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 $282,990, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
COMING SOON!!Charming and full of potential, DO NOT MISS this one! Refinished hardwood floors run throughout the home, with a bright living room featuring a gas fireplace and bay window. The kitchen offers beautiful stone tile and classic white cabinetry, while a custom built-in bookshelf and other unique finishes give the home character throughout.Currently offering 2 bedrooms
Builder deposit only 500.00 if closed in 2026!! Builder Sale: up to 15,000.00 CC INCENTIVES if closed in 2026. Call for details. The Sawyer plan offers great space for gathering and privacy. Main level guest suite with full bath and two primary ensuites upstairs. A fourth full bath accommodates everyone. This neighborhood is newer and in a perfect N. Davidson location close to all the amenities
This desirable Reynolda floor plan offers the convenience of one-level living with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The open-concept layout is highlighted by a spacious family room featuring vaulted ceilings, creating an airy and inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the covered porch, perfect for relaxing, grilling, or gathering with family and friends. This home
INVESTOR'S DREAM! Opportunity knocks at 3707 Welcome Arcadia Road! This 3-bedroom, 3-bath brick home offers 2,296 square feet of living space with a finished basement and tremendous potential for a quick fix-and-flip or value-add investment. Unlike many investment properties, much of the heavy lifting is already behind you—this home is largely intact and ready for cosmetic updates and completion
Beautiful Lakefront Property with Scenic Views of High Rock Lake and Investment Potential!!Enjoy the best of lake living in this spacious home offering over 2,000 heated square feet plus 266 additional unheated square feet, creating the perfect setting for entertaining and relaxing by the water.This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths with flexible living options. The main
This impeccably maintained traditional home offers the space, layout, and privacy you’ve been searching for. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan designed for seamless everyday living and effortless entertaining. Enjoy the flexibility of a main-level bedroom with an adjacent bath—perfect for guests or an accessible retreat. Upstairs, you’ll find an additional 3 spacious sleeping quarters
Near the Lexington Fairgrounds! Welcome home to this well-located 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch in the city of Lexington, conveniently situated near major highways. This home offers comfortable one-level living with several features.The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace, while the hall bathroom includes a tile surround tub. The primary bath offers a separate shower for added
Located in Oak Grove School District and within the Bryson Park community, this home offers 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and over 3,100 square feet of well-designed living space. Unlike many nearby new construction homes, this property already features a 6-ft vinyl privacy fence, providing a finished backyard from day one. Smart home technology includes lighting and security features for convenience.
Well-built brick ranch in an established neighborhood with plenty of room for the whole family! This spacious home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal living and dining rooms, plus a cozy den with a fireplace that’s perfect for relaxing evenings.Enjoy the convenience of a main-level laundry room, an attached double open garage with a storage room, and a large masonry patio overlooking a
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!
Experience the High Rock Lake lifestyle with the lake located steps away. Charmingone-story ranch home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a garage, and a spacious living areadesigned for comfortable living and entertaining.Relax with your morning coffee on the welcoming front porch or unwind on your private screened-in backporch. Inside,you'll find hardwood floors, granite
This beautifully appointed Camellia floor plan previously serving as a model home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main level along with the laundry room for added ease and convenience. Upstairs, you'll find three additional bedrooms, including one with its own private bathroom, as well as a loft area. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered porch
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.
Beautifully remodeled ranch home offering the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern updates! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the main living areas, updated finishes, and a functional, inviting layout. The spacious kitchen and living areas flow seamlessly, while the large laundry room with utility sink adds everyday convenience. Enjoy your morning
Welcome home to this new construction. 2 bedroom 2 full baths. Primary bedroom with walk in closet. Covered front porch. Laminate wood floors through out. Close to shopping and restaurants plus highways. City Schools.
Welcome to Weddington of Lexington, where comfort, convenience, and value come together in a community designed for the way you live. Nestled in the heart of Lexington, NC, our spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes, as well as townhomes for rent, offer the features today’s renters are searching for, including modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, dishwashers, washer and
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
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!!
Luxury Living in the Heart of Lexington Welcome to The Colony on 3rd: a beautifully renovated gated community offering modern 2-bedroom, 1-bath luxury apartments just minutes from historic Uptown Lexington. Enjoy walking-distance access to Main Street dining, shopping, and a fantastic YMCA, with membership INCLUDED in your rent! Each thoughtfully designed apartment features: -Porcelain tile
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
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
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home in Lexington, NC, could be just what you’re looking for. Relax and
This home is move-in ready. Schedule your tour now or start your application today.Welcome to 174 Mack Trail in Lexington, NC, a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,520 square feet of thoughtfully arranged living space. The main living area immediately stands out with its spacious layout and durable LVP flooring that flows through the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Large windows
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Lexington, NC, could be just what you’re looking for. See the
Property Id: 1498360 315 Hillcrest Dr, Unit #4, Lexington, NC 27292 is a spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom second-floor apartment offering 980 sq ft of comfortable living in a quiet, charming subdivision. The unit features tile and original hardwood floors throughout, stainless steel appliances, and water included in the rent. Small pets are welcome with a $150 non-refundable pet fee per
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