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Lets see! Within just a couple miles, the same size home can double in price- here's an idea of what you'll get for half a million cash in each of these spots*. We went through 15 surrounding cities to see which gives you the most bang for your buck, and which gives you the least. 

Moving to Charlotte from out of town? Click here to check out our Relocation Guide!

*Each of the homes featured here sold within the last 30 days, for between $490,000 and $510,000. 

1. Concord


For $495,000, you can get 3,037 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 8,712 sqft lot, with an attached garage

Concord is one of the larger cities surrounding Charlotte and 12th largest in the state. Many new upper-middle class and wealthy people are moving to the area, within many decided to build their homes. The median home price here is $260,223, with increasing home value appreciation. In this past year Concord has provided great opportunities for short-term real estate investors.
See homes for sale in Concord

2. Clover


For $510,000, you can get: 3,589 sqft 4 beds/ 4 baths on a 0.31 acre lot, with an attached garage.

The recent growth in this town demonstrates many have chosen to move to Clover, or build their dream home here. It is quite affordable at a median home price of $209,818. You'll find a mix of blue-collar and white-collar workers and lots of diversity in this small town. One thing to consider, though, is that residents have much higher commute times (on average) and there is currently no public transportation system.
See homes for sale in Clover

3. Harrisburg

For $503,000, you can get 3,398 sqft, 5 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.29 acre lot, with an attached garage.

Harrisburg is a smaller town (median home value is $383,077), but the real estate here has been quickly growing and expanding in the form of new constructions and new developments.  Most homes here are larger (4 or 5 bedrooms) single family homes. This town has a large number of families with children, understandably considering the good public schools and family-centered community events. 
See homes for sale in Harrisburg

4. Huntersville


For $510,000, you can get 2,052 sqft, 3 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.27 acre lot, with a carport.

Huntersville real estate is one of the newest in the nation, so you'll see a significant amount of recently built homes and new developments. There has also been a recent large influx of affluent people (the median income in Huntersville is $102,016.00). Here, more residents work in computers and math than 95% of the country, and 10.69% of workers work from home (you'll have an easy time finding home offices in houses here!) 
See homes for sale in Huntersville

5. Indian Land, SC


For $512,700, you can get 2,501 sqft, 2 beds/ 2 baths on a 8,276 sqft lot, with an attached garage.

The job opportunities, local economy, and pastural views draw people into this town. This area is one of the most expensive in SC, but affordable on a national scale (median home price is $384,674). Here, you'll find a blend of white-collar workers and artists. Home appreciation here increased 81.75% over the last decade, and nearly 10% of just this past year, so it is definitely a great long-term investment.
See homes for sale in Indian Land

6. Indian Trail


For $500,000, you can get 4,279 sqft, 5 beds/ 4 baths on a 10,018 sqft lot, with an attached garage.

Homes in Indian Trail have seen the some of the most appreciation (5.39%) of any community in the nation, on track to be one of the best investments through the last ten years. It is still lower than 50% of other NC communities, but with the growing number of families moving to Indian trail it will likely rise in the ranks. This town is great for families with children, with a strong sense of community among residents and a lower crime rate.
See homes for sale in Indian Trail

7. Lancaster, SC


For $495,000, you can get 3,379 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 8,712 sqft lot, with an attached garage.

Lancaster is smaller city, and uniquely made up of a near 50-50 split of blue-collar and white-collar workers. This is one of the more affordable areas to buy (median home price is $186,245). Most housing here was built in the 70's to early 80's, giving a vintage hometown feel to the community. 
See homes for sale in Lancaster


8. Matthews


For $500,000, you can get 2,529 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.33 acre lot, with an attached garage.

Matthews real estate is some of the most expensive in the state (median home value is $318,978.00) . While a very white-collar town, Matthews is also a great place for artists and creative types. The artistic influence in Matthews helps build its character, and education is highly valued as well (over 50% of residents have a degree). This town is also very ethnically and financially diverse!
See homes for sale in Matthews

10. Monroe


For $506,500, you can get 2,800 sqft, 3 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.32 acre lot, with an attached garage.

This town is the top 50% for home value appreciation in the state. You'll find many single family, 3-4 bedroom homes here with a median price of $217,774. Monroe is a more blue-collar town, offering a home-town feel and inclusive, diverse, community. This is a more affordable place to buy a home. 
See Homes for sale in Monroe

11. Mooresville


For $503,200, you can get 2,447 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.26 acre lot, with an attached garage.

The amenities, location, and job opportunities are attracting many new buyers to Mooresville. There is a blend of white and blue-collar workers, with educations rates at some of the highest in the country. Median home value here is $279,178, and most homes were built quite recently. This look and feel of this town is a blend of new and historic design. Home value appreciation here is quite high, above the national average, but less than the majority of the state.
See homes for sale in Mooresville

12. Mount Holly


For $500,000, you can get 2,901 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.25 acre lot, with an attached garage.

Mount Holly is a more affordable area to purchase a home. The median home value here is $187,312. This city has a very "new" feeling, with many newly built homes bringing with them modern amenities and opportunities. Home value appreciation here is extremely high, at 11.11% this year.
See homes for sale in Mount Holly

13. Rock Hill


For $508,000, you can get 2,906 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 0.19 acre lot, with an attached garage.

The median home value in Rock Hill is $208,337, near the average for the nation. There is a mix of owners and renters, but home appreciation here is occurring faster than 75% other areas. Appreciation here is one of the highest in America at 10.84% over the last year. 
See homes for sale in Rock Hill

14. Myers Park


For $510,000, you can get 1,446 sqft, 3 beds/ 2 baths on a 0.40 acre lot, with a carport.

This part of Charlotte is one of the most expensive you'll find in the state. Here, you'll find a much more luxury amenities and settings, along with many newly built modern homes. 
See homes for sale in South Park

15. Waxhaw


For $505,000, you can get 2,989 sqft, 4 beds/ 3 baths on a 9,147 sqft lot, with an attached garage.

Waxhaw has many large single family homes, you'll find the most 4, 5, and 6 bedroom homes here. The median home price in Waxhaw is $328,013, with values appreciating above average for the last decade and in the top 30% nationwide, but in the lower 60% of other North Carolina towns. 
See homes for sale in Waxhaw