A new chapter for one of central North Carolina’s industry cities
Twenty miles south of Winston-Salem is the small central North Carolina city of Lexington. This diverse community of about 20,000 people is known worldwide for hosting the largest one-day festival in the Southeast, drawing in tens of thousands of tourists seeking a plate of its signature barbecue. This ordinarily quiet city is on an upswing, steadily growing as new employers set up shop, ushering in a wave of investment and opportunities. “We’re in a redefining moment,” says Mayor Jason Hayes, a Lexington native entering his fourth year in office. “There are people who have lived their whole lives here, but more and more, I’m seeing people that I do not know. We have retirees that are coming here. There are folks that are living here because they work remotely, and they like the access and affordability.”
Settled in 1775 and incorporated as the seat of Davidson County in 1847, Lexington flourished as a textile and furniture manufacturing town throughout the 20th century. However, the city would face economic hardships when these major employers shuttered operations in the 1990s and early 2000s. The community has been on a path of revival ever since, recently welcoming new companies like Siemens Mobility, Nucor Rebar Fabrication and U.S. Foods.
The Bar-B-Q Center is one of several barbecue restaurants in Lexington, NC.
There are many companies like Nucor building in Lexington.
There are several warehouses within the Lexington area.
Many businesses are making Lexington their new home.
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Barbecue is big in Lexington
The self-titled “Barbecue Capital of the World,” Lexington knows a thing or two about cooking meats low and slow. In addition to having 13 barbecue restaurants, the city is known for its own style of barbecue, which draws over 100,000 people from around the world for the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival, held every October in Uptown. “There are three components to Lexington-style barbecue,” Mayor Hayes says. “It has to be pork shoulders. It has to be cooked over wood coals and served with a tomato-based sauce.”
The Davidson County Historical Museum, a towering Greek Revival courthouse from the mid-1800s, anchors the Uptown Historic District, the city’s Main Street stretch hosting local businesses, bars and boutiques. “In a time when towns of our size are struggling to keep a vibrancy, we have an interesting mix of shops that have been around for 75 to over 100 years,” Mayor Hayes says.
The growing Depot District is adjacent to Uptown. This small borough is transforming as former warehouses left vacant by the manufacturing downturn of the 1990s are being repurposed into breweries, arcade bars and event venues, such as the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater. The approved Railroad Street Market Project will bring apartments, high-end townhouses, a distillery and a food hall to this district over the next few years.
Lexington Barbecue has it's smoker filled and ready to serve.
You can enjoy a great meal with friends at Speedy's in Lexington, NC.
You can enjoy a brew and play your favorite arcade games in the Depot District in Lexington.
Lexington residents can learn a lot about the history of their town at the local museum.
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Whimsical pigs and the Bob Timberlake Gallery
From concerts at Midway Music Hall to musicals at Lexington Live Community Theater, Lexington’s arts scene is thriving. Colorful fiberglass pig statues painted by local artists dot the city as part of a public art initiative called “Pigs in the City.” An online map helps residents and tourists discover each one. Lexington is also home to Bob Timberlake’s art gallery and museum. Timberlake, who grew up in the city, is a decorated realist painter and furniture designer known for his watercolor depictions of life in North Carolina. His works have been featured in exhibits worldwide.
While not home to any major sports teams, Lexington is about 6 miles away from the Richard Childress Racing Museum, where visitors can explore the history of NASCAR drivers Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt.
Pig statues painted by local artists dot the city as part of a public art initiative called “Pigs in the City.”
The pigs are dressed and ready for carols in downtown Lexington, NC.
You can find judicial pigs and many more in downtown Lexington, NC.
You can find several pigs throughout the downtown Lexington area.
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City green spaces and Boone’s Cave Park close by
Nearly 30 parks dot Lexington, from quiet neighborhood places for playdates and morning walks like Grimes Park to lively adventure-focused spots, such as Lexington Skate Park. According to the Trust For Public Land, half of the city’s residents can reach one of these green spaces on foot within 10 minutes. The city is a short drive to regional recreation destinations, including the 100-acre Boone’s Cave Park, offering wooded hiking trails and canoeing along the Yadkin River, and the Ridge Cycle Hub, featuring nearly 7 miles of mountain bike trails that pass by City Lake. High Rock Lake, the second-largest lake in the state, is less than 15 miles away.
You can enjoy hours of fun at the Lexington Skate Park in Uptown Lexington, NC.
The Davidson Co. Parks and Rec Center is a popular spot for pickleball enthusiasts.
High Rock Lake is a popular destination for residents of Lexington.
Lake and golf course in the Lexington Golf Club in Uptown Lexington, NC.
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Hundreds of new homes, century-old properties in Uptown Lexington
Lexington is experiencing a housing boom as developers eye available land. According to Mayor Hayes, roughly 800 new homes were built in the city in 2024, with another 450 approved by the city council. The median price for a home in Lexington is about $300,000.
Bungalows and cottages from the early 1900s and renovated condos dot Uptown Lexington. Farther out from the city center, Craftsman-inspired Modern Transitional homes rest in subdivisions like The Vineyards at Lexington. New construction is filling out new developments on the northern and southern ends of town, such as Dolcetto and Glenoaks Community.
Home construction is a big focus for the town as it grows. One project will transform the historic Dunbar High School, built in the 1950s as the town’s all-Black school before integration. “The city was approached by a developer out of Chapel Hill to revitalize the space into workforce housing with about 65 units,” says Mayor Hayes, who adds that the development will include recreation, art and meeting space. Construction is set to begin in 2025.
You can find Dutch Colonial Style homes in Uptown Lexington, NC.
You can find a selection of Bungalow style homes in Uptown Lexington, NC.
There are several Victorian style homes in Uptown Lexington, NC.
You can find a selection of A-Frame style homes in Uptown Lexington, NC.
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Davidson County Schools partners with Davidson-Davie Community College
Davidson County Schools serves all of Lexington and earns a B-plus overall rating from Niche. Nearly 18,000 students attend the district’s 36 schools, which includes the A-minus-rated Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy in Lexington. The STEM-focused school offers dual enrollment with nearby Davidson-Davie Community College so students can earn college credits. It also provides the option to attend for a fifth year to complete an associate’s degree in applied science. Davidson County Schools does not offer school choice. However, students can apply through a lottery system to attend Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy.
Lexington residents can send their children to Davidson-Davie Community College.
The mascot of Lexington High School is the Yellow Jackets.
The mascot of Lexington Middle School is the Yellow Jackets.
The entrance of South Lexington School radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Quick access to Interstate 85, the return of passenger rail
While Uptown is quite walkable, Lexington is a car-dependent community overall. Interstates 85 and 285 hug the city for commutes across the Piedmont Triad. High Point, Winston-Salem and Greensboro are about 18, 20 and 35 miles away, respectively. Davidson County Transportation System operates two bus routes in Lexington, stopping at destinations such as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the city’s full-service hospital, and Davidson-Davie Community College. Piedmont Triad International is the closest airport, about 43 miles away.
By October 2027, the city will have a permanent train station in the Depot District for the first time since 1975, offering passenger service through Amtrak. Lexington received a $25 million grant for the project in 2020, with construction now underway. Historically, Amtrak has provided temporary service during the Lexington Barbecue Festival to help bring tens of thousands of festivalgoers into the city. The new permanent station will offer daily service to cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia.
Sustainability and the reality of hurricanes
Lexington’s redevelopment includes a focus on sustainability. The city recently welcomed the biogas company Divert, which converts food waste into renewable fuel. It also received $28 million from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, making it more efficient.
Lexington experiences all four seasons. Humid and hot summers come with the potential of hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause flooding and damaging winds. As a city with many creeks and small waterways, Lexington participates in the National Floodplain Insurance Program, meaning it has flood prevention and control ordinances.
Crime data specific to Lexington is not readily available.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Marc Smith
Video By
Brad Davis
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On average, homes in Lexington, NC sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lexington, NC over the last 12 months is $287,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 201 Waylon Court in Lexington, NC, a beautifully designed one-level home. The Reynolda offers convenient single-level living with a private primary bedroom and bath, plus three additional bedrooms and a shared full bathroom. Vaulted ceilings create an open and airy feel throughout the main living areas. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
This super spacious home located in Davidson County offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and room to grow. Featuring four generously sized bedrooms all on the same floor, the layout is ideal for both everyday living and convenience. The open floor plan creates a seamless flow between living spaces, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying time with loved ones. A formal
The Stratford offers SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION w ALL BRICK exterior featuring sleek MOODY accents and designer brick columns! Custom shutters, front door w premium hardware & coach lights create exceptional curb appeal. DESIGNER INTERIORS showcase hardwood flooring flowing through foyer, family room, & dining area. Painted wainscoting in the dining room adds elegance; board & batten Fireplace w
Welcome to this charming, move-in-ready farmhouse, where classic appeal meets modern updates. The living and dining rooms feature beautiful, original hardwood floors that were professionally refinished in July 2021. New wood flooring was installed in all bedrooms and hallways, creating a seamless and updated feel throughout the main home. Other improvements include new gutters in 2022 and two new
Discover this 1913 gem tucked at the end of a quiet dead-end street-just minutes from highways, shopping, and restaurants! This 2-bed, 1-bath beauty includes two bonus rooms upstairs, giving you a potential 4-1 layout perfect for guests, an office, or hobbies. Updates include HVAC(2025). A perfect blend of historic character and modern convenience-ready for you to make it your own!
Welcome to your dream home, where country tranquility meets effortless accessibility. This beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath property boasts stunning mature trees, lush gardens, and a dedicated gardening area, perfect for avid gardeners. Strategically located near Interstate 85, Highway 8, Highway 64, and the Lexington Airport, this haven offers the perfect balance of seclusion and connectivity.
Exquisite does not justify this property. This country estate sits on over 7 acres in Davidson County. At more than 6000 sq/ft., this move in ready home overs an abundance of space with unlimited possibilities to make it your own. The interior boasts a large, main level primary suite as well as a large laundry room. The chef style kitchen boasts an extra large refrigerator complemented by top
This like-new, fully renovated home resting on an acre of level land overlooks High Rock Lake and all its natural beauty. With new floors, new cabinets, new appliances, fresh paint, new roof, new HVAC, new plumbing and electric, this turn-key home offers it all! There are three bedrooms plus a bonus room and two full bathrooms, a spacious great room and kitchen and separate laundry/pantry space.
Enjoy breathtaking lake views from multiple vantage points throughout this stunning custom-built home in Tarawood. The welcoming entryway features rich wood floors and opens into a spacious living area with soaring cathedral ceilings finished in beautiful pickled wood. A cozy gas-log fireplace enhances the warm, inviting ambiance. The Gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting granite
This recently updated home offers surprising space and comfort. Originally a singlewide, it has been enhanced with thoughtful additions and features an internally accessed deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Conveniently situated in a central location, this property combines affordability with functionality- ideal as a primary home or investment opportunity.
Well appointed ranch style home conveniently located and ready for its new owners! Recently updated with a new roof in 2019, and tasteful updates throughout the home. Featuring an open layout, with solid surface laminate plank style flooring, custom paint colors (touch ups done prior to listing) modern lighting and plumbing fixtures throughout. This 2 bed 2 full bath home offers tons of storage
Cute and cozy cottage in the Heart of Tyro. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, nice kitchen, dining and laundry room. Front porch has ramp for easy access. Circle drive and storage shed. Just minutes to downtown Tyro, schools, restaurants and shopping! Great starter home or investment property. PLUS! Seller offering $5000 in closing cost for buyer with acceptable offer!
Enjoy lakefront living at its best! Welcome to this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Oakwood Acres subdivision. This home features both a living room and den for convenience. Off of the living room you will find an eat-in kitchen for casual dining. Enjoy the outdoors with a screened-in balcony overlooking the water, plus a covered patio below for relaxing or entertaining. A private dock offers
Tract is portion of a larger tract. If you want privacy & seclusion, you just found it. Near Boone's Cave Park. Great Schools. Subject to buyer's survey.
Welcome to your dream home in the friendly Welcome community of Lexington, NC! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single family residence at 155 Sundial Drive offers comfortable living with modern conveniences, all offered at $305,000. Step inside to a cozy living space featuring a gas fireplace that's perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. The home includes a practical 2-car
Located in a secluded neighborhood in Lexington, NC, Fairview Village offers one, two and three-bedroom apartment and townhomes guaranteed to meet your needs. Convenient to dining, shopping and I-85, our professional on-site management and maintenance staffs will be glad to welcome you to your new home!*Cable/Internet included in rent!!
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. The private yard offers space suitable for gardening or outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Technology-enabled maintenance services provide added convenience, and self-touring is
Welcome home to Lexington Park Apartments in Lexington, NC. Our community offers spacious, freshly updated apartments featuring modern finishes, upgraded flooring, and refreshed kitchens designed for everyday comfort.Step outside and enjoy beautifully maintained green spaces, perfect for relaxing, walking your pets, or spending time outdoors. With plenty of open areas and a peaceful
This beautifully updated 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,278 sq ft home offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and classic charm, all on one convenient level! Enjoy your mornings or evenings relaxing on the spacious covered front porch. As you enter the home, you are greeted by the cozy living room, which includes a decorative fireplace, ceiling fan, extra storage closet, and access to the rear patio.
Welcome to The Reserve at Regents Center – a higher quality of living, because there’s no place like home. Located in the heart of Lexington, our luxury apartment community offers a unique living experience that combines comfort, style, and convenience.Choose from our thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans, each crafted to provide spacious layouts, modern finishes, and a homey
This lovely, cozy and recently-renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch-style home is just waiting for you! Recent renovations include neutral paint throughout, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, updated bathroom fixtures, full-appliance package, quartz countertops and ceiling fans in the living room and both bedrooms. This charming home is located minutes away from I-85 and major highways, offering
We are currently making final preparations for this home to be available. We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. The private yard offers space suitable for gardening or outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Technology-enabled maintenance services provide added convenience, and self-touring is
Located in a secluded neighborhood in Lexington, NC, Lexington Station offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments guaranteed to meet your needs. In addition to the fabulous features in our apartment homes, Lexington Station offers an impressive list of community amenities including a swimming pool, gas grilling patio, 24/7 fitness center, 24/7 laundry facility, and much more! As we are
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. The private yard offers space suitable for gardening or outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Technology-enabled maintenance services provide added convenience, and self-touring is
Discover your new home at Grimes School Apartments, ideally located next to Grimes Park and less than half a mile from downtown Lexington. This community combines historic charm with modern comfort in a peaceful setting.Our newly renovated one-bedroom, studio, and two-bedroom apartments feature:- 9-foot and 13-foot ceilings- Oversized 6-foot windows that fill your home with
3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with private backyard on a quiet Lexington street. Enjoy open living areas, a modern kitchen, and spacious bedrooms. Convenient location close to shopping, dining, and schools. Washer/dryer hookups, central HVAC, and off-street parking. $1,850/month. Pets considered.
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