Concord, North Carolina, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Cabarrus County, especially Concord, is experiencing rapid population growth, resulting in increased traffic congestion, higher property taxes, and a threatened rural lifestyle. While notable investments from companies like Eli Lilly and Red Bull offer economic promise, many long-time residents are finding it difficult to adapt to the changes in their community.
Concord, North Carolina – Residents of Cabarrus County, particularly in Concord, are grappling with the challenges that come with rapid population growth. Since 2010, the county’s population has surged nearly 38%, leading to increased traffic congestion, rising property taxes, and a shift away from the peaceful rural atmosphere that many long-time inhabitants once enjoyed. This transformation is marked by a wave of suburban development that is altering the very identity of the county that was once known for textiles and manufacturing.
Leyla Bahmanyar, who has lived in Concord for eight years, initially sought a quiet home on a rural landscape. However, the influx of new subdivisions has disrupted the serenity she valued. Heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, overwhelming local stormwater systems and causing flooding in her neighborhood. As a part-time employee at a veterinary trauma hospital in Charlotte, she has also reduced her working hours due to the intensified traffic from the growth surrounding her area.
Bahmanyar is not alone in her struggles. Many residents are echoing her frustrations, witnessing neighbors move out as construction continues and small businesses close down. Following a reappraisal, Bahmanyar’s property taxes have seen a sharp increase, with her home’s value rising by $150,000.
Historically, Cabarrus County was a hub for the textile industry, boasting plants like Cannon Mills and Pillowtex. However, the closure of Pillowtex in 2003 marked the largest single-day job loss in North Carolina history and has left an indelible mark on the local economy. As manufacturing jobs dwindled, many residents began to commute to work outside the county, leading to increased traffic and further strain on local infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, new economic opportunities are surfacing in Cabarrus County. Major investments from companies such as Eli Lilly and Red Bull are injecting billions of dollars into the local economy. However, many residents express discontent over the rapid growth that disrupts the quieter lifestyle they sought when they settled in the area.
With more newcomers arriving and traffic congestion escalating, both seasoned locals and new residents are feeling the impact. Laura Beaver, who has a five-acre property, noted that the rural life she cherished is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain as traffic surges and property taxes rise. Agricultural lands are under threat, too, as developers show interest in purchasing these properties, resulting in reduced farm sizes and diminished efficiency for farmers like Brent Barbee, a sixth-generation farmer.
While farmers’ markets flourish due to heightened consumer interest, rising property values are squeezing profit margins for local farmers, pushing them to adapt their agricultural practices. Union County, which also faces similar growth issues, has seen an average property value increase of approximately 60% during its recent reappraisal. County leaders are discussing measures to preserve farmland and implement zoning requirements to manage growth sustainably.
Efforts are underway to diversify development beyond residential sectors to maintain the county’s character while easing the tax burden on homeowners. Residents are calling for less traffic congestion and a return to a slower pace of life. Downtown Monroe has revitalized with new businesses, yet some long-time residents lament the loss of their once-quiet town atmosphere. Similarly, Kannapolis, formerly home to Cannon Mills, is now focusing on biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Ongoing investments, including a notable $1.5 billion in a research campus, aim to revitalize the local economy following past mill closures. In addition, both Cabarrus and Rowan counties are adapting to new sectors, enhancing workforce development through local community colleges. Recent developments are intended to meet the demands of a growing population and changing industry needs, while Enbridge Gas has expanded natural gas service in the region to support economic growth amid rising population density.
FAQ Section
What has been the population growth in Cabarrus County since 2010?
The county’s population has increased nearly 38% since 2010, according to U.S. Census data.
What challenges are residents facing in Cabarrus County due to urbanization?
Residents are experiencing increased traffic congestion, rising property taxes, and threats to agricultural land.
How have property values changed for homeowners like Leyla Bahmanyar?
Following a reappraisal, her home’s value increased by $150,000, contributing to a significant rise in property taxes.
What historical significance does Cabarrus County have regarding manufacturing?
The county was known for its textile industry, with the closure of Pillowtex in 2003 resulting in the largest single-day job loss in North Carolina history.
What new economic initiatives are being put into place in Cabarrus County?
Major investments from companies like Eli Lilly and Red Bull are boosting the local economy, with efforts to diversify development and improve workforce training.
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Additional Resources
- Business North Carolina: Community Close Up Cabarrus & Rowan Counties
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- WCNC: Education News
- Axios: People of Color Driving Concord’s Growth
- Salisbury Post: Enbridge Expands Natural Gas Service
- Wikipedia: Cabarrus County, North Carolina
- Google Search: Population Growth in Cabarrus County
- Google Scholar: Cabarrus County Economic Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cabarrus County
- Google News: Cabarrus County News
Author: HERE Charlotte
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