$212,323Average Value$186Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
This East Hickory neighborhood has given old buildings a new life
Highland was originally developed as a separate town in the early 1900s, taking its name from Highland Academy, the one-room school that would become Lenoir-Rhyne University. The community was incorporated into the City of Hickory in 1931. According to Crystal Gragg, Realtor with Coldwell Banker, the neighborhood has continued to change and grow. “Ten years ago, Highland was just abandoned factories and run-down housing. But then they started beautifying the neighborhood, and now many homes have been renovated and those factory buildings are not sitting empty,” she says, noting it was a conscious decision to restore vintage buildings rather than tear them down. “Not only was it cheaper to rehab those buildings, but they have a certain look to them with their big industrial windows and older floors. I live in an area where everything is cookie-cutter, but these older buildings have a lot of charm.” Crystal Rogers, Realtor with Elite Properties, attributes much of the neighborhood’s growth to city-sponsored revitalization initiatives. “An investor couldn’t afford to remodel some of these buildings, so they’re offering revitalization grants,” she says. “It’s beneficial to keep these old buildings alive, and it makes me happy to see people restoring old houses.” Highland scores an 8 out of 10 for burglary on the CAP Index crime score compared to the national average of 4. All other scores are 7 or lower, and Highland’s overall CAP Index score is 6, compared to the national average of 4.
Many of the old factories and mills in the Highland area have been restored and given new life.
Highland residents can stop by The Hum for a fun performances and family fun downtown.
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Highland has midcentury houses and 21st century townhouses
Most residences are clustered on the west side of the neighborhood, streets branching off 8th Street Drive Northeast. Busier thoroughfares often have sidewalks. Driveways tend to be narrow but are long enough that street parking is uncommon. Homes are on the smaller side, usually spanning under 1,500 square feet and following single-story ranch-style and National-style designs, with intermixed American Craftsman bungalows and Cape Cod homes. Many homes feature porches, homeowners furnishing them with chairs, tables and plants. Most homes date to between the 1930s and ‘60s, with prices ranging from $125,000 to $300,000. On the west side of the neighborhood, there are 21st century townhouses which go for between $125,000 and $250,000.
American craftsman style bungalows are popular and being built more often in Highland.
Older national style homes offer an affordable ownership option for residents of Highland.
There are a variety of home styles found on the neighborhood streets of the Highland area.
Townhomes are another popular choice for lower entry price points in the Highland neighborhood.
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Restaurants and shops with unique character
Old factory buildings have been repurposed into modern shops and restaurants, such as Carolina Pedal Works, a bike shop/coffee and beer bar, and Mas Amor Cantina, known for their homemade tortillas, Tex-Mex cuisine and occasional movie nights for kids. Hickory’s downtown is the location of numerous locally owned stores and restaurants, like the Hickory Wine Shoppe, a wine bar. “It’s kind of the hangout for a lot of professionals after work. It’s one of the best places in Hickory, and it sometimes offers wine pairings with food and things to snack on,” Gragg says. She also highlights Café Rule up towards Viewmont. “It’s the atmosphere that’s a big part of the appeal. They have covered outdoor seating with a fireplace, and also a great wine selection and wonderful brunches,” she says. A Lowe’s Home Improvement and Lowes Foods are located on 2nd Street Northeast, but for fresh, locally grown produce, shoppers can visit the Downtown Hickory Farmers Market at Union Square each Wednesday and Saturday.
Highland locals know that the name of the popular "Dive Bar" downtown hides a hidden gem.
Dive Bar is a fun family friendly spot with games, food and drinks just minutes from Highland.
Tastefull Beans is a popular coffee stop in Downtown Hickory and just minutes from Highland.
Hickory is home to many popular food trucks that Highland residents can find around the city.
Valley Hills Mall is just down the road for Highland locals and all their shopping needs.
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The Autolawn Euro Classic Car Show
Every fall, the annual Autolawn Euro Classic Car Show celebrates vintage European cars, with attendees voting on their favorite. The event also features food vendors, children’s activities and live music.
Schools, career training and a college with many events
Most Highland students are zoned to start off school at Viewmont Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche. They can then move up to B-plus-rated Northview Middle and B-rated Hickory High. Hickory High students can take specialized career and technical courses such as Automotive Technology and Construction. Lenoir-Rhyne University, a private Lutheran school, is within walking distance of most homes, offering 55 undergraduate majors and 26 graduate programs, which include three seminary degrees. “The college brings a lot to Hickory because the football team is phenomenal. They do homecoming events and events with speakers and comedians, and a lot of non-students attend them,” Gragg says.
Hickory High School ensures young learners are prepared for life beyond graduation.
The Hickory High School marching band is well known for their impressive live performances.
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a well regarded private institution nearby for Highland residents.
The athletics department of Lenoir-Rhyne University is sure to draw Highland locals for games.
Viewmont Elementary School helps educate over 500 young learners.
The brick signage at Northview Middle School in Hickory.
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Parks for exercise and recreation
Highland Recreation Center is a mecca of recreational opportunities, featuring a fitness center, aerobics studio, full gymnasium, skatepark and more. Cliff Teague Park invites children to run and play with its playground and short trail that meanders through the woods. Alternatively, residents can stroll the grounds of Lenoir-Rhyne University or visit Hickory’s larger parks on the northwest side of town, such as Geitner Park, which offers a mountain bike trail and a boat ramp for getting into Lake Hickory.
Highland residents are only minutes from Lake Hickory and all the fun activities it offers.
The signage at the entrance to Kiwanis Park in Hickory.
The splash pad at Kiwanis Park is a great place to beat the summer heat in Hickory.
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A bus route and a nearby interstate
Bus route 2 of Greenway Public Transportation passes west through the neighborhood toward Downtown Hickory, which is about 1.5 miles away by car. The bus operates hourly. Otherwise, unless they are walking to Lenoir-Rhyne University, residents prefer to travel by car, and ramps to Interstate 40 are 3 miles down 8th Street Northeast. Several doctors’ offices can be found along Tate Boulevard Southeast, and Frye Regional Medical Center is about a mile west of the neighborhood.
Highland is a popular and sought after neighborhood just blocks from the downtown Hickory area.
Highland residents enjoy quick and convenient access to I-40 for travel through the area.
The local Hickory Transportation Center is downtown and just minutes from Highland locals.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Hefner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Stanford Park
Optimist Dog Park
Mccomb Park
Henry Fork River Park
Carolina Park
Kiwanis Park
Ivey Arboretum at Sally M. Fox Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Highland
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Highland, Hickory sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Highland, Hickory over the last 12 months is $215,844, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built by Northway Homes, this beautifully crafted residence offers over 3,000 square feet of modern living in the established and sought-after community of The Falls at Cloninger Mill in Hickory, NC. This home blends timeless design with thoughtful functionality, beginning with a spacious open-concept main level that seamlessly connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas—ideal for both
Very charming Bungalow beautifully updated with renovated full bath and fenced in back yard (2024/25), new flooring, new kitchen, fresh paint, new roof, new windows (2022/23). You will love the wrap around front porch that extends your living space to outside with the addition of your outdoor sofa and chairs. Dining room features fireplace surrounded by built-in shelves. Living room area is
Huge Price Reduction on this Beautiful 1 1/2 story 5 bedroom home with lots of updates. Large Living Room with fireplace, and the large Dining Room has built-in cabinet. Very nice kitchen has lots of wood counter tops and lots of cabinets with above cabinet lighting.There is also a nice pantry area. The utility area has washer and dryer hookups and full bath. Large primary bedroom has Ensuite
Keith StallingsFavoriteagent.Com Mountain Properties
Unlock the potential of this spacious 3,024 sq. ft. two-story warehouse in a prime Hickory location! Ideal for commercial or mixed-use purposes, this property offers flexibility for your business or investment needs. The sale includes the adjacent lot, providing even more opportunities for expansion. The property will be vacantat closing and is being sold as-is, with the buyer required to
Luxury duplex apartments in both Garden and Townhome styles. Both styles have 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths & attached large 2 car garage with ample storage space. Over 1200 square feet of exceptional living space. Our great NE location makes you only minutes from downtown, fine dining, the interstate, shopping and schools. Please visit us at 130 3rd Street NE Hickory, NC 28601 for more information.
Property Id: 1498208Picture yourself in this beautiful newly built 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home offering 1320 sq ft of living space. This home has a spacious floor plan and is in a great area. Apply today! All info/data contained herein is deemed accurate but not warranted.
Property Id: 1648708Picture yourself in this beautiful newly built 3-bedroom 2.5 bath home offering 1320 sq ft of living space. This home has a spacious floor plan and is in a great area. Apply today! All info/data contained herein is deemed accurate but not warranted. Walking distance to Lenoir-Rhyne University, public school bus stop and hospitals. Great location for traveling nurses!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Hefner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,945
Median Age
38
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,638
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,705
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
22.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
34/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
