Section Image

Kenworth

Kenworth

Neighborhood in Hickory, North Carolina

Catawba County 28602

$198,144 Average Value
$154 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Vintage homes outside of Downtown Hickory at lower price points

The neighborhood of Kenworth sits in the southeast quadrant of Hickory, within walking distance of the town’s bustling Union Square. As with Claremont and Oakwood-Hillcrest, Kenworth offers vintage homes, many of which are starting to get spruced up just like their neighbors to the north. But for now, it’s still much more affordable to purchase a house here than in Claremont. “Kenworth is a very beautiful community. It’s an older neighborhood, but a lot of the houses have been renovated and brought back to their old glory,” says Crystal Gragg, Realtor with Coldwell Banker. And for Crystal Rogers, Realtor with Elite Properties, things are still moving in the right direction. Rogers: “For years, I’ve advocated for people to come to these neighborhoods like Kenworth, which I always knew would come around. I’m glad to see it’s finally happening.” Kenworth has a CAP Index crime score of 9 out of 10, with a 9 in categories such as homicide and sexual assault. The national average of these crime scores is 4.

Most Kenworth streets have sidewalks for locals to meander the beautifully kept neighborhood.
Most Kenworth streets have sidewalks for locals to meander the beautifully kept neighborhood.
Minimal traditional homes offer a great price point for residents of the popular Kenworth area.
Minimal traditional homes offer a great price point for residents of the popular Kenworth area.
Kenworth is a popular area with a great location for residents just outside of downtown Hickory.
Kenworth is a popular area with a great location for residents just outside of downtown Hickory.
Owners of Kenworth enjoy the freedom of non-HOA communities bringing unique charm and character.
Owners of Kenworth enjoy the freedom of non-HOA communities bringing unique charm and character.
1/4

Traveling around Hickory by bus, going out of town by car

The Greenway Public Transportation bus stops at the Salvation Army on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast, running hourly each direction. The bus takes commuters to Downtown Hickory, Valley Hills Mall, the Catawba Valley Medical Center, and other destinations in the southeast of Hickory. Drivers are about 2 miles from US Highway 321 and Interstate 40. Charlotte is about 60 miles south, but commuters might face heavy traffic nearer to the Queen City during peak hours.

Kenworth has a great location just outside Downtown Hickory and convenient interstate access.
Kenworth has a great location just outside Downtown Hickory and convenient interstate access.
Kenworth residents enjoy quick and convenient shopping and dining surrounding the area.
Kenworth residents enjoy quick and convenient shopping and dining surrounding the area.
Kenworth locals can find the Hickory Greenway Public Transit at stops near the university.
Kenworth locals can find the Hickory Greenway Public Transit at stops near the university.
1/3

Vintage Kenworth homes are getting spruced up

Many of Kenworth’s houses date back from the 1920s through the 1960s, and about 50, mostly bungalows, are a part of the Kenworth Historic District. “There might be one or two new constructions in there, but for the most part, it’s an older section with historic homes,” Gragg says. Guidelines regulate how homes in the historic district can be remodeled, but for many homeowners, this is precisely the appeal. “My clients were looking for a house that had a little bit of charm and character. They bought a house that needed some work, but they didn’t mind. A lot of people are fixing up homes to make them more beautiful,” Gragg says. Most historic homes tend to follow American Craftsman bungalow designs, while midcentury homes might be ranch-style or Minimal Traditional. Detached home prices typically range from $130,000 to $200,000, with 21st century builds fetching more, but not exceeding $250,000.

Most of the homes in Kenworth are wonderfully renovated and maintained.
Most of the homes in Kenworth are wonderfully renovated and maintained.
Kenworth is home to some of the most beautiful American craftsman bungalow homes in the city.
Kenworth is home to some of the most beautiful American craftsman bungalow homes in the city.
There are beautiful vintage homes awaiting a renovation to their glory days in Kenworth.
There are beautiful vintage homes awaiting a renovation to their glory days in Kenworth.
1/3

Restaurants and stores only found in Hickory

Familiar chains and a few regional options sit along Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Southeast such as Rancho Viejo Mexican Grill and Kickback Jack’s, a sports pub known for their American fare and music bingo events. Downtown Hickory is brimming with local restaurants, breweries and cafes including Taste Full Beans, an artsy coffee shop. “If you go there, you won’t want to go back to Starbucks. It’s locally owned, quaint and decorated with local art. It’s refreshing to not go to a chain coffee shop where everything is the same,” Gragg says. Supermarkets and big box stores such as Aldi and Big Lots line US Highway 70. Hickory made its name for being the capital of American furniture manufacturing, and chairs, sofas and other wares can still be purchased at the Hickory Furniture Mart, which features four stories of galleries.

Downtown Hickory and the great entertainment like Hickory Station is seconds away from Kenworth.
Downtown Hickory and the great entertainment like Hickory Station is seconds away from Kenworth.
The Olde Hickory Tap Room brings charm and atmosphere to the evening for Kenworth locals.
The Olde Hickory Tap Room brings charm and atmosphere to the evening for Kenworth locals.
1/2

Playgrounds, trampolines and movies

In terms of fun and recreation, Kiwanis Park is the centerpiece of Kenworth. The park’s amenities include inclusive playgrounds, baseball diamonds, a splash pad and a long slide. Past the interstate, there’s also Sky Zone Trampoline Park, an amusement center with obstacle courses, dodgeball and lots of trampolines for bouncing. Residents can also stop by Downtown Hickory’s cinema and catch a flick. “The Carolina Movie Theater has been there forever. I think my parents went there when they were young, and I’m 50 years old!” Gragg says. “They have hands down the best popcorn of any movie theater. I don’t know if they put more butter on it or what, but it’s so good. And prices are much more reasonable there than at other movie theaters.”

The Carolina Theater is a beautiful and fun historic location for Kenworth locals can enjoy.
The Carolina Theater is a beautiful and fun historic location for Kenworth locals can enjoy.
The splash pad at Kiwanis Park is a great place to beat the summer heat in Hickory.
The splash pad at Kiwanis Park is a great place to beat the summer heat in Hickory.
Lowe's Foods Park is a large park with lots of play areas for young visitors in Hickory.
Lowe's Foods Park is a large park with lots of play areas for young visitors in Hickory.
1/3

Public schools with high ratings and a few colleges

W. M. Jenkins Elementary and Northview Middle both receive overall B-plus ratings from Niche, while Hickory High earns a B. Hickory High has seen some athletic success recently, the football and boys tennis teams both winning the 3A state championships in 2023. Lenoir-Rhyne University, a private Lutheran undergraduate and graduate institution, is less than a 2-mile drive north. Other nearby schools of higher learning include Catawba Valley Community College and Appalachian State University’s recently unveiled Hickory campus.

W. M. Jenkins Elementary is a public school located in Hickory, NC.
W. M. Jenkins Elementary is a public school located in Hickory, NC.
The brick signage at Northview Middle School in Hickory.
The brick signage at Northview Middle School in Hickory.
The entrance to Hickory High School.
The entrance to Hickory High School.
Kenworth locals can see an exciting game and support the local Lenoir Rhyne University teams.
Kenworth locals can see an exciting game and support the local Lenoir Rhyne University teams.
1/4

Low-key events that bring neighbors together

Residents can meet in Downtown Hickory at The Hum to enjoy live outdoor concerts. The Premier hosts concerts indoors, as well as offering jukebox bingo and Sunday rounds of pickleball, cornhole and other yard games.

Downtown Hickory has so much to offer just blocks away for Kenworth residents.
Downtown Hickory has so much to offer just blocks away for Kenworth residents.
The Carolina Theater is a beautiful and fun historic location for Kenworth locals can enjoy.
The Carolina Theater is a beautiful and fun historic location for Kenworth locals can enjoy.
Lowe's Foods Park is a large park with lots of play areas for young visitors in Hickory.
Lowe's Foods Park is a large park with lots of play areas for young visitors in Hickory.
The Hum is a great spot for live music and entertainment throughout the year near Kenworth.
The Hum is a great spot for live music and entertainment throughout the year near Kenworth.
1/4
Alexander Breuhan
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Justin Stapp
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Barry Ridgeway
Video By
Barry Ridgeway

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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 Carolyn Bolden, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Kenworth US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 9 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$189,500
Median Single Family Price
$197,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$154
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$219,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
350
Median Year Built
1950
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,441
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
4,624
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,632

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Carolyn Bolden, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,552
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$23,778
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$34,652

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.4%
College Graduates
14.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.4%
% Population in Labor Force
51.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

27 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Kenworth neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Kenworth