From farm pastures to Fortune 500 companies and fast-moving college students, University City South has come a long way over the past few decades. Although the neighborhood is centered around the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, it’s bordered by bustling shopping centers and thriving business parks. The expansion of the LYNX Blue Line light rail in 2018 brought a boom of development that made this Charlotte neighborhood more than just a place for the collegiate crowd. “If you live in University City, you don't need to leave town for anything,” says Landon Albrick, Realtor at the Albrick Group, emphasizing the convenience of living along a major retail corridor. And with plenty of attractions geared toward the younger crowd, University City South is a desirable destination for students, young professionals and adventurous families alike.
Students on campus of UNCC located in the heart of University City South.
The light rail is easily accessible in University City South.
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Secluded homes or townhouses near campus
This neighborhood is largely comprised of student renters, though there are an increasing number of permanent residents putting down roots in the area thanks to the presence of major employers. “University is the fastest growing zip code in all of Charlotte,” Albrick says. Simple new builds have sprung up toward the south end of town, across the highway from the college campus. These single-family homes sit on tidy quarter-acre lots on winding roads, with wooded backyards and a median list price of roughly $350,000, below the Charlotte median. Some older established ranch-style homes can sell for $225,000, making them an attractive option for buyers seeking a lower entry point into this booming area. Townhouses and condos close to campus typically ask for around $230,000 for three bedrooms, and proximity to the college makes them popular with investors looking to lease to students.
This is one of the recently completed ranch homes in University City South, Charlotte.
Townhomes are a common site in University City South.
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Entertainment and big-box retail abound
University City South sits on top of a large retail corridor housing big-box stores, name-brand retailers and swarms of familiar chain restaurants. Residents can explore a growing local dining scene that includes creative sweets from Ninety’s Dessert Bar. Its milkshakes piled high with toppings are a perfect way to cool down by the lake at the Shoppes at University Place. The Queen City's burgeoning brewery culture has also caught up with this vibrant neighborhood. Armored Cow Brewing is popular for its cold pints and regular outdoor markets, while Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is a tried-and-true tavern that challenges patrons to try its rotating list of over 200 drafts through the UFO beer club. For more evenings out on the town, locals cheer on the 49ers football team at Jerry Richardson Stadium or rush to their seats to sing along with their favorite bands at PNC Music Pavilion, an outdoor venue that draws in big-name artists. Or, folks can head to Topgolf to practice their swing and grab drinks with friends.
There's a lot of golf in the University City South area, including Rocky River Golf Club.
Residents enjoy shopping at Ross in University City South.
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Unique public school opportunities through UNC Charlotte
University Meadows Elementary scores a C-plus from Niche, while James Martin Middle and Julius L. Chambers High both earn a C. Career-ready students can apply for a seat at Charlotte Engineering Early College, a public high school of choice on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s campus. Students in the five-year program can get a head start on college coursework at UNC Charlotte while earning their high school diploma, supplemented by job shadowing and internship opportunities. Niche awards this forward-thinking public magnet school with an A-plus score.
Charlotte Engineering Early College in University City South in on the campus of UNCC.
The entrance to Julius Chambers High School.
Kids enjoy James Martin Middle School in University City - South
University Meadows Elementary is where every student shines academically.
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Take the scenic route along a greenway
City planners work toward an infrastructure that balances urban development and natural scenery as this populous area quickly evolves. Bikers ride around UNC Charlotte's brick-cobbled pathways, whirring past grand halls and academic buildings. The Toby Creek Greenway slices through campus, providing a natural link for active locals to navigate the area car-free. University South residents can reconnect with nature on the scenic Mallard Creek Greenway or head to UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens to explore the vibrant tropical flora. Kirk Farm Fields is a convenient pitstop along the trail for relaxing on grassy hillsides or exploring wetland boardwalks.
The Mallard Creek Greenway in University City South is a popular spot for exercise.
Dog walkers are often seen on the Toby Creek Greenway in University City South .
Uptown Charlotte is just 15 minutes from University City South.
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The light rail is easily accessible in University City South.
Commute to Uptown via light rail
The LYNX Blue light rail extension runs along North Tyron Street and shuttles locals 10 miles south into Uptown, Charlotte's urban center. Interstates 85 and 485 are also close by, and CATS buses run along major thoroughfares, giving residents plenty of options for their daily commute. The University Research Park houses Charlotte's only public research institution and the east coast headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies, feeding a thriving regional economy. According to Jessica Sinski, a local Realtor with the Carolina Residential Group, the area is also well-situated near Charlotte’s outskirt cities such as Harrisburg and Kannapolis. “Concord’s not too far, and then you have Concord Mills, which is the big outlet mall,” she says. “A lot of people like to live in Charlotte even if they work in Concord, and University City is still a little more affordable.”
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Great location with building happening around the area. Single Family Home, or Great investment property to rent out, or develop the land due to new zoning. Add an additional attached unit for additional income. Corner lot, close to the light rail. Everything was redone by previous owner in 2018.Near shopping, University Area
Welcome to 9909 Campus Walk – a beautifully updated condo in the heart of Charlotte's University area. Step inside to find new LVP flooring throughout (installed in 2004). The updated kitchen features new cabinetry (2024), granite countertops (2024), stainless steel appliances, and a peninsula with bar-height seating—perfect for casual dining or entertaining. The kitchen flows seamlessly into an
2nd -floor unit condo located in the heart of the UNCC area. Enjoy a spacious living area, a private full bath for 2 bedrooms, and a private covered porch. Not to mention you can walk to campus! Enjoy the end unit privacy as well as all the amenities that the university area has to offer. Included in HOA Internet, Cable, and water (up to $150 per month) Washer and Dryer. Renter only pays
Welcome home to Prose McCullough Station, a brand-new apartment community located in Charlotte, NC. Our spacious one-and two-bedroom apartment homes feature modern stainless-steel appliances, walk-in closets, dining-sized kitchen islands, premium plank flooring throughout and full-sized washers and dryers in every apartment home. Our community features must-have amenities like a 24-hour fitness
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained property featuring a spacious, open floor plan with gleaming floors and a neutral color palette—perfectly ready for your personal touch. Enjoy a generous living area and comfortably sized bedrooms designed for both relaxation and functionality.Conveniently located within the UNCC campus grid and just minutes from major highways, shopping,
Located within walking distance to the Blue Line and surrounded by a wide variety of retail and dining options, The Spoke at McCullough Station’s newly renovated studio and one-bedroom apartments, with vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and more, allow you to find what moves you.Our prime location next to UNC Charlotte, only 10 minutes from NoDa, Plaza
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matt Sarver,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,226
Median Age
26
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,000
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,967
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
54%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.9%
% Population in Labor Force
48.5%
Below 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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
40/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
44/ 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.
