In 1906, J.W. Cannon bought over 1,000 acres of land to build a textile mill. After years of success, Cannon’s textile mill industry grew and drew in over 20,000 workers, leading to the development of Kannapolis as it stands today. The city was incorporated in 1984. The textile mills folded in the early 2000s, so the town pivoted and became a hub of research, music and outdoor recreation. Dale Earnhardt Sr. learned to race in Kannapolis, and the city has maintained a strong NASCAR pride with a park in his honor and the naming of state Route 3 after his race car number.
Jim Straatmann is a co-team lead of The Straatmann Group and has sold many homes throughout the city and surrounding areas. “People still think of Kannapolis as an old mill town, but they really need to give it a better look because it’s an up-and-coming area,” Straatmann says. “Private investors and the city have done some really neat things downtown.” Kannapolis may be a northern Charlotte suburb, but it has its own identity and unique draws. “I just saw the other day that Charlotte is one of the top 10 most affordable places to live, but Kannapolis has an even better cost of living in the area. Another big draw is the whole area is being redeveloped. Downtown has a lot of new restaurants and clubs. They just moved the Cannon Ballers minor league team to a brand-new stadium downtown, too.”
An aerial view of downtown Kannapolis, Car Town.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. was born and raised in Kannapolis, also known as Car Town.
An aerial view of Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the Kannpoilis Cannon Ballers in Car Town.
The downtown area of Kannapolis in Car Town still has a small town feel.
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Renovated mill homes and brand-new construction
Homes in Kannapolis take an average of 41 days to sell, slightly less than the national average of 44. The median price is $295,000 compared to the $418,700 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors. “Georgetown Crossings is a new townhome neighborhood, while Kellswater Bridge is a more established neighborhood with resort-style amenities. Both are big in Kannapolis, and there are a lot of new neighborhoods going in along the city’s outskirts.” Ranch-style homes and small mill homes make up the $200,000 to $400,000 range, while townhouses built as recently as 2024 start in the $300,000s. “Our son bought one of those mill houses about eight years ago, and he sold it for double what he bought it for,” says Straatmann. “He bought it before they started redeveloping downtown, which just shows how much the demand has grown.” Craftsman homes with at least three bedrooms start in the $400,000s and reach into the $600,000s. Flooding is uncommon in Kannapolis, but the manufactured homes along Tiffany Drive had significant flooding in 2023 during severe rainfall. Otherwise, the city has hot and humid summers followed by mild winters.
A craftsman home that's for sale in the Irish Creek golf course community in Car Town.
A ranch home with brick columns in Car Town.
A nice ranch home in Kannpolis, with a large front porch
A cottage style home with manicured landscaping in Car Town.
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Cannon Ballers baseball and annual city events
Kannapolis has six parks, and the city organizes dozens of events throughout the year. Many concert series and recurring events are held at Village Park, the city’s largest park with an amphitheater, greenway and splash pad. The Club at Irish Creek is one of the top 50 courses in North Carolina and hosts multiple events, including the Collegiate Championship for the greater Charlotte area. Jiggy With the Piggy is a downtown festival that celebrates all things barbecue, with vendors, fireworks, a pork tasting competition and a 5K run. The festival is one of the largest events in the country sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Baseball fans watch the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers compete against other minor league teams at Atrium Health Ballpark, built in 2020. Kannapolis is a community that strongly emphasizes overall health and well-being, so much so that the city brand is 'Discover a Healthy Life.’ Loop the Loop is a city-wide program that encourages residents to track their steps as they walk, bike or run designated routes that circle downtown and are marked by color-coordinated signs.
According to the Kannapolis Police Department’s 2023 annual report, the city’s crime index rate was 50% lower than statewide numbers. There was an 11% increase in reported violent crimes from 2022 to 2023 but reported nonviolent crimes dropped 1.5%, according to the FBI. "We are extremely fortunate to be next door to a major metro city and still have a low crime rate," Keller says. "We have a fantastic police chief and staff that stay on top of everything.” KPD also partnered with Target to create the annual Cops Target Kids for Christmas program, where children are paired with a police officer and spend a whole day shopping, dining and visiting Santa.
Kannapolis residents enjoy the Christmas lights at Village Park.
Veterans Park in Kannapolis is a beautiful park in downtown.
The playground at the ballpark is always available to the public in Car Town
Irish Creek, a great private golf club is a hidden gem in Kannapolis.
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Downtown grows with new restaurants and shops
The West Avenue District is the popular commercial area of town, and Main Street and West Avenue are some of the most notable hallways of shopping and dining. "The city has undergone a huge revitalization and now has a huge urban streetscape," says Anette Keller, Director of Communications. "We saw nearly 30 businesses open near the West Avenue District during COVID, and they are all still thriving." Coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, historic theaters and the Atrium Health Ballpark fill the area. West Avenue District is designated as a social and commercial district, even with sidewalks designed to have extra space for cycling or walking. The Blind Fox, which opened in 2022, offers memberships to bourbon and cocktail connoisseurs who want something more than a standard bar. “It’s an old speakeasy in one of the Cannon Mills bomb shelters,” Straatmann says. “You go down steps into the shelter and knock on a secret door to get in. It’s a whole experience.” Most commercial shopping centers are in southern Kannapolis, like the Carolina Mall.
The Swanee Theatre always has something going on in Downtown Kannapolis.
West Avenue brings you through the heart of Downtown Kannapolis.
The fountain in Downtown Kannapolis is a popular spot for people to gather.
There's many entertainment options in Downtown Kannapolis.
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Working in health, manufacturing or distribution
Kannapolis is the 20th largest city in Charlotte, with roughly 60,000 residents and a growing economic scene. The leading industries are food tech, distribution, manufacturing, motorsports and healthcare. The city is also home to the North Carolina Research Campus, where eight universities and private companies conduct nutrition research. Some residents commute south to Charlotte to work in the second-largest banking center in the country.
In 2022, Site Selection Magazine named Kannapolis as one of the top 15 cities for corporate headquarters relocation. The City Council works to attract more companies and small businesses to the area. Multiple commercial parks are currently in development or planning and will be built along Interstate 85, like the 85 Exchange campus, which will hold seven buildings and feature a nearby multifamily building.
The North Carolina Research Campus is located in Car Town, Downtown Kannapolis.
An aerial view of downtown Kannapolis, Car Town.
Kannapolis has easy access to all major interstates, including 85.
The NC Research Campus is a huge part of Downtown Kannapolis.
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Busing around town or commuting to Charlotte
Driving is the primary way to get around town, but there are public bus lines that connect Kannapolis commuters to nearby cities. CATS buses travel into Charlotte, while CK Rider buses have seven routes that wind throughout Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. Downtown has customer-only spaces in front of shops and designated free parking lots, making it easy to park and walk to the train station or ballpark. AMTRAK trains run daily services from the Kannapolis station to the Charlotte station and dozens of other stops up the East Coast. The Concord Regional Airport, 13 miles south along I-85, offers three airline options when flying to East Coast destinations, but the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 30 miles away and has a broader reach. Atrium Health Cabarrus and Atrium Health Kannapolis Internal Medicine are off I-85, 4 miles from downtown.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is just over 30 minutes from Kannapolis.
Concord Regional, is a small private airport just 20 minutes from Kannapolis.
Atrium Health Cabarrus is a major employer of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis residents.
Hwy. 29 and Interstate 85 connect in Kannapolis.
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Two school districts and future upgrades
Three different school districts serve the Kannapolis area, with the Kannapolis City School District receiving a B from Niche and getting a B-plus for college preparation. "One of the great things about the schools is they don't say no if there is a need; they say let's see how we can solve this," Keller says. "They are always thinking of better ways to improve things." Students looking to continue their education can head to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in nearby Salisbury, or well-known universities Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State are all about 144 miles away in the Raleigh area.
A. L. Brown High School in Kannapolis is home to the Wonders
The entrance to Concord Lake STEAM Academy in Kannapolis
Rowan Cabarrus Community College has a campus in Kannapolis
The entrance to Charles E. Boger Elementary School in Kannapolis.
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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
Nicole Redmond,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kannapolis, NC sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Kannapolis, NC over the last 12 months is $319,900, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 10169 Castlebrooke Drive, Concord, NC 28027, a beautifully appointed home tucked away on a cul-de-sac and offering exceptional indoor and outdoor living space. From the moment you step inside, hardwood floors throughout the main level and upstairs set the tone for a home filled with warmth, character, and thoughtful updates. At the heart of the home is a bright, open-concept great room
MOTIVATED SELLER! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a beautiful home with $15,000 FORGIVEABLE available for qualified buyers for downpayment and closing costs! Many buyers have secured interest rates as low as 4.5% through this program, depending on credit qualifications and lender approval—making homeownership more affordable than you may think! Welcome to 3930 Backwater Drive, where
Welcome to 4203 Evening Trail in the sought-after Childers Park community! Built in 2023, this like-new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of modern design, comfort, and convenience, without the wait of new construction. The open-concept floor plan features a spacious living area, a stylish kitchen with white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large
Completely renovated 2 Bed/1 Bath home. This cozy cottage boasts new vinyl siding, new paint, new flooring, new double pane insulated windows, new light fixtures, new HVAC, new deck/railings on back porch. Roof is only 4 years old, and the electric Water Heater is only 2 years old. The mature trees in the front offer shade over the yard, and the backyard has two young peach trees that are already
Welcome to 5780 Mantle Way, Kannapolis, NC—a beautifully appointed, move-in ready END UNIT townhome offering exceptional upgrades, designer finishes, and an unbeatable location just minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown Kannapolis. This stunning home features a gourmet Chef's kitchen with a 36-inch gas cooktop, under-cabinet lighting, and an open-concept layout perfect for everyday living
Welcome to 10169 Castlebrooke Drive, Concord, NC 28027, a beautifully appointed home tucked away on a cul-de-sac and offering exceptional indoor and outdoor living space. From the moment you step inside, hardwood floors throughout the main level and upstairs set the tone for a home filled with warmth, character, and thoughtful updates. At the heart of the home is a bright, open-concept great room
Welcome home to this quaint and inviting 2-bedroom ranch that combines classic charm with valuable updates and practical amenities. Situated on a fenced lot, this well-maintained property offers comfortable living spaces, beautiful hardwood floors, and plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining.Inside, you'll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere highlighted by original character and
Discover modern 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhomes just minutes from downtown Kannapolis. Available for purchase individually or as a package of all three units, this is a flexible opportunity for both homeowners and investors. This individual townhome sits on the far right, making it an end-unit. Ideally situated near Atrium Health Ballpark and the revitalized downtown area, you’ll have convenient
This extraordinary home sits on almost 4 private acres offering the perfect blend of convenience and peaceful country living. The property features a scenic pond, open outdoor space and plenty of room to enjoy nature, entertain, or expand. This home offers a flexible layout designed for comfort and style. With two primary suites on separate levels, the home is ideal for extended family, guests,
Beautifully maintained townhome with spacious open floor plan. Home is only 2 years old and it shows. Kitchen has gorgeous cabinets and large island for cooking or entertaining. Kitchen opens to great room and large dining area. The main level has plenty of light and the sliding door takes you to great outdoor space. Upstairs does not disappoint; Large loft provides a separate entertainment or
MOTIVATED SELLER! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a beautiful home with $15,000 FORGIVEABLE available for qualified buyers for downpayment and closing costs! Many buyers have secured interest rates as low as 4.5% through this program, depending on credit qualifications and lender approval—making homeownership more affordable than you may think! Welcome to 3930 Backwater Drive, where
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in a prime Kannapolis location! Just minutes from downtown, shopping, dining, parks, and I-85, this home offers comfort and convenience. A standout feature is the detached garage, perfect for parking, a workshop, storage, or hobbies, plus an attached covered carport. Enjoy the inviting front porch, mature trees, and spacious yard with room to relax or entertain. An
INCREDIBLE LIVE-WORK OPPORTUNITY! PRIME LOCATION JUST 1⁄2 MILE FROM I-85 WITH NO HOA! This beautifully renovated ranch home offers the rare combination of residential comfort and commercial potential, thanks to its Office/Limited Commercial (O-LC) zoning with residential use permitted. Whether you're looking for a spacious home, a home-based business location, professional office space, or an
Elite Entertainment and Resort-Style Living in Kellswater Bridge! Nestled on a highly desirable, private cul-de-sac lot backing to a serene backdrop of mature trees, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers nearly 4,000 square feet of meticulously maintained living space. Step past the covered front porch onto gorgeous hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the entire main
Country living yet convenient to shopping and dining. Move in ready, fresh paint. Great view from front porch. Small home, easy to maintain. Home has solar panels that are paid for and no batteries, so Duke pays you for energy, thus lowering your utility bill.Don't let this jewel slip away.
Location, location, location. This modern farm house is a short walk to downtown Kannapolis. This home has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and offers 10 foot ceilings on the first floor, 5 panel doors, hard wood flooring on 1st and 2nd floors, a front porch, fenced in yard & patio. The kitchen has white shaker style cabinets, granite countertops, tile back splash, stainless steel appliances, gas stove,
Discover Creek Mill, a premier apartment community just outside Charlotte, designed for those who want it all-luxury, convenience, and an unmatched array of amenities. Whether you're working hard or unwinding in style, our thoughtfully crafted spaces and resort-inspired perks ensure you live life to the fullest.
Welcome home! Enjoy the convenience of front-door parking, making it easy to unload groceries and other heavy items. A welcoming front porch leads you inside, where luxury vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the main level.The open-concept first floor creates a bright and spacious feel from the front entrance to the back door. The living room features double windows that fill the space with
Elevate your idea of home with a one, two, or three bedroom apartment designed to complement your active lifestyle.Our pet-friendly floor plans feature spacious layouts with modern finishes designed to blend seamlessly with your decorative flair. When you’re not sharpening your culinary skills in the fully equipped kitchen or relaxing under 9-foot ceilings in your spacious living room, take in
Fantastic and virtually new 3 bedroom 2 bath home with NO HOA and is pet friendly! All basic utilities included. Also included are washer and dryer! One story ranch is easily accessible and conveniently located to interstates, shopping and medical facilities. A short distance to either Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway or activities on Lake Norman. Yet far enough away to avoid the
Tour brand-new luxury residences in downtown Kannapolis today. 200 Main offers modern studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with quartz finishes, in-unit washer/dryer, and resort-style amenities — pool, fitness, yoga, and more — all in a walkable downtown setting. Pet-friendly.
Nestled in the heart of Afton Village, our community offers an unparalleled living experience with a variety of floor plans to suit your lifestyle needs. Choose from our meticulously designed one, two, or three-bedroom apartments, each boasting modern amenities and stylish finishes. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat or spacious living, our floor plans cater to your preferences. Enjoy the
The Vive at Kellswater is located at Integra Springs Boulevard in Kannapolis, North Carolina, just off I-85, approximately 30 miles northeast of Charlotte, 10 miles from Concord Mills Mall, and 5 miles from downtown Kannapolis and the Kannapolis Science and Technology Campus. The community is close to Cabarrus Arena, Atrium Health Cabarrus, and major employers in the Cabarrus County and Charlotte
YOU’RE GONNA LOVE IT HERE! We are a hidden gem in Kannapolis ! We are located behind Hilbish Ford off of Hwy 29 / Cannon Blvd. The Bridges at Cabarrus has everything you’re looking for in an apartment... excellent amenities and close to local campuses, restaurants and entertainment!We are a brief commute to UNCC , Concord Mills, and Downtown Charlotte.The Bridges of Cabarrus is an
Experience elevated living at Hawthorne at the Glen, a luxury apartment community nestled in vibrant Concord, NC, moments from Charlotte and close to local favorites like Concord Mills, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Gibson Mill, Downtown Concord, Frank Liske Park, and Afton Village.Choose from thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes and discover a lifestyle centered around comfort,
Discover elevated living at Coddle Creek Apartments, where modern design meets everyday comfort. Thoughtfully designed homes and spacious layouts create a natural fit for your lifestyle. With homes available now, this is your opportunity to settle into a community that truly has it all.
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