Ridgeview - Hickory, NC

An established suburb of Hickory, the Ridgeview area dates back to the early 1900s when Hickory's first manufacturing plants began operation. Hickory, which was incorporated in 1870, was named for a log tavern built in the area around 1850, and the first train traveled through "Hickory Tavern" in 1859. In 1888, Hickory became one of the first towns to install electric lights. It also had a complete sewer system long before many other communities, completed in 1904. The Ridgeview Public Library, built in 1951, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From upscale fine dining and eclectic pubs to authentic Carolina barbecue and homestyle fried chicken, restaurant and entertainment choices around the Ridgeview neighborhood satisfy a range of tastes and complement any occasion. Many residents head to downtown Hickory on weekends to enjoy upscale eateries, pool halls, dance clubs, and lively bars. Head to the Olde Hickory Tap Room, and enjoy local craft beers from the nearby Olde Hickory Brewery, live local music, and a full menu of lunch and dinner dishes. The Tap Room serves a limited late-night menu until 1:30 a.m., featuring specialties such as beer-battered fish and chips and traditional standbys such as the pub burger with fries or honey barbecue wings.

Couples and families alike flock to the downtown Carolina Theater for affordable entertainment. Originally built in 1934 as a state-of-the-art motion picture theater, the venue was renovated in 1974 to accommodate a second screen and is continually updated with equipment, seating, and other modern comforts. The Carolina began showing second-run films in 1985 to compete with newer cinemas in the area. It's the only place in town where a family of four can see a movie, share some popcorn, and sip sodas for less than $20.

Voted the best place to eat steak in Catawba Valley, Charolais Steakhouse serves up tender ribeyes, filet mignon, and prime rib along with lobster tails, flavorful grilled chicken, salmon, and shrimp. Locals love the fresh salad bar. The casual atmosphere and Southern cuisine at Mountain Fried Chicken have attracted locals for over 25 years. This eatery specializes in delectable fried chicken with plenty of vegetable choices, including turnip greens, pintos, and stewed apples.

A car-dependent community, Ridgeview sits between four high-volume roadways with easy access to Highway 321 and Interstate 40. Most residents can walk to the downtown district, and several cab companies serve the neighborhood as well as the Greenway Public Transportation bus line. This transit system connects Ridgeview to other parts of Hickory as well as the cities of Newton and Conover.

With parks and recreation areas surrounding the neighborhood, Ridgeview residents always have something to enjoy. The Ridgeview Recreation Center's central location makes it easily accessible to the community and offers an assortment of activities throughout the year, including free craft workshops, Monopoly tournaments, and health screenings as well as a basketball court and swimming pool. Robinson Park separates Ridgeview from downtown Hickory, while Hickory Optimist Park sits to the west and features tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground. Carolina Park, with its arboretum of native flora and fauna, is also nearby, along with Kiwanis Park and Southside Heights Park. These city-maintained green spaces are free to use and are the perfect places to spend a sunny afternoon.

Ridgeview's low cost of living, especially in comparison to many Charlotte neighborhoods, makes it an attractive location. The number of homeowners in Ridgeview is on the rise, but most people in the neighborhood rent their home or apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in Ridgeview costs an average of $517, which is well below the North Carolina and Charlotte averages. Bus riders pay $1.25 for a single ride, including transfers, while gas prices in the area typically run about 3.5 percent above the national average. The local bars usually charge $2 to $3 for domestic beers and $4 to $5 for craft brews.

Surrounded by Hickory's best commercial hot spots, Ridgeview residents enjoy an assortment of shopping opportunities. From trendy clothing boutiques and jewelry stores to intriguing gift shops and home decor, downtown Hickory houses most of the area's specialty shops and services as well as the Science Center, Museum of Art, Community Theatre, and a gallery. An upscale boutique for men and women, Opulence by Steele, carries brands such as Magaschoni, Diesel, and 1921 as well as high-end furniture and home decor. New parents can find many things they need in the store's baby boutique.

The Hickory Farmers Market is also located in the downtown area. The seasonal market hosts more than 50 local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and canned foods to handmade crafts and baked goods. Most of the area's grocery stores lie along Highway 70. Wal-Mart and the discount retailer Sav-a-Lot are the closest grocers to Ridgeview. Aldi, Food Lion, Lowe's Foods, and Fresh Air Galaxy serve the area as well, along with community staples such as Rose's, Big Lots, and Best Buy.

It only takes about five minutes to get to the Valley Hills Mall by car, where shoppers enjoy over 90 specialty stores and eateries, an antique carousel, a children's play area and plenty of parking. Stop by Emerson's Coffee for a hot cappuccino or an iced dirty hippie (chai latte with espresso and milk), and visit Modeline Fashion for the latest clothing and accessories.