Housely
North Carolina has one of the fastest growing populations and economy in the United States. The “Tar Heel” state is home to some of America’s major businesses, moderate whether and lots to see and do. Several cities in North Carolina have seen major growth in population over the past decade. Here are 5 of the fastest growing cities in North Carolina in 2016.
Concord
Located just 20 miles northeast of Charlotte, Concord is a major suburb of North Carolina’s largest city. The city has the second largest population in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Its population is growing. In 2010, Concord was home to 79,000 people. In 2015, the population was 85,000. It was ranked one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
The town of Concord was incorporated in 1806. During the late 19th century, Concord was home to major industries including cotton and brick mills. The first mills were owned and operated by men of the rising middle class including W.C. Coleman and John C. Darcy. Today, Concord is a tourist destination. Aside from the attractions in nearby Charlotte, there is the Concord Mills and the Concord Motor Speedway where NASCAR has its Research and Development Office.
In 2000, the “Partnerships for Stronger Neighborhoods” program was introduced in the city which led to the city receiving the “All-American City” award in 2004. Today, the city of Concord had developed its community. Schools are good and crime is low. Concord is home to the Carolina Mall and the Carolina Renaissance Festival. The median house cost is $172,200 and the median income is $55,500, both of which have risen over the past decade.
The economy in Concord is diverse, attracting residents along with the proximity to businesses in Charlotte. Transportation, banking, manufacturing, motor sports and service sectors make up Concord’s economy. Major employers include the Carolina Healthcare System, Cabarrus County Schools, Shoe Shaw, Inc., Celgard, LLC, S & D Coffee, Connextions, Sysco Foods, an Roush Fenway Racing. Concord is home to the international headquarters of ACN, Inc. The unemployment rate in Concord was just 4 % in 2015, low compared to many other North Carolina cities.
Leland
Located in Brunswick County in the southeast corner of the state, Leland has doubled in size over the past decade and continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in North Carolina. The coastal town has been called “The Gateway to Brunswick County” and is part of the Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Area and is developing economically and residentially. In 2000 the population of Leland was just 1,900. By 2010, the population was 13,500, and, in 2014, the population rose to 17,000.
Why are people flocking to Leland to live? The town was incorporated in 1989. It has been used for filming several films including Maximum Overdrive and Meet the Millers. In 2004, because of its growth, the city annexed 4,900 acres from the Brunswick Forest to expand the city. A modern business corridor was developed with offices and nationally known restaurants and shops. The close proximity to waterfront towns along Cape Fear and to the nightlife of Myrtle Beach also make the town an attractive place to live. Along with housing developments, condominiums, apartments and time-shares, the town recently added two nice hotels. There are also several public golf clubs in the area and beaches. Other attractions include Civil War sites and Brunswick Nature Park, 900 acres of beautiful land on which to hike.
There are several pleasant neighborhoods in Leland. The Bluffs is a gated community many amenities including Cape Fear dockage. Waterford of the Carolinas is an exclusive development with high end amenities included. Compass Pointe is a quaint neighborhood with walkable coastline. The average value of a home in Leland is $206,000.
Leland’s economy continues to develop. The expected job growth is expected to be nearly 40 % over the next 10 years. Businesses include finance, engineering, social services, legal, education, arts, healthcare, and fishing and farming. The median household income is $65,700. Leland will be home to the Brunswick Arts Council. It will develop a theater, museum, art galleries, a dance school and other artistic endeavors.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg, the northeast suburb of Charlotte, has seen a 200 % increase in its population since 2000. Its close proximity to Charlotte and its own diverse economy make Harrisburg a good place to live. The population of Harrisburg is 11,500.
Harrisburg was settled in the mid-eighteenth century and incorporated as a city in 1973. Since then, this mid-sized suburb of Charlotte has grown. Today, many people working in Charlotte live in the suburb of Harrisburg because of its proximity, good schools and low crime. The median household income for those living in Harrisburg is $83,000 and the median home value is $223,000. The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is less than 5 %.
Those living in Harrisburg have access to state parks, festivals and concerts. There is fine dining and shopping within the city. Harrisburg is not far from all of Charlotte’s attractions as well as those in other Charlotte suburbs. Harrisburg is mid-way between Charlotte and Concord, close to the motorsport speedways, Bank of America Stadium, theater, art and higher learning institutions.
Morrisville
Morrisville was recently named one of the best places in North Carolina to raise a family. Located in Wake and Durham counties, Morrisville is part of the “Research Triangle” metropolitan area. The area midway between the cities of Raleigh and Durham was named Research Triangle Park in 1959 due to the businesses located in the region. In 2010 Morrisville had a population of 18,500. By 2013 it grew to 21,000, and in 2015, the population was 23,600.
Morrisville was first developed in 1952 and named for Jeremiah Morris who donated land for the railroad to build a depot and water tower. The city was officially chartered in 1875 but did-incorporated in 1933. The town was re-incorporated in 1947. Today, there are many amenities in the city including good schools, several parks, shops, restaurants and fitness centers. Morrisville is close to many nearby attractions. It is close to Duke University, University of North Carolina and Chapel Hill. Other sites include the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, the North Carolina Museum of History, and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
As part of the Research Triangle, Morrisville is home to major corporations. Lenova has its United States Headquarters in Morrisville and employee 2,200. Oracle has a major presence in Morrisville. Other companies include iContact, Sysco Systems, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Sheraton and Metlife. Morrisville’s close proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Interstate 40, attracting businesses, offices, light industry and hotel to the area. The median household income is $83,000. The median household income is $265,000.
Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. It is home to major business, national sports teams and is the cultural center of North Carolina. It is not surprising that Charlotte is the third fastest growing large city inn the United States. The population in 2014 was 809,000 and grew to 827,000 the following year.
Charlotte has growing and vibrant banking and distribution industries. It is home to Bank of America’s Corporate Headquarters and to the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo. There has recently been growth in defense contractors in Charlotte. Other major corporations in Charlotte include Lowes, Duke Energy, SPX Corp., Food Lion, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Chiquita Brands International, and Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. NASCAR has its US Motorsports offices in Charlotte. The median income is $55,000. An apartment in the city center rents for $1000 a month.
Charlotte is home to major sports teams. The NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets call the city home. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major airline hub in the United States. Young adults are flocking to the opportunities in Charlotte
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