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 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lexington, NC over the last 12 months is $286,990, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
Welcome to this stunning 2024 home tucked away on a nice cul-de-sac on 2.62 acres. This beautifully crafted 1.5-story home showcases quality finishes, thoughtful layout, and exceptional attention to detail.Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, the flexible floor plan provides both comfort and functionality, with spacious living areas ideal for everyday living & entertaining. The main level
New Champion Doublewide manufactured home on permanent brick foundation and sitting pretty on a beautiful tree studded 1.29 acre lot! Front porch and back deck, gravel drive, 3 bedrooms 2 full baths and nice finishes. Just minutes to High Rock Lake! PLUS Seller will pay $8500 in buyers closing cost with acceptable offer!
Motivated seller for this totally reinvented home boasting new flooring, fresh paint, new bathroom fixtures, new Kitchen, new windows, lots of natural light, new roof and new Heat pump! Upon entry is a cozy room good for office, gaming or a private sitting area just for you! Enter into the next room to an open concept area suitable for dining or living room/kitchen. This adorable home is ready
Looking for a county home? USDA area. Built in 2023. 3 bedroom 2.5 bath. Walking distance to Southwood school. Appliances: Fridge, dishwasher, microwave and stove. This home has lots of natural light. 1.18 acres.
Cameron floor plan with main level primary ensuite and secondary bedrooms with bonus upstairs. Covered back porch and grilling patio. No steps into house from garage. Almost an acre lot! great area.
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath 2-story home nestled on one of the best lots in the Raven Ridge community of Davidson Co. Conveniently located between Charlotte & Winston-Salem, this home offers the perfect balance of accessibility & private, peaceful living w/ a serene, wooded backdrop where you can often enjoy local wildlife. The backyard truly shines in the summer months — lush, well-maintained,
Seller will provide new kitchen appliances to match the existing hood and dishwasher! This inviting, spacious brick home located in a lovely neighborhood convenient to many local amenities sits on a nice large lot and backs up to a rustic wooded setting creating a natural privacy buffer. Upon entry is the living room space with several large windows offering abundant natural light, a cozy brick
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.
Welcome to this stunning 2024 home tucked away on a nice cul-de-sac on 2.62 acres. This beautifully crafted 1.5-story home showcases quality finishes, thoughtful layout, and exceptional attention to detail.Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, the flexible floor plan provides both comfort and functionality, with spacious living areas ideal for everyday living & entertaining. The main level
Back on the market due to no fault of the seller.Up to $2500 preferred lender incentive in closing cost!Welcome to this beautiful front porch sitting cul-de-sac, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Inside you'll find the primary and laundry on the main level. Primary bath has a stand alone shower and garden tub. Upstairs has 2 additional bedrooms, a bathroom, bonus room with access to 2 walk in
Beautifully updated 3-bed, 2 bath home offering charm, modern updates & functional living space. Boasting a screened in Porch on 1 side of house & 4 season sitting room on the other 1,832 sq ft updated living space with wood flooring throughout main living, tile in bathrooms, Laminate in bedrooms (no carpet). Interior features fresh paint, new flooring & updated cabinetry for a bright & welcoming
Step into the charm of this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath home ideally located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown Lexington. One of the most special spaces in the home is the bright sunroom featuring a cozy wood-burning stove — the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee, read a book, or enjoy peaceful evenings year-round. Inside, warm hardwood floors flow through the living room
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
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!!
One-level living in Lexington! This home has a fabulous layout with tons of storage, 2 car garage, and large, fully-fenced in backyard. Open concept living includes a split bedroom plan, kitchen with modern pantry, and separate dining and living areas. Primary bedroom has en-suite bath with dual sinks, stand up shower, custom walk-in closet, and generous linen storage. This home has so much to
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
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
Rent-to-Own option available-Call for more details. Discover your perfect retreat in the heart of Lexington, NC! This charming home offers a comfortable living space equipped with modern amenities, including a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, ensuring that your culinary endeavors are a breeze. The convenience of washer and dryer connections adds to the ease of living in this delightful
NORTH POINT APARTMENTS:Discover Lexington's best-kept secret! North Point Apartments in Lexington, NC. Newly remodeled. Tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood setting-North Point offers beautiful and exceptional quality at an affordable price. HALLMARK APARTMENTS: Newly remodeled - Hallmark Townhouse Apartments are located close to interstate 85 with easy access to
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.
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
Updated 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.
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
Welcome to 1202 Southlake Court, a furnished and spacious townhome in a quiet Lexington community. The main level offers a cozy living room with gas fireplace, dining area opening to a fenced patio, and a fully equipped kitchen. Upstairs features a large primary suite with vaulted ceilings and ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms, a second full bath, and a full-size washer/dryer. One-car garage
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