Mecklenburg County Real Estate and Information

Early Beginnings Mecklenburg County formed out of Anson County in 1762. The name of the county and its largest city, Charlotte, both come from the wife of King George III, Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz of Germany. While the name was an attempt to put the area in the good graces of Britain’s king, this good humor did not last. Tradition states that the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed on May 20, 1775 in Charlotte. While history has not yet been able to prove that this document did, indeed, exist, if it did, it would have been the first attempt of the original thirteen colonies to separate from Great Britain, and a precursor to the United States Declaration of Independence, which was signed about a year later. Historical Importance Mecklenburg County and Charlotte have been important throughout history. During the Revolutionary War, both British and American armies held camps in Charlotte and around the county. General Cornwallis was so frustrated by the skirmishes that took place in Charlotte that he named the town a “Hornet’s Nest,” a name which is today reflected in the Charlotte Hornets, their former NBA team. Because the area played such an important role in the Revolutionary War, many places throughout the county bear the name of “Independence.” Until the 1848 California Gold Rush, Mecklenburg County had the most productive gold mines in the country. This grew the area, and specifically the town of Charlotte, into a thriving metropolis. After the Civil War the county grew even more as it became an important railroad hub and cotton processing center. Today, Charlotte and the surrounding areas are known as one of the major U.S. financial centers. The city is home to both Wachovia and Bank of America. Several national chains also have their headquarters in Charlotte, including Family Dollar, Goodrich, and Lowe’s. Natural Beauty While the city of Charlotte defines Mecklenburg County’s urban scene, the surrounding areas are full of natural resources and beautiful landscapes. Lake Norman offers plenty of water activities, including water skiing, boating, fishing, and swimming. There are over 5,600 acres of protected preserves in Mecklenburg County for residents and visitors to enjoy. With rolling hills and trickling streams, these preserves are peaceful places to explore, with over 35 miles of nature trails. With a moderate climate that is neither too hot nor too cold, the natural beauty of Mecklenburg can be explored almost year round. Mecklenburg Real Estate News The Mecklenburg County metropolitan area has seen tremendous and steady growth over the last few years, with many people moving in and around Charlotte due to the large number of jobs in the city. Property values are appreciating at a rate of 5-10% each year, making Charlotte and the surrounding areas a great place to invest in a home. Many of the builders in Mecklenburg County specialize in providing custom homes for their buyers, so you can build your dream home in this wonderful community. There are several smaller suburban towns in the Mecklenburg County that provide easy access to Charlotte with the peace and solitude offered by a smaller community. Such towns include Matthews, Cornelius, and Davidson, which offer master planned communities with excellent amenities for homebuyers on most budgets. Many of these communities feature lakeside properties that allow owners to enjoy water sports most of the year. If you are planning on moving to this area soon, feel free to browse our Communities and Neighborhoods page for more information.