Proximity to Hickory, outdoor fun and varied housing in Bethlehem
Bethlehem lies on the northern shore of Lake Hickory in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This census-designated area is close to the city of Hickory, just across the lake. “You might consider Bethlehem a suburb of Hickory,” says Chris Gettys, a Realtor and broker with eXp Realty who has done significant business throughout this region. “Hickory is kind of the center of activity around there.” Bethlehem is served by Alexander County Schools, rated a B-plus by Niche, and its location near the lake and the mountains makes for plentiful outdoor recreation. “To me, it’s a great area because you’re close to everything,” Gettys says. “You can be in the mountains in 30 minutes. The terrain is beautiful.” A wide mix of housing styles, from small ramblers to expensive lakefront properties, is available in this area.
Designs range from modest ranch-style homes to large lakefront properties
Housing here comes in varied styles, from ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals to expansive custom builds with lake access near Oliver’s Landing, which surrounds Player’s Ridge Golf Course and has its own HOA. While the latter can cost between $950,000 and $1.9 million, the most modest ranches start around $200,000, so there’s a lot of variety in both price and style in the area. The median price for single-family homes is $425,000.
The more affordable properties can be found clustered south of Hubbard Road and west of state Route 127, which slices through the center of Bethlehem, and along Heritage Farm Road. Prices typically rise closer to Lake Hickory. These areas have wide, clean lawns and a mixture of open space and tall shade trees. Many homes have garages or carports attached. Oliver’s Landing has a more upscale suburban atmosphere, with large homes around Player’s Ridge Road and its cul-de-sacs.
A local golf course, lake access and hiking in the foothills and mountains
Outdoor recreation is a significant part of this area’s appeal. “The lakes and the terrain are really unique here,” Gettys says. Player’s Ridge Golf Course is available to residents in Oliver’s Landing. Lake Hickory draws boaters and fishers, with numerous marinas and launch spots. The nearby waterways of Lake Rhodhiss and Lake James, formed via dams in the Catawba River much the same as Lake Hickory, likewise bring plenty of visitors to their shores. Hikers can head to the mountains, try local trails like those at Point Park and Dusty Ridge Park, or traipse the Riverwalk Bridge Trail in Hickory. For a longer outing, Gettys suggests exploring Linville Gorge, about an hour and a half drive away. “Linville Gorge is a very popular hiking spot with beautiful trout stream waters, and it actually feeds into Lake James,” Gettys says.
Alexander County Schools offer an early college program
Alexander County Schools serve this area. Bethlehem Elementary earns a B-plus from Niche. West Alexander Middle earns an A-minus. Alexander Central High School scores a B-minus grade, while Alexander Early College, another high school option, scores an A-minus. The latter allows students to earn a two-year associate degree while still simultaneously completing their high school education. AEC focuses on six instructional strategies, including collaborative group work, literacy groups and a writing-to-learn framework in which students spend time on informal writing tasks to develop better fluency and facility with language.
Nearby highways connect Bethlehem to Charlotte and Asheville
State Route 127 runs through Bethlehem, connecting it to Hickory, about 7 miles south. Past Hickory, Route 127 intersects with U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 40, both running east-west through the region. Charlotte is about 60 miles away, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 58 miles away. “We’re only an hour from the airport, so that’s good,” Gettys says. Asheville is about 90 miles west. The Frye Regional Medical Center is about 7 miles south in Hickory.
Necessities nearby, and a steakhouse and food trucks near Hickory
Lowes Foods of Bethlehem is the local grocery store in the center of the area, close to chain coffee shops and a hardware store. “You’ve got all the shopping you need,” Gettys says. PJ’s Bethlehem Seafood & Steak and Blondeez Restaurant, which serves American fare, are close to Lowes as well. El Batán Restaurant serves Peruvian cuisine at the Player’s Ridge clubhouse. More options are down near Hickory. “The Angus is an older steakhouse,” Gettys says. “It’s a staple for a lot of people. And food trucks have popped up all over the past five years or so.”
Local theater, live sports and a farmers market
Residents can head to Hickory for events of all kinds. Hickory Community Theater puts on plays. Baseball fans can enjoy minor league contests. “The Hickory Crawdads are the baseball team,” Gettys says. “They’ll also do fireworks or concerts after a game sometimes.” The Bethlehem Farmers Market runs on summer Thursdays.
