Davidson
Davidson is the picturesque college town everyone dreams of but can never seem to find. Shhhh, don’t tell. Dating back to the mid-1800s, Davidson is the real deal. A lovely and vibrant little village built up over the years around Davidson College (est 1837). On any day or evening, the Main Street is bustling with activity – dining, shopping, galleries, ice cream, coffee houses, book shop, farmers market, stationers, soda shop – it’s all there. Local children play on the town green, which is also the venue of free summer concerts, holiday festivals, and the little public library.
About 20 miles north of Charlotte, Davidson is a very independent and civic minded place. Town leaders take their job of preserving Davidson very seriously. There are no drive throughs or fast food in Davison. Nor are there any tall buildings or mindless development. What you will find are an abundance of greenways, parks, bike lanes, walking paths, and big, wonderful old trees. The vibe is welcoming, inclusive, relaxed and decidedly low-brow. Even at, Kindred, the Michelin Star restaurant on Main Street.
Real Estate
Davidson is a quiet setting that feels safe and serene. Homes in Davidson range from single-story cottages to expansive traditional estates. Most homes have lush green lawns and soaring trees to shade the sidewalks.
Lifestyle & Attractions
Davidson is one of the smallest suburban towns in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, providing a closely-knit community for residents. The town centers around Davidson College, one of the top rated private colleges in the nation. Davidson is heavily focused on sustainability and ecology, evident in their careful town planning, featuring 19 public parks, rich treescapes, and accessible trails and streets designed for walking, jogging and biking. Residents also enjoy access to pretty Lake Davidson and much larger Lake Norman, with 500+ miles of shoreline, for swimming, boating and fishing.
Popular attractions in and around Davidson include the Davidson College Arboretum, Fisher Farm, Birkdale Village, the Davidson Farmers Market, and many shopping and dining destinations located along Main Street in Davidson’s charming downtown. Davidson residents may easily commute to work and other Charlotte attractions via I-77.
Education
Davidson has education at its very core, exemplified by its famed private college. Davidson is served by three public schools, including Davidson Elementary School, Bailey Middle School and William Amos Hough High School. Nearby private schools include Davidson Day School and Lake Norman Christian School. Davidson College is a highly selective private liberal arts college with a renowned study abroad program, a certified arboretum, and 21 NCAA Division sports teams.
History
The town of Davidson was originally called Davidson College, as it was first and foremost a college town that later evolved into a rural farming town. Soon after the expansion of the railroad, Davidson became a shipping point for cash crops, particularly cotton, and competed with surrounding towns for business. Racial struggles involving segregation occurred in Davidson during the 1960s, with college students leading the way toward desegregation. In the 1970s, residents fought against proposed large developments which kept the town small. Shortly after, cotton mills began to close and the town has grown ever since as a progressive community that embraces diversity.
Approximate Distances
Uptown Charlotte: 22 Miles
Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 25 Miles
Hospitals
Carolina Healthcare System Huntersville: 6 Miles
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center: 8 Miles
Major Highway
I-77: 1 Mile