Advance (pronounced with the stress on the first syllable) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Davie County, North Carolina, United States. It is seventy-five miles northeast of Charlotte. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 1,138. It is located along North Carolina Highway 801 just south of Bermuda Run. Advance is part of the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. Geography Advance is located in eastern Davie County. The Yadkin River forms the eastern edge of the CDP and is the Davidson County line. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.95%, is water. Neighboring communities and municipalities include Bermuda Run, to the north, and Mocksville, the Davie County seat, to the west. The largest neighboring city is Winston-Salem, NC. Advance is home to Shady Grove Elementary School and William Ellis Middle School. Demographics 2020 census As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,499 people, 469 households, and 320 families residing in the CDP. Etymology Various accounts exist for the origin of the town's name. Some suggest the name was derived from the name of a popular resident and freed slave, Samuel Vance Allen. Other accounts suggest the community was named by residents who hoped that with the addition of a post office, the community would advance. Encompassing communities While Advance remains unincorporated, it is recognized by the US Postal Service under ZIP code 27006. The common area of Advance includes several smaller unincorporated communities that are not recognized by the Postal Service: Bixby Cornatzer Farmington (south of Spillman Road) Fork Church Fulton Hillsdale Redland Shady Grove Smith Grove Housing developments include Oak Valley, Underpass Road Communities (Greenwood Lakes, Westridge, Countryside, Eastside), Hidden Creek, and others. Local businesses Advance has had several businesses that were prominent through its history. A few of these include: 801 Shell Advance Barber Shop Advance Car Wash (building still standing, but the business has long been closed down) Advance Country Store Advance Florist Advance Video – (no longer in business) known locally as Jitter's. Allen Geomatics – a Land Surveying firm Jeffco – a salon equipment and fixture company L&G Hair Design – (closed) Sparkle Clean Pools – Swimming pool services Tucker's Place restaurant – located in the building that once housed Advance Video Vogler's TV & VCR Service – a television repair