Welcome Home to Hickory, NC!

Let us be the first to welcome you to Hickory, North Carolina! Where almost every doorway says, "come on in," and every smiling face greets you with Southern hospitality! Folks around here want to make you feel at home, and soon after you learn a little more about this charming, yet thriving city, you will see just why Hickory, NC is the nationally awarded and "talked about" town in the region!

Whether your are thinking about moving a family or business, Hickory, NC has it all – calm climate with four seasons that are as distinct as they are mild, excellent employment opportunities, low cost of living, diverse culture, and an endless array of recreational opportunities.

Located in Western part of North Carolina situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains , it is an ideal place to live, work, play, raise a family and retire. Residents of Hickory, NC have not just found a place to live – they have found a home!  Being just one hour east of the Mountains and 4 ½ hours west of the Atlantic Ocean,  Hickory, NC is conveniently situated near the best of both worlds! Many Hickory residents can plan a weekend getaway to both the beach and/or the mountains!

Award Winning Education in Hickory, NC

The commitment to life-long learning is one of the cornerstones of our growth, here in Hickory , NC . Catawba County and the Greater Hickory Metro is proud of their long list of educational resources including pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, and centers of higher learning. Futures For Kids is an interactive web portal supported by local businesses that provides high school students in all eight high schools in the three school systems of Catawba County with career guidance and assistance.

Leading the way in innovative learning in higher education, Hickory , NC is home to the nation's first “ college high school ” at Catawba Valley Community College . Challenger High School allows students to enroll at their local community college in Hickory, NC for a five year program, which, at completion, gives them both a high school diploma AND an Associates degree. This program gives students a great opportunity, and allows them to complete an Associates degree completely free of cost!

In addition to the Challenger High School is a program called “ MagnIT ,” which is available to students in and around Catawba County , which allows them to dual enroll in both high school and college classes that enables them to receive their Associates degrees in Web Technologies – again, free of charge.

Unlike any other area in the region, Hickory , NC strives to make education available, and fun! Their award winning, innovative programs are receiving national attention, and further proving that Catawba County is a great place to raise a family!

Hickory wins the All-America City title for the THIRD time!  Hickory has done it again!  Hickory, NC is recognized nationally as the "All American City" in the entire United States! While winning this prestigious award once would be an honor, receiving this national award three times is a testiment to the great city that Hickory, NC really is! Residents of Hickory, NC graciously receive this honor, and are proud to be a Hickory, NC resident! Being named an All-America City brings many benefits to a community including national recognition and helps build the economic base.

For years, familes and singles from all over the country have heard about the every growing city of Hickory! Those who live and grow up in Hickory rarely move - as Hickory is "one of a kind"!

Hickory, NC Real Estate

Whether you are seeking affordability or an extravagent estate, you will find a neighborhood in Hickory , NC to satisfy your taste and price range. In addition to the wide choice of beautiful and affordable homes for sale, Catawba County has an excellent condominium and townhouse market. Apartments in Catawba County are comfortable and some of the most affordable in the state! Active seniors also find quality housing in Hickory NC , from independent or assisted living, continuing care communities or long-term providers, the county has a wide range of excellent facilities. Justin and Katie Keisler assist clients from all over the world with their real estate needs. Having lived in the Hickory Metro for their entire lives, they take great pride in their hometown, and offer quality service to anyone who is interested in living in Hickory , NC or the surrounding areas.

Hickory, NC...More Than Just Furniture!

Nestled close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and about 50 miles northwest of Charlotte, Hickory is appropriately named for the Hickory Tavern that once presided here as a popular respite for weary travelers.

Known as the furniture manufacturing capital of the world, approximately 60 percent of the nation's furniture is made within a 200-mile radius of the Hickory Metro area.

The Catawba Furniture Mall contains 350,000 square feet of furniture stores, and the Hickory Furniture Mart is 20 acres of 100 showrooms, carrying more than 1,000 famous lines. Each year, more than a half-million visitors come to the area to browse and shop at the numerous furniture outlets.

Indeed, Catawba County is rich in scenic beauty with Lake Hickory, the Catawba River, and a stunning silhouette of the Blue Ridge Mountains against the western sky. Because of its picturesque landscape and its convenience to so many nearby attractions, many artists call Hickory their home. The Catawba Valley has the second-largest concentration of potters in North Carolina. Their work is showcased annually at a festival in March.

According to Millie Barbee, CEO of the Hickory Metro Convention and Visitors Center, Hickory has launched a determined effort to revitalize its downtown Main Street area. Located within the cleverly-named SALT Block, an acronym for Science, Arts, Literature Together, is a complex of buildings housing the Hickory Public Library, Hickory Museum of Art, Catawba Science Center, Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory Choral Society, a public school and the Catawba County Council for Arts.

"Hickory is such a wonderful place to raise a family and the activities for both adults and children are abundant."

For sports lovers, baseball fans will enjoy watching the Hickory Crawdads. The Hickory Motor Speedway has been providing heart-stopping entertainment for 50-plus years, and contains the roots of three NASCAR champions – Dale and Ned Jarrett and Bobby Isaac – as well as the late Dale Earnhardt.

Originally from Wisconsin, Barbara and Michael Dugan moved here 13 years ago. Although the move was work-related (he's in the furniture business), they have found the area to be a delight. “In addition to the climate, location and natural beauty of its surroundings, Hickory has some intangibles that really intrigued us,” Mrs. Dugan explained. “This area has a variety of cultural activities as well as a diversity of people who live here. It's a vibrant, welcoming community.”

Source/Credit: Charles Heatherly is a former North Carolina Director of Tourism, retired N.C. Deputy State Treasurer, freelance writer, and author.

Hickory, NC Healthcare
Catawba County offers residents quality healthcare close to home. Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center – offer highly specialized medical care and advanced innovative clinical services. The County's healthcare industries continue to receive recognition for its commitment to cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Hickory , NC is filled with some of the leading healthcare workforce in the state, and it's residents enjoy quality healthcare with local convenience

Hickory, NC School Information Choosing the right community for your children is a huge responsiblity! Click here to find out more information about schools in the Hickory-Metro area!

Hickory Area Links Click here for many important resources that will help you learn a little more about Hickory, NC and the surrounding areas!

Where is Hickory, NC? Hickory, NC is a great town! Here is how to find it!

Business in Hickory, NC Hickory, NC is an excellent place for business owners! Click here to see why!

Dining in Hickory, NC Hickory, NC has it all! Click here for more information about all of the dining experiences you can enjoy in Hickory, NC

The History of Hickory, NC Learn what's behind this historical and beautiful town of Hickory, NC!

Hickory, NC Demographics Learn more about the people who "make up" the lovely city of Hickory, NC

Hickory, NC Events Browse the "Calendar of Events" for Hickory, NC! There is TONS to see and do! Enjoy!

Prestigious Communities in the Hickory Metro The Hickory-Metro is home to many prestigious communities! Learn more about the neighborhoods in Hickory, NC that truly offer the most exclusive amenities!

Hickory Churches Finding a church family after relocating can be a challenge! This list will help you find the church home for you!

Hickory, NC Area Links Resources Galore! Check out this information to learn a little more about our town of Hickory!

Hickory, NC Golf Courses The Hickory-Metro area is home to several award winning golf courses! Click here to learn more about them!

Hickory, NC Sports Hickory has it all! Click here and see why Hickory, NC was voted "All American City" - from bowling to baseball, Hickory, NC has a sport that you will enjoy!

Hickory, NC Recreational Parks Enjoy a relaxed stroll through our beautiful public parks in the Hickory-Metro area!

The Heart And Soul Of Hickory, NC Learn more about the "backbone" of Hickory, NC - our Cultural Arts!

Hickory, NC - Homes for sale Click here for a look at Hickory, NC Real Estate that is for sale!

Hickory, NC - Free Market Update Click here for more information about the Hickory, NC market!

What's My Hickory, NC Home Worth? Click here to request a FREE Market Evaluation and see what the Hickory, NC market says your home is worth!

Retire in Hickory, NC... and save the BEST for last! Hickory, NC has been known for their excellent community for retirees! Click here to learn more about how to pick the perfect retirement community for you!

Request a property in Hickory, NC Finally convinced that Hickory, NC is the best place around?! Click here to request your ideal HICKORY home or to request real estate in another surrounding areas

Key Facts about Hickory, NC Click here for some basic information about our town of Hickory, NC

Hickory, NC Hotels Visiting the Hickory, NC area? Click here for a list of hotels in the Catawba Valley area!

Top Spots for KIDS in Hickory, NC Hickory, NC is a great place to raise a family! Click here for more information on the wonderful activities that awaits young Hickory, NC residents!