UNION COUNTY
County Offices
500 North Main Street
Monroe 704-283-3500
https://www.unioncountync.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
903 Skyway Drive
Monroe 704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
Quality of Life
Providing metropolitan conveniences that include shopping malls and a commuter airport, panoramic Union County blends country charm with close proximity to urban amenities. Among the distinctive attractions that residents of Union County enjoy is the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, beautiful natural areas like Cane Creek Park, and wildly popular events such as the Charlotte Queen’s Cup Steeplechase. While the world-class cultural attractions and entertainment centers of Charlotte are easily accessible, Union County also offers a well-developed cultural community that includes performance and visual arts groups supported by active organizations like the Union County Arts Council and the Union County Arts League. Wingate University enriches the surrounding area with collegiate arts programs and special guests. Several fine museums dot the county, harmonizing with historic sites and districts.
The grand architecture of quaint historic buildings contrasts with vibrant new construction, both commercial and residential, in growing communities. The selection of affordable homes ranges from traditional two-story family homes to historic mansions, country manors, elegant estates, upscale enclaves, sprawling ranch-style homes, and cozy farmhouses. The face of the western portion of Union County near Weddington and Waxhaw is rapidly transforming with an influx of upscale homes and handsome subdivisions. In fact, Union County boasts a growth rate that outpaces even Mecklenburg County, home to the state’s leading city of Charlotte, and has garnered the title of the fastest growing county in North Carolina.
Recreational opportunities abound in and near Union County, from outdoor adventures to spectator sports or organized programs in welcoming communities. Camping, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, boating, winter sports, horseback riding, and even ocean water sports are all available close to home or within a reasonable commute. Newcomers to Union County will find that the list of getaways and weekend destinations are so numerous that they can plan one trip after another as they explore the many sights and attractions in this beautiful region. Supporting every imaginable lifestyle within the context of a serene environment with small-town charm, Union County is a delightful place to call home.
Services
Newcomers to Union County will find a rare blend of reverence for yesterday, rural charm, and progressive amenities. Close proximity to Mecklenburg County and Charlotte has made this beautiful region increasingly popular. First-rate services include state-of-the-art healthcare anchored by Union Regional Medical Center. The hospital serves as a regional resource with specialties that include cancer care, diabetes treatment, 24-hour emergency care, cardiac care, home care, a poison center, rehabilitation and long-term care, a sleep center, surgical specialties, and special services for women and children. URMC maintains an active position within the community, providing patient services through a variety of focused service centers that allow convenient access to information about ongoing care. Supplemental educational opportunities are based on the philosophy that informed patients are better equipped to participate in the healthcare process, and support groups help patients and family members managed various diseases in a compassionate atmosphere.
Union County is also home to one of North Carolina’s finest two-year institutions of higher education, Southern Piedmont Community College. Students of all ages can pursue an associate degree or certificate, enroll in a continuing education class to improve job skills, complete work to receive a GED, or launch an affordable start toward a four-year degree program. With locations in Polkton, Wadesboro, and two in Monroe, the college remains accessible to students of all ages in Anson and Union counties. In addition to on-campus courses, classes are available via the Internet for the ultimate in flexibility for working students.
The private, four-year college of Wingate University in Union County was founded in 1896 and attracts a diverse population to active learning opportunities through personalized instruction, world travel, career discovery, faith development, and community service. The college offers a wide selection of undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, music, and sport sciences. Students can also take advantage of pre-professional programs as well as graduate degrees in business, education, and the doctor of pharmacy degree. Abundant opportunities for career and vocational institutes and public and private colleges are close to home in the surrounding region for an impressive array of options.
Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Lake Park, Stallings
Municipal Offices
Hemby Bridge
704-296-6352
https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/Domain/17
Indian Trail Offices
704-821-5401
https://www.indiantrail.org
Lake Park
704-882-8657
http://lakeparknc.gov
Stallings
704-821-8557
https://www.stallingsnc.org
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
Newcomers who are drawn to the small, welcoming community of Hemby Bridge for its country setting can be assured that the town planners share that view. New homes in a wide range of prices are available along the town’s western side. Nearby Indian Trail is one of Union County’s fastest growing communities, and subdivisions seem to spring up almost overnight. First-rate shopping and a number of commercial centers offer a convenient hometown atmosphere. Close proximity to Interstate 485 and Mecklenburg County have encouraged economic growth, although not at the expense of the family-oriented atmosphere. Beautiful Lake Park Village began in 1990 as a planned, mixed-use community. Incorporated in 1994, it offers an impressive town square, restaurants, a county park, specialty shops, a private school, skilled nursing facilities, a community meeting hall, and wonderful suburban neighborhoods. Residents enjoy more than 60 acres of open common area as well as pedestrian-friendly town center sporting a Venetian style clock tower. Known as the “Gateway to Union County,” Stallings offers easy access to Charlotte and Interstate 485. This growing community offers sprawling ranch-style homes, medium to high-end neighborhoods, and affordable housing on generous lots.
Weddington, Wesley Chapel, Marvin
Municipal Offices
Weddington
704-846-2709
https://www.townofweddington.com
Wesley Chapel
704-839-0182
http://ci.wesley-chapel.nc.us
Village of Marvin
704-843-1680
https://www.marvinnc.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
The affluent community of Weddington enjoys an ideal location along the Mecklenburg County border and the Charlotte city limits. The opening of Interstate 485 has only served to accelerate development, although the town is committed to maintaining its residential character. To preserve the town’s rural atmosphere and the roadside vistas that make it so unique, planners have preserved large sections of open space in new developments. Weddington Corners serves as the town center, a cluster of convenient stores and showplace shops. Pride in local history is evident in the city hall, housed in an 1894 Victorian home. Many fine residential neighborhoods including million-dollar residences and amenities like a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course make this a premier community. Nearby Wesley Chapel Village boasts a history dating back to the 1800s and is touted as “a great place to live and raise a family.” This proud community was to be annexed into the town of Indian Trail, but residents were insistent on incorporating as a separate municipality. The lovely Village of Marvin was incorporated in 1994 and borders both South Carolina and Mecklenburg County. The westernmost of Union County municipalities, this area harmonizes farms, churches, neighborhoods of single-family homes, and a premier golf course community. Careful zoning is preserving the serenity of the rural atmosphere.
Fairview, Unionville
Municipal Offices
Fairview
704-753-1981
http://www.fairviewnc.gov/
Unionville
704-226-1989
https://unionvillenc.org/
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
Known for a strong sense of community, Fairview is a recently incorporated municipality that became a town in 2002. Planners and leaders, primarily farmers and single-family homeowners, are committed to retaining the unique character of their hometown. The borders of Fairview stretch from Union County’s northernmost border to Unionville on the south side. Two major highways including US Highway 601 intersect in the heart of the community for commuting convenience. Nearby Unionville shares the desire of Fairview to preserve its rural atmosphere, enhanced by a municipal charter that offers additional services and keeps taxes low. Geographically, Unionville is the county’s largest municipality and has developed a strong community spirit. Traditions include a Fourth of July parade and one of the state’s largest fundraising events for an elementary school each fall.
Marshville, Wingate
Municipal Offices
Marshville
704-624-2515
https://www.marshville.org/
Wingate
704-233-4411
https://www.townofwingatenc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
Proud of native son and country music star Randy Travis, Union County’s easternmost town was also the setting for the movie, The Color Purple. Marshville straddles US Highway 74, literally paving the way for continued growth and development. Town leaders are committed to improved infrastructure and services, including a well-appointed 13-acre park and the new Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library. In fact, the town is fast becoming known as the Garden Spot of Metrolina. The poultry and lumber industries remain from yesterday’s agricultural roots, sharing a leading position with distribution, retail, and banking. The attractive town of Wingate is inextricably linked to the private, independent liberal arts institution of Wingate University. The new Monroe Bypass connecting to US Highway 74 near Wingate and the easy access to Charlotte it provides will ensure continued growth and development. The University enriches the community with cultural attractions at the George Batte Fine Arts Center and the unique Jesse Helms Center.
Monroe
Municipal Offices
704-282-4500
https://www.monroenc.org
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
The charming county seat of Monroe features an 1886 Victorian Italianate courthouse and quaint downtown surrounded by stately historic homes and tree-lined streets. The downtown district is graced by wrought iron benches, Japanese Zelkova trees, brick pavers, and gas lamp streetlights to create a charming setting for city and county governments, a thriving legal community, and the collection of specialty shops and restaurants. The city is also home to it own airport, a community college campus, a regional healthcare facility, a growing local economy, and a bustling retail sector. This exceptionally well-balanced city provides expanded amenities and services to a regional population but also offers quiet neighborhoods along tree-shaded streets. Residents and visitors enjoy a suburban mall and scattered shopping centers. The suburban business district lines US Highway 74, also called Roosevelt Boulevard.
Mineral Springs, Waxhaw
Municipal Offices
Mineral Springs
704-243-0505
https://www.mineralspringsnc.com
Waxhaw
704-843-2195
https://www.waxhaw.com
Chamber of Commerce
704-289-4567
https://www.unioncountycoc.com
The small but pleasing town of Mineral Springs is committed to maintaining its rural atmosphere and quality of life. Abundant open space allows many residents the luxury of maintaining small farms or sprawling horse properties. The Queen’s Cup, a nationally recognized steeplechase event, takes place in the heart of Mineral Springs each April at Brooklandwood. Ideally located between Monroe and Waxhaw, the community first incorporated in the 18th century, lost its charter, and reclaimed its identity in 1999. This self-described “country home” with a proud history has long been associated with equestrian attractions and the preservation of farmland and forests. Mineral Springs is also home to the historic Pleasant Grove Campground. Historic Waxhaw is situated near the South Carolina border and southwest of Monroe. Enjoying a reputation as an antique haven, the town is home to annual fairs that are nationally acclaimed. Wonderful museums and many colorful annual events draw throngs of visitors to Waxhaw. While the center of town features wonderful older homes, new construction dots the outskirts. Cane Creek Park offers a 1,050-acre outdoor paradise with a 350-acre trophy bass lake, a beach and swimming area, boats for rental, miniature golf, campsites, and rental cabins. Eight miles of trails beckon mountain bikers.