Small college towns tend to take life, community, and education seriously, and Davidson is no exception. Named for the college it surrounds, Davidson is Located 22 miles north of Charlotte and borders Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County. You can settle in condos close to dining and shopping in Old Davidson or on private lots with large single-family homes. The community has been cited for the Planning Award for affordable housing and the Great Main Street Award by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association.
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If you believe in buying locally if your community can produce locally, then you're in luck. Davidson residents have access to many organic foods suppliers; even the college has a farm that contributes to its sustainability. The Healthy Home Market (also known as the Home Economist Market) has been providing bulk food selections since 1979; but they also offer gluten-free and special diet foods, vitamins and supplements, meat and dairy products, and produce, all organic and locally grown. They even have a deli, smoothie bar, and locally brewed cold draft beers. The Bradford Store uses organic and natural farming methods to grow food on the farm that surrounds it. Located on the Huntersville - Davidson line, this food market serves up locally produced honey, jams, and jellies; in-season fruits, vegetables, and ciders; baked goods; citrus fruits from Florida; salsas, dips, and soup mixes; soaps and beeswax candles; dairy products (including goat cheeses); and meats. You can even get fresh seafood on Saturdays throughout the spring and the fall.
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This community is as closely knit as they come. The residents pooled their energies and resources to maintain the only public library in the area and collectively banned “drive-thru” restaurants. They work just as hard to preserve their green spaces. The city maintains over 12 miles of bike lanes, greenways, sidepaths, and walking trails that allow you to enjoy the cleaner air and thriving wildlife that also benefits. The newly developed Fisher Farm Park is over 200 acres of open space. The community has won awards for Bike Friendly Community and Walk Friendly Community in 2011, and Fit Community 2011- 2014.
There are several gyms and fitness centers that serve the area; one even focuses on women's health. Davidson's Department of Parks and Recreation supports youth sports and community programs. There are several athletic fields available for typical field sports (soccer, lacrosse, etc). McEver Fields offers two fields for baseball / softball activities, and one field that is equipped with lighting and 8-ft walls designed for official, regulated games.
You and your family can enjoy the boisterous speed boat activities of Lake Norman or the quiet canoe scene at Lake Davidson, where speed boats are prohibited. At the center of town you will find local businesses, pedestrian-friendly streets, a farmer’s market, and the occasional local festival or concert. Area schools earn top marks, including Davidson College, the institution from which the city gets its name. It's all about education in this area and Davidson has several private and public schools at every level from which to choose.
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Davidson Elementary School (K-5, regular) and the Community School of Davidson (K-12, charter) received 10 out of 10 stars for excellence in education. These are but two examples of the quality educational experience that the community has to offer. Over 13 schools are available to provide your child with 4-5 star rated competency in Davidson, Cornelius, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County school system.
Quite a few libraries are open to the public in the area, including one of academics at Davidson College. You can check out books or enjoy activities that are specifically geared toward children and families. Take advantage of the extensive resource center for genealogy indexes and historical sources about the area dating back to the initial settlement of the community when the college was built in 1835.
Davidson holds several annual events meant for public gathering or celebration. Art is the focus in April and the weekend festival includes a gallery crawl, live music, food, and local art for sale and display. Celebrate civic achievements of local residents on Town Day during National Bike Month in May. Enjoy the Davidson's Concerts on the Green series every Sunday evening through April and September. The community also has Halloween and Christmas processions.
Davidson makes sure that there is plenty of outdoor space for activities from generic playgrounds to specific parks. Its interest lies in 7 areas of wellness; spiritual, social, occupational environmental, physical, emotional, and intellectual. Forest Park is a typical neighborhood playground complete with trails and wetland area (no restrooms). North and South Lawn Park offers athletic activities in an enclosed area (no restrooms). Summit Tot Lot allows your younger children to play and interact while you enjoy your morning coffee. Parkham Park encompasses 5 acres of exercise stations, picnic tables, and green areas large enough for personal activities like catch with a ball or a Frisbee, all against the backdrop of Lake Cornelius (canoes also available). The Nature Preserve allows residents to actively participate in its maintenance, and Fisher Farm is a 200 acre space with four miles of beginner to advanced mountain bike trails. Let the family pet get in on the action at the Preserve Dog Park. This fully enclosed area has plenty of space for your dog to run about at top speeds for a great workout or frolic with other canines. Other features include ample parking and a hiking trail. Roosevelt Wilson Park is a great outing for everyone; a playground for the children, boardwalks and paved walking trails, ponds, fountains, and geese (Please refer to feeding restrictions for these animals). Take a stroll with family after you enjoy a great picnic by the water!
