Building a custom home gives you the freedom to design your own house, but it also brings the stress of trying to decide where to build. You have to consider many factors in deciding where to build, including school districts, nearby entertainment and shopping, and county tax rates. To help make your decision easier, we have put together a list of the best places to build in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Fort Mill, South Carolina

A view down the historic Main street of Fort Mill, North Carolina

Fort Mill gives you the advantages of South Carolina’s low property taxes and the convenience of being just 18 miles from uptown Charlotte. If you have a family, this town may be right for you. Fort Mill offers new residents a good school system, as well as a strong sense of community.

If entertainment is important to your family, you are in luck. Carowinds amusement park is only about seven miles from Fort Mill. Packed with roller coasters, a water park, and live entertainment, Carowinds provides residents with the opportunity for an exciting day trip without the added hassle of travel.

Another aspect that pushes this region to the top of our list is safety. It was rated as one of South Carolina’s top ten safest places to live in 2014. Fort Mill also tops the list for the Best Cities for Home Ownership in South Carolina in 2014. With so many accolades being awarded to this small town, it is a great place to build your new custom home.

Concord, North Carolina

A beautiful sunset in the town of Concord, North Carolina

The City of Concord brings its’ residents the infamous allure of Southern charm. With botanical gardens, art galleries, theaters, and specialty shops all within walking distance in Concord, there is plenty to draw you to this delightful town. Concord is only 20 miles northeast of Charlotte, but the property tax levels are still reasonably low.

If mountain biking is one of your hobbies, Concord is a great place to build your custom home. Beech Spring Mountain Bike Park and Sherman Branch Park give residents some of the best mountain biking trails in the area.

Want more family-oriented activities? Frank Liske Park has paddle boating, walking trails, mini-golf, volleyball courts, ball fields, picnic areas, and a popular summer camp for kids. With so many parks and trails, Concord has the appeal of country living with the convenience of being right near the I-85 corridor.

Indian Trail, North Carolina

The town of Indian Trail, located in southeastern Union county, is another gorgeous location to build your new home. Indian Trail has the convenience of Matthews County without the high prices. It also gives residents some small town perks, such as a strong sense of community and lower tax rates.

If you are looking for entertainment, fine dining, or some retail therapy, Sun Valley Commons provides you with a little of everything. This entertainment mecca holds a Cineplex along with a variety of shops and restaurants. Indian Trail is only fifteen miles from uptown Charlotte, but with Sun Valley Commons, you have little reason to visit the city for shopping needs.

Huntersville, North Carolina

A scenic sky view of one of Huntersville, North Carolina main roads with traffic

Some of the best schools and most affordable homes in the region make Huntersville one of the top locations for custom home building in the Charlotte area.

With Lake Norman only a five minute drive, residents in Huntersville can experience the great outdoors at a moments notice. Residents can enjoy fishing, sailing, and many other water sports at the lake.

Education is a top priority in Huntersville, with North Mecklenburg High School ranking #4 on the list of top public schools in the region and three of the public elementary schools making top education lists.

Only fifteen miles from uptown Charlotte, Huntersville provides new homebuilders with a long list of reasons to settle down.

Mount Holly, North Carolina

A street intersection with stoplight in Mount Holly, North Carolina shows small shops

Mount Holly brands itself as Playful City, USA, and with six parks and two recreation centers, the name fits.

This little city has a lot of potential as the next hot spot in North Carolina. The downtown area has been revitalized and turned into an historic district, giving the area a “facelift” while still keeping the rich history intact.

Just across the Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is another big pull for visitors in Mount Holly. Spend the day whitewater rafting with a guide, or enjoy the scenery of the beautiful undeveloped acres along the riverbanks.

Another place to experience the great outdoors near Mount Holly is Crowder’s Mountain State Park. Only 30 minutes from the city, the park has miles of trails for walking or mountain biking.

Mount Holly is also home to the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. This nature preservation center features over 400 acres of meadows, carefully cultivated gardens, and lakefront property.

If recreation and spending time in the great outdoors is your family’s priority, Mount Holly should be at the top of your list for places to build a custom home.

With Charlotte just a short distance away, all of these locations are ideal for building your new custom home. They each offer distinctive advantages, including great schools, natural beauty, and low tax rates. Building a new custom home is a process full of tough decisions. Decide what aspects are important to your family and consider these small towns surrounding the Charlotte, NC area for your new custom-built home.