Loading listings
Davidson, NC is a small lakeside town of around 15,000 roughly 20 miles north of Charlotte, defined by Davidson College, the well-regarded liberal arts school whose campus blends right into the walkable downtown. This is a compact, tree-lined college town with a charming Main Street that doubles as the social and commercial heart, so students are woven into the fabric of the place. Because the college is small and residential, the student presence shapes the town's calendar without overwhelming it, giving the area an unhurried, neighborly feel. The setting is a real draw: the town sits beside Lake Norman, the largest manmade lake in the state, with Lake Norman State Park and miles of shoreline for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The prime walk-to-class choice, with historic homes and apartments steps from campus, the library, and the heart of town, though these spots are highly sought after.
A large planned community with a golf course, pools, and walking trails, offering townhomes and houses for students who want amenities and space.
West of downtown, this area is known for wooded lots and a quiet, private atmosphere.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Davidson.
Davidson College runs shuttle service connecting campus with nearby points, which helps students get around without a car. Public transit options are limited in this small town, so the campus shuttle is the main fixed-route choice close to home. For trips beyond Davidson, you'll generally need other transport. Check the college shuttle schedule, since frequency is lighter than a city bus network.
Davidson is built for walking, one of the best things about living here as a student. The compact layout means most housing near downtown and campus is within an easy walk or short bike ride of class, the library, and Main Street, and plenty of students skip a car entirely. Biking is genuinely practical given the flat, tree-lined streets and the town greenways, often the fastest way around. The greenways give walkers and cyclists a scenic, car-free route.
Davidson sits north of Charlotte, and many students look to neighboring Cornelius, Huntersville, and Mooresville for a wider selection of apartments, so a car becomes useful out there. Within town you can often skip driving, but a car widens your options for groceries and weekend trips. Parking near the compact downtown and campus can be tight, so plan ahead. Confirm permit and parking rules with your landlord or the college.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Davidson is a desirable lakeside town, so expect a range. Off-campus rentals in town often run from about $600 to $900 a month for a room in a shared place, while full apartments can land anywhere from roughly $800 to $1,500 a month depending on amenities and how close you are to Main Street. Looking to nearby Cornelius, Huntersville, or Mooresville usually opens up cheaper, larger complexes.
Browse student housing near each Davidson-area university.