Hickory

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Hickory, NC

Area Guide

A tradition of innovation and craftsmanship.

Innovation Development Nature Outdoors Active

Located in western North Carolina, Hickory combines small-town hospitality with metropolitan conveniences. The city's "Life Well Crafted" motto comes to life through cultural attractions like the Hickory Museum of Art, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and numerous parks. Union Square anchors downtown Hickory, where locally-owned shops and restaurants create a welcoming atmosphere for community gatherings and events. The rental market offers diverse options from newer developments in the northwest area to established properties near Lenoir-Rhyne University. One-bedroom apartments currently rent for $1,127, with a 3.7% annual increase, making Hickory an affordable alternative to larger North Carolina metropolitan areas.

The city's legacy of furniture craftsmanship has expanded into a broader economic base. Situated along Interstate 40, approximately 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, Hickory provides convenient access to big-city amenities. The Oakwood District showcases well-preserved historic architecture, while the Viewmont neighborhood offers established retail centers and restaurants. Lake Hickory's extensive shoreline provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation. The area has also become a technology hub, with several major data centers in the region. The city's community spirit is reflected in its history, particularly during the 1944 polio epidemic when residents came together to build an emergency hospital in just 54 hours, an event known as the "Miracle of Hickory."

Explore the City

Residents frequent the shops in Downtown Hickory.

There is always a big turn out at local events.

Rivers and forests provide ample space to enjoy nature.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Hickory, NC is $843 for a studio, $1,173 for one bedroom, $1,362 for two bedrooms, and $1,582 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Hickory has increased by 4.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,173/month
744 Sq Ft
House
$1,722/month
1,118 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,437/month
1,074 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Hickory, NC

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Hickory, NC is 6.3% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Hickory is 13.7% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $843 - $1,582. You can expect to pay 2.2% more for groceries, 7.8% less for utilities, and 5.1% less for transportation.

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Transportation

40

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

1

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

27

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Snow Creek Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

589 Students

Ray Childers Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

457 Students

Oakwood Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

341 Students

Mountain View Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

686 Students

Clyde Campbell Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

479 Students

Harry M Arndt Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

631 Students

Northview Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

480 Students

Grandview Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

400 Students

Saint Stephens High

Public

Grades PK & 9-12

1,265 Students

Catawba Valley Early College High School

Public

Grades 9-12

352 Students

Hickory High

Public

Grades PK & 9-12

1,014 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Hickory

Houses for Rent in Hickory

Property Management Companies in Hickory, NC

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.