Davidson has been a college town in Mecklenburg County since the 19th century. The town and Davidson College were founded in 1878 by a group of Presbyterians who wanted to establish a college. Ever since, Davidson has remained a small town with a strong focus on education and community.
“The number one reason people choose Davidson is the small college town lifestyle,” says Kay Fisher, Realtor and co-owner of KB Fisher & Co. “While the college is an integral part of the community, it’s also about the charming downtown Main Street and the town’s progressive atmosphere. People are passionate about advocating and making a change.”
Education and manufacturing are among the top industries in town. Ingersoll Rand is a manufacturing company headquartered in Davidson, and MSC Industrial Supply has a manufacturing plant.
Davidson College, is one of the most prestigious private colleges in the country.
The downtown area of Davidson that look like something out of a magazine.
1/2
Davidson is for students and long-term residents
Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods fill Davidson, and townhouses within walking distance of the college are the cheapest options. “You might think there would be a lot of rentals in a college town, but that’s not the case,” Fisher says. “Most students live on campus, and Davidson is relatively expensive compared to nearby areas. There are historic homes near Main Street and newer custom-built homes in small pockets around town.” Homes surrounding the River Run Country Club start in the $900,000s. Brand-new detached homes are still under construction in the Cove at Davidson Bay and start at $1 million. The single-family median price is $762,500, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Davidson’s reported violent crimes more than doubled from 2022 to 2023 while the reported property crime rate dropped 16%, according to FBI data. The overall crime rate was well below state and national averages in 2023. The Davidson Police Department patrols the city and occasionally supports the Davidson College Police Department when needed.
A large custom home in Davidson, country club living at it's finest.
A row of large brick homes in Davidson, North Carolina.
1/2
Char-Meck Schools and Davidson College
Education as a whole is held in high regard in Davidson, from elementary school to postsecondary education. The town has five schools serviced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Most of the schools are private or charter schools.
Davidson College gets an A-plus, and is ranked as the seventh-best liberal arts college in America. Fisher says the school is extremely competitive, and students who are accepted are often high achievers academically.“Davidson’s Honor Code reflects a strong culture of trust and integrity,” Fisher says. “For instance, students feel comfortable leaving personal belongings unattended, knowing they will be respected.” The college uses an internal process to award financial aid, which often comes in the form of scholarships and student employment.
Steph Curry attended Davidson College, an elite private school.
The entrance to Davidson Elementary School.
1/2
Spending time in nature and farmers markets
Lake Norman flows along Davidson’s western side, but the lake isn’t the only spot to get outdoors. Roosevelt Wilson Park has a shaded playground and a paved walkway that borders the water, creating an easy spot to fish. Davidson College has a national arboretum with trees that sprouted before the Civil War. Nature enthusiasts can walk along the paths to test their tree knowledge and identify the different species. “Davidson embraces sustainability with initiatives like Leave the Leaves and abundant pollinator gardens,” Fisher says. “It’s also a place where people love engaging in intellectual conversations and advocating for change.”
College events draw people to the area, including orientation week and graduation, but the town also organizes annual events, often held downtown. Concerts on the Green is a live music series that runs twice a month from May to October in the Town Green park. Vendors set up stalls across the street for the Davidson Farmers Market, a community staple since 2008. “The farmers market is such a big part of life in Davidson,” Fisher adds. “It’s where people catch up with neighbors, pick up fresh produce and feel connected to the community.”
Roosevelt Wilson Park is not usually empty but the cold temperature isn't great for fishing.
Town Green, in the heart of Downtown Davidson is home to most town events.
1/2
Davidson specializes in Christmas spirit
Christmas in Davidson is an annual three-day event held downtown, followed by a parade down Main Street. Santa Claus kicks things off with a tree lighting ceremony, and the rest of the event features an artisan market, horse-drawn carriage tours and light shows.
En Pointe Dance Company performs in the North Meck Parade, the parade starts in Davidson.
The North Meck Parade is 2 miles long through Davidson.
1/2
Main Street shops and restaurants
Main Street is downtown Davidson’s main shopping destination. Red brick sidewalks run past historic storefronts filled with locally owned shops and restaurants. Some stores, like The Village Store, have been in business for decades. John Street also has businesses on the ground floor of apartment complexes, like the Linden Apartments.
There are several restaurants throughout the Downtown Davidson area.
Live music is just minutes from Davidson at the Old Town Public House in neighboring Cornelius.
1/2
Walking, biking or busing to campus
Interstate 77 is the major commuting route to reach Charlotte, about 22 miles south of Davidson. The Atrium Health Primary Care Davidson Clinic offers routine medical care, while the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center is the nearest hospital, 5 miles north when using I-77. Davidson will be a stop along the future Red Line commuter rail that will extend south to Charlotte.
The extensive sidewalks allow students and longtime residents to walk or bike to shops or to campus. CATS buses run throughout the Lake Norman area, and the 290 bus route is dedicated to shuttling students along Concord Road to and from Davidson College. Most places of worship throughout town are churches, two of which are on Davidson College’s campus, and the rest are on the east side of Main Street.
Davidson is located off exit 30 on interstate 77, the city has easy access to all major interstates in the Charlotte area.
The CATS bus takes commuters into Charlotte from the Davidson area.
1/2
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Scott Brotherton
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Beaver,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Davidson, NC sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Davidson, NC over the last 12 months is $624,112, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover your perfect Davidson home at 3351 Streamside Drive! With major system updates, this home is better than ever—move-in ready and almost like brand new. In 2024, the roof and water heater were replaced, and in August 2025, a new AC and furnace system were installed, providing comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come. Inside, all kitchen appliances have been updated in the
Imagine stepping out your front door and walking to coffee, the greenway, the lake, dinner, or a Davidson College event — this is everyday life at 520 Catawba. Located in one of Davidson’s most walkable neighborhoods, this updated home offers the kind of lifestyle people move here for, with the convenience of I-77 just minutes away and Lake Norman at your fingertips. Inside, the home is light,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded Breckenridge II townhome — one of the community’s most sought-after floorplans — ideally located in the heart of Davidson, with walkable access to the farmers market, local dining and shopping, community gatherings, and seasonal live music events right at your doorstep. Lovingly cared for as a no-shoes household, this home feels
GARAGE included with this beautifully updated END UNIT in Spinnaker Reach, tucked into a serene corner of the community, surrounded by canopies of trees and offering a sweeping view straight down the wide cove to open water. With private lake access, boat slips, a kayak station, and a community pool, every day feels like a vacation. This home offers the rare combination of quiet seclusion and
This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in the sought-after Summers Walk community in Davidson! This home offers an inviting open floor plan filled with natural light, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The spacious kitchen features modern appliances, ample cabinet space, and a breakfast bar that flows into the bright dining and living areas. Upstairs, you’ll find two
Highly sought after Davidson Pointe, extremely rare Saussy Burbank Ranch, with rocking chair front porch! This waterfront community resting on the shores of Lake Davidson (borders 3 sides of the community), has so much to offer! Hardwood floors, tile & plantation shutters throughout! Gorgeous, fully remodeled kitchen features quartz counters, stainless steel appliances including Refrigerator to
POOL + 1-Story BRICK RANCH home featuring a versatile finished room over the garage (FROG) on a level lot. This home is located in a cul-de-sec and has a fully fenced, salt-water in-ground pool with tanning ledge and bubbler. The covered cabana and palm tree will have you feeling like you are in the tropics. In the backyard get ready to entertain with firepit and patio—perfect for outdoor
Motivated sellers! Welcome to 9890 Travertine Trail, a stunning 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in the highly desirable Davidson community. This beautifully designed residence combines timeless curb appeal with modern features, offering the perfect balance of comfort and style. Step inside to find a bright, open kitchen with granite countertops, rich cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious
Discover a rare 3-acre property tucked away in the Planation subdivision of Davidson. Located just off Harvest Lane. This expansive parcel offers 3.01 acres of level usable land - perfect for building your dream home, establishing a small estate, or creating a private retreat surrounded by mature trees. Enjoy the tranquility of country living with being minutes from Mooresville, Davidson, and
This remarkable home's architecture is influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and designed by architect Reed Tull. It is stunning and purposefully designed to blend in with it's surroundings. The home features 2 tankless water heaters, a full home filtration system, an invisible fence system and so much more. As you enter the upper level you will be welcomed by a gorgeous wall of Kolbe windows
Beautifully cared for and lightly lived-in, this three-story townhouse is just a short walk from charming downtown Davidson. With four bedrooms, this home offers both functionality and comfort. The formal dining room features a butler’s pantry, while detailed crown molding adds character to the great room, dining area, and primary suite. The lower level has a bedroom and full bath. All other
Beautiful 3-story middle-unit townhouse in the heart of Davidson! With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 1,997 sq ft, this home offers space, comfort, and convenience. The main level features open living and dining areas and a modern kitchen ideal for entertaining. The upper level includes a spacious primary suite with ensuite bath plus two additional bedrooms. The lower level offers a private bedroom
Northway Homes presents this beautifully constructed, move-in ready residence in the sought-after Farm Point neighborhood of Davidson in Cabarrus County. Known for its small-town charm, vibrant downtown, and strong sense of community, Davidson offers a unique blend of historic character, local shops, dining, and year-round events—all while remaining close to major employment and lifestyle hubs.
Luxurious, spacious, and awe-inspiring describes the Santa Fe Ranch . Step into the main living area and your heart soars along with the height of the ceiling. The vaulted ceiling spans 31 feet from your Kitchen to your Dining Room, the light dances in from 4 walls of glass windows and doors, and you can feel that this is the home you have dreamed about. Imagine how spacious it feels when your
Completely renovated 3-bedroom 2-bath condo in the Portside complex of Davidson Landing. 3rdfloor location has an amazing sunset view of the Lake. New premium Mirage wood floors throughout condo. All new crown moldings, door trim, & baseboards. All doors have been replaced with 2-panel SOLID wood doors & new hardware. All new windows. The patio doors were replaced with an Anderson Premium
Currently offering up to 8 weeks free! Look and Lease within 48 hours of touring to receive a credit back for the app and admin fee at move in! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Unassuming luxury and small-town charm meet at NOVEL Davidson. Our apartments and townhomes in
Currently offering up to 8 weeks free! Look and Lease within 48 hours of touring to receive a credit back for the app and admin fee at move in! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Unassuming luxury and small-town charm meet at NOVEL Davidson. Our apartments and townhomes in
Currently offering up to 8 weeks free! Look and Lease within 48 hours of touring to receive a credit back for the app and admin fee at move in! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Unassuming luxury and small-town charm meet at NOVEL Davidson. Our apartments and townhomes in
NOVEL Davidson offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes in the charming town of Davidson, with walkability to restaurants and shops on Main Street and convenient access to employment, healthcare, top-ranked schools, and everyday conveniences. Everything you need to work hard and play hard is here. Access resident-exclusive amenities all in one place, complete with upper and
Discover luxury lakeside living in this brand-new former model townhome located in the heart of Downtown Davidson, less than one mile from Lake Norman. This rare rental opportunity offers the perfect blend of modern design, walkable convenience, and upscale comfort, with easy access to dining, coffee shops, Harris Teeter, boutiques, Davidson College, and year-round community events. Inside, the
The Linden Apartments redefines modern living with a perfect balance of refined residences and small-town charm. Gourmet kitchens, modern lighting, expansive showers, among other life-enhancing amenities support and elevate your daily routine. Leisure goes hand in hand with comfort, and the saltwater pool and outdoor kitchen stand as proof. These apartments in Davidson, NC, are close to the
Welcome to this Stunning Updated Waterfront Condo on the First Floor that offers the Best in Lake Living in the Highly Sought-after Community of Davidson! Step inside to discover a bright and spacious living room w/large windows that offer breathtaking water views. The updated kitchen boasts modern stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and plenty of storage space for all your culinary
Welcome Home to Bexley at Davidson, only steps away from a lovely park on Lake Norman, yet moments from I-77 and the charming town of Davidson. Ask about our homes featuring stainless steel appliances with built-in microwave, upgraded kitchen & bath fixtures, washer/dryer, designer lighting & ceiling fan, 2" blinds, wood plank style floors, and more! Apply online TODAY!
Step into this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, where luxury meets comfort in every corner. Boasting 3,010 sq. ft. of elegantly designed living space, this home offers plenty of room to accommodate a growing family, with room for relaxation, work, and play. Nestled in the sought-after Farm at Riverpointe community, enjoy a peaceful neighborhood while being just minutes away from shopping,
Landing is a top-rated, fully furnished apartment network with thousands of homes across 250+ U.S. cities. With premium amenities, a mobile app to manage your stay, and 24/7 support. Our apartments have everything you need for monthly and longer stays. 6-Month Minimum base rent: starts at $3438/mo12-Month Minimum base rent: starts at $3621/moLanding's apartments at NOVEL Davidson
Lovely 2-story townhome within walking and biking distance to schools, shopping, restaurants, grocery and Downtown Davidson! The main level has an open floor plan with a Great Room that has a gas log fireplace, Dining area, Half Bathroom and Kitchen with stainless appliances. The upper level has a Laundry Closet with Washer/Dryer and 2 good size Bedrooms that each have their own Full Bathrooms.
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
