Waxhaw 68 Good
Waxhaw Livability #204 ranked city in North Carolina#9,970 ranked city in the USARanks better than 65% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Waxhaw

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Waxhaw?

Waxhaw, North Carolina is a medium-sized city with a population of 16,569 residents. According to the most recent Census, 78% of Waxhaw residents are White, 10% Black and 4% Asian. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Waxhaw entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Waxhaw, North Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Waxhaw and in the areas around Waxhaw is a much easier task.

Waxhaw has a livability score of 68 out of 100 and is ranked #172 in North Carolina and #9,114 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Waxhaw ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (A-). Regrettably for Waxhaw, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (D).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Waxhaw shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 59 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The unemployment rate in Waxhaw has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.4%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Waxhaw, the average school test scores reached an impressive 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Waxhaw an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Waxhaw market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Waxhaw. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Waxhaw are affordable. Median real estate prices in Waxhaw come in at $646,885, which is 123.5% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waxhaw, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 9.8% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waxhaw

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      Waxhaw transportation information

      Statistic Waxhaw North Carolina National
      Average one way commute32min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.0%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.6%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.4%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home15.7%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Waxhaw, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.