Lower taxes, low crime rates, top-notch schools, upscale homes on large wooded lots, and plenty of greenspace — it almost sounds too good to be true, especially if you are raising a family. Welcome to Weddington and Wesley Chapel, NC.
The village of Wesley Chapel and the town of Weddington are relatively new places in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, but for the last few decades, they have quickly become a favorite destination of young families who may work in Charlotte but need a safe, quiet place to call home. Both communities are located in Union County, in one of the most coveted school districts in the state. Both are just a few short miles south of Charlotte and Interstate 45, which means mom and dad can take advantage of the city’s ample business opportunities. Best of all, tax rates are lower in Union County than they are in Charlotte, which means more money in your pocket for the college fund or that beach house on the Outer Banks.
History
Wesley Chapel did not officially exist until 1998, but the community actually began way back during the 1800s. The village centered on Wesley Chapel Methodist Church which was built in the 1830s, and eventually, adults in the area began using the newly-built church to educate their children. By 1904, Wesley Chapel was home to the first rural high school in North Carolina. As it turns out, it has always been a family-oriented community.
Weddington's roots can be traced back to a church and school, as well. Back in 1824, a soldier named Reuben Boswell moved to the area and donated four acres of his land to the Sandy Ridge Township to build Sandy Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church. Eventually, his grandson, Reuben B. Weddington donated money for a new church to be built on the same land and made a financial donation to the church school. In his honor, Sandy Ridge became Weddington Methodist Church, and the town also eventually adopted the name. In 1983, Weddington finally became incorporated.
Quick Facts
- Population: 11,000 (Weddington) 9,287 (Wesley Chapel)
- Wesley Chapel started out with around 2,500 acres. Since its incorporation in 1998, it has grown to over 5,300 acres.
- Of Weddington’s 11,000 acres, only about 30 are zoned for commercial property.
- Both communities became incorporated as a town and village because residents wanted to keep the area rural and peaceful. Otherwise, Charlotte wanted to annex the area to become part of the big city.
- Weddington may be growing, but it still feels like a small town where everyone knows their neighbors. Each year, residents gather for events like Easter egg hunts, a tree lighting, fall festivals, and even a town cleanup day.
- Weddington is roughly 22 miles from the heart of Charlotte, while Weddington is about 16 miles. However, both are just minutes from Highway 74 and Charlotte’s perimeter, Interstate 485.
Local Attractions
The Weddington and Wesley Chapel areas are definitely growing, but in order to keep the relaxed, country atmosphere, it is happening at a slower rate. This means residents may need to visit a neighboring town on occasion to dine out or go shopping, but most of them agree that it is well worth it.
Dining
- Sabor Latin Street Grill – Located on Weddington-Monroe Road in Wesley Chapel, you will find Sabor Latin Street Grill. Here you can find $1 taco Tuesdays, kids eat free days and don't miss the delicious margaritas. The family-owned business has several locations in the area and is a great place to cure your craving.
- John's Place – Friendly neighborhood restaurant featuring delicious American and Italian cuisine. Don't miss the homemade desserts. It is open for lunch and dinner.
Transportation
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Weddington and Wesley Chapel do not have public transportation, but some of Charlotte’s transportation options are just a quick drive away. For example, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 30 miles from the communities, and it flies nonstop to practically anywhere in the world.
- Amtrak – Weddington and Wesley Chapel are also about half an hour away from Charlotte’s Amtrak station. It takes commuters up and down the east coast to cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Atlanta.
Shopping
- The Village Commons – For everyday needs, The Village Commons in Wesley Chapel is home to several stores and restaurants. Some of them include Harris Teeter, Target, Chick-fil-A, CVS, Rack Room Shoes, and Anytime Fitness.
- Blakeney – For more shopping opportunities, residents can drive a few miles north to Blakeney, an outdoor mall with dozens of familiar shops and restaurants. At Blakeney, you will find Talbots, Marshall's, Home Goods, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, J. Jill, Justice, and so much more.
- Weddington Corners Shopping Center – In Weddington, you can take care of everyday needs at the Weddington Corners Shopping Center. It is home to Harris Teeter, several restaurants, and a few specialty businesses.
Things To Do
- Dogwood Park – Dogwood Park at Wesley Chapel is a favorite of residents of both communities. The 22.5-acre space features both paved and unpaved trails, a dog park, grills, and picnic tables, geocaching, a fishing pier, and amphitheater. Each month, the park hosts volunteer days when community members can help keep the space clean.
- Waxhaw Farmer's Market – There is plenty of farmland in Union County, and locals can take advantage of it each week at the nearby Waxhaw Farmer’s Market. Fresh eggs, meat, produce, flowers, plants, and artisanal products are just a few of the items you can buy here.
- Weddington Optimist Park – The privately-owned Weddington Optimist Park is 52 acres of family fun. It has multiple lighted fields for t-ball, baseball, softball, soccer, and football. It has batting cages, a playground, concession stands, a meeting room, a picnic shelter, a volleyball court, a walking trail, and much more.
- Carowinds – If you want to venture up to Charlotte for a fun-filled day, visit the area’s greatest amusement park: Carowinds. The park is home to the infamous Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster. There are also countless other thrilling rides, as well as Camp Snoopy, live shows, and Boomerang Bay waterpark.
Real Estate Information
Because Wesley Chapel and Weddington were both mostly rural until they were incorporated over the last few decades, most of the homes you will find here are newer construction. Because the area did not want to lose its charm, almost every home is built on a wooded, one-or-more-acre lot, as is required by law. Homes range from traditional craftsman houses to stately European-style mansions. Both areas are largely residential and feature only single-family homes. Neighborhoods in the area often offer amenities such as a pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails, and gated access.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of