Lake Hickory’s 100 miles of shoreline packed with homes, parks
Lake Hickory is a “sweet spot” between crowded, more developed lakes, such as Lake Norman near Charlotte, and the remote lakes in the nearby mountains that may restrict boating, says Hope Rogers, a Hickory-based broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Foothills. People living alongside this 4,200-acre lake can engage in a variety of activities, from partying among a mass of boats moored at a dockside bar to paddling an isolated cove. In addition to the waterfront recreation, the scenery entices many to the Lake Hickory area, Rogers says. “You have those mountain views. The neighborhoods are perfectly in place so that you get that natural feel.”
Real estate options include wooded lots, private docks golf course vie
Various subdivisions have been built around the lake’s shoreline, coves and creeks. Moore’s Ferry charges HOA fees that pay for a gated entrance, walking trails and other amenities, and its location in the city limits means it’s closer to stores and restaurants. Meanwhile, developments such as Harbor Town offer ranches and Colonial-inspired homes with private docks. Harbor Town is located outside the city limits, so residents don’t have to pay city property taxes. In River Bend, wooded lots afford more privacy for spacious New Traditional homes, while houses in Oliver’s Landing line the fairways of Player’s Ridge golf course. Houses not on the lake start at $175,000. Smaller lakefront homes have sold between $400,000 and $510,000, but large waterfront properties generally cost between $590,000 and $2 million or more. Lakefront properties are in high demand and limited quantity, driving up prices, Rogers says. “Homes with private docks, long-range water views or direct lake access can sell at a significant premium — sometimes double or more compared to similar homes off the lake.”
The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Lake access, riverside hikes and other outdoor activities
While many homeowners live on the water and can access it from their private docks, other locals use the multiple marinas, ramps and parks around the lake. On the north side of the lake, people often congregate at Wittenburg Access Area, fishing from the pier, launching their boats and, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, using the sandy beach. On the south side of the lake, boaters can put in at Rotary-Geitner Park. At nearby Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park, visitors may play disc golf or walk the boardwalk over duck- and fish-filled marshland. Boat owners who don’t want to store their vessels at home and haul them to launch points can join the Lake Hickory Boat Club. Not only does the club provide boat storage, but it’s an opportunity for members to meet fellow Lake Hickory residents, Rogers says.
Lake Hickory isn’t the only body of water to explore. Just east of the neighborhood, Riverbend Park covers nearly 700 acres along the Catawba River. Twenty miles of hiking trails and 8 miles of bike paths cross through the park’s wetlands and pine forests. People can find a spot on the bank to cast a line or head to the boat ramp to launch a kayak and paddle downriver to the boat ramp at Lookout Shoals. A dam sometimes releases water from Lake Hickory into the Catawba River, so the county warns paddlers that the river’s water levels and currents can change rapidly.
There are golf courses on either side of Lake Hickory. North of the lake, the course at Player’s Ridge is open to the public year-round. To the south, three private nine-hole courses make up Lake Hickory Country Club’s Catawba Springs Course.
The community spans multiple public school districts
Children on the north side of the lake can attend Alexander County Schools, graded a B-plus by Niche, or B-rated Caldwell County Schools. Students south of the lake may go to Catawba County Schools, which gets an A-minus, or B-graded Hickory City Schools.
Lakeside restaurants and inland shopping centers for retail and dining
There are a few lakeside restaurants locals can reach by car, boat or jet ski. Rogers says one of the most frequented is SandBar Marina & Grill, where musicians play on the patio multiple nights a week. North of the lake, a cluster of shops and eateries along North Carolina highway 127 includes Lowes Foods, Helpful Ace Hardware of Bethlehem and Little Japan, a spot that Rogers says is popular for its sushi, drinks and proximity to multiple lake put-in points. Meanwhile, the stretch of 127 through the south side of Lake Hickory is lined with Publix, Planet Fitness and restaurants including Hickory Tavern. Frye Regional Medical Center is 2 miles south of the neighborhood.
Boaters gather for Independence Day celebrations
The Fourth of July is a major event on the calendar of Lake Hickory locals. “It’s an all-day thing,” Rogers says. “People from all over Lake Hickory gravitate toward SandBar. They dock their boats and celebrate all day.” Lake Hickory Country Club organizes an annual celebration that includes fireworks. Other warm-weather holidays, such as Memorial Day, draw people to the lake. However, they’re less organized, with boaters and swimmers more likely to see spontaneous fireworks shot off from random docks than a planned show.
Route 321 and I-40 connect to Charlotte, Asheville and more
U.S. Route 321 and Interstate 40 intersect on the south side of Hickory. Motorists can use Route 321 to drive about 60 miles to Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city and home to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Interstate 40 extends east to west across the state, connecting to cities including Asheville and Winston-Salem. There’s a GreenWay Public Transportation stop just south of the neighborhood at Hickory Village Center, a shopping center where riders can hop on the bus and take it downtown.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lake Hickory
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lake Hickory Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lake Hickory, Hickory sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Hickory, Hickory over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
THE ULTIMATE RESORT-STYLE ENTERTAINER'S DREAM on Lake Hickory! This main channel waterfront estate offers an unparalleled luxury lifestyle on a rare, level lot. Inside, the gourmet chef's kitchen features a massive 12-ft granite island and premium double convection ovens, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking lake views made completely unobstructed by the strategic removal of a rear
Charming ranch-style home located in the desirable St. Stephens School District. This inviting one-level home features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, along with a galley-style kitchen that offers easy access to the back deck overlooking a spacious, level yard. The property includes a single-car attached garage plus a detached carport for additional parking. Conveniently situated on Sulphur Springs
Move in ready property close to schools, restaurants, Lake Hickory. Remodeled 3br/1ba featuring all new laminate flooring, windows, roof, cabinets, fixtures. Galley style kitchen equipped with all stainless steel appliances, subway tile back splash and butcher block counter tops. Full bath has tiled shower/tub combo, new vanity. Mature shad trees and an outdoor storage building on 3/4 acres await
Like-new quality, a prime Hickory location, no city taxes, and nearly an acre of fenced land with a creek out back — this one truly has it all. Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that combines the quality of new construction with an unbeatable location. Step inside to discover an open-concept living space featuring durable, stylish LVP flooring throughout. The kitchen is a true
Beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home situated on a spacious 0.41-acre lot, offering privacy, space, and modern living! This thoughtfully laid-out home features an open-concept floor plan with a bright and expansive living area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with modern cabinetry, ample counter space, and a
Stylish, Fully Renovated Bungalow with Designer Finishes! Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow, where timeless charm meets modern design. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the soaring vaulted ceiling with exposed wood beams & shiplap accent wall, creating a warm, open, and inviting living space. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen,
WELCOME TO THIS CRAFTSMAN STYLE WATERFRONT HOME IN THE ONLY GOLF COURSE WATERFRONT COMMUNITY IN HICKORY. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THAT WESTERN CAROLINA MOUNTAIN HOME JUST MINUTES FROM SHOPPING, HOSPITALS AND ONLY AN HOUR AWAY FROM CHARLOTTE THIS IS WORTH SEEING. SITUATED ON 2 LOTS WITH 1.5 ACRES OF PROPERTY INCLUDING 92 FEET OF WATERFRONT, IT IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PROPERTIES IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS
Beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home situated on a spacious 0.41-acre lot, offering privacy, space, and modern living! This thoughtfully laid-out home features an open-concept floor plan with a bright and expansive living area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The kitchen is equipped with modern cabinetry, ample counter space,
Welcome to peaceful living in Bethlehem! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick ranch offers the comfort of one-level living with room to expand and enjoy the outdoors. Step inside to find 9-foot ceilings and site-finished hardwood floors that add warmth and craftsmanship throughout the main living spaces. The thoughtful layout features two separate living areas, providing flexibility for
Welcome to 3353 48th Ave Ln NE where comfort, style, and unforgettable outdoor living come together in the desirable Carolina Springs neighborhood. Perfectly located just minutes from Catawba Springs Golf Course, shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences, this move-in ready beauty offers the perfect blend of convenience, charm, and functionality. As you approach the drive, the meticulous care
10-year warranty transferable to buyer! Welcome to this charming single-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath home tucked inside a desirable lake community! As you pull in, you’ll catch a glimpse of the lake, setting the tone for the lifestyle this property offers. Conveniently located less than 5 miles from the Sandbar marina & grill, and downtown Hickory, plus only minutes from the Wittenberg boat access,
This Unique home has space for all! Over 4200 Heated Square feet, 5Bedrooms, 4.5Bathrooms, Unfinished Basement, two offices, Living Room, Family Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and more! Sitting on 2 Acres with views of the Mountains and Lake Hickory. Full Unfinished Basement with Garage Door and back Driveway. Circular driveway in the front with access to the two-car garage. The back deck overlooks
What makes this home special? Everything! The current owner adores the fully remodeled kitchen with GE Café appliances, including an Advantium oven, a flex-zone 3-door refrigerator, a 6-burner gas range with oversized electric oven, and a pot filler. The family room offers access to a covered rear porch and a composite deck with a non-skid surface and drink rail. Cozy up by the gas log fireplace
Property Id: 2262936 This charming fully furnished brick home features 4 bedrooms, a bonus room, and 3 bathrooms, as well as a full, unfinished basement. Nestled in the idyllic Catawba Springs Subdivision within the Lake Hickory Country Club-Catawba Springs on a spacious .42 acre lot, the property boasts a concrete driveway, a side entry garage, and a deck that overlooks a fenced rear yard.
Viewmont location for the 2 bedroom 1 bath home. Large living room with hardwood floors, kitchen with appliances, washer/dryer hookup. Both bedrooms are ample sized and offer hardwoods, bath with tub/shower combo. Ready to move right in.
Now Available– Rare Lakefront Rental on Lake Hickory!Opportunities like this don’t come around often. Nestled in the sought-after Oliver’s Landing golf course community, this stunning lakefront home offers over 4,000 sq ft of upscale living with breathtaking water views from nearly every room. Step into your own private retreat featuring a dock with two boat slips, sparkling pool, hot
Technology Fee: $20/MonthPets are NOT allowed at this property.*Fireplace is non-functional*Showing Information: We recommend viewing the property that you are interested in BEFORE submitting your application. You may come into our Hickory office located at 961 11th Ave Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602, Mon -Fri 9am-1pm and 2:30pm-4pm with a refundable $40 cash deposit and state/federal
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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