Your Hickory, NC Real Estate Questions Answered

Are you looking at real estate near Hickory, NC? You’ve chosen a great place to live. This historic town northwest of Charlotte in Catawba County has a lot to offer. Residents enjoy modern retail, dining, and entertainment conveniences, with abundant outdoor recreation available. National Geographic honored Hickory as one of 2018’s Best Small Cities in America, noting it as “hipster-friendly.”

When looking for Hickory real estate, you have choices. You can find a place right for your lifestyle, housing needs, and budget, from historic homes to a downtown condo. As you start your home search, here are some frequently asked questions about Hickory real estate.

What is the average price of a home in Hickory, NC?

Based on December 2021 data,  Hickory had 230 homes on the market for a median list price of $260,000. The average price per square foot was $151.49. Homes were on the market for an average of 70 days.

Looking historically, median sales prices in Hickory began to rise more sharply starting in January 2020. Before that, they were relatively stable, with incremental increases over time. 

The September 2021 Market Data reported a month’s supply of inventory at 0.8 months. The Canopy MLS report had homes on the market 20 days until sale. The median reported sales price was $242,450. 

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Hickory, NC? 

Yes, you can find condominium and townhome properties in Hickory, North Carolina. Our December 2021 search showed 21 available properties. The listings begin with a 1,100 sqft two-bedroom condominium on the market for $99,000. The market topped out at a 1,870 sqft 2-bedroom 2-bath unit in Wynnshire Ridge for $419,900. 

Some communities to look for condo properties would be Windsor Ridge, Braxton Gates, Viewmont Townhomes, Hampton East, Colony Square, The Cedars, Pebble Creek, and Regal Place. Get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the right condo or townhome for you. 

What is the property tax rate for Hickory, NC?

North Carolina property taxes are administered by the counties. Catawba County has a $0.575 tax rate per $100 of property valuation. The City of Hickory has a $0.6275 for $100 of valuation. Catawba County collection administers the city tax. Re-valuation will occur in 2023.

Your Hickory property tax rate can vary depending on where you live in the town. Catawba County Government has an option to search for specific addresses to reveal your fire district and special taxing district information.

If you live over the county border in Burke County, the property tax rate is $0.6950. In Caldwell County, residents pay $0.630.

What county is Hickory, NC in?

Hickory is primarily in Catawba County, although some of its formal boundaries extend into neighboring Burke and Caldwell counties. 

Catawba County is part of North Carolina’s Piedmont Region in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hickory is along the Catawba River, which comprises the northern and eastern county border. The Oxford Dam creates Lake Hickory, a reservoir ideal for water recreation and lakeside living. 

As a Catawba County resident, you gain ample amenities with a relatively low cost of living. According to the Best Places Cost of Living Index, the national average is 100. Catawba County averages 86.4, meaning living here is less than the US standard. The most expensive costs are in health care, while the least expensive category is housing. 

Is Hickory, NC growing?

The April 2020 US Census data shows that Hickory is growing at a steady and controlled pace. The 2020 population was 43,490 residents. It increased from 40,010 residents in 2010. Hickory is the 23rd largest city in North Carolina and has been growing at 0.45% annually.

What neighborhoods are in Hickory, NC?

Hickory can be a charming place to live, from its waterfront living to its historic neighborhoods. The City of Hickory recognizes eight neighborhood associations. 

Claremont is named after the former Claremont College. This is an established historic neighborhood in the northeast of the city. It has a mixture of single-family and multi-family residences and commercial businesses. It is close to the Central Business District and contains important gathering places such as Lenoir-Rhyne University, Frye Regional Medical Center, and the SALT (Science, Arts, and Literature) block of cultural attractions.

The Forest Hills neighborhood is in the Northwest Quadrant and was developed after World War II to alleviate the housing shortage. Here you will find modest-sized traditional frame houses, larger ranch and split-level houses, and convenient access to city amenities. It has three city parks within its boundaries and is home to the Hickory Music Factory.

Green Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a mixture of traditional developments and well-established housing types. Here you will find mature trees, street lights, and sidewalks. It is mostly a residential neighborhood with Hickory Optimist Park as a gathering place. Green Park is located in the southwest area. 

Highland is centrally located to city services and Lenoir-Rhyne University campus. It is in the northeast area and is primarily single-family residences mixed with industrial developments. There are several parks in this area.

Kenworth was the first planned subdivision in Hickory. It is located in the southwest area and is a mixture of multi-family, duplexes, and single-family homes. There is some commercial and industrial development along the neighborhood’s edges. Kiwanis Park has four-lighted baseball fields, batting cages, a basketball court, a tennis court, and other amenities. Several homes here are on the National Register Of Historic Places.

Lakeland Park in the northwest area was laid out in 1962 and has a mixture of ranch houses and infill dwellings. You’ll find some modernist influences in the homes built around this area. The neighbors have a park with a gazebo, walking trails, boat dock, and launch ramp. 

The Oakwood and Hillcrest neighborhood is a historic part of the town near the central business district. Development dates back to the late 1800s, when local businessmen, bankers, and professionals built homes using the latest architectural styles. The Oakwood Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ridgeview got its name because of its view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is in Hickory’s southeast and southwest area and mixes single-family residences with duplexes and multi-family housing. Residents have a library, recreation centers, public housing, and more. The community is looking to extend its walkability. 

The West Hickory or Westmont neighborhood is in the Northwest and Southwest area with seven pockets of residential housing between commercial and industrial activity. It is well-connected to major transportation thoroughfares. The way it is broken up makes it harder to get a cohesive neighborhood feel.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Hickory, NC?

Yes, you can live on the waterfront in Hickory. The town borders right against Lake Hickory and the Catawba River. There are also a few creeks that drain into the lake that you can live against. These include Cripple Creek and Falling Creek.

Is there lakefront or riverfront property in Hickory, NC?

Yes, you can live along Lake Hickory and have spectacular lake views. Some of the lakefront living options are not within the town limits. You’ll find housing across Lake Hickory and facing the main town. Other waterfront properties are just to the east or west of the town borders. Either way, you will still be minutes from downtown Hickory while having the waterfront lifestyle you so desire. 

How is golf in Hickory, NC?

The Lake Hickory Country Club is the nearest golfing option, and it runs two courses. Lake Hickory Country Club is a private club that includes tennis, dining, and social amenities. Downtown is the Town Course, while the Springs Clubhouse is just to the east of town and meanders along Long Shoal Creek. 

Outside of Hickory, players have a few more courses within a 30-minutes drive. Player’s Ridge Golf is across Lake Hickory in Bethlehem. Granada Farms Country Club is north along NC 321. Catawba County Club is to the south near Newton. Rock Barn Country Club and Spa is to the east.

Are there golf course communities in Hickory, NC? 

The Woodlands at Oliver’s Landing in Hickory is a Lakefront Golf Community. You can find golf course views throughout the community. Some properties do have lake views. To the south of town around the Catawba Springs Country Club is the Catawba Springs residential development. 

What areas are near Hickory, NC?

Near Hickory is Mountain View, Bethlehem, Conover, Newton, and Hildebran. Close by are the small towns of Granite Falls and Rhodhiss. These towns provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and boating and are places for antiquing and downtown shopping. 

Hickory is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan statistical area. In the greater region are the major towns of Lenoir and Morganton. The expansive Lake Norman lies along the Eastern borders of Catawba County. The lake has over 500 miles of shoreline and is renowned for its bass fishing.

If you are looking to get to the mountains, the town of Blowing Rock is under one hour from downtown Hickory. You have the winter ski resorts at Boone and Sugar Mountain in the mountains. 

What to know about living in Hickory, NC

Overall, Hickory is an affordable place to live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It draws visitors worldwide because it is part of the furniture development sector. It has deep roots, friendly people, and lots of recreational opportunities. Independent media sources have highly ranked it as a great place to live, work, and play. 

EZHomeSearch is your resource for all things real estate in the Carolinas. Let us know any questions you have about living in Hickory, NC.