The Chambers of Commerce can be  a wonderful place to get information on the surrounding areas. 

Cabarrus Regional:  www.cabarrusregionalcoc.org

Mecklenburg County:  www.charlottechamber.com  and www.matthewschamber.com

Stanly County: www.stanly-chamber.org

Union County:  www.unioncountycoc.com

The Charlotte-Metro area is a very diverse area.  You can live in several surrounding counties and still be in Charlotte for work, shopping or entertainment within a few minutes.  Here are several School System links:

Cabarrus County:  www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us

Mecklenburg County:  www.cms.k12.nc.us

Stanly County:  www.scs.k12.nc.us

Union County:  www.ucps.k12.nc.us