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Union County, North
Carolina provides a unique mix of pastoral rural living and modern
metropolitan convenience. Situated in the central Piedmont
Region next to the South
Carolina border, Union County lies directly east of Mecklenburg
County, home to the sprawling city of Charlotte.
The lush, rolling pasturelands and quaint, small towns of Union County offer
an escape from the bustle and noise of Charlotte. More people discover the
beauty of this region each year. Census
2000 recorded Union County’s population at 123,677. The 2004 estimate was
almost 154,000, showing more than 24% increase in population. This makes Union
County one of North Carolina's
fastest growing regions, surpassing even the rapid growth of Charlotte’s
Mecklenburg County.
Fifteen towns
and villages comprise Union County, NC, along with the city of Monroe,
the county seat. Monroe, settled in 1844, is a stunning small city of 28,000
people, full of historic buildings and quiet, tree-lined streets. The 1886
Victorian Italianate courthouse is the focal point for the downtown area, home
to a thriving retail district. Monroe boasts its own airport
and the region’s South Piedmont
Community College. The next largest town is Indian
Trail, population 15,000. Indian Trail has grown by 513% since 1980,
becoming Union County’s fastest growing municipality.
Stallings,
population 8,000 serves as the “Gateway to Union County”. Situated directly
on US HWY 74, Stallings has quick access to Interstate 485 into Charlotte. Weddington,
population 7,000, is one of NC’s wealthiest towns, with the highest
per-household disposable income of more than $67,000. Beautiful 1800 Victorian
mansions line the streets of Weddington. Other towns with less than 6,000
residents include Wesley
Chapel, Wingate,
Waxhaw,
Lake Park and Mineral
Springs.
Union County stands out as premier horse country, even claiming the largest
equestrian population in North Carolina. Home to the Charlotte's
Queens Cup Steeplechase, thousands of spectators arrive in Union County to
watch this splendid race. Traditionally an agricultural region, Union County
towns host many farm festivals through out the year. Roadside stands of fresh
produce abound here.
Cane
Creek Park in Waxhaw contains a pristine 350-acre lake perfect for swimming
and boating. Cane Creek provides some of the best large-mouth bass fishing in
North Carolina, and also holds crappie, catfish and bluegill. Sports
and recreation play a large part of Union County lifestyle, and numerous
playing fields and parks abound. Union County’s mild climate encourages golf
year-round. Three public course, six semi-private and two private clubs await
serious golfers, some designed by Donald
Ross and Jack Nicklaus.
Union County,
North Carolina, surrounded by serene and tranquil farmlands, welcomes to its
communities those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Union
County is truly a “breath of fresh air”.
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