When Rowan County was established in 1753, the county seat was placed at the center of two Native American trails. This hub of transportation and commerce was later named Salisbury, and the city has remained the county seat ever since. The North Carolina Railroad and textile mills sparked population growth throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Salisbury has several historic districts consisting of 19th-century colonial architecture, refurbished factories, museums and landmark sites of historic events. The city has five locally designated historic districts and 10 nationally registered historic districts, including Brooklyn-South Square, Ellis Street Graded School, North Main Street, West Square and Downtown.
Famous southern mansions are open for touring, like the Hall House, built in 1820, and the Old Stone House, built in 1766. “The reason my husband and I moved here is for the preservation and the history. It’s so appealing to drive through town,” says Barb Sorel, longtime resident and vice president of the Historic Salisbury Foundation. “The foundation has preserved more than 1,150 properties over the 50 years it's been around.”
More recently, Salisbury became known as the home of Cheerwine, the Cheerwine Festival and Food Lion grocery stores. The city balances its past and future with historic buildings filled with modern businesses and organizations. Over 35,000 people live in Salisbury, according to the 2020 census. Angie Castro, broker of Monarch Group Realty who has over four years of experience selling homes in the Charlotte Metro area, says, “The downtown is very pretty. They have space for events, and they do live music sometimes. Overall, Salisbury is quieter than Charlotte, and the home prices are lower. Some people move there when they go to Catawba College or Livingstone College.”
Salisbury has beautiful murals depicting the history and culture of the city.
History can be found even on residential streets of Salisbury.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy the beautiful streets and friendly locals of Salisbury.
The local Rowan County Museum showcases the local history of Salisbury.
Food Lion and many other companies call Salisbury home.
The nationally know Cheerwine Brand holds a special place in the history of Salisbury.
Novant Health has a large medical campus within easy reach of Salisbury locals.
Salisbury veterans have access to one of the largest VA Medical centers in the region.
History is showcased by the well maintained and stunning homes of Salisbury.
Home sizes and prices can vary throughout the different communities of Salisbury.
Small courtyards are an oasis for residents in the historic Salisbury downtown.
There are beautiful brick home communities in the suburbs on Salisbury.
Salisbury Community Park is a massive spawling area with athletic fields and trails.
The Bell Tower Green is located in the heart of downtown Salisbury.
Person walking with his dog in Forest Hill Park.
Residents enjoy the use of the massive trail system at Salisbury Community Park.
Visitors stroll along the small locally owned business storefronts of Salisbury's Main Stree
Locals know to arrive early for the popular culinary experience of Hap's Grill in Salisbury.
Friends enjoy outtings together in the quaint Salisbury Main Street for shopping and dining.
Salisbury has a slower pace that locals and visitors appreciate and enjoy throughout the cit
Catawba College promotes students to become involved with the local surrounding Salisbury co
Livingstone College is a historic educational institution of Salisbury.
The Livingstone College is home to the Blue Bears in Salisbury, NC.
Catawba College showcases beautiful architecture throughout the Salisbury campus.
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Manufacturing and distribution centers, like Cheerwine
Health services, distribution centers, and education are the leading sectors of Salisbury’s industry. Organizations like Salisbury VA Health Care System and Food Lion are among the top employers in the city and county. There are also multiple Novant Health facilities in town. L.D. Peeler founded Cheerwine in 1917 after he created a new drink using wild cherry flavoring. For over 100 years, Cheerwine has created jobs and bottled soda in Salisbury, and the city started the Cheerwine Festival to bring the community together and celebrate the sweet soda.
Forward 2040 is a city-wide plan aimed at solving Salisbury’s growing pains with improved infrastructure. The city’s goal is to preserve the town’s history while working to increase parking accessibility, add bike lanes and create more affordable housing.
Food Lion and many other companies call Salisbury home.
The nationally know Cheerwine Brand holds a special place in the history of Salisbury.
Novant Health has a large medical campus within easy reach of Salisbury locals.
Salisbury veterans have access to one of the largest VA Medical centers in the region.
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Historic streets near downtown and growing suburbs
When Salisbury was founded, the surveyors designed it to have a grid-iron pattern, which still exists today throughout town. The median home price is $276,250, lower than the $416,700 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors. Castro says Salisbury has a mix of urban and country living. There are historic homes near downtown, but ranch-style homes built in the 1960s are roughly five minutes away from the city center with acres of land.
Bungalows and ranch-style homes that sell for $175,000 or less often need repairs, and most move-in-ready options range from $175,000 to $300,000. “There’s a whole lot of new construction going on, and it’s been going on for the past few years,” Castro says. “New homes usually go for $300,000 or higher. Country Club of Salisbury and Rolling Hills have beautiful homes with 4,000 square feet and grand ceilings, and they can sell in the $600,000s.” Salisbury has all four seasons, though the summers are humid, and the winters are mild.
History is showcased by the well maintained and stunning homes of Salisbury.
Home sizes and prices can vary throughout the different communities of Salisbury.
Small courtyards are an oasis for residents in the historic Salisbury downtown.
There are beautiful brick home communities in the suburbs on Salisbury.
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Over 500 acres of parks to explore
Salisbury residents have access to 29 parks and recreation sites, totaling 508 acres of green space. The Salisbury Community Park stays busy, but there are also garden parks and over 20 miles of greenways. Another way to see the city is by taking a trolley tour to historic locations throughout the downtown area, including the original Cheerwine building and the only prison in North Carolina used during the Civil War. Bell Tower Green is right across from the Rowan Public Library. This park was designed around the 1892 Bell Tower. This 3-acre space is filled with a garden, amphitheater and play space. A couple blocks away, the Rowan Museum fills the 1857 courthouse with displays detailing the county’s history and offers optional group tours.
According to the FBI, there were 1,483 reported property crimes and 626 reported violent crimes in 2023. There was a roughly 12% increase in property crimes and violent crimes, compared to reports from 2022. The Salisbury Police Department is taking steps to combat these issues, such as expanding the use of foot patrols and walking routes for officers. There are community outreach programs, like Summer Cease Fire, which is an initiative to lessen gun violence during the summer months. SPD officers also hop in the Neighborhood Ice Cream Express truck to hand out ice cream in neighborhoods and at special events to make positive connections with the community.
Salisbury Community Park is a massive spawling area with athletic fields and trails.
The Bell Tower Green is located in the heart of downtown Salisbury.
Person walking with his dog in Forest Hill Park.
Residents enjoy the use of the massive trail system at Salisbury Community Park.
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Downtown restaurants and Cheerwine Festival
Boutiques, small restaurants and shops make up Salisbury’s downtown, especially along Main Street. The family-owned Go Burrito! opened in Salisbury in 2013, and its success allowed the expansion to Missouri and Tennessee. Guests can order burritos on the restaurant’s first floor and then head upstairs to the rooftop bar. La Cava Restaurant serves Italian cuisine in an 1897 church, still standing with stained glass windows and a wine alcove that originally held the church’s altar. Innes Street Market, south of I-85, is a shopping center with big box stores and a Cinemark movie theater.
The downtown area is more than just a place to shop and dine. Every May, thousands visit for the Cheerwine Festival. Main Street, Fisher Street and Innes Street fill with vendors, food trucks and beer gardens. Attendants can grab a Cheerwine, hang out in the Fun Zone or catch a live show on the main stage. Money raised from selling 20-ounce bottles of Cheerwine goes toward a local nonprofit. The first festival was held in 2017, and over 100,000 people attended in 2023.
Visitors stroll along the small locally owned business storefronts of Salisbury's Main Stree
Locals know to arrive early for the popular culinary experience of Hap's Grill in Salisbury.
Friends enjoy outtings together in the quaint Salisbury Main Street for shopping and dining.
Salisbury has a slower pace that locals and visitors appreciate and enjoy throughout the cit
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Commuting to Charlotte and Concord
Residents who don’t work in Salisbury often use Interstate 85 to commute 23 miles to Concord or 43 miles to Charlotte. The Mid-Carolina Regional Airport is south of the city and offers flights to multiple East Coast destinations, but the Charlotte Douglas International Airport has more commercial airline and destination options. Wide sidewalks flow past historic storefronts in downtown Salisbury, and there are dedicated free parking areas, making it easy to park and walk to a store or restaurant.
Roads with bike lanes are sparse, but the Salisbury Station connects residents to AMTRAK routes, some running south to Charlotte and north to New York. Saturday bus services are suspended, but Salisbury buses run three routes that wind throughout the city during the rest of the week. Most places of worship in Salisbury are churches, though there’s also a small Islamic center and synagogue near the downtown area.
Two private colleges and a highly ranked early college
The Rowan-Salisbury School District has 35 schools and earns a B-minus from Niche. Rowan County Early College ranks the highest with an A-minus, and the school shares a campus with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Students who attend can earn their high school diploma and an associate's degree. Salisbury has two private colleges: Catawba College, founded in the 1740s, and Livingstone College, founded in 1879. Catawba College gets a C-plus, and most students major in health sciences or business. Livingstone College is a historically black institution with Christian values and receives a C.
Catawba College promotes students to become involved with the local surrounding Salisbury co
Livingstone College is a historic educational institution of Salisbury.
The Livingstone College is home to the Blue Bears in Salisbury, NC.
Catawba College showcases beautiful architecture throughout the Salisbury campus.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristi Vernon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Salisbury, NC sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Salisbury, NC over the last 12 months is $250,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Caldwell, built by Smith Douglas Homes is great for those needing a first-floor primary suite. The hub of this home is, the centrally located family room, which is open to the kitchen and a covered screened-in porch. Single-level living can be easily achieved here because everything is just steps away, but a flexible second floor provides a bath and two additional bedrooms and a large loft.
*$10,000 SELLER CREDIT* Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the Saddlebrook subdivision of Salisbury, NC!This spacious property features an inviting covered back porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find generously sized bedrooms and huge closets, offering plenty of storage throughout. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main level and includes a private
You’ll fall in love with the Mitchell 2-story plan at Grants Landing, offering abundant space in an inviting open-concept layout. On the main floor, an expansive great room flows into a charming dining area and well-appointed kitchen with a generous corner pantry and center island. Additional main-floor highlights include patio access off the dining area. Upstairs, a versatile loft is surrounded
Welcome home to this charming 4 bedroom 2 and a half bath house in Salisbury. This home features hardwood on the main floor and brand new carpets upstairs. The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom complete with double vanity, soaking tub, and walk in closet. Spacious 2 car garage! Schedule a tour today!
Back on the market at no fault of the seller. Opportunity is knocking in Salisbury. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-level sits on a fully fenced half-acre lot and offers the space, updates, and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for. The detached storage building with electricity opens the door for a workshop, creative studio, or serious hobby space. An extra-long 1-car garage plus additional
*****Take advantage of $5,000 in Seller-paid Concessions!Whether you want to lower your interest rate or cover closing expenses---this credit gives you flexibility and savings to keep more cash in your pocket at closing! Motivated Seller! Welcome to Fox Ridge Community! This charming 3-bedroom plus bonus room/office space, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Fox Ridge community of Salisbury
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Looking for a great home in the East Rowan area? There is no need to look any further. Sitting on a spacious corner lot this super cute home offers you 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, detached garage , rocking chair front porch and patio + fire pit area in back . This location is so convenient for ease of travel to Rockwell or to Salisbury where you can hit the interstate for further destinations. Some new
Incredible opportunity: this lovingly maintained single-owner home was thoughtfully designed for comfortable family living and gracious entertaining. Featuring five spacious bedrooms and three full baths, the home offers flexibility for large households, multigenerational living, or work-from-home needs. A second kitchen provides added convenience and versatility, ideal for extended family or
Better than new!!! All new electrical system, all new plumbing system, all new HVAC systems, new water heater, new appliances, new garage door with automatic opener, new windows, new roof, new sheetrock, new doors, & all new trim. Fully renovated custom built single level brick home with 2 car attached garage, full covered from porch & open air wood deck situated on corner lot with clear flat
Welcome home to this beautiful three bedroom two bathroom, ranch home in the country! With the largest lot on the street this home boasts space and tranquility. Be sure to notice the expanded driveway where the sellers added space to park your trailer, camper or extra vehicles. Once inside you will immediately be met with quality and charm in this practically new home. The open concept living
Looking for your own slice of paradise? You've found it here, this affordable home offers you 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, no carpet. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space. The open floor plan includes a fireplace in the living room with built in shelving on each side for display your decor and storage too. The mudroom has washer / dryer hook ups and built in shelving for work space for
This move-in ready ranch home offers 1156 square feet of comfortable living space and sits on a spacious half-acre corner lot in the established Stonybrook subdivision. Built in 1989, the home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, an additional parking pad, providing both functionality and convenience.Recent updates include an architectural shingle roof replaced in 2024
Priced below last appraisal! Well maintained brick ranch sitting on 2 acres, just minutes from I-85 and High Rock Lake. This beautiful home features a 2 car garage, wood burning fireplace, and built in shelving throughout. The galley kitchen features an abundance of cabinet space. Relaxing jetted tub in guest bath. Unfinished basement features a separate entrance, fireplace, toilet, and a shower.
Hidden luxury awaits. Built in 2020, this stunning two-story custom home features 10-foot ceilings on main level, ceramic tile flooring, tray ceilings, and recessed lighting throughout. A striking, internationally custom-ordered front door welcomes you into a receiving den with a cozy marble fireplace, flowing seamlessly into the open and spacious living room, perfect for entertaining.The
316 West 14th Street Salisbury, NC 28144 MOVE-IN SPECIAL- Move in this month and enjoy $300 off for 1st three months and then back to the original rate of $2800 for the remainder of the lease* Come and view this stunning, like-new, fully renovated executive home nestled just 2 minutes from the prestigious Salisbury Country Club. Perfectly blending timeless character with modern luxury, this
Ideally located near all of lifes conveniences in Salisbury, Lakewood Apartments are truly designed for carefree living! Youll love being in close proximity to your favorite shopping as well as major routes and schools. Our affordable apartment homes offer all the comfort and functionality you are accustomed to. From our thoughtfully laid out floor plans, electric appliances to ample parking and
This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath townhome offers modern comfort and style throughout. Enjoy a recently updated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, all-new flooring, fresh paint, and thoughtful touches that make this home move-in ready. The third bedroom is a spacious loft—perfect for a home office, guest room, or cozy retreat. Conveniently located near shopping and major
Do you feel like there is something missing in your life and you just can't put your finger on it? Well, we are here to help... It's Alexander Station Apartments. If you are not currently one of our valued residents, then you are not living life to the fullest. We have everything you are looking for! We have amazing amenities such as: a Clubhouse with free WiFi, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center,
Fully Remodeled 1915 Farmhouse Apartment – Utilities Included First-floor apartment on 4.2 acres just outside city limits featuring a farmhouse-industrial vibe with black and white décor. Offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-in pantry, and laundry room. Appliances include stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and toaster oven. Washer, dryer, refrigerator,
CROWN POINT APARTMENTS - SALISBURY – 210 SUNSET DRIVE A beautiful and quiet area surrounded by green scenery is just one of many highlights you'll notice at Crown Point Luxury Apartment Homes. Crown Point Luxury Apartment Homes features convenience stores, malls, shops and services only steps away from the front door, as well as unique and affordable entertainment and dining
Welcome to Holly Leaf Apartments! A quiet and beautiful area surrounded by green scenery is one of many highlights you will see at Holly Leaf Apartments. We offer 2 bedrooms, 925 sf, in beautiful Salisbury, North Carolina, offering quiet living. The apartment rents for $1,275.00 per month! With a security deposit of $500.00. The application fee is $50.00 per person 18 and older.
Welcome to the Apartments at 817 E Lafayette St Looking for a cozy and affordable place to call home in Salisbury? This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment is perfect for you! This unit is close to everything Salisbury has to offer, including shopping, dining, and easy access to I-85 for commuters. The apartment features an updated kitchen with modern white cabinets, a new stove, refrigerator,
Nu Salisbury South is an apartment community located off of Statesville Blvd. Nu Salisbury has 64 gorgeous newly renovated units with Luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, new cabinetry, and granite countertops . The building's exterior is a mix of siding with cool colors and warm accents. The overall design is meant to tie into traditional North Carolina architecture. Amenities include off
Cute 3-bedroom brick ranch house conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, downtown Salisbury, I85 and more! The home has a large fenced in backyard with two storage buildings. Neutral interior paint, newer floors in living room and third bedroom. Washer dryer included as/is for convenience. Quiet established neighborhood and just a block from Eaman Community Pool (look up their
Welcome home to Rowan Woodland Apartments, located in Salisbury, North Carolina! At Rowan Woodland Apartments, we're all about creating an atmosphere of comfort, convenience, and pure luxury. Step inside our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, and you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning fully-equipped kitchens featuring top-tier features, a modern
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