Concord, NC

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Concord, NC? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Concord, NC

Concord means to be in a state of agreement or harmony, and in Concord, NC, it’s not hard to live a harmonious life. Within easy commuting distance of Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, Concord is a blend of a quaint Southern town and an up-and-coming metropolis, making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast. Known as the place “where racing lives,” the city’s atmosphere is a mix of high-speed excitement and historic Southern charm.

Outside of its proximity to Charlotte (less than 30 miles!), Concord is also near several scenic attractions, including Lake Norman and the Uwharrie National Forest, and its nearly 113,000 residents can enjoy a safe environment with plenty of conveniences, from shopping to dining and entertainment. But you don’t have to leave Concord to experience the good life. 

The historic downtown and surrounding parks give Concord a peaceful vibe and contribute to the tight-knit community and friendly atmosphere the city is known for. The area has a rich history and offers a variety of cultural events and activities, including festivals, museums and galleries. Another draw is Gibson Mill, a revitalized textile mill that is Concord’s premier entertainment destination and home to the Gibson Mill Market food hall, a craft brewery and the Southeast’s largest antique mall. 

Concord also has a lower cost of living compared to many other major cities in the U.S., making it an affordable place to live for families and young professionals. 

History buffs will love visiting the nearby Reed Gold Mine. This historic site was the first documented gold mine in the country, and the Cabarrus Museum of History features exhibits on the area’s history, including the development of the NASCAR industry. And if you have a need for speed, Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, which attracts fans and makes the city a major player in the auto racing industry. 

Top Reasons to Move to Concord

• Concord is known as the “Home of Motorsports,” and is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• With home prices and a cost of living that remain more affordable than neighboring Charlotte, Concord is an affordable place to live.
• Concord is an innovation hub, attracting investments from industry giants and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
• From an ever-expanding greenway system to museums, recreation is a way of life in Concord.

Concord is a fast-growing city in the south-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, positioned about 20 miles northeast of Uptown Charlotte. It is a major hub for motorsports and commerce, thanks to its location along the I-85 corridor and its easy access to the I-485 beltway. Travelers can fly into the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport or find even more options at the massive Charlotte Douglas International Airport, just a 30-minute drive away. Nearby cities include:

• Charlotte, just 20 miles southwest, offers the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
• Winston-Salem, 55 miles north, is home to the Old Salem Museums & Gardens and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
• Raleigh, roughly 125 miles northeast, where you can explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences or catch a game at PNC Arena.

Concord has a humid subtropical climate, with muggy summers and mild winters. Residents enjoy a long growing season and plenty of sunny days.

Home of Speedway Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports, Concord is an economic driver for the Charlotte metro area – pun intended. The largest industries include health care, manufacturing, retail trade and logistics. In recent years, Concord has become an epicenter of high-tech production, attracting companies like Corning and Lowe’s Home Improvement, which operates a massive customer support and distribution center in town. Other big players have also flocked to Concord. Eli Lilly has a major manufacturing site in town, and Red Bull, Ball Corp. and Rauch Fruchtsäfte began construction on a $1.7 billion manufacturing and distribution campus in town. Operations are projected to begin in 2028 and reach full capacity by 2031, generating roughly 700 jobs.

The cost of living in Concord is lower than the national average. The median home value in Concord is $368,573, and the average household income is $89,105.

North Carolina residents pay a state income tax, and Concord residents can expect a combined 7.0% sales tax rate in 2026. 

Display these facts on your site.

Concord is a city that fully embraces its identity as a high-octane motorsports hub while maintaining its charm. Known as the place “Where Racing Lives,” Concord is anchored by the massive Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races such as the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America Roval 400. Even when it isn’t race day, the speedway is a centerpiece of Concord’s culture, offering year-round tours and driving experiences and hosting major community events like the Speedway Christmas light show. Racing fans can also visit the nearby Mustang Owner’s Museums or explore shops and headquarters of several professional racing teams that have relocated to the area.

Beyond the roar of engines, Concord offers a variety of entertainment. Concord Mills is the largest outlet shopping destination in North Carolina, with more than 200 stores and attractions, including an aquarium, escape room and go-karts. For those looking for a slower pace, Historic Downtown Concord is a picturesque backdrop. Residents gather together several times throughout the year for festivals and events, including the Cabarrus County Fair and the Carolina Tiny House Festival. Whether you’re exploring the living history at Bost Grist Mill or catching a show at the Old Courthouse Theatre, Concord offers a blend of small-town charm and big-league excitement.

Concord offers a dynamic outdoor scene where traditional park recreation meets historical and high-octane experiences. The City of Concord manages more than a dozen parks and recreational areas around town. Still, the city’s crown jewel is the 238-acre Frank Liske Park, home to a 10-acre lake for fishing and paddle boating, an 18-hole disc and mini golf course, six lighted pickleball courts, picnic sites and playgrounds. For those on the move, the Downtown Greenway Loop is a four-mile paved trail that connects McGee Park to Les Myers Park. While at Les Myers, play around at the park’s various recreational activities, including tennis courts, playground equipment, a skating rink, softball field and horseshoe pits. Adventure seekers can find an adrenaline rush at the Brown Mill Mountain Bike Trail, which offers more than 4 miles of trails for riders of all levels.

The city is also a great gateway to regional natural wonders, too. Residents are just a short drive from Uwharrie National Forest and the waters of Lake Norman State Park. Closer to home, the Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail and the wooded paths of Pharr Mill Park offer a peaceful escape for hikers and birdwatchers. For something more off the beaten path, the Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site allows visitors to explore the trails surrounding the location of the first documented gold strike in the country. During the summer, kids can appreciate the splash pad at Rotary Square Park or pick seasonal produce at local farms. And, your four-legged friend can run free at the Weddington Road Bark Park.  

Concord is a mix of Southern classics, international cuisine and a cult-like craft beer culture. The city has two distinct foodie-forward districts: Downtown Concord and Gibson Mill Market. In the downtown area, Havana Carolina is a local legend, serving authentic Cuban sandwiches and roba vieja in a colorful atmosphere that spills onto Union Street. For a night out, Gianni’s Trattoria offers upscale Italian classics and an impressive wine list, and 2 Gals Kitchen is a go-to spot for fresh, locally sourced lunches and sandwiches. At Gibson Mill Market, a former textile mill that has been transformed into a food hall, you’ll find beloved spots like High Branch Brewing Co., Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria and Taco Street.

Beyond the mill, the craft cocktail scene in Concord is stout. Southern Strain Brewing is known for its experimental brews, and Percent Beer is known for its sunset flights. Grab a nightcap at Cellar Door Wine Shop, which offers curated tastings, and Lil’ Roberts is a classic neighborhood dive bar.

Concord offers a dynamic educational environment that prioritizes career readiness and supports diverse learning styles. Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) is the primary provider for the city and a leader in choice-based education, serving roughly 35,000 students. The district is known for its Career Academies and Early Colleges programs, which allow students to specialize in different academic tracks or attend one of the district’s three early colleges to earn up to two years of college credit or an associate degree for free. For families seeking private or independent schools, Concord has some of the top-ranked schools in the Charlotte region. The Cannon School, in particular, is an independent JrK-12 college preparatory school on a 65-acre campus. The school is known for its whole-child approach and state-of-the-art facilities.