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
Travis Wilson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Salisbury, NC sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Salisbury, NC over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated home at 734 Tanglewood Dr — a true hidden gem offering style, comfort, and peace of mind at an incredible value! From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the charm, character, and thoughtful upgrades that make this home stand out from the rest. Step inside to discover a stunning newly remodeled kitchen featuring gorgeous granite countertops, white shaker-style
You’ll fall in love with the Kephart at Grants Landing, a versatile open-concept plan offering two stories of inviting living space and stylish features. As you enter the home from the ample front porch, a long foyer leads to a wide-open great room, a well-appointed kitchen with a spacious center island and a charming dining area with direct access to the patio. As you head upstairs, you’ll find
Custom 2023 build in the original phase of Oakview Commons - NO HOA! This stunning four bedroom home blends luxury and functionality. The highlight of the main level is the custom sunroom added in late 2024. Featuring vertical track windows and screens, durable LVP flooring, a portable AC, and a pre-installed fan beam, it’s a year-round oasis. Best of all, it comes with a lifetime warranty on
Experience modern living in this beautiful home located in a well-established neighborhood. Convenient access to I85, shopping, dining, and recreation. Two story, 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths and versatile upstairs loft. Ideal for media room or additional living space. Open concept main level offers a seamless flow between living, dining and kitchen. Kitchen features large center island and walk-in
**WELCOME HOME** This 3-bedroom, 2 full bath brick home is filled with charm & is located in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from shopping, local restaurants, downtown area, banks, gyms, VA & I85. Step inside to find fresh paint, new carpet, updated flooring, updated kitchen and baths. Home sits on large .60 acres and backup to Rollings Hills Golf Course. The unfinished basement provides ample
Welcome to this well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick home located in an older, established neighborhood known for its character and mature surroundings. This property offers a great blend of traditional comfort and practical living spaces. Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout featuring a living room, dining room, and a cozy den—providing multiple areas for gathering, relaxing, or
Timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship define this beautiful full-brick home. Rich hardwood floors with custom inlays create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the thoughtfully designed floor plan offers both comfort and functionality. The spacious living room and eat-in kitchen are connected by a stunning two-sided fireplace, creating the perfect setting for everyday living and
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
Location Location Location. This home is a must see. Welcome to this 3 Bedroom brick home built in 1978 and has been loved and cared for by the same family for over 46 years. This home has been freshly painted and the floors have been updated to LVP throughout. New roof installed 04-2026. Countryside/Rustic setting with the comfort and convenience to city life. Within 2 miles to Novant hospital
*** Welcome to this well maintained 3 BR, 2.5 BA end unit townhome in Maupin Court! Low maintenance living in a convenient Salisbury location. This inviting home features a functional floor plan with a spacious living area, abundant natural light, and a comfortable flow perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen provides ample cabinet space and counter space, with an adjacent
Rare opportunity in the heart of Salisbury! This versatile property features four distinct living spaces, offering immediate cash flow with significant value-add potential. Originally constructed as a single-family residence, it has been reconfigured to accommodate a large multigenerational family, a thriving rental portfolio, or a live-work setup. Two Full Units: Each features a spacious 1BR/1BA
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bed, 2-bath home in the peaceful Hidden Hut Farms area of Salisbury. Set on 1.51 private acres, this 1.5-story residence offers 1,667 sq ft of comfortable living with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Inside, enjoy newly remodeled flooring, freshly painted rooms, and a fully renovated primary bathroom featuring modern, stylish finishes. Step outside to your own
Fully Renovated One-Story Home on Corner Lot – No HOAWelcome to 328 Old Concord Road in Salisbury, NC, a beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering modern updates and exceptional value at $270,000. Situated on a desirable corner lot with no HOA, this move-in-ready property has been fully renovated. Recent improvements include a brand-new roof, new water heater, new LVP flooring
Reduced and move-in ready, welcome to your turn-key oasis! And why wait to build when you can move right into this fabulous home? Beautifully maintained and "better than new" home perfectly blends modern functionality with upscale charm, just minutes from Historic Salisbury, Dan Nicholas Park, and High Rock Lake. With fresh interior paint, the main level boasts a premium, wide-open floorplan,
Welcome to this beautifully updated home at 734 Tanglewood Dr — a true hidden gem offering style, comfort, and peace of mind at an incredible value! From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the charm, character, and thoughtful upgrades that make this home stand out from the rest. Step inside to discover a stunning newly remodeled kitchen featuring gorgeous granite countertops, white shaker-style
1119 Grady Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 MOVE-IN SPECIAL- Move in this month and enjoy $200 off for 1st three months and then back to the original rate of $1250 for the remainder of the lease* Come and view this stunning, fully renovated 2bd, 1ba duplex nestled just 2 minutes from City of Salisbury and Town of Spencer. This beautiful fully renovated duplex features the following: *Updated Cabinets
Ideally located near all of life's conveniences in Salisbury, Lakewood Apartments are truly designed for carefree living! You'll 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
If you are looking to be in a country setting but within driving distance of Downtown Salisbury, Albemarle, Lake Tillery, this is the perfect home for you. This home is a 3 BR 1 BA Manufactured Single Wide great first starter home.
Escape to Forest Village on the Greenway – Your Nature-Filled Retreat!Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, just half a mile from Novant Medical Center and one mile from the WG Hefner VA Medical Center, you'll find Forest Village on the Greenway surrounded by lush green space and towering trees. Step outside, and you’re immediately connected to the Salisbury Greenway, a scenic 2.5-mile paved
Welcome to Courtyard on Main Apartments, where historic charm meets modern comfort in the heart of Salisbury, NC. Nestled in this vibrant and historic community, our newly renovated apartments offer a perfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary living. Whether you’re drawn to the unique architecture of our buildings or the convenience of our thoughtfully designed amenities, Courtyard on
Thank you for your interest in our community. Fleming Heights is a Senior Community Apartment Living 55 and older Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Property that is Income Restricted. Your maximum allowable income must fall within the figures allowed based on the number of people who will be living in your household; and the specific unit that is available, to qualify to reside in our
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. Holly Leaf Apartments is minutes away from dining and shoping only seven minutes from hospitals and the down town. We offer 2 bedrooms, 925 sf, in beautiful Salisbury, North Carolina, offering quiet living. The apartment rents for
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
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,
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 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
ALL UTILITIES & MAINTENANCE INCLUDED IN AGREEMENT, EXCEPT ELECTRICITY*** FURNISHED CORPORATE APARTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE.3D TOUR LINK AVAILABLE UPON REQUESTTiled Vestibule with Secure Mailbox and Parcel Area USPS, Amazon, UPS, and FedExElevator and All New Building SystemsRFID & Facial Recognition Entry System with Remote Guest Entry ControlsExternal
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