Median home price: $414,000

Cost-of-living index: 172

Nonretail spending index: 174

Location: 15 miles southeast of Charlotte and 14 miles northwest of Monroe

Population: 9,594


A semi-rural oasis between the cities of Monroe and Charlotte, Weddington mostly consists of homes on lots one acre or larger. The town hall, a shopping center, and a church -- known as Town Center -- anchor 17 square miles that make up this well-to-do suburban community.