$275,931Average Value$345Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A residential Charlotte enclave with a lively college town flair
Just across the street from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s academic grounds is College Downs, a residential escape from fast-paced university life. Apartment complexes housing students lie to one side of the neighborhood, while single-family homes with tree-dotted lawns populate the other. Beyond the quiet community’s streets is University City, a bustling hub for academics and professionals alike. When Britney Anampa Vitor, a Charlotte Realtor with Century 21 Echelon, thinks of College Downs, one word comes to mind: “Lively.” According to Vitor, the mix of students and families living in the neighborhood lends the area a youthful feel. “There’s a lot of things to do by the University,” she adds. “It’s close to Concord Mills, which is one of the biggest malls here in Charlotte. And there are shopping centers all around — everyone comes down here for Ikea.”
Lots of the college students find residence in condos in College Downs.
Large brick colonial style homes can be found in beautiful neighborhoods around College Downs.
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An even split of single-family and multi-family housing
This residential extension of the college town is mainly comprised of renters, as many students are lodged in the condos and apartment complexes in the northern part of the neighborhood. However, south of W. T. Harris Boulevard is an established community of late 20th-century homes. Sturdy ranch-style and New Traditional houses line these quiet streets, dotted with tall oaks and lofty maples. Buyers will also find newer developments here, with larger residences in contemporary Colonial Revival and Craftsman-inspired designs. “It’s a part of town that we’re going to see grow a ton as University City continues to expand,“ says Landon Albrick, a local Realtor at The Albrick Group. Single-family homes sell at a median price of $370,000, though brand-new builds can climb well into the $600,000 range. Condos and townhouses frequently sell to investors looking to lease to students and are typically priced between $150,000 and $250,000 for two to three bedrooms.
Condos and townhouses can be found throughout the College Downs community.
Quiet streets with large well maintained homes and yards make College Downs a desirable area.
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Elementary-aged students get ahead at Vaughan Academy of Technology
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools serve the area. Newell Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle and Julius L. Chambers High all score a C from Niche. Parents can also apply to send their kids to Vaughan Academy of Technology, a K-5 magnet school focused on computer science immersion. The neighborhood elementary school boasts a one-to-one technology ratio and a curriculum that integrates coding from an early age, giving its young students a head start.
The Dorothy J Vaughan Academy is one of the local elementary schools in College Downs.
Many local school children attend Newell Elementary in College Downs.
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Familiar retail chains and a variety of local restaurants
The University City area is full of big-box shopping, and residents in College Downs have a front-row seat. At Town Center Plaza, locals can pick up groceries from Harris Teeter, hit the gym, mail packages and fill up the gas tank all in one place. Target and Lowe’s are right across the street, making everyday errands a breeze. The University City Boulevard is home to a diverse array of cuisines, from Salvadorian specialties at Pupusa 503 to creamy chicken tikka masala at Passage to India. Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant is a neighborhood favorite for its festive atmosphere featuring karaoke, a mariachi band and margaritas. Residents are also just a stone’s throw from the University’s lively student culture, which includes waterside dining at the Shoppes at University Place and football games at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Concord Mills mall is an easy eight-mile drive away and is an ever-popular shopping destination.
Don Pedro Mexican is known for their most authentic Mexican food in College Downs.
The Harris Teeter at Town Center Plaza is one of the main grocery stores in College Downs.
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Wooded greenways wind through the neighborhood
The Toby Creek Greenway carves through the southern half of the neighborhood, spanning miles of wooded footpaths that cut straight through UNC Charlotte campus. Weekends at Newell Park are full of proud parents cheering on their young athletes on the baseball diamond, where the University East Little League team plays. After school, kids also love to let loose on the playground and swing set. For all-day outdoor adventures, folks make the three-mile drive to Reedy Creek Park. The sprawling preserve has over 20 miles of hiking trails in addition to a popular disc golf course and dog park.
Toby Creek Greenway in College Downs has many trails leading all over the community.
Toby Creek Greenway is a great opportunity for College Downs locals to enjoy the outdoors.
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Commute by light rail or car
The LYNX Blue Line light rail extension runs from Tryon Street to Uptown, giving residents a car-free way to commute around the city. Charlotte Area Transit buses run up and down University City Boulevard, though most locals need a car to get around. “Traffic can be bad, especially right on the Boulevard,” Vitor says, “But that’s true of everywhere in Charlotte.” Interstates 85 and 485 have entrances a few miles away, and plenty of big employers are close to home in University City’s various business parks and health complexes. While Charlotte’s Center City business district is roughly 10 miles away, residents are also close to the growing outskirt cities such as Kannapolis and Concord, the latter of which has been rapidly growing thanks to incoming employers like Eli Lilly and Company. Frequent fliers can catch select flights from the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, roughly nine miles away. For more robust airline service, however, most travelers make the 15-mile drive to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The LYNX Blue Line is a great way to get from College Downs to Uptown Charlotte quickly.
College Downs residents can find easy transportation to Uptown on one of the CATS buses.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laurie Marzano,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Newell Neighborhood Park
Viewmont Park
Reedy Creek Park
Mallard Creek Greenway
Bike Trails
Lake
Trails
Barton Creek Greenway
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Toby Creek Greenway - Ruth G. Shaw Trailhead
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Concord-Padgett Regional
16 min drive
Bus
Tryon St & Rocky River Rd
Bus
University City Blvd & Town Center Plaza
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.731 Reviews
4.0Niche User
6/9/2014Niche Review
some people in my area are from other states or from another country. majority of them just come here for school purposes only.
5.0Current Resident
7/9/2018Niche Review
Lived here since 2010. A lot of student apartments have gone up along the 49 and traffic has increased since UNCC keeps growing. There are a few single family homes. The area is becoming in more demand with more students and the light rail. You can get to the city so easily now.
4.0Niche User
7/26/2016Niche Review
There are a lot of younger people in the neighborhood, plus you're so close to the university and uptown
4.0Niche User
6/9/2014Niche Review
this area is very family oriented. i'm glad my kids have other children to play with.
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
College Downs
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
College Downs Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Downs, Charlotte sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in College Downs, Charlotte over the last 12 months is $452,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground-level condo in the desirable Heatherstone community, conveniently located off E. WT Harris Blvd! Featuring an open floor plan, the kitchen flows into a spacious living room, offering plenty of room for furniture and a dining table. The kitchen is equipped with ample cabinet space and a breakfast bar. Freshly painted throughout, this condo boasts Luxury
Well-maintained townhome in a convenient location within walking distance to UNCC. Lots of shopping, dining, and entertainment amenities. The main level offers a spacious layout with a great room, galley-style kitchen, dining area, and a flexible space that can serve as a home office or a quiet retreat. A painted brick accent wall adds a subtle touch of character. The kitchen features refreshed
Welcome to Heather Ridge! The only Niner Choice Program housing partner for all renters, students and non-students alike. Discover modern living in the College Downs area of Charlotte, NC, less than 2 miles away from the UNCC campus. Our convenient location in the University City South area provides plenty of dining and retail options, such as The Shoppes at University Place. Enjoy the beautiful
Top floor 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo, very convenient to University area and right across the street to UNCC. Great condition, nice neutral paint, nice vinyl plank floor throughout, move in ready! Nice spacious living area with vaulted ceiling, opens up to large balcony. 2 good sized bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Large parking lot and street parking available.
Choose from 1-5 bedroom floor plans, with private bathrooms that make getting ready a breeze. With fully-furnished apartments near UNC – Charlotte and extra-spacious living rooms, hosting friends after class just became a regular thing.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laurie Marzano,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,413
Median Age
28
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
5.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$38,160
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$61,083
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.4%
Advanced Degrees
11.4%
% Population in Labor Force
68.7%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
