A city with a growing list of accolades, Hickory has been named the most affordable place to live in the country, according to a new ranking from U.S. News and World Report.
Despite seeing a continuous population growth, cost of living in Hickory remains affordable with low rent options and home prices below the state average. Supply of homes in the area is lower, but local entities are working to bring in more new construction.
Hickory is proving to be a top destination for families and young professionals. The city climbed six spots to rank 25 on the Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. Hickory also held its spot as the third best place to live in North Carolina.
“A walk or drive through Hickory today reveals a vibrant, revitalized community, abundant with opportunities for a well-crafted life. And it keeps getting better!” Hickory Mayor Hank Guess said. “This repeat recognition in the U.S. News rankings reflects Hickory’s high quality of life, economic vitality, and affordability compared to other metros. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area is a great place to call home thanks to its natural beauty, thriving downtowns, and collaborative partnerships to enhance living.”
Additionally, new businesses are popping up and expanding across the city. Though the area has a history in furniture and textiles, Hickory’s future is focused on technology and data. Companies, including Apple and Google, have data centers in the area.
Learn more about Hickory and its rankings, here.
