Snapshot of Key Metrics for Homebuyers in 28110
The table below condenses the most relevant data points for buyers focusing on single‑family homes with community tennis courts. Use it to benchmark each listing you consider and to understand how the local market shapes your total cost of ownership.
Pay particular attention to the median price per square foot ($216) and the median construction year (2019) when comparing homes of different sizes and ages; these figures help you assess whether a listing is priced competitively relative to its size and condition.
| Metric | Value or Range | Why It Matters |
| Active listings | 347 homes | Indicates market inventory and the degree of choice you have when searching for a home with a tennis court. |
| Median listing price | $391,224 | Provides a baseline budget; compare each home’s price to this median to gauge relative affordability. |
| Price per square foot | $216 | Normalizes price across homes of different sizes, helping you spot over‑ or under‑priced listings. |
| Listing price span | $215,000 – $1,900,000 | Shows the breadth of the market, allowing you to set realistic upper and lower limits for your search. |
| Median year built | 2019 | Newer homes typically have modern systems and fewer immediate repairs, which can lower short‑term costs. |
| County | Union County | Impacts property‑tax rates and the assigned school district, both key components of total ownership cost. |
| Average HOA fee (court maintenance) | $75 – $150 per month | Directly adds to monthly housing expenses; verify the fee schedule for each community. |
| Typical court resurfacing interval | Every 8‑10 years | Future capital expense you may need to consider if the association does not cover it fully. |
| Nearest park | Sutton Park, 2.5 mi | Provides additional recreation options and can influence neighborhood desirability. |
| Average commute to Monroe | 20 minutes | Helps you estimate daily travel time and potential fuel costs. |
| Average commute to Charlotte | 35‑40 minutes | Important if you work in the larger metro area; longer commutes affect lifestyle and expenses. |
| Median household income (Union County) | $78,000 | Context for affordability; compare your income to local averages when assessing mortgage viability. |
| Property‑tax rate (Union County) | 0.86 % of assessed value | Calculates annual tax burden; essential for budgeting total housing costs. |
| Homeowner’s insurance range | $800 – $1,200 annually | Another recurring expense that varies with home value and location. |
| Typical down‑payment requirement (conforming loan) | 5 % – 20 % | Guides your cash‑on‑hand planning; higher down payments reduce monthly mortgage costs. |
What These Numbers Mean If You Are Buying
The median listing price of $391,224 aligns with the broader Union County median household income of $78,000. A common rule of thumb is that housing costs should not exceed 30 % of gross income, suggesting a comfortable monthly payment around $1,950 before taxes and insurance.
When you convert the median price per square foot ($216) into a budget for a 2,200‑sq‑ft home, you arrive at roughly $475,000, which is above the median but still within the overall price span. This calculation helps you determine whether a larger home with a tennis court fits your financial parameters.
HOA fees that cover tennis‑court upkeep add $900‑$1,800 to your yearly expenses. Compare this to the potential savings from not paying a separate gym membership, which can range from $300‑$600 annually. The net effect often favors the court if you play regularly.
Because the median construction year is 2019, many homes will have modern roofs (typically 20‑year warranties), newer HVAC units, and updated electrical panels. These factors can reduce immediate repair costs, allowing you to allocate more of your budget toward amenities like the tennis court.
Property‑tax rates of 0.86 % mean a $400,000 home incurs about $3,440 in annual taxes. Adding HOA fees and insurance pushes total yearly housing costs toward $6,000‑$7,000, which you should factor into your overall affordability analysis.
The range of active listings (347 homes) indicates a healthy supply, reducing competition pressure. However, homes with a community tennis court may represent a subset, so be prepared to act quickly when a well‑maintained court is included.
Quick Buyer Q&A
Q: Does a community tennis court increase a home’s resale value?
A: A well‑maintained court can make a property more attractive to active families, potentially narrowing the buyer pool and supporting a modest price premium of 2‑5 %. Verify recent sales of comparable homes with and without courts to gauge the actual impact.
Q: How much should I budget for court maintenance?
A: Most HOAs charge $75‑$150 per month for tennis‑court upkeep. Include this amount in your monthly housing cost analysis and compare it to the cost of a private membership at a nearby country club, which often exceeds $200 per month.
Q: Are there additional fees for court lighting or night play?
A: Some communities charge a supplemental $10‑$20 per month for extended lighting. Review the HOA’s financial statements or bylaws to confirm any extra charges before you sign.
Q: What should I inspect regarding the court’s condition?
A: Check the surface for cracks, ensure nets are sturdy, and verify that drainage prevents pooling. Ask for recent maintenance records; a resurfaced court within the last three years typically indicates lower near‑term repair risk.
Q: If I don’t use the court often, is it worth paying the HOA fee?
A: Compare the annual HOA cost to a nearby public court’s fee (often $40‑$60 per hour). If you play less than 8‑10 times a year, the HOA fee may outweigh the benefit, making a home without a court a more cost‑effective choice.
Checks to Complete Before You Commit to a Home
1. Review the title report and any recorded easements that might affect access to the tennis court or other shared amenities. Confirm that the HOA’s governing documents grant you unrestricted use of the court during its operating hours.
2. Verify the exact HOA fee structure, including any special assessments earmarked for future resurfacing or lighting upgrades. Understanding these costs helps you avoid surprise expenses after closing.
3. Assess your financing options in light of the median price per square foot and your planned home size. A lender may require a larger down payment for homes with higher HOA fees, so factor this into your budgeting.
4. Schedule a thorough home inspection that includes a focused review of the tennis court’s condition. Ask the inspector to evaluate surface integrity, net stability, and lighting fixtures.
5. Examine the age and warranty status of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing). Homes built around 2019 often still have manufacturer warranties that can offset repair costs during the early years of ownership.
6. Investigate the property’s drainage and grading, especially around the court’s perimeter. Poor drainage can damage both the court surface and the home’s foundation over time.
7. Align your long‑term plans—whether you intend to stay, rent, or sell—with the total cost of ownership, including taxes (0.86 % of assessed value), insurance ($800‑$1,200), and HOA fees. A clear exit strategy ensures the tennis court remains a benefit rather than a financial burden.
What You Can Explore Next
In the upcoming sections, we’ll dive deeper into neighborhood spotlights within 28110, comparing areas that feature community tennis courts against those that do not. You’ll learn how each sub‑market differs in terms of walkability, school quality, and lifestyle amenities.
We’ll also break down cost‑of‑living factors, calculate realistic monthly payment scenarios, and provide a step‑by‑step buyer’s roadmap for negotiating homes with HOA‑funded amenities. Keep reading if you want straightforward answers to the questions almost everyone asks before choosing a home that truly fits their needs.
Data Sources and References
Statistics and factual claims in this section are supported by the following sources:
- Helen Harp Realty 28110 Market Report (September 2026)
- Local listing aggregate cache (September 10 2026)
- Union County property‑tax rate data (2026)