Concord / Salisbury
Concord & Salisbury:
Small-Town Charm Meets Growing Opportunity
Located in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, the towns of Concord, Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg have evolved from historic mill towns into thriving communities with strong local economies, excellent schools, and convenient access to Charlotte via I-85. These areas offer a unique blend of small-town charm, modern amenities, and exciting growth opportunities, making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
A Mix of Historic & Modern Communities
Each town in this region has its own unique appeal, offering a variety of lifestyle options:
- Concord – A fast-growing city known for its top-rated schools, shopping, entertainment, and motorsports culture. Home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills, and expanding residential developments, it’s one of the most dynamic suburbs of Charlotte.
- Salisbury – A historic town with a vibrant arts and cultural scene, Salisbury is known for preserved architecture, a strong sense of community, and unique local businesses.
- Kannapolis – Once a major textile hub, Kannapolis has undergone a major revitalization, thanks to the North Carolina Research Campus, making it a center for health sciences and biotechnology innovation.
- Harrisburg – A
family-friendly town with
new residential communities, great schools, and a quiet suburban feel, located just minutes from Concord and Charlotte.
Convenience & Connectivity
With I-85, Highway 29, and Highway 49 running through the region, residents enjoy quick access to Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and surrounding areas. The area is also served by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and Amtrak service in Salisbury, making commuting even more convenient.
Diverse Housing Options
Whether you’re looking for historic homes, new developments, or rural retreats, Concord and Salisbury offer a wide variety of housing options:
- Historic Districts in Salisbury – Beautiful Victorian and Colonial Revival homes with charming, walkable streets.
- Family-Friendly Suburbs in Concord & Harrisburg – Spacious homes in planned communities with pools, parks, and top-rated schools.
- New-Construction in Kannapolis – A growing number of modern townhomes and single-family homes near research and business hubs.
- Luxury Homes & Golf Communities – Gated neighborhoods like
Cabarrus Country Club and Skybrook Golf Club offer
elegant homes with resort-style amenities.
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Residents of Concord, Salisbury, and surrounding towns enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping centers, dining experiences, and entertainment options:
- Concord Mills – One of North Carolina’s largest shopping destinations, featuring high-end outlet stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues like SEA LIFE Charlotte Aquarium and Dave & Buster’s.
- Downtown Salisbury & Kannapolis – Historic main streets lined with boutiques, cafés, breweries, and local art galleries create a welcoming, walkable atmosphere.
- Harrisburg Town Center – A small-town shopping district offering a mix of local businesses, casual dining, and community events.
- Diverse Dining Scene – From Southern comfort food and BBQ to international cuisine and fine dining, the region boasts plenty of delicious options. Popular spots include:
- The Smoke Pit (Concord) – A local favorite for authentic BBQ.
- Ivan’s Restaurant (Salisbury) – A hidden gem for elevated Southern dining.
- 41 North Coffee (Kannapolis) – A cozy café perfect for coffee lovers and remote work.
- Old Stone Vino (Harrisburg) – A top choice for
wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails.
Outdoor Recreation & Green Spaces
The Concord/Salisbury area is home to plenty of parks, trails, and recreational opportunities:
- Frank Liske Park (Concord) – A huge family-friendly park with trails, fishing, picnic areas, and sports fields.
- Dan Nicholas Park (Salisbury) – A beloved outdoor retreat featuring a zoo, mini-golf, hiking trails, and paddle boating.
- Lake Fisher (Kannapolis) – A serene spot for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying nature.
- Rocky River Golf Club (Concord) – One of the best public golf courses in the region.
- Vietnam Veterans Park (Kannapolis) – A
scenic park with walking trails, disc golf, and playgrounds.
Business & Economic Growth
The region is experiencing significant economic growth, with opportunities in motorsports, healthcare, manufacturing, and research:
- Charlotte Motor Speedway & Motorsports Industry (Concord/Kannapolis) – A major economic driver, home to NASCAR teams, racing schools, and motorsports companies.
- North Carolina Research Campus (Kannapolis) – A cutting-edge research facility focused on biotechnology, nutrition, and health sciences, bringing new jobs and innovation to the area.
- Manufacturing & Logistics Growth (Salisbury & Concord) – With multiple
industrial parks and corporate offices, the area continues to attract
major employers and businesses.
Top Schools & Education
Families choose Concord and Salisbury for excellent public and private schools, including:
- Cox Mill High School (Concord) – One of the top-rated schools in North Carolina.
- Hickory Ridge High School (Harrisburg) – Known for academic excellence and athletics.
- Northwest Cabarrus High School (Kannapolis) – Offers strong STEM and extracurricular programs.
- Livingstone College (Salisbury) – A historic liberal arts college known for its diverse academic offerings.
- Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – Providing
vocational training and college transfer programs.
Community Events & Festivals
Residents enjoy a variety of community gatherings, festivals, and seasonal events, including:
- Salisbury’s Cheerwine Festival – Celebrating the hometown of Cheerwine soda with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun.
- Kannapolis Christmas Parade & Festival of Lights – A magical holiday celebration with festive displays and events.
- Harrisburg’s 4th of July Celebration – One of the largest Independence Day events in the region.
- Concord’s Spring into Arts Festival – Showcasing local artists, musicians, and food trucks.
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Kannapolis) – Honoring
legendary musicians from North Carolina.
Why Live in Concord, Salisbury & Surrounding Areas?
Offering historic charm, modern conveniences, excellent schools, and a booming economy, the Concord/Salisbury region continues to attract new residents seeking a high quality of life. With affordable housing, easy access to Charlotte, and a strong sense of community, it’s the perfect place for those looking to enjoy small-town living with big-city opportunities.
