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.”
Lincolnton is a place that lives up to the Southern saying of "never meeting a stranger".
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.
Older ranch style homes are one of the most common home types outside of the downtown area of Lincolnton.
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.
Lincolnton offers ample parking along Main Street and in small parking lots throughout the downtown area.
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.
The locally owned restaurants of Lincolnton like the Court Street Grille are always full with locals and visitors.
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.
There is fishing and kayaking opportunities along the Catawba River bordering Betty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton.
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.
Lincolnton High School receives an impressive A- from niche.com.
Lincolnton teens will graduate as part of the Lincolnton High School wolf pack.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tom Drake,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lincolnton, NC sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lincolnton, NC over the last 12 months is $317,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home has all the charm & updates overlooking a park-like setting, just under an acre yet only blocks from Main St. A coveted street of Lincolnton; homes like these rarely come up for sale. A blend of old & new, vintage & modern improvements abound. From the original front door & glass knobs, 2 fireplaces & 9 ft ceilings...match that w/new LVP downstairs(hardwoods under LVP), new windows,
Charming maintenance-free ranch on a large level lot, perfect for gatherings & outdoor fun! Enjoy the deck w/pergola, firepit & playground equipment, with plenty of room to entertain. Step inside to a bright, neutral interior featuring natural finish flooring, board & batten entry, vaulted ceiling & gas fireplace that enhance the open, airy feel. The spacious primary includes a stunning accent
Tucked away on over 18 private acres with a creek, this custom-built home offers peaceful living with no neighbors in sight. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an office/bonus room, there's plenty of flexible space to fit your needs. Enjoy the warmth of recently refreshed paint and refinished hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. The kitchen is fully equipped with an island,
Nestled in the sought-after Lincolnton area, this stunning home perfectly blends comfort, style, and an ideal location. Step inside to discover a contemporary kitchen featuring gleaming stainless steel appliances and pristine white cabinetry, creating a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. With ample space to relax and entertain, this home is truly a gem. Come see all that this charming property has
Prime location with business potential! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a 1.36 acre lot along heavily traveled Hwy 150 — a key state route in Lincoln County. Zoned R-S (Residential Suburban), it's ideal for owner-occupants or investors seeking both immediate usability and long-term opportunity. With high visibility and nearby commercial development, this property could be a strong candidate
This home is absolute perfection, all the grand details & fixtures really make it shine! Superb, open floorplan w/tall ceilings, modern LVP flooring & split bedroom layout. Large, sunny great room features a custom fireplace w/shiplap/oak mantle, 3-panel sliding door that opens to a covered patio w/cedar posts/fans overlooking the serene backyard. The kitchen is just stunning w/tailor-made
Discover Colonial Village, where comfort and convenience meet for an exceptional living experience. Enjoy modern amenities, stylish apartments, and easy access to Lincolton’s best attractions.
Welcome home! Nestled in a sought-after, well-established neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and charm. With a spacious open floor plan, you'll enjoy an inviting living area that is perfect for entertaining family and friends. All three bedrooms are also generously sized. The updated kitchen features new appliances, sleek granite
Palisades of Lincolnton Apartment Homes!! Enjoy luxury living in your apartment home at The Palisades of Lincolnton, located in Lincolnton, NC. We are offering spacious, open floor plans with 2 options to choose from. Here at the Palisades our goal is to accommodate your every need so you can enjoy the place you call home. We offer vacation like amenities that complete our beautiful features
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