New Home Growth is booming in North-East Charlotte

City limits and county lines no longer define the area known as University City and northeast Charlotte. Charlotte, Concord, Harrisburg and Huntersville have become interconnected, with residents crossing borders for work and fun. University City, centered around UNC Charlotte, has become a bustling residential and employment center, home to more than 65,000 jobs. The population, which continues to increase rapidly, is expected to reach nearly 162,000 by 2010, up from 100,000 in 2000.The annual median household income for the area is $71,415, greater than the median incomes for Mecklenburg or Cabarrus counties.

Home building in this area of Charlotte is also on the rise as this area continues to strengthen the real estate market. Some of the major new home builders are being pushed out due to the economy and lack of financing, but more local builders, such as Brentwood Homes, are stepping up and showing powerful growth in the Carolina's, due to their reputation and availability of privite financing.

Cabarrus County is one of the state's fastest-growing counties, largely because of its proximity to major highways, including Interstates 85 and 485.
This year the area is coping with the planned closure of Philip Morris' cigarette plant on U.S. 29 and the subsequent loss of about 2,500 jobs. But the area has rebounded before -- after major manufacturer Pillowtex shut its Kannapolis plant. Now the North Carolina Research Campus is under way, and the nearby Cannon Village in Kannapolis remains a popular furniture-shopping destination.
The county seat of Concord is known for the Victorian homes in its historic district along Union Street. Concord Mills mega-mall, with a Bass Pro Shops and Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue outlet, is a popular destination for Cabarrus and Mecklenburg residents.
Lowe's Motor Speedway is the obvious NASCAR destination in Concord, but it's not the only one. Small museums on U.S. 29 and Speedway Boulevard also draw plenty of visitors.
Don't miss: Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, where the first discovery of gold in the United States was made (www.reedmine.com); and downtown Concord's Cabarrus Creamery on Union Street South, with up to 25 ice cream flavors.
Harrisburg
This town of about 5,000 shares a border with University City and has become a popular July Fourth destination.

http://legacy.charlotteobserver.com/634/story/293928.html