Welcome to Concord
It has been called the "All-American City." Its citizens have a history of working together to create a harmonious community that respects its history while welcoming growth. Businesses thrive here, visitors come from all around the region to shop and sightsee, and it is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area.
Concord Communities
Concord, North Carolina sits just about 20 miles northeast of Charlotte, right along Interstate 85 in Cabarrus County. Racing culture is huge here. Charlotte Motor Speedway is in Concord, and dozens of the top NASCAR teams have home bases in the area. The racing-related sites, along with the area’s history, and Concord Mills, North Carolina’s most-visited mall, are all reasons why millions of people flock to the area each year. But the city’s growing population proves that many of those visitors come to stay. Maybe it is the friendly attitude that most citizens possess. Maybe it is the thriving business environment, the vast selection of real estate, or the fact that there is always something going on here.
Concord Lifestyles
Based on billions of social media posts, these scores show how common certain lifestyles and interests are here.
Engine Enthusiasts
Score: 79
This population loves working on and showing off their cars, trucks and motorcycles. You can find them researching car shows and the hottest models on the lot.
Game On
Score: 74
These folks have their head in the game. Whether it's creating a card game tournament with friends or cheering on the home team, these people want to win.
Lift Life
Score: 73
Passionate about strength training, this population relies heavily on the encouragement of the exercise community. While these people seek the latest fitness techniques, they're also interested in supplements and equipment.
Athletes
Score: 73
From tryouts and casual pick-up games, to varsity tournaments and intramural matches, this population includes people who participate in organized athletics. Often through schools or public recreational areas.
Spiritual Practices
Score: 72
Making it to church on Sunday, this population is drawn together by their devotion to, primarily Christian, religion. Common activities include worship services and bible studies.
Lighthearted Fun
Score: 71
This population is all about keeping the mood light and good, clean fun. Common activities include spending time outdoors, catching up with friends, and dancing.
Healthy Eaters
Score: 70
A population characterized by healthy eating. Often pre-planning for meals for the purpose of fitness and convenience. Likely to participate in meal prep trends.
Live Experiences
Score: 69
When it comes to entertainment, this population is looking for the ultimate experience. Whether it's a charity fundraiser or a concert, elements such as lights, sounds, and merchandise are critical for a good time.
Hops & Brews
Score: 68
Thirst isn't the only reason this population looks for a good brew. From beer drinkers on a budget to the millennial craft beer enthusiast, these men and women are passionate about different kinds of beer and how it's made.
Networking
Score: 67
Driven to succeed in the business world, this population seeks to progress in their career through networking happy hours, summits, and connecting with other professionals online.
Mom Life
Score: 67
Motherhood is a unique journey for every woman. There are highs, lows,and lots to celebrate. These moms seek to share their experiences and engage with a community of moms.
Memory Lane
Score: 65
Intentionally preserving memories of lost loved ones, joyful times, or reflecting on painful experiences in the past.
History
Compared to many other cities in the area, Concord is a
little on the older side. After all, it was founded in 1796, nearly a century before many other towns and cities in the area. That also means the city had more time to grow and become a thriving community. It all started when a group of German settlers got into an argument with a group of Scots-Irish settlers about where to form the seat of Cabarrus County. The two groups eventually compromised on the city of Concord and even chose the name, which means “harmony,” to show that they had worked out their differences. In the years since Concord citizens have continued working together to build one of the most popular cities in North Carolina.
Quick Facts
- Population: 94,147
- In 2004, the National Civic League awarded Concord the “All-American City Award,” the oldest community recognition program in the U.S.
- In 2000, Concord’s city council implemented a program called “Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods.” Over 45 communities participate. It appoints a city staff member as a liaison between the community members and the city government to improve communication.
- Both small and big businesses thrive in Concord’s economy. Some of the biggest employers include Cabarrus County Schools, and Shoe Show, Inc.
- The Concord area is home to four great higher education institutions: Barber-Scotia College, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
- Concord’s historic districts are popular with locals and sightseers, and the city is home to some beautiful architecture from the past. A few impressive places include Cabarrus County Courthouse, Barber-Scotia College, the south Union Street Courthouse, Spears house, and McCurdy Log House, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Local Attractions
Despite its proximity to Charlotte and all the big city has to offer, Concord is a pretty exciting place in its own right. Best of all, there is something for everyone. The city is a shopping mecca, and there are so many great restaurants, you would probably have to dine out every night for a year to
experience them all. Racing fans love the area’s connections to NASCAR, and there are many local attractions that reflect the racing culture. A
water park, outdoor adventures, and historic sites also add to the family-friendliness of Concord.
Dining
- Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe - If you don’t think you can get authentic Cajun food in North Carolina, you have obviously never been to Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe. From crawfish etoufee to shrimp creole, you will not know what to try first at this laid-back local favorite.
- Gianni’s Trattoria and Pizza Loft - For a taste of Italy in their own backyards, Concord residents love to stop by Gianni’s Trattoria and Pizza Loft. It serves authentic cuisine downstairs, or you can head upstairs to the loft to sample some of the best hand-tossed pizza in the Carolinas.
- Punchy’s Diner - Punchy’s Diner looks and feels as if it were plucked straight from the 1950s. Just make sure you don’t skip dessert when you eat there. The old-school diner was a favorite of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt’s.
- R&R Bar-B-Que - No North Carolina city is complete without an amazing BBQ joint, and for Concord, many consider that to be R&R Bar-B-Que. Enjoy a plate of pulled pork followed by the railroad-themed eatery’s delicious banana pudding.
- Afton Tavern - At Afton Tavern, the service is just as good as the food. Combine it all with low prices, and you have the perfect restaurant trifecta. Afton Tavern serves heaping portions of ribs, steaks, and seafood in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Transportation
- Airports - Concord is about 30 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The city also owns and operates Concord Regional Airport, which handles limited commercial flights, charters, and private planes.
- CKRider - Cabarrus County has its own public bus system that provides transportation between Concord and Kannapolis. The CKRider also connects to the Charlotte Area Transit System.
- Interstate 85 - Interstate 85 runs right through Concord to the west and along the city’s northern boundary. This provides commuters and travelers a direct way to get to Charlotte, Greenville, Atlanta, Durham, and Greensboro.
Shopping
- Concord Mills - Concord is home to two shopping malls, one being Concord Mills. The 1.4-million-square-foot facility is one of North Carolina’s largest tourist attractions. It is home to over 200 stores and restaurants, including the Nike Clearance Store, Old Navy Outlet, Best Buy, Bass Pro Shops, Books-A-Million, the Disney Store Outlet, and American Eagle. It also has a theater.
- Carolina Mall - Carolina Mall is smaller than Concord Mills — it has about 50 stores and is around 550,000 square feet — and has served the area since 1973. Stores located there include Belk, Staples, J. C. Penney, Bath & Body Works, Books-A-Million, and The Children's Place.
- Historic Downtown Concord - If you prefer smaller, independent shops, head to Historic Downtown Concord. The picturesque area is home to antiques shops, bakeries, restaurants, galleries, spas, clothing and accessory shops, specialty shops, and much more.
Things To Do
- Charlotte Motor Speedway - The area north of Charlotte is known as NASCAR country to racing fans, and Concord is no different. As a matter of fact, Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The venue sees all types of racing events throughout the year and is the home track for many of NASCAR’s top teams.
- Great Wolf Lodge - Concord is also home to North Carolina’s largest indoor water park, Great Wolf Lodge. It is a must visit for a day of family-friendly fun. In addition to the water park, kids of all ages can visit the arcade, play miniature golf, play MagiQuest, and more.
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame - Located next to Concord in Kannapolis is the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. From Randy Travis and Charlie Daniels to James Taylor and Roberta Flack, some of the best musicians in the world have come from North Carolina, and the Hall of Fame showcases their stories.
- AMC Concord Mills 24 with IMAX - Concord is home to a large AMC theater with 24 screens, including IMAX. Sit back and see a new movie in the loveseat or stadium-style seating while you much on some delicious snacks.
- Capstone Climbing & Adventure - If you love the great outdoors and you are not afraid of a little adventure, you might want to visit Concord’s Capstone Climbing & Adventure. Ropes course, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and backpacking are just some of the activities offered for all ages and abilities.
Real Estate Information
In NoDa, new residents will find a variety of housing options made up mostly of single-family bungalows and condominiums. Many of the Craftsman-style bungalows date back to the early half of the 20th century when they served as homes for local mill workers and still maintain their historic charm. Some have undergone renovation, while some are waiting for your personal touch. A number of condos are located in NoDa, including some old warehouses that were converted into hip living spaces.
