Continuing
our series Exploring Metropolitan Charlotte, in this edition we will
visit the
Town of Mint Hill. According
to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mint Hill consists of 21.3 square miles in the
southeast corner of Mecklenburg County—the same county in which the City of
Charlotte is located. The distance from
most points in Mint Hill to Charlotte’s city center (called “Uptown”) is about
12 miles. The town borders Charlotte to
the north and west, Matthews to the west, Union County to the south and
Cabarrus County to the north. It is
characterized by upscale subdivisions closer to Charlotte, and somewhat rural
expanses to the east and north, approaching Cabarrus County. Median household income is reported at just
over $60,000 per year.
Founded
around the year 1750, Mint Hill, not Charlotte, was actually Mecklenburg
County’s first town. Early leaders of
the town that later became Mint Hill joined in the Mecklenburg Declaration of
Independence in 1775, and took up arms against the British. Town owned and operated parks include the the
Park on Wilgrove, and Mint
Hill Veterans Memorial Park, and facilities include athletic
fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and walking trails.
There
is a small but growing downtown area, populated by a government center, shops
and restaurants. There are numerous
newer commercial centers, including a recently opened Publix supermarket and
various medical facilities.
Home
styles, prices and amenities vary widely, from farmhouses on larger parcels of
land on the east side of Mint Hill to exclusive suburban golf communities
closer to Charlotte. Home prices run
from more affordable smaller homes in the upper $100,000’s and lower $200,000’s
to larger custom homes close to $1 million.
Beautifully designed planned communities include Olde Sycamore and Brighton Park..
Schools
are well regarded and include some newer facilities, such as Rocky
River High School and Bain
Elementary School. And
virtually every type of family activity and entertainment is within easy reach
in nearby Charlotte.
With home prices generally within reach of most budgets, cost of living is reasonable and quality of life is good. For those desiring a somewhat less crowded environment, while living within an easy commute of a major U.S. city, the Town of Mint Hill has a great deal to offer.
