Section Image

Hildebran

Hildebran

Located in Burke County

$246,192 Average Value

Hildebran clings to rural charm on the Burke–Catawba border

Hildebran is a largely rural community tucked between Hickory and Morganton on the Burke–Catawba county line. While neighboring communities are booming with new subdivisions and shopping centers, “Hildebran itself has hardly seen commercial or residential expansion,” says Brandy Huffman, a broker with Huffman Realty Group. The town’s claim to pop-culture fame comes from the Henry River Mill Village, a local landmark that served as one of the sets for “The Hunger Games” movies. Families appreciate the area's well-rated public schools, while also enjoying access to the broader retail and medical hubs in Hickory and Morganton.

Median home price hovers near $240,000 across town

The median sales price in Hildebran hovers around $240,000. Prices break along an east–west line tied to age, square footage and subdivision amenities. On the east side, subdivisions such as Miller Creek showcase brick ranch-style and traditional two-story houses. Offering roughly 1,800 to 2,700 square feet, open-concept kitchens and attached two-car garages, these listings typically command $400,000 to $600,000. To the west of U.S. 70, inventory skews older and smaller. Modest ranch-style homes sit on modest lots and usually sell for between $160,000 and $270,000.

Local schools post steady “B” report-card grades

Local kids can start school at Hildrebran Elementary, which earns a B from Niche, then continue to the B-plus rated East Burke Middle School. East Burke High earns a B, and offers programs like archery, robotics and GEAR UP: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

Community Park packs disc golf and depot history into three acres

Hildebran Community Park squeezes a quarter-mile walking loop, playgrounds, outdoor fitness stations and a beginner nine-hole disc-golf course onto three well-kept acres, all anchored by a restored 1906 depot. The volunteer-run Hildebran Heritage Museum opens free on Thursday afternoons with exhibits detailing the town’s textile roots, while guided walks through the 72-acre Henry River Mill Village -- famously filmed as “District 12” in The Hunger Games -- immerse visitors in early-20th-century mill life and movie lore.

Tex’s Fish Camp anchors U.S. 70 dining with catfish and hush puppies

Tex’s Fish Camp fries up North Carolina-style catfish and hush puppies, while Granny’s Country Kitchen stakes its claim a few blocks east with all-day breakfasts. For tacos and combo plates, locals head to Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant. Food Lion is popular for groceries. Those chasing bigger-box retail make the 9-mile hop west to Valley Hills Mall in Hickory, a regional shopping hub anchored by Belk, Dillard’s and JCPenney.

Septic-tank reliance keeps large-scale growth in check

Hildebran has no central sewer system, so most homes and businesses use septic tanks. Any new neighborhood has to set aside enough space for a drainfield -- and a backup spot -- so lots have to be bigger, and thus more expensive. The area’s clay-heavy soil drains slowly, creating another hurdle for builders. Until a county sewer line reaches this corner of Burke County, Hildebran will likely remain rural.

Funnels drivers to Hickory on one side, Morganton on the other

Hildebran hugs Interstate 40, the east-west artery that shoots west toward Morganton and the Blue Ridge foothills and east through Hickory on the way to Statesville and the Piedmont. Greenway Public Transportation’s Line 4 bus gives residents a ride into nearby Conover, Newton and Hickory. For health care, most people head east on I-40 to Catawba Valley Medical Center or Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Travelers looking to fly internationally drive south to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chris Gettys, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
508
Median Year Built
1961
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,403
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,798
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
22,869

Open Houses

  • 3985 1st Ave SW, Hickory, NC 28602

    $189,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,693 Sq Ft
    • 3985 1st Ave SW
    • New 24 days ago

    Investor Special – Charming Stone Home on Spacious Lot with Endless Potential!Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to restore a classic stone-built home full of character and charm. Originally a 3-bedroom, 1-bath, this property has been modified to a 2-bedroom, 2-bath layout, with one bedroom converted into a spacious bathroom and laundry room.Featuring two cozy fireplaces and timeless

    Ashley Carmichael RE/MAX Legendary

    Section Image
  • 3511 Warlicks Church Rd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612

    $319,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,304 Sq Ft
    • 3511 Warlicks Church Rd
    • New 29 days ago

    Welcome to this almost new home, single level, 3 bedroom and 2 bath. Home is open concept. The exterior has stylish white vinyl board and batten siding with shake accents. New large area of concrete for parking several cars or RV's. Inside you will find white shaker cabinets in a large kitchen, complete with island and pantry. The home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and grouted

    Debbie Berry Sellstate Choice Realty

    Section Image
  • 3837 Berry Rd, Hildebran, NC 28637

    $285,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,288 Sq Ft
    • 3837 Berry Rd

    One level living in this well-maintained ranch home on 1.63 acres. Enjoy the open kitchen, living room with stone gas fireplace and tongue and groove ceilings and hard wood floors. Spacious bedrooms with plenty of storage, laundry in mud room with build in cabinets for storage and utility sink. 2 car garage. Relax on the large outside deck to view the beautiful, manicured grounds. Back of

    Lisa Griffin Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blue Ridge REALTORS®

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Hildebran Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,718
Median Age
47
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,378
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,112

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
10.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

29 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Hildebran