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Frequently asked questions

Hickory, NC

Hickory is a city in North Carolina primarily located in Catawba County. It is the 24th most populous city in North Carolina, with its formal boundaries extending into Burke and Caldwell counties. It is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Charlotte.

In 2014, Reader's Digest named the Hickory metro area as the 10th best place to live and raise a family in the United States. Forbes named the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA the third-best MSA in the country for business cost in the same year. The Hickory MSA was also identified by Smart Growth America in 2014 as being the country's most sprawling metro area.

Hickory is located in western Catawba County and extends westward into Burke County and Caldwell County. Interstate 40 passes through the southern part of the city, leading east 68 miles (109 km) to Winston-Salem and west 75 miles (121 km) to Asheville. U.S. Route 70 (Conover Boulevard) is an older east-west route through the city. U.S. Route 321 passes through the western part of the city, leading northwest 43 miles (69 km) to Boone and south 36 miles (58 km) to Gastonia.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.8 square miles (77.2 km²), of which 29.7 square miles (76.9 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.2 km²), or 0.31%, is water.

Hickory owes its name to the Hickory Tavern, a log structure built in the 1850s underneath a hickory tree. Henry Link bought the first lot in the area for $45 in 1858. The house he built became The 1859 Cafe, a restaurant that closed in 2011.

In terms of health and wellness, Hickory prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The city is home to multiple healthcare facilities, including Catawba Valley Medical Center, providing comprehensive medical services to the community. Meanwhile, Hickory City Park provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, including sports fields, tennis courts, and a dog park, catering to a wide range of interests and activities. Join a variety of fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga, and strength training at Hickory Parks and Recreation. Enjoy swimming lessons, water aerobics, and lap swimming at the Hickory Foundation YMCA. Participate in weight management and nutritional counseling sessions offered at Frye Regional Medical Center. ​​Find support and share experiences in mental health support groups hosted by Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare.

Top sites in Hickory, NC are Hickory Museum of Art, Catawba Science Center, Harper House, Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park, and Hickory City Park.

Population: 45,081 (2024). ZIP codes: 28601-28603. Area code: 828. Elevation: 1,158 ft (362 m). Area: 31.14 sq mi (80.66 km²).

FAQs

What is special about Hickory, NC?

Hickory, North Carolina is well known for our rich heritage in Furniture Manufacturing but we can't wait to show you how that is just the beginning of the adventures you will find here! Scenic outdoor exploring, Lake adventures, tasty local restaurants that are changing the dining scene in our metro, and more! Whether you're interested in outdoor exploration, water recreation, or culinary delights, Hickory has something to offer for every visitor.

Is Hickory, NC expensive?

The cost of living in Hickory, NC is 1% lower than the state average and 6% lower than the national average. Hickory, NC housing is 10% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 6% less in Hickory, NC than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 6% less.

What is the crime rate in Hickory, NC?

With a crime rate of 40 per one thousand residents, Hickory has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 25. Within North Carolina, more than 89% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Hickory.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hickory

Catawba Valley Medical Center

Hickory City Park

Hickory Parks and Recreation

Hickory Foundation YMCA

Frye Regional Medical Center

Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare

Hickory Museum of Art

Catawba Science Center

Harper House

Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park

Visit Hickory Metro

RentCafe

Neighborhoodscout

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.