🌳 10 Reasons I Love Calling Cabarrus County, NC Home

🌳 10 Reasons I Love Calling Cabarrus County, NC Home

Hey y’all!
If you’ve been following along with me for a bit, you probably already know how much I love where I live. But today, I want to tell you why.

Back in 2014, my husband and I packed up everything—our two kids, our house, and about a thousand miles of memories—and left Des Moines, Iowa, for North Carolina. We traded snow boots for flip-flops, family potlucks for sweet tea on the porch, and the Midwest plains for Carolina pines.

We landed just outside of Charlotte, and eventually found ourselves in Cabarrus County—and let me tell you, this little corner of the Carolinas completely stole my heart. 💛

Here’s my list of 10 reasons why Cabarrus County is such an amazing place to call home.

1. The Location Is EVERYTHING!

It’s the best of both worlds—quiet, small-town charm but close enough to Charlotte for big-city fun. You can spend the morning grabbing brunch at a cute spot in downtown Kannapolis, and by the afternoon, you’re at a Panthers game or a concert in Uptown.

And when the travel bug hits? We have our own airport with direct flights to popular destinations. Plus you’re just a few hours drive from both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Carolina beaches. That means hiking boots and cute shades both get their moment. (wink wink!)

2. There’s stuff to do, right HERE!

Cabarrus County is one of those places where there’s always something to discover—no matter your age or interests. Sure, we’re famous for the Charlotte Motor Speedway, but the county has so much more waiting around every corner. 

Nature lovers can wander along the Carolina Thread Trail or spend a sunny afternoon exploring The Quarry at Carrigan Farms. History and culture buffs will fall in love with the charm of Downtown Concord and Kannapolis, browsing local shops, catching seasonal festivals, or soaking in art and live performances. And when the sun sets? The CabCo comes alive with craft breweries, live music, and cozy nightlife spots that are perfect for a night out. Adventure, relaxation, family fun—you’ll find it all here in Cabarrus County.

3. You Get That “Hometown” Feel

This might be my favorite part.
 People wave when they pass your house. The cashier at the grocery store asks about your kids. Your barista knows your coffee order and remembers when you were out of town. It’s got that perfect community vibe—close-knit, family-centered, and full of local events.

We live in Kannapolis now, and it feels like the kind of place where roots grow deep. You can be close to Charlotte when you want a night out, but you come home to peace and quiet—and see actual stars in the sky. ✨

4. The Weather (Yes, Even the Hot Summers)

Okay, I won’t sugarcoat it—summers in the Carolinas are HOT. Like, step-outside-and-your-hair-immediately-grows kind of hot. 😂
 But you know what? I’ll take that over shoveling snow from November to April any day.

You still get all four seasons here—crisp falls, cozy winters, blooming springs—and the best part is you can enjoy them. 

5. All the Greenery

Cabarrus County is full of trees, trails, and parks that make it easy to get outside and breathe.
 We love walking at Frank Liske Park or letting the kids run wild at Vietnam Veterans Park. The Carolina Thread Trail connects so many of the towns around here—it’s like nature’s highway for walkers and bikers.

6. A Community That Looks Like the World

One of the most important things for us when we moved was finding a place where our kids could see people of all colors, backgrounds, and stories succeeding. Cabarrus County has that beautiful mix—families from everywhere, new restaurants bringing global flavors, and people genuinely supporting one another.

Whether it’s a Trinidadian-owned coffee shop in Kannapolis, a Latin food festival in Concord or a farmers market in Harrisburg, it just feels like home.

7. You Can Actually Go Places (Without Losing Your Mind in Traffic)

We’re close enough to Charlotte Douglas International Airport that weekend trips are super easy (and affordable when you catch a deal).
 And while North Carolina roads can feel a little like a puzzle sometimes, that’s why God gave us Google Maps. 😅
 CabCo is growing fast, but it still feels manageable—you can get where you need to go without sitting in endless traffic every day.

8. Great Schools & Education Options

Between Harrisburg Schools and charter programs like ACE Academy, there are excellent schools for students of all learning styles to thrive.  

 And if you’ve got college-age kids, there are so many strong education choices for families like nearby UNC Charlotte and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. You’re also within prime distance to some of the state’s top universities like Appalachian State, NC State, and Duke.

9. The Job Market Is Strong

Cabarrus County is growing like crazy.
 There are major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and education—and Charlotte’s financial district is just down the road. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, starting a business, or working remotely, there’s opportunity all around you here.

10. You Get More House (and Yard!) for Your Money

Here’s the truth: housing in Cabarrus County is still so much more affordable than Charlotte proper.
 You get more space, lower property taxes, and neighborhoods where your kids can actually play outside. For families looking to plant roots, it’s kind of a dream come true.

Final Thoughts

We moved here looking for a fresh start, and found so much more—a community, a slower pace, and a place where our family can grow and thrive.

If you’ve ever thought about making a move to North Carolina, don’t overlook Cabarrus County. From Concord to Kannapolis to Harrisburg, this area has heart.

And if you’re ready to explore it for yourself, you know I’d love to help you find the right home for your next chapter.

👉 Follow me on Instagram to see more of what makes this place so special—local favorites, hidden gems, renovation inspo, and everything in between.

If Cabarrus County sounds like your kind of place, let's find your dream home together!