The south and southeast portions of Charlotte are known for rapid growth, wealth of shopping opportunities and abundant area amenities. Historic towns of Matthews and Mint Hill offer residents the true small town charm with all the conveniences of a city nearby. The relatively new Ballantyne area has become a cultural and recreational destination. Located in Mecklenburg County, southwest Charlotte is known for its economic stability, rapid growth and abundant area amenities. Many local businesses have been owned by the same families for generations, providing a sense of consistency and old-fashioned community. Southwest Charlotte is close to the amenities of the big city, including Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and Bank of America Stadium.
Nestled in the southern most part of Mecklenburg County just south of I-485, this area has seen planned explosive growth, both in residential and commercial development over the past 10 years. Ballantyne offers residents a quality of life that includes all the conveniences and amenities of a well-appointed community with fine dining, shopping, golf and spas all within minutes of home. Noteworthy: Ballantyne Village
Located just 10 miles southeast of Charlotte, Matthews offers a quaint downtown and streets that offer small town charm. The town began as a small farming area in the 1800s, cotton farmers cleared the land leaving stumps in every direction, hence the town's first name - Stumptown. Part of what makes Matthews a desirable place to live is the balance between residential and commercial development. The town calendar keeps residents up-to-date on the latest happenings and festivals, including the concert/movie series, Stumptown and Holidays Festivals and Matthews Playhouse. Noteworthy: The Reid House
A town rich in history, Mint Hill is located in southeast Mecklenburg County along Highway 51. Home to Fairview and Wilgrove Park, these facilities serve the residents of Mint Hill for family events, for both organized and free-play sports. This growing town offers opportunities for residents to come together for family entertainment with events such as "Excite MINT on the Hill," movies on the lawn of the Town Hall. Noteworthy: September's Mint Hill Madness
Nearly 250 years ago, Pineville was a junction of two Indian Trails near Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek. This area is now defined by Hwy. 51 (Pineville-Matthews Rd.), Hwy. 521 (South Blvd.) and the first completed stretch of I-485. Today, Pineville boasts a historic downtown with antique shops, thriving area retail, including Carolina Place Mall, national chains, furniture stores, abundant restaurants and top-notch medical facilities. New neighborhoods in this area not only offer residents easy access to major commuting thoroughfares including I-77, I-485, but also everything this big "small" town has to offer. Noteworthy: James K. Polk Birthplace, Lake Park
Dating back to the 1740's, the Steele Creek Community currently is one of the fastest growing residential areas of Mecklenburg County. Steele Creek, the small stream from which the community gets its name, rises from a spring on property near the intersection of Steele Creek Road and Shopton Road and flows south and east into South Carolina. South of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and west of I-77, this area has one of the highest employment concentrations in the county and is home to several recreation sites. Most residential and commercial development continues to be concentrated along the South Tryon Street/Highway 49 corridor, but several large new residential communities are being developed in the western fringes of Steele Creek. New developments include the new Berewick neighborhood and the mixed-use Ayrsley development. Businesses in the Whitehall area offer residents a variety of choices for shopping and dining. Lower Steele Creek, the area near the intersection of Highways 49 and 160 (S Tryon Street and Steele Creek Road) is currently experiencing major new retail development at RiverGate. The residential developments of The Palisades and The Sanctuary continue to receive recognition for their environmental sensitivity. Noteworthy: Steele Creek Community Trail, Berewick District Park