University City, North Carolina
University City is aptly named for a fast-paced, high-growth area that's attractive to college students. But the region is also ideal for active families who enjoy living close to work and recreation. University City, as the northeast portion of Mecklenburg County is called, has seen phenomenal growth in the last 15 years. At every turn, the area offers new neighborhoods, new shopping centers and new office buildings. University City is home to more than 100,000 people, almost one-sixth of the population of Mecklenburg County.
The University area gets its name from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a 17,000-student campus that's the fourth largest of the state's public universities. Enrollment is on the rise at UNCC and so are admission standards. For that matter, so are the buildings as the campus expands to accommodate its growing enrollment. Even if you don't attend classes or work at UNCC, the college makes a great neighbor. During basketball season, be sure to check out the 49ers in Halton Arena. The men's team took the Conference USA title in 1999 and always puts on a good show.
If you're a sports fan, you can't miss Lowe's Motor Speedway, up the road in Cabarrus County. Known to NASCAR enthusiasts as the "Mecca of Motorsports," it's the largest sports facility in the Southeast. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre brings a host of performers and bands for summer concerts.
Not far away in a quieter setting, there's plenty of work going on in University Research Park off W.T. Harris Boulevard north of I-85. The park is home to many large customer service and support operations, including Wachovia's (formerly First Union) giant customer information center. Another major employer that recently located its headquarters in University Research Park is TIAA-CREF, a national provider of retirement fund services. The $270 billion pension fund company broke ground in October 1999 and expects to employ more than 3,000 local employees by 2005. Other major employers in the area include IBM, EDS and Duke Energy.
With so many companies locating in the area, homes have readily followed. The University City real estate area includes numerous developments that dot what was once country farmland. Highland Creek, on Ridge Road, is one of the county's top-selling communities, offering homes of almost all price ranges clustered around a much-heralded golf course. More new neighborhoods are appearing around the exits along I-85 headed toward Concord and Cabarrus County.
The area has seen an explosion in retail development, and that's expected to continue. Concord Mills mall, off I-85, opened in September 1999 and is the state's second-largest shopping center. Another popular shopping draw is University Place, a great spot near the university to catch a movie, dinner at one of several restaurants that encircle a manmade lake, or do some power shopping at one of the big-box retailers nearby. On warm summer weekend evenings, it's often possible to catch the sounds of an outdoor band while enjoying the ducks on the lake.
Carolina's Medical Center-Univesity, on W.T. Harris just south of Tryon, provides medical care to northeast Mecklenburg and Cabarrus residents. The 130-bed hospital includes a maternity center, sleep center, outpatient services and general medical-surgical services.
There's plenty of opportunity for indoor and outdoor recreation in University City. The new YMCA at Harris and Mallard Creek Road. The Mallard Creek Greenway is a paved walking trail along the creek off Mallard Creek Road. Charlotte Sports Center, located just off Harris Boulevard on Hankins Road near I-77, is one of the largest indoor athletic facilities in the country. This 75,000-square-foot athletic center offers indoor basketball, volleyball, roller hockey, soccer, flag football and lacrosse on a pay-to-play basis.