Rockingham is the county seat for Richmond County, nicknamed the Star of the Sandhills for its past as a booming mill town and NASCAR destination. Times have changed, and Rockingham has become a quiet, rural town, but growth is on the horizon. “We’re getting a lot of people relocating from California, Texas and even Charlotte, and the reason is because we’re a small town,” says Blake Altman, a Realtor with Keller Williams Pinehurst who grew up in Rockingham. “We don’t have all the traffic, and we don’t have all the hustle and bustle. You can get a home with some land. Some people are tired of Charlotte’s congestion, so they retire here or move in because the real estate is very affordable.”
The Rockingham Dragstrip and The Rockingham Speedway are popular destinations. The speedway, nicknamed The Rock, hosted NASCAR races from 1969 until 2007. Residents waited years for the races to return, and the first NASCAR race in nearly 20 years is set for Easter weekend 2025. “It’s huge for the community,” Altman says. “As a little boy, I grew up going to the racetrack. We always hoped they would bring it back, and they finally announced the races are coming back.”
The population of Rockingham was 9,243 at the 2020 census.
The first NASCAR race Rockingham in nearly 20 years is set for Easter weekend 2025.
1/2
Lower home prices than surrounding areas
Bungalows and ranch-style homes are common, with large lots and no sidewalks to take up yard space. There are also Victorian homes from the early 1900s near Rockingham’s historic district. Altman points out the more popular neighborhoods often include Richmond Park and areas like Weatherstone and Lakestone. The median home price is $200,000, much lower than the national median.
Altman mentions Mirage Enterprises is developing a brand-new subdivision in Rockingham, showing how the city is ready for growth. The new homes are expected to sell quickly. “I think NASCAR will help, but we’re also about 30 minutes from Moore County,” Altman says. “That’s a massive area that’s growing rapidly, and that growth is going to come down the highway into Rockingham.” FBI data shows Rockingham Police had a roughly 3% increase in reported violent crimes between 2022 and 2023, while reported nonviolent crimes had a roughly 2% decrease.
Bungalow style homes are among the most common in Rockingham.
Brick ranch homes on large lots are a popular choice in Rockingham.
1/2
Discovery Place sparked growth downtown
Health care, manufacturing and retail are the leading industries in town. The Discovery Place Kids Museum opened a branch downtown in 2013, and the location’s success spurred downtown growth as new family-owned businesses and restaurants opened close to the museum. “There’s a lot of southern hospitality in Rockingham,” Altman says. “I’ve relocated some New Yorkers, and we joke about how people hold doors and wave when you ride by. And they ask, ‘Who are they waving at?’ And I say, ‘They’re just waving because they’re nice.’ That’s what we do in the south.” Chain grocery stores and restaurants line East Broad Avenue.
The Discovery Place Kids Museum opened a branch in downtown Rockingham in 2013.
You can find newly family-owned business like Simply Chic Boutique in Downtown Rockingham.
1/2
Highly rated Richmond County schools
The Richmond County Schools district serves Rockingham and earns a B from Niche. Students can apply to Richmond Early College High School, which gets an A and is the highest-ranked school in the district. The campus neighbors Richmond Community College, which receives a B.
The West Rockingham Elementary School is a public school that is part of the Richmond County School district, North Carolina.
The Richmond Early College High School offers high school students the chance to earn an associate degree along with their North Carolina high school diploma.
1/2
Floating down Little Carr Creek and holiday celebrations
The Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail and Greenway has parking spaces near a playground and Little Carr Creek. Visitors kayak down the 14-mile blue trail or enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the forested area. Rockingham experiences all four seasons, often with humid summers and mild winters. Christmas on the Square was postponed for three years after COVID but returned to excited crowds. The event usually features a parade downtown, high school band performances, food trucks and a lineup of vendors. Many residents also head south to Hamlet for the Seaboard Festival every April, which usually has a 5K run, performances from local dance troupes and local vendors.
The Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail and Greenway is a great spot to enjoy nature.
You can explore the ruins at The Great Falls Mill along the Little Carr Creek in Rockingham.
1/2
Routes to Pinehurst and beyond
Rockingham is a car-dependent city, but the access to interstates and highways eases commuting. U.S. Route 1 cuts through downtown and merges with U.S. Route 220. Route 1 also leads drivers to Interstate 74, which runs about 70 miles west to Charlotte.
Public transportation is limited to on-demand shuttle services provided by Area of Richmond Transit. Many of the city’s medical facilities and nursing homes neighbor the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond on South Long Drive. Churches make up most of Rockingham’s places of worship, mainly centered around downtown.
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Bridgette Cyr
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Debra Parsons,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Rockingham, NC sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Rockingham, NC over the last 12 months is $93,750, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this spacious and beautifully designed home offering over 4,000 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 4.5 baths. The main level features a generous owner's suite with access to the covered rear porch overlooking the in-ground saltwater pool. An additional master main-level suite is complete with a private bath and walk-in closet. Living spaces include a formal dining room, a great room with a
Welcome to this charming ranch-style home featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Inside, you'll find an inviting layout filled with natural light and comfortable living spaces. The cozy kitchen and dining area flow effortlessly, making it great for everyday living or entertaining. An enclosed back porch provides the perfect spot for morning coffee, relaxing evenings, or extra
This charming, move-in ready home in the city limits of Rockingham offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, this thoughtfully renovated property is ideally located just minutes from local shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside to discover a bright and functional eat-in kitchen, complete with a brand-new range stove and elegant
INTERIOR LOT, NOT WATERFRONT, COMMUNITY LAKE ACCESS - Single family or Recreational Living! Soak up the natural beauty of the Piedmont Mountains & enjoy State Game Lands where wildlife abounds. Chalk's Landing is a gated waterfront community on the shores of Blewett Falls Lake. Come build your dream home on this beautiful, sloping 3.326 acre lot where you will enjoy peaceful lake living w/o the
THIS PRIME BUILDABLE PARCEL OFFERS THE PERFECT SETTING TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM HOME IN A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY WITH LAKE ACCESS. PAVED ROADS AND CONVENIENT AMENITIES MAKE THIS LOT READY FOR YOUR VISION. ENJOY PRIVACY, WALKING TRAILS, AND EASY ACCESS TO LOCAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS. PRICED TO SELL QUICKLY--DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY! SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY.
Spacious and beautifully updated home located in the desirable Richmond Park subdivision. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath property offers over 3,000 square feet of comfortable living space and sits on a generous .67 acre lot. The updated kitchen and thoughtful updates throughout provide a move in ready feel. A welcoming foyer opens to an open concept upstairs family room and dining area, ideal for
This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home features a comfortable open floor plan with a seamless flow between the living room, kitchen, and dining area ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Situated on a spacious 1.22 acre corner lot, the property offers plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors, with a back deck perfect for grilling or relaxing. An outdoor storage shed provides added convenience for tools
INTERIOR LOT - LAKE ACCESS - Soak up the natural beauty of the Piedmont Mountains & enjoy State Game Lands where wildlife abounds. Chalk's Landing is a gated waterfront community on the shores of Blewett Falls Lake. Come build your dream home on this beautiful, sloping 2.069 acre lot where you will enjoy peaceful lake living w/o the high cost of waterfront! Blewett Falls Lake is a great get-away
This charming rural property offers a peaceful country setting with ample space and functionality both indoors and out. The home features comfortable living areas, a practical kitchen and dining space, 2 bedrooms 1 bath, and a dedicated laundry area, providing a solid and livable layout. Outside, the property is well-equipped with multiple outbuildings, covered shelters, fenced areas, and open
This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home built in 1910 offers a solid opportunity for buyers looking for a renovation project within walking distance to downtown Rockingham. With over a century of history, the property features a large foyer, three fireplaces, a sunroom, and a wrap around screened in porch, all ready for restoration.The layout includes a spacious kitchen with a large pantry and an
Cute and cozy, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home has everything you need without the extra upkeep. The kitchen and dining area flow together for an easy layout, and the large covered deck is perfect for relaxing or hanging out with friends. Sitting on a .17 acre lot, it's a great fit for first time buyers, those wanting to downsize, or anyone looking for a low maintenance home with charm.
$5000 closing cost credit!! Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath property located at 331 Nicholson Road in Rockingham. Nestled on a spacious lot with a huge fenced back yard, this home offers privacy, shade, and room to enjoy the outdoors among mature trees. Step inside to find a thoughtfully refreshed interior. Hardwood floors were refinished and poly-sealed in 2025,
This breathtaking 1901 Victorian estate, currently operating as an event venue, offers endless business opportunities, including a bed and breakfast, restaurant, or commercial office space. Situated on 2.31 acres, the property features a beautifully restored 4034-square-foot, two-story home with 5-6 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 1 half bath, plus two additional outdoor half baths for event guests.
Welcome to Pinecrest Village Apartments, where family and pet friendly living meets convenience in the heart of Rockingham, NC. Our spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments provide the perfect setting for our residents to thrive, with ample living space, comfortable bedrooms, wood-style flooring, fully-equipped kitchens with patios/balconies.Easy access to transit, shopping centers,
New Rental! $950.00/month $950.00 Security Deposit 3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom NO PETS Maximum of 3 occupants Stop by our office located at 234 East Washington St. in Rockingham to pick up application & pay $50 NON-REFUNDABLE application fee per adult. Each application must be turned in with a copy of your credit score & past three paystubs. ***If your credit score is over 600 and your application is
If you are interested, please stop by REMAX Southern Realty to pick up an application. We charge a NON-REFUNDABLE $50 application fee per adult. Each application will need to be turned in with a copy of your credit score and last three paystubbs. If you are approved and your credit score is over 600 you will have to pay security deposit and first month's rent. If you are approved and your credit
Furnished two bedroom/two bath condo located at Carolyn's Mill with a water view. Before viewing the property, you must stop by the office and fill out an application which requires a copy of your credit score and past 3 paystubs. We charge a $50 non-refundable application fee per adult. No pets allowed!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
