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About Lincolnton, NC

About Lincolnton, NC

A busy downtown since 1785

Lincolnton has had the same small-town charm and compact downtown since it was founded in 1785. In the early 1800s, agriculture, ironwork and textiles led to a population boom. While growth has slowed since then, more people steadily move into Lincolnton for its cheaper housing compared to neighboring Denver and more rural setting. “Lincolnton has gained popularity,” says John Bolin, a Realtor with Allen Tate Real Estate who has been selling homes since 1987. “The area is very affordable with existing and new construction opportunities. Denver tends to be much pricier. It’s a small town with a cute downtown area and great local restaurants, one hour from the mountains.”

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Lincolnton is a place that lives up to the Southern saying of "never meeting a stranger".
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Murals all around Lincolntown showcase the history of the area in beautiful fashion.
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Older homes near downtown, more on the way

Ranch-style and newer Craftsman homes are most common in Lincolnton, and the prices usually land in the $275,000 to $500,000 range. Many homes closer to downtown were built around the 1950s, while the Country Club Villas at Lincolnton neighborhood continues to grow with brand-new single-family homes and townhouses. Lincolnton’s median price is $330,000, lower than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.   According to FBI data, the Lincolnton Police Department reported a 9% drop in crimes from 2022 to 2023.

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Older ranch style homes are one of the most common home types outside of the downtown area of Lincolnton.
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Beautiful historic homes including many craftsman styles can be found in the older communities of Lincolnton.
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Free downtown parking, jobs close to home

Workers often commute to manufacturing plants in the north part of town, downtown stores or the Atrium Health Lincolnton campus. Most residents drive around Lincolnton and beyond since the city only offers an as-needed bus service called DASH. Commuters hop on U.S. Route 321 to drive about 30 miles to Charlotte Douglas International Airport or over 35 miles to Uptown Charlotte.   Drivers have an easy time visiting downtown since the city has designated free three-hour parking along East Main Street and open parking spaces along East Sycamore Street. Sidewalks are mainly found downtown, as residential streets are often narrow without markings or sidewalks. Most places of worship in town are churches close to downtown.

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Lincolnton offers ample parking along Main Street and in small parking lots throughout the downtown area.
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Along Main Street you can spot the many vase themed sculptures adding even more to the landscape of downtown Lincolnton.
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Locally owned Lincolnton shops and national chains

Boutiques, restaurants and small businesses line East Main Street and circle the courthouse in downtown Lincolnton. National restaurant chains are concentrated east of downtown, also along East Main. Lincoln Center is near warehouses and manufacturing plants in the north of town. The Lincoln County Farmers Market has a permanent venue down West Water Street with parking spaces and an awning to shade vendors as they sell homemade goods and fresh produce.

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The locally owned restaurants of Lincolnton like the Court Street Grille are always full with locals and visitors.
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Locals can test out and relax in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Guitar WIshes in Lincolnton.
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An apple-themed celebration for fall

“Lincolnton hosts a large annual event called the Lincoln County Apple Festival held in the fall each year,” Bolin says. Over 25,000 people attend annually, and Bolin says there are vendors, craft booths and plenty of apples. The event has been a community staple for over 50 years. Apple farmers from across the state bring fresh and homemade products to sell, from pies to BBQ sauce to apple-themed decor.   Betty G. Ross Park is busy during the summer, as the community pool is a popular spot to cool off after playing on the athletic fields. The park also features a kayak launch and fishing pier along the South Fork Catawba River. Highland Drive Park, in the east part of town, was recently upgraded with three brand-new sets of playground equipment close to the multiple athletic fields. Lincolnton often has humid summers and mild winters.

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There is fishing and kayaking opportunities along the Catawba River bordering Betty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton.
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Lincolnton is a city full of historic charm mixed with new and exciting growth.
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Lincolnton High School ranks high in the county

Lincoln County Schools gets an A-minus from Niche. Of the district’s 21 schools, five are in Lincolnton city limits. Lincolnton High School earns a B-plus and is ranked the third-best public high school in the county. Gaston College is a two-year university with a campus in Lincolnton and a C-plus rating.

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Lincolnton High School receives an impressive A- from niche.com.
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Lincolnton teens will graduate as part of the Lincolnton High School wolf pack.
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Rylee Doyle
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Justin Stapp
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Christine Tranchina
Video By
Christine Tranchina

Lincolnton by the Numbers

11,574
Population
55
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Lincolnton, NC

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Union Elementary School
#1 Union Elementary School
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Pumpkin Center Primary
#2 Pumpkin Center Primary
B+
Niche
Pumpkin Center Intermediate
#3 Pumpkin Center Intermediate
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
G.E. Massey Elementary School
#4 G.E. Massey Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Norris S. Childers Elementary School
#5 Norris S. Childers Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
S. Ray Lowder Elementary School
#6 S. Ray Lowder Elementary School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Love Memorial Elementary School
#7 Love Memorial Elementary School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Battleground Elementary School
#8 Battleground Elementary School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Lincolnton Middle School
#1 Lincolnton Middle School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
West Lincoln Middle
#2 West Lincoln Middle
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Asbury Academy
#3 Asbury Academy

Best Public High Schools

North Lincoln High School
#1 North Lincoln High School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
West Lincoln High School
#2 West Lincoln High School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Lincolnton High School
#3 Lincolnton High School
B+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Asbury Academy
#4 Asbury Academy

Best Private Schools

Combine Academy
#1 Combine Academy
A-
Niche
Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy
#2 Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy
C+
Niche

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Jamie McSwain
(980) 389-2746
I'm an expert real estate agent with Rockin Realty Inc in Cherryville, NC and the nearby area, providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
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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.