How the Suburbs Are Growing Around Charlotte and Raleigh
Smaller cities and suburbs are drawing in new residents with a mix of big-city amenities and small-town charm.
Established Hubs
Especially for first-time homebuyers and those in younger generations, the move away from cities isn’t always for lack of desire for downtown living. Purchasing a home near any city center is simply more expensive than many people starting out can afford, so buyers are pushed to the outskirts and nearby suburbs.
Apart from ensuring easy access to downtown areas via bus, light rail, or bike paths, smaller cities can also plan intentionally to create a downtown feeling right within the suburb. Walking malls, a central town square, and events like farmers markets and seasonal celebrations all bring people together and give a town its own character.
These hubs are the perfect place to accentuate the charms of a small town while offering the bustle and activity menu that many people value in a big city. With plenty of things to do and see, and fewer people to battle for parking or dinner reservations, smaller cities quickly rise in the ranks.
Community Centers
Recreation centers, community pools and courts, and community-sponsored events pull people together and attract families, young people, and seniors alike. Facilities that are accessible and well-kept quickly become a gathering place for sports and activities, thus creating a local heartbeat.
Parents are likely looking for team sports or organized classes to keep little ones busy. New transplants often join rec leagues in order to make new friends after a big move. Creating central facilities for all the fun to take place gives an automatic welcome and a long-lasting bond to residents.
Locally Owned Restaurants
Suburbs often get a bad reputation for hosting too many chain restaurants. While chains can be a pleasant and comforting staple, locally-owned and more diverse restaurants are the gathering places that locals can truly buy into and come to love! Residents take pride in having something all their own.
Just as new homeowners often head to the suburbs in order to afford a home, small business owners are more likely to find more affordable spaces outside the proper city limits. Fostering growth and dedicating spaces for local restaurants and shops draws commerce and creates character in a mutually beneficial cycle.
Unique Shops
Just as smaller, local restaurants do well because of their intimate nature and resident investment, boutique-style clothing, accessory, and plant shops can also serve to create a local character. Within those designated, city-like “hubs,” people often enjoy walking and shopping when the weather’s nice.
Not only do locally-owned shops boost the local economy, they also put a face behind the product and build camaraderie and closeness within the community. Enjoying the downtown area, getting to know neighbors, and exploring products that can’t be found just anywhere are all experiences and perks that aren’t as easily found in a big city. They build on one another to create a cohesive lifestyle and a place where residents can truly feel at home!
Have you scoped out a suburb or small city near Charlotte, Raleigh or Chapel Hill where you’d love to live? Work with Atmos to build the custom home of your dreams in your ideal location. From lot selection to choosing your home plan and amenities, the team at Atmos is ready to help make your dream home a reality.
At Atmos, we help you build the home of your dreams so you can be a part of your ideal community. Build intentionally, from design to construction, when you build with Atmos.
