Living in Waxhaw, NC
How much does it cost to live in Waxhaw, NC? The average cost of living in Waxhaw is 14% higher than the national average and 24% higher than the North Carolina state average. Lower expenses in Waxhaw include healthcare and utilities, while other budget items like groceries, transportation, and the Waxhaw real estate market are more expensive.
The homeownership rate in Waxhaw is 86.5% with a large portion of residents buying as opposed to leasing. The market for Waxhaw, NC homes for sale is very competitive as properties tend to go fast for close to their listing price. The average price of a home in Waxhaw is $523,000. Waxhaw has a property tax rate of 0.820%, equaling $4,289 per year for a home at that price.
Less than 14% of people living in Waxhaw rent or lease. The average price of rent in Waxhaw is between $1,130 per month and $2,588 per month depending on the size and location of the rental property.
3. Waxhaw Neighborhoods
Local residents have easy access to convenient shopping in Waxhaw such as Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, the Old Hickory Shopping Center, ALDI, Family Dollar, and the Cureton Town Center.
Where should you live in Waxhaw? As you search around town, some of the best Waxhaw neighborhoods are:
- Main Street Station
- Millbridge
- Oldenburg
4. Waxhaw, NC Weather
There is a humid subtropical climate in Waxhaw, which makes it hot and muggy during summer and cold and wet throughout the winter. On average, Waxhaw weather gets about 45 inches of rain per year and about 2 inches of snow.
The average temperature in Waxhaw during the colder months is between the low 30s and the mid-50s. Summer weather in Waxhaw warms up to humid days between the upper 60s and low 90s.
5. Things to Do in Waxhaw
From museums and unique points of interest to popular parks and landmarks, you won’t have to go far to find exciting things to do in Waxhaw.
Museum of the Waxhaws
This Native American-themed attraction in Waxhaw focuses on the indigenous people who lived in the area prior to Europeans settling. The Museum of the Waxhaws offers an interesting look into what their lifestyle was like and offers a glimpse of artifacts, an heirloom vegetable garden, as well as a smokehouse.
Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, NC 28173 (704) 843-1832
Waxhaw Escape
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The trending popularity of escape rooms has reached the area as Waxhaw Escape has become one of the top places to visit in Waxhaw. Visitors to this fun Waxhaw activity can experience various themes and go through the puzzles with a group of friends or family members.
Waxhaw Escape, 3901 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173 (704) 256-1378
Additional Waxhaw Attractions
- David G. Barnes Children’s Park, 209 W South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
- Waxhaw Antique Mart, 101 W South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
6. Waxhaw Restaurants
You’ll never go hungry with all of the fantastic places to eat in Waxhaw.
Maxwell’s Tavern
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The ultimate spot for American comfort food is the popular Waxhaw restaurant known as Maxwell’s Tavern. This boisterous diner offers diners with a brick wall setting and mounted TVs as they choose between burgers, salads, steaks, sandwiches, pulled pork, salmon, and other great menu items.
Maxwell’s Tavern, 112 E South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173 (704) 843-2773
Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub
One of Waxhaw’s top places to eat is Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub, where you can enjoy great food and a fantastic selection of cold drinks. Their hearty menu features scrumptious plates including fish n chips, wings, salads, bangers n mash, sandwiches, corned beef and cabbage, and more.
Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub, 116 W North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173 (704) 256-7800
7. Jobs in Waxhaw
Local Waxhaw jobs range from positions with nationwide companies to small local businesses. A handful of the top places to work in Waxhaw include:
- Bank of America
- Atrium Health
- Red Ventures
- Wells Fargo
- Hendrick Automotive Group
- Microsoft
A large number of newcomers relocating to Waxhaw decide to use it as a bedroom community as they commute from Waxhaw to Charlotte. The drive covers about 23 miles and takes nearly 50 minutes each direction.
Listing sites like Indeed are great for finding out about nearby jobs in Waxhaw.
The average salary in Waxhaw is $79,000 per year. Waxhaw has a 5.5% state income tax rate as part of North Carolina. The current Waxhaw unemployment rate is 3.7%.
8. Waxhaw Schools
There are around 6,875 kids between the ages of 0 and 18 years old, which make up an impressive 36% of the population. Many parents love living in this city and feel that Waxhaw is an excellent place for families to live.
Waxhaw schools are members of the broad Union County Public School District with top-rated campuses such as:
- Sandy Ridge Elementary
- Rea View Elementary
- Cuthbertson Middle
- Marvin Ridge Middle
- Cuthbertson High
- Marvin Ridge High (ranked among the top 15 schools in North Carolina)
The closest colleges and universities to Waxhaw are Winthrop University, Wingate University, and Queens University of Charlotte.
Living in Waxhaw Pros & Cons
- Pro: The town of Waxhaw is ranked among the safest in North Carolina.
- Pro: Join a growing community of great people and lots of things to do.
- Con: Waxhaw’s cost of living is higher than the NC average.
Moving to Waxhaw, NC
The number of benefits that come with relocating to Waxhaw is growing every day. Anyone who needs assistance with their relocation to the area can count on the top Waxhaw movers here at Make A Move! Get in touch with us today at (704) 378-8588 or fill out the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
