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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Michael Calabrese,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Davidson, NC sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Davidson, NC over the last 12 months is $930,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy this well-appointed 2-story traditional townhome with walk-out basement near Lake Davidson. This end unit boasts 1,979 sq ft with 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms and a 2-car garage. Open concept floor plan with warm woods, bright whites & custom designer upgrades throughout--real wood plantation shutters, built-ins, designer wallpapers, custom mirrors and knobs. The Main Level features a
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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
Masterful three-level luxury residence on Lake Davidson offers thoughtful design and modern living. Just under a mile from Downtown Davidson and close to I-77, shops, parks and trendy dining establishments, this location offers an unparalleled living experience. You'll enjoy open-plan living, gourmet kitchen, private balcony with stunning lake sunsets, water access and sandy beach. A
Welcome to this stunning home in the highly desirable Waterford on Rocky River community, designed with both comfort & entertaining in mind. The main level features a beautifully appointed kitchen w/granite countertops, SS appliances, pantry & center island; open to the sunny breakfast area & spacious great room w/gas log fireplace. You’ll also find a formal dining room & private office w/French
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
Absolutely stunning - brand new home in Davidson Cottages. This beautiful home built by Saussy Burbank features 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a powder room. Beautiful LVP flooring throughout the house - no carpet!! On the Lower level is a covered front porch that leads you to a lovely foyer with designer lighting. A bedroom and full bathroom with quartz counters, designer tile and high end
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