Union County: Urban and farm lives co-exist

It has been said that Union County is a great place to live, work and play. I should know - as a Union County native, I've lived, worked and played here my whole life.

The population grew by more than 62 percent between 2000 and 2010, making this one of the nation's fastest-growing counties.

Newcomers looking to put down roots in Union County have many options, from traditional homes to historic mansions, ranch-style estates to farm houses with barns and lots of stables. Union County is horse country after all, and you can't drive on a rural road without catching a glimpse of pastoral fields inhabited by equines and their enthusiasts.

Each spring, thousands flock to the town of Mineral Springs to see thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 mph in the Queen's Cup Steeplechase, considered by many as "the social event of the year." (Ladies, leave the high heels at home - the terrain is grassy - but don't forget your hats.)

If you prefer a more urban lifestyle, you'll find plenty of upscale construction in western Union County. Here, Weddington consists almost entirely of single-family homes on lots of one acre or more, while Marvin's $97,497 median household income is among the state's highest. The county seat of Monroe is the retail and government hub for Union County. The large historic district includes beautiful old homes and quaint storefronts in a newly revitalized downtown.

If history is your thing, look no farther than Waxhaw, which got its name from the Waxhaw Indian tribe and dates back to the 1700s. Located along N.C. 75, southwest of Monroe, the community has reshaped itself into an antiques haven.

Almost every Union County town has a claim to fame: Marshville's country crooner Randy Travis, Mineral Springs' steeplechase, Hemby Bridge's Christmas lighting festival, Unionville's annual barbecue and Wingate's private liberal arts university.

I grew up in Monroe, graduated from Wingate University and now call Indian Trail home. Since 1980, this town's population has grown by 513 percent, making it Union County's fastest-growing municipality.

But it's still small enough to feel like home to me. I have trees in my backyard and I call my neighbors by their first names. I can't imagine life any other way.