Community Profiles

Alamance County

Ideally situated between the heart of Piedmont Triad and the Research Triangle areas of North Carolina, Alamance County is an area growing beyond it's manufacturing roots. Alamance County has a proud history, which includes the Battle of Alamance—a pre-Revolutionary War battle fought in 1771 against the British. Alamance Battleground tells the story of the War of the Regulation.

Cabarrus County

northeast of Charlotte, has become a hot spot in recent years as newcomers and old-timers alike discover this once-rural county's unique charms. Recent estimates showed the population at more than 125,000, and the 2000 Census is certain to verify that Cabarrus has attracted a lion's share of Charlotte-area newcomers. Find out what makes this county so appealing.

Charlotte Center City

is for people who like being in the center of things. The pulse of city life seems to be felt most strongly in the blocks radiating outward from Independence Square and bounded by I-277 and I-77. That's where over 7,500 Charlotteans now live as well as work — some in midrise condos, some in penthouses, some in the quaint Victorian single-family homes that make Fourth Ward so charming.

Cleveland County

was named for Col. Benjamin Cleveland, a leader of the western Carolina frontier. Cleveland is located in the southwestern part of North Carolina, bounded by the state of South Carolina and Burke, Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford counties. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is only 45 miles from Charlotte.

Davidson County

though each has a population of fewer than 30,000, Davidson County's two largest cities have less than 30,000 people, but they are two of the state's - and perhaps the South's - most well-known. Davidson County lays claim to Thomasville, home of the World's Largest Chair. Standing in the center of downtown, the chair symbolizes Thomasville's heritage.

East Charlotte

just East of uptown, is home to a wide collection of neighborhoods, some new, some established. All of them have a distinct "laid-back" atmosphere that hints of rural life, but they're without a doubt part of metro Charlotte.

Forsyth County

was originally settled in 1753 by Moravian Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, who acquired a 100,000-acre tract of land from Lord Granville, one of the lord proprietors of North Carolina. The Moravians called their land Wachovia after the Austrian estate of Count Nicholas Lewis von Zinzendorf, an early protector of the Moravian church. They established two major settlements - Salem and Bethabara. When Forsyth County was created out of a portion of Stokes County in 1849, the Moravians agreed to sell the government 51 acres north of Salem to become the county seat. The new town was called Winston, after a local Revolutionary War hero.

Gaston County

traditionally, has grown at a slower pace than some of Charlotte's other neighbors, in part because the Catawba River separates the areas and reduces the number of routes for an easy commute. But Gaston is a secret no longer. Today, the communities of Belmont and Mount Holly in eastern Gaston County, as well as Gastonia, are attractive both to those settling in Gaston to work and live and to Charlotte workers who want to escape to a place with a hometown feel.

Greensboro

relocating families often wonder if Greensboro is named for its lush green parks and expansive greenways. While that seems appropriate, the city actually derives its name from a Revolutionary War hero. Residents will be glad to tell you the story of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Greene who fought Lord Cornwallis' British troops at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The battle is re-enacted annually on the original site, which is now a 220-acre park. Founded in 1808, Greensboro is proud not only of its history, but also of the beautiful community that has evolved over the centuries.

Guilford County

is nestled in the north central Piedmont of North Carolina. Originally settled by Scotch Irish and Quakers in the 17th Century, it remains an area committed to the quality of life and strong work ethic brought here by its early settlers.

High Point

named for its geographic location as the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad in 1859, remains a center of commerce and growth. It has a unique ability to provide the opportunity and diversity of a large city while keeping that small town feel. Known as the "Furniture Capital of the World", High Point is on everyone's radar for furniture shopping and offers numerous opportunities for other retail savings.

Historic Charlotte

forms a crescent around uptown and contains the oldest and most scenic neighborhoods. These "streetcar suburbs" date back to before the turn of the century and feature homes ranging from tiny bungalows to grand Georgian mansions, with new construction sprinkled throughout.

Iredell County

north of Charlotte, has many personalities. It's lush pastures and open countryside, lake living and luxury homes, small-town atmosphere and big business. Iredell has long been known as an agricultural county. It's home to more cows and more eggs than any other N.C. county.

Lancaster County

reads like a Southern novel — full of history, fascinating characters and plenty of hospitality. Lancaster is one of seven South Carolina counties that make up the Olde English District, an area settled by the English in the mid-1700s and where several Revolutionary War battles were fought.

Lincoln County

attracts people who appreciate the intangible beauties of life at a slower pace. Stretching from the relaxing shores of Lake Norman to the hometown charm of Cat Square, Lincoln County is a quiet haven with easy access to the attractions of Charlotte.

North Mecklenburg/Lake Norman

North Mecklenburg/Lake Norman's long-time residents can see change all over the Charlotte area. But evidence of that change is perhaps most striking in the Lake Norman area, some 25 miles north of Charlotte. Twenty years ago, this lake was a real hideaway.

Northeast Charlotte/University City

is aptly named for a fast-paced, high-growth area that's attractive to college students. But the region is also ideal for active families who enjoy living close to work and recreation. University City, as the northeast portion of Mecklenburg County is called, has seen phenomenal growth in the last 15 years. At every turn, the area offers new neighborhoods, new shopping centers and new office buildings.

Randolph County

If your idea of the good life is a home on a large lot, expanses of rolling hills and winding roads, small towns and a slower pace of life all within a few minutes' drive of several major metropolitan areas, then look no further than Randolph County. Because of its large size (800 square miles), this county of 130,000 residents feels more rural than suburban.

Research Triangle

Anchored by the cities of Raleigh and Durham and the town of Chapel Hill — in Wake, Durham and Orange counties - the Research Triangle area regularly tops the lists of the best places to live, work and raise a family. Centrally located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, the Triangle is home to the state capital, the world-renowned Research Triangle Park, world-leading universities and medical centers, and a plethora of arts, recreation and entertainment options.

Rockingham County

is a rural heaven just next door to the bustling city of Greensboro. Of the nearly 92,000 people who live here, a majority still reside on farms. The two largest towns are Eden (population 15,350) and Reidsville (population 14,485), The County's other 4 municipalities each have populations under 3,000.

Rowan County

is a genteel southern place where neighbors wave from their front porches and the contributions of past generations aren't forgotten. History never stops, and today Rowan County is evolving economically and culturally.

South Charlotte

is home to some of the region's most desirable neighborhoods as well as shopping venues galore. In addition, two of Mecklenburg's most historic towns, South Park and Ballantyne, blend seamlessly with the city's southern edge.

Union County

south-east of Charlotte, is perfect for those homeowners who like a spot with a more relaxed pace, yet close enough to city life for convenience. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont, the homes range from spacious estates on large acreage to more compact new neighborhoods that promote a feeling of community.

West and Southwest Charlotte

is a great place to catch a professional basketball game or a ride on a roller coaster, a flight out of town or a flight by a magnificent eagle. This expansive area, which roughly covers the territory west of I-77 from Lake Wylie to the Lake Norman area, is a mixture of modern-day hot spots and relaxed, almost rural neighborhoods.

York County

has beautifully preserved homes, manicured landscapes and wonderful views of Lake Wylie. It's a place that offers the best of both worlds — relaxed lakeside living and quiet friendly streets along with easy access to the cultural, shopping and other attractions of Charlotte.