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Lexington, NC

Frequently asked questions

Lexington, NC

Lexington is the county seat of Davidson County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 19,632. It is located in central North Carolina, 20 miles (32 km) south of Winston-Salem. Major highways include I-85, I-85B, U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 70, U.S. Route 52 / I-285 and U.S. Route 64. Lexington is part of the Piedmont Triad region of the state.

Lexington has been noted as one of America's top four best cities for barbecue by U.S. News & World Report. The City calls itself the "Barbecue Capital of the World". Lexington, Thomasville, and the rural areas surrounding them are slowly developing as residential bedroom communities for nearby cities such as Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and, to a lesser extent, Charlotte and its northeastern suburbs.

Lexington is located in the Piedmont Triad region. Lexington is 11 miles (18 km) northeast of High Rock Lake, part of the Yadkin-Pee Dee chain of lakes in central North Carolina. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.0 square miles (46.6 km²), all land.

Interstate 85 Business passes north and west of the center of Lexington, and Interstate 85 passes to the south. The highways merge at the southwest end of the city. Additionally, four U.S. highways, U.S. Route 29, 64, 52, Interstate 285 (co-signed with US 52) and 70, and state highways 8 and 47 intersect in the city.

The Lexington area was at least sparsely settled by Europeans in 1775. The settlers named their community in honor of Lexington, Massachusetts, the site of the first skirmish of the American Revolutionary War. Lexington was incorporated as a city in 1828. Silver Hill Mine, located a few miles south of Lexington, opened in 1838 and was the first operating silver mine in the country. 

The oldest surviving house in Lexington is The Homestead, built by Dr. William Rainey Holt (1798–1868), a physician born in what is today Alamance County. The Homestead has windows, sidelights, and other Palladian details characteristic of the pattern books of architect Asher Benjamin.

From the twentieth century until the late 1990s, Lexington's economy was mainly based on textile and furniture manufacturing. Since then, most local manufacturers have moved their production facilities to Asia and Mexico as a way to reduce costs and remain competitive in a global market. This caused the closure of most textile and furniture factories and contributed to economic difficulties for a community that was heavily dependent on these two industries for employment. The Lexington industrial portfolio has since diversified.

In 2023, Siemens Mobility announced that Lexington would be the home of its new railcar manufacturing facility. Siemens Mobility broke ground on the 220-acre facility in August 2023 with construction estimated to be completed in Fall, 2024 with manufacturing to begin by October 2024. This facility is going to manufacture railcars as well as provide railcar and locomotive overhauling services on the East Coast.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with the Lexington Medical Center playing a pivotal role in providing healthcare services to the community. The medical center offers comprehensive medical care and contributes to the overall well-being of residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Hog Town Fitness, Full Circle Fitness & Nutrition, and City Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lexington, such as the Finch Park Trail and The Ridge Cycle Hub Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lexington, NC are Bob Timberlake Gallery, Davidson County Historical Museum, and Boone's Cave Park.

Population: 19,840 (2023). ZIP code: 27292. Area code: 336. Elevation: 728 ft (222 m). Area: 19.22 sq mi (49.78 km²).

FAQs

What is Lexington, NC famous for?

The City of Lexington is centrally located in the "Piedmont Triad" region of North Carolina. Known as the "Barbecue Capital of the World," Lexington is a small city with big opportunities. Lexington's downtown area, known as Uptown, is the town's retail center.

What is the crime rate in Lexington, NC?

With a crime rate of 36 per one thousand residents, Lexington 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 28. Within North Carolina, more than 85% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Lexington.

What is the cost of living in Lexington, NC?

The cost of living in Lexington, NC is 10% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average. Lexington, NC housing is 37% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 5% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% less in Lexington, NC than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lexington

Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Parks and Recreation Department 

Hog Town Fitness

Full Circle Fitness & Nutrition 

City Fitness

Finch Park Trail 

The Ridge Cycle Hub Trail

Bob Timberlake Gallery

Davidson County Historical Museum

Boone's Cave Park

NeighborhoodScout

RentCafe

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