Is anyone familiar with downtown Concord area? (Charlotte, Salisbury: apartments, rentals)

[TheAdmiralHalsey]

I looked through some of the threads about Concord and it was somewhat helpful but not specific enough to my questions.

Would the downtown area of Concord be a good place to live? Are the older neighborhoods around Cabarrus Ave relatively safe?

Thanks for any input.

[eastcoast127]

I'm pretty familiar with the downtown Concord area, having worked there and also lived in Concord prior to moving to Charlotte. The first thing to know is that it is a historic district, meaning that for all of the charm, it can also be very quiet. That said, I think that Concord's historic downtown is head and shoulders above most others - there are several restaurants, coffee and sandwich shops, independently owned stores, and a few bars. It isn't a dying downtown; if anything, it has grown in the past several years without sacrificing its historic feel.

The downtown also has a fabulous greenway/bike path (about 4 miles and runs through a couple of parks), a beautiful memorial garden, and a lot of arts and cultural options. The Old Courthouse Theatre and the Cabarrus Arts Council help the area to thrive after daytime - there are constantly performances or gallery shows, festivals and concerts throughout the entire year. Again, as far as small downtowns go, this one has a ton going on.

As far as livability - Union Street has the grand houses that are really beautiful, but a lot of them are either (1) unreasonably expensive or (2) long-held family properties. Gorgeous to walk/drive down, however. Concord is largely a very safe (and suburban) town - the only exception is the neighborhood immediately adjacent to downtown Concord (along Kerr Street). It isn't terrible, but it isn't totally safe. Coming along nicely, though - the city just put in a huge art venue right there.

[TheAdmiralHalsey]

Thanks for the information. I will be relocating to the area soon and I don't like the suburbs. I've checked out some apartments and town-homes up and down I-85 from Harris Blvd up through Concord. Some places are new and nice and luxurious I just don't like the congestion and parking lot flavor. I was thinking if I found a place close to downtown Concord I would get a better flavor. Quiet is fine for me, especially for living space. I can find the loud and fun places, that's no problem.

Also, thanks for the heads up on Kerr Street. That is the type of info I am looking for. I'll be sure to avoid that side of town.

[eastcoast127]

The area between downtown Concord and the CLT line (south of downtown Concord - especially along 85) will likely be very suburban. You can find some older neighborhoods (that are less cookie-cutter) north of downtown, but be careful not to move too far in that direction because you'll wind up a little too remote.

[TheAdmiralHalsey]

Originally Posted by eastcoast127

The area between downtown Concord and the CLT line (south of downtown Concord - especially along 85) will likely be very suburban. You can find some older neighborhoods (that are less cookie-cutter) north of downtown, but be careful not to move too far in that direction because you'll wind up a little too remote.

OK, thanks. I am interested in living right downtown in Concord. Which should be minutes away from 85 but still not in suburban purgatory.

[TheAdmiralHalsey]

I'm not finding much luck with downtown Concord area. I checked out a couple of rentals and they were subpar.

Does anyone know what a commute from Salisbury to Concord would be like?