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
John Bolos,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Davidson, NC sell after 54 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 $615,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully maintained 4BR/3BA home located on a cul-de-sac in one of Davidson’s most sought-after lake access neighborhoods! This home features an updated chef’s kitchen with KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, induction cooktop, double oven, and a large island with ample seating and storage. Butler’s pantry includes a wine rack & beverage fridge.Main
Stunning end-unit townhome located in the highly sought-after Westbranch neighborhood! This spacious layout offers primary suites both upstairs and downstairs, with a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths and one half bath. Enjoy a bright, inviting living room with a cozy fireplace, an eat-in kitchen, and a large island with seating. The private, fenced patio is ideal for entertaining or grilling
European-inspired residence positioned along Lake Cornelius, offering refined waterfront living in one of Davidson’s most sought-after locations. Designed with timeless architecture and thoughtful placement, the home captures natural lake views without compromising sophistication or function.Exceptional walkability sets this property apart — with direct access to Downtown Davidson’s
Unbeatable Location + Lake Access + Two Living Quarters = Rare Find in Davidson!Welcome to an exceptional opportunity to own a like-new (2023), multi-generational home just steps from lake access for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming! Ideally located just a short stroll to Davidson College, the upcoming Sadler Square development which will feature fine eateries and grocery
Beautifully maintained 4BR/3BA home located on a cul-de-sac in one of Davidson’s most sought-after lake access neighborhoods! This home features an updated chef’s kitchen with KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, induction cooktop, double oven, and a large island with ample seating and storage. Butler’s pantry includes a wine rack & beverage fridge.Main
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
Welcome Home to Waterford on Rocky River!This stunning residence is nestled in one of the area’s most desirable communities and is thoughtfully designed for both comfort and entertaining.The main level features:A beautifully appointed kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pantry, and center island.Sunny breakfast area open to a spacious great
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
Waterfront Penthouse unit, fully furnished with vaulted ceilings. Available 12/1/25. 6 or 12 month lease term preferred; however, month to month negotiable at a higher rate. Enjoy Lake & Pool with restaurant and bars just steps away. Bring your suitcase and move in! Fully Furnished condo including linens, dishes and utilities. Updated 2 bedroom 1 bath rental in the Harborwatch complex of Davidson
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.
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