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
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Marc Smith
Video By
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On average, homes in Lexington, NC sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lexington, NC over the last 12 months is $284,992, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
Better than new, this 2-year-old True Homes build offers the space, privacy, and modern finishes you've beensearching for! Situated on 1.32 acres with no rear neighbors and low Davidson County taxes (no city taxes), this 3 bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a dedicated office, spacious loft, and a 2-car garage. The open-concept kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, a gas range, large
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 level showcases
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. This 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 in the screened-in backporch, where you can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and
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.
Rare opportunity to purchase a model home! The Camellia is a 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The main level features a spacious primary suite, open floorplan, kitchen with island, and patio. Upper level offers 3 additional bedrooms including a secondary owner?s suite and a loft. Great storage space and natural light! Middleton is located off Old Salisbury Rd in Lexington.
Step into a timeless, stunning Colonial Revival home that blends historic charm with modern comfort, showcasing classic brick, beautiful dormer windows, and exceptional curb appeal.Inside, you'll find spacious living areas filled with natural light, original character, and thoughtful updates throughout. The home features generously sized bedrooms, inviting gathering spaces, and architectural
FOR SALE ONLY! SEASONAL LAKEVIEW FROM BACKYARD. Perfect weekend getaway, or a vacation spot near the lake. This property has a 1.54 acre lot. Lake access is not that far away off of Hwy 8. Split br floorplan, tile in kitchen, no carpet, large front deck. Storage building that will remain. Cooled by window unit, There is a electric heating unit in the hallway closet that heats the entire trailer.
You looking for THAT Million Dollar VIEW on High Rock Lake on Abbotts creek section? Here it is 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Cottage with gas logs. Beautiful view, Comes completely furnished. What you see in the home stays. Water front with boat ramp & pier. Deck with retractable awning, fire pit to set the mood for those nights with friends.
Great home with awesome floor plan. This inviting, clean, spacious brick home located in a lovely neighborhood is convenient to many local amenities. It 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 fireplace and 2 new patio doors. The
Escape to the peace of country living in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home. Modern upgrades seamlessly blend style and comfort across a spacious layout. The stunning kitchen features premium quartz countertops and sleek stainless steel appliances. Durable, contemporary luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring flows throughout the entire home. Both bathrooms boast fresh, modern
Experience the ultimate in lakefront living at this custom brick estate, offering a private retreat just an hour from Charlotte. Set on approximately 450 feet of rare shoreline, this exceptional property features deep-water access, a private dock, and breathtaking sunset views, perfect for boating, fishing, and lakeside entertaining. This thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers
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
Escape to the peaceful shores of HRL in this beautifully renovated waterfront retreat designed for relaxing, entertaining, and making lifelong memories. Tucked away in a quiet cove with easy access to open water, this home offers the perfect blend of modern finishes. Step inside to a bright open concept floor plan featuring vaulted ceilings, luxury flooring, brick fireplace. The stunning kitchen
Experience the perfect blend of historic character and modern living at Dunbar Apartments, a thoughtfully restored community in Lexington. Originally constructed in 1951 and named in honor of renowned poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, this iconic Mid-Century Modern school played an important role in the city's history and is being transformed into 66 unique apartment homes.Residents will enjoy
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!!
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
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
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
Beautifully renovated 2-bedroom apartment with two dedicated parking spaces! This bright, move-in-ready home features a spacious eat-in kitchen with a breakfast nook, brand-new appliances, updated kitchen cabinetry, a modern bathroom vanity, durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout, contemporary light fixtures, and a high-efficiency HVAC system for year-round comfort.
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, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Lexington, NC, has a lot to offer; does it check all your boxes?
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, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Lexington, NC, might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Welcome home to 165 Cherry Lane, Unit A—a charming end-unit townhouse offering extra privacy, abundant natural light, and the feel of a peaceful retreat. Featuring an open-concept living space, thoughtfully designed layout, and generous yard space typical of a premium corner position, this home is perfect for both effortless everyday living and relaxed entertaining. Enjoy low-maintenance living
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now — available date is tentative and move-in will be scheduled within 5–10 days of the home being ready. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $55 per adult. Security Deposit: one month's rent. Pet fees: $250 + $40/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo),
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