Waxhaw (population 1,600) is a quaint Union County village set among horse farms and rural homesteads. It takes its name from the Waxhaws, both the name for the area and the name for the Indian tribe that once inhabited it. Waxhaw began to prosper in the late 1800's when the railroad came through town, but dates back to the 1700's. After the demise of the cotton farming industry, Waxhaw reshaped itself as an antiques center, and today, downtown Waxhaw has about 25 antiques shops and other businesses. The Waxhaw Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Waxhaw is located in southwestern Union County, Charlotte's next door neighbor. With its rolling hills and variety of lifestyle choices from new suburban neighborhoods to golf course communities to rural hideaways, family farms, and country estates, Union County offers a reasonable cost of living, excellent schools, relatively low taxes, growing business opportunities, and excellent access to Charlotte's business centers, airport, and cultural and shopping facilities.

Waxhaw has a variety of neighborhoods and homes to choose from including old homes near the center of town as well as new suburban style homes and neighborhoods. Other Waxhaw subdivisions are divided into five-acre tracts and there are many rural homesteads in the areas around Waxhaw.

Waxhaw is a busy place with a number of events every year, including a Civil War reenactment, Scottish games, antiques shows, house tours and a historical drama. South of Waxhaw is Cane Creek Park, a 1050-acre park that includes a 350-acre trophy bass lake, a beach and swimming area, boats for rental, miniature golf and camping. Also south of Waxhaw is JAARS, the technical services arm for for Wycliffe Bible Translators. The 600 acre complex includes an airstrip, offices and two museums. The Charlotte Steeplechase Association holds its annual steeplechase near the village.