Lincolnton has had the same small-town charm and compact downtown since it was founded in 1785. In the early 1800s, agriculture, ironwork and textiles led to a population boom. While growth has slowed since then, more people steadily move into Lincolnton for its cheaper housing compared to neighboring Denver and more rural setting. “Lincolnton has gained popularity,” says John Bolin, a Realtor with Allen Tate Real Estate who has been selling homes since 1987. “The area is very affordable with existing and new construction opportunities. Denver tends to be much pricier. It’s a small town with a cute downtown area and great local restaurants, one hour from the mountains.”
Lincolnton is a place that lives up to the Southern saying of "never meeting a stranger".
Murals all around Lincolntown showcase the history of the area in beautiful fashion.
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Older homes near downtown, more on the way
Ranch-style and newer Craftsman homes are most common in Lincolnton, and the prices usually land in the $275,000 to $500,000 range. Many homes closer to downtown were built around the 1950s, while the Country Club Villas at Lincolnton neighborhood continues to grow with brand-new single-family homes and townhouses. Lincolnton’s median price is $330,000, lower than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
According to FBI data, the Lincolnton Police Department reported a 9% drop in crimes from 2022 to 2023.
Older ranch style homes are one of the most common home types outside of the downtown area of Lincolnton.
Beautiful historic homes including many craftsman styles can be found in the older communities of Lincolnton.
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Free downtown parking, jobs close to home
Workers often commute to manufacturing plants in the north part of town, downtown stores or the Atrium Health Lincolnton campus. Most residents drive around Lincolnton and beyond since the city only offers an as-needed bus service called DASH. Commuters hop on U.S. Route 321 to drive about 30 miles to Charlotte Douglas International Airport or over 35 miles to Uptown Charlotte.
Drivers have an easy time visiting downtown since the city has designated free three-hour parking along East Main Street and open parking spaces along East Sycamore Street. Sidewalks are mainly found downtown, as residential streets are often narrow without markings or sidewalks. Most places of worship in town are churches close to downtown.
Lincolnton offers ample parking along Main Street and in small parking lots throughout the downtown area.
Along Main Street you can spot the many vase themed sculptures adding even more to the landscape of downtown Lincolnton.
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Locally owned Lincolnton shops and national chains
Boutiques, restaurants and small businesses line East Main Street and circle the courthouse in downtown Lincolnton. National restaurant chains are concentrated east of downtown, also along East Main. Lincoln Center is near warehouses and manufacturing plants in the north of town. The Lincoln County Farmers Market has a permanent venue down West Water Street with parking spaces and an awning to shade vendors as they sell homemade goods and fresh produce.
The locally owned restaurants of Lincolnton like the Court Street Grille are always full with locals and visitors.
Locals can test out and relax in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Guitar WIshes in Lincolnton.
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An apple-themed celebration for fall
“Lincolnton hosts a large annual event called the Lincoln County Apple Festival held in the fall each year,” Bolin says. Over 25,000 people attend annually, and Bolin says there are vendors, craft booths and plenty of apples. The event has been a community staple for over 50 years. Apple farmers from across the state bring fresh and homemade products to sell, from pies to BBQ sauce to apple-themed decor.
Betty G. Ross Park is busy during the summer, as the community pool is a popular spot to cool off after playing on the athletic fields. The park also features a kayak launch and fishing pier along the South Fork Catawba River. Highland Drive Park, in the east part of town, was recently upgraded with three brand-new sets of playground equipment close to the multiple athletic fields. Lincolnton often has humid summers and mild winters.
There is fishing and kayaking opportunities along the Catawba River bordering Betty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton.
Lincolnton is a city full of historic charm mixed with new and exciting growth.
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Lincolnton High School ranks high in the county
Lincoln County Schools gets an A-minus from Niche. Of the district’s 21 schools, five are in Lincolnton city limits. Lincolnton High School earns a B-plus and is ranked the third-best public high school in the county. Gaston College is a two-year university with a campus in Lincolnton and a C-plus rating.
Lincolnton High School receives an impressive A- from niche.com.
Lincolnton teens will graduate as part of the Lincolnton High School wolf pack.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dulce Delgado,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lincolnton, NC sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Lincolnton, NC over the last 12 months is $334,990, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fantastic Investment Opportunity or Starter Home in Lincolnton! This charming bungalow offers timeless character with original hardwood floors and a classic layout perfect for customization. This home comes with a recently put in New Water Heater! The low-maintenance vinyl exterior ensures easy upkeep, making it an ideal choice for landlords or first-time buyers looking for long-term value. With
Lovely and Charming! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a comfortable layout with thoughtful features throughout. The kitchen includes a stylish tile backsplash and solid wood cabinetry, offering both function and charm. The living and dining areas flow together seamlessly and open to a screened-in porch and a back deck—ideal spaces to enjoy fresh air and entertain year-round.
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom + office home nestled on a generous and serene 2.36-acre lot in the lovely Baywood Heights subdivision. Enjoy your mornings or unwind in the evenings on the large covered front porch, a perfect spot for rocking chairs and enjoying nature. Step inside and discover an open-concept kitchen, complete with a large island, breakfast bar, and ample counter
Fantastic Investment Opportunity or Starter Home in Lincolnton! This charming bungalow offers timeless character with original hardwood floors and a classic layout perfect for customization. This home comes with a recently put in New Water Heater! The low-maintenance vinyl exterior ensures easy upkeep, making it an ideal choice for landlords or first-time buyers looking for long-term value. With
Lovely and Charming! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a comfortable layout with thoughtful features throughout. The kitchen includes a stylish tile backsplash and solid wood cabinetry, offering both function and charm. The living and dining areas flow together seamlessly and open to a screened-in porch and a back deck—ideal spaces to enjoy fresh air and entertain year-round.
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom + office home nestled on a generous and serene 2.36-acre lot in the lovely Baywood Heights subdivision. Enjoy your mornings or unwind in the evenings on the large covered front porch, a perfect spot for rocking chairs and enjoying nature. Step inside and discover an open-concept kitchen, complete with a large island, breakfast bar, and ample counter
Looking for a fresh start in a home that feels brand new? Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style beauty in one of Lincolnton’s most desirable spots! Step inside to discover a full makeover—this home has been almost completely renovated from top to bottom:This move-in-ready rental offers a freshly updated interior with a brand-new kitchen featuring new cabinets,
Welcome to Palisades of Lincolnton, where comfort meets sophistication in a serene, well-connected location. Conveniently situated just off Buffalo Shoals Road next to the hospital, with easy access to Highways 321 and 150, our community offers the perfect blend of peaceful surroundings and accessibility.Choose from spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes, thoughtfully designed to deliver an
Looking for your dream home? Through our seamless leasing process, this beautifully designed home is move-in ready. Our spacious layout is perfect for comfortable living that you can enjoy with your pets too; we’re proud to be pet friendly. Our homes are built using high-quality, eco-friendly materials with neutral paint colors, updated fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy the
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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.
