Kenworth
Neighborhood in Hickory, North Carolina
Catawba County 28602
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.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.”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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jasmine Parker
Allure Realty Group
(980) 324-2329
40 Total Sales
1 in Kenworth
$155,000 Price
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Josh Ritchie
RE/MAX Legendary
(828) 392-1709
204 Total Sales
4 in Kenworth
$115K - $219K Price Range
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Jade Isenhour
Realty Executives of Hickory
(828) 624-5052
95 Total Sales
1 in Kenworth
$162,000 Price
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Patricia B. Muhammad
EXP Realty LLC
(844) 578-1278
10 Total Sales
1 in Kenworth
$73,000 Price
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Christina Rainford
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(866) 615-6402
56 Total Sales
1 in Kenworth
$100,000 Price
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Robin Creel
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Boyd & Hassell
(828) 624-5644
280 Total Sales
1 in Kenworth
$500,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, 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
Kenworth Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kenworth, Hickory sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Kenworth, Hickory over the last 12 months is $219,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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

Small-town living within walking distance of shops and events

Comparatively inexpensive homes near highways and Hickory’s beating heart

Historic homes within walking distance of restaurants, boutiques and a hospital

Conveniences and low prices make this neighborhood an investment opportunity

Remodeled homes a stroll away from Downtown Hickory and a university

Beautifully preserved homes on larger parcels within walking distance of downtown