Why University City?

The best place to be in Charlotte.

University City is an easy starting point and place to grow for business. There is a pipeline of strong talent, great workspaces, amenities for employers and employees, and the submarket is centrally located and easy to get to and from major residential areas in the Charlotte region. University City is an easy starting point and place to grow for business.

Location, Location, Location

Offering Class A and Class B office space to meet the business needs of large and mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

With over 2,200 acres and 11.5 million square feet of office space, University Research Park is one of the nation’s largest.
UNC Charlotte and Atrium Health University City hospital anchor University City and provide immediate access to research, talent and medical amenities.
The region experiences four distinct seasons, allowing year-round use of the city’s 17,600 acres of parks, 37 miles of greenways and more than 30 public and private golf courses.

Attractions & Amenities

Fans and alumni come to see the Charlotte 49ers play football, basketball, golf, tennis and baseball among many other athletic events.

Racing fans come to Charlotte Motor Speedway to experience the thrill of NASCAR motorsports and zMax drag racing. Corporate partners and friends have the opportunity to bond over driving range sessions at Topgolf.

Music lovers cut loose at University City’s PNC Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts large concerts, annual festivals and events.

Shoppers seek retail therapy at Concord Mills and IKEA at Belgate Shopping Center, in addition to 30 other shopping centers. Of course, all visitors enjoy the growing number of restaurants and bars, many of which are international.

Workforce and Talent

With major companies, institutions and mid-sized businesses, University City is home to 80,000 employees. The smartest part of Charlotte, UNC Charlotte provides direct access to a highly educated workforce.

UNC Charlotte is an incubator for today’s innovators and entrepreneurs through programs like Ventureprise and City Startup Labs. Residents of University City are skilled and highly educated with 54% of residents earning an Associate degree or higher.

Neighborhoods

This community is one of the most culturally diverse and welcoming places to live in Charlotte. University City offers a variety of housing types and desirable neighborhoods.

There are single family homes on peaceful tree lined streets and planned communities, as well as apartments, townhomes and condos for those who prefer something more urban.

Out of town guests will find a variety of short and extended-stay hotel options for business and leisure travel. Full-service hotels offer premium accommodations, conference centers, restaurants and access to the LYNX Blue Line. Learn more about local accommodations here.

News

A Message from Keith Stanley: Why the P.A.V.E. Act Matters to University City

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are moving forward—and the P.A.V.E. Act is one of the biggest steps we’ve taken to support that momentum. This new law allows the county to consider a 1-cent sales tax dedicated to funding transportation. If approved by voters, it...

Celebrating Growth, Community, and Creative Expression at the 2025 Juneteenth Art Fest

University City came alive on June 19, 2025, with over 9,500 attendees gathering at the Shoppes at University Place for the second annual Juneteenth Art Fest. This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary—merging history, culture, and art in a vibrant,...

Juneteenth Art Fest 2025: A Day of Joy, Art, and Community Vibes!

– by Janelle Goodrich The sun was shining (and yes, it was hot enough to melt a slushie!), but that didn’t stop University City from showing up and showing out for the 2025 Juneteenth Art Festival. From colorful art displays to foot-tapping live performances and...

Sunshine & Trail Time: Your July Passport to Outdoor Joy

 – By Janelle Goodrich Step onto the Path… Close your eyes for a moment and picture this: you’re standing beneath a cathedral of oaks, patches of sunlight flickering across the trail like confetti. A hush settles over the woods, broken only by the chatter of...

NINER SPOTLIGHT: Striking Gold: Tim Albin Takes the Helm of Charlotte 49ers Football

Charlotte Athletics has tapped Tim Albin, fresh off a Mid-American Conference championship run at Ohio, to become the 49ers’ fourth full-time head football coach. Albin compiled a 33-19 record in Athens, engineering three straight 10-win seasons—the most successful...

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Marcus Smith, Our New Treasurer with Big-Block Vision

 – by Janelle Goodrich We’re kicking off our Meet the Board Series with Marcus Smith, Bank of America relationship manager, newly elected Treasurer, and incoming chair of the Finance Committee. Marcus isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s a growth architect who believes...

Culture Meets Commerce: Juneteenth Art Fest Sparks Economic Growth in University City

University City’s Juneteenth Art Fest was more than a commemoration of freedom—it was a powerful expression of economic empowerment and cultural pride. Held at University Place, the free festival drew thousands of residents and visitors from across the Charlotte metro...

Flournoy Development Strengthens Growth in University Research Park

University City Partners (UCP) proudly supports the Flournoy development in University Research Park—a thoughtfully designed multifamily residential community that advances the district’s vision for a connected, vibrant, and inclusive University City. Located along...

Public Safety, Clean Streets, and a Community That Cares

By Janelle Goodrich, Director of Operations, University City Partners After more than 25 years of living in the "suburbs" of University City and over 16 years working with University City Partners, I’ve seen our community grow in ways that still amaze me. I’ve...

Honoring Shane Hockensmith and Giant University Bikes – A Legacy of Movement in University City

For over 27 years, Giant University City has been more than a neighborhood bike shop—it has been a trusted resource and gathering place for University City’s active and diverse community. At the heart of it all has been Shane Hockensmith, a dedicated small business...