Luxury Homes For Sale in Hickory, NC

Looking to buy in Hickory? Whether it’s a house with mountain views or a new construction home, we’ll help you find the right place for you.

Lifestyle and Energy

Hickory is where Southern grit meets mountain calm—a mid-sized city of around 44,000 residents tucked at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its deep roots in furniture manufacturing (you’ll still hear “Furniture Capital” tossed around), but these days, Hickory is expanding fast into tech, healthcare, and education, anchored by institutions like Lenoir-Rhyne University and a growing data center presence. Families love the parks and schools, young professionals are drawn to the growing arts and brewery scene, and retirees appreciate the affordable cost of living. The city has reinvented itself in recent years, evolving from its furniture-making roots into a hub of innovation, culture, and outdoor fun.

Welcome to Cornelius.

Just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, Cornelius gives you real lakeside living. Lake Norman's 50 miles of Cornelius shoreline means there’s room to actually enjoy it. It's normal here for people to recognize you by your boat’s name at the marina. Local spots like Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club and Morningstar Marina stay packed with regulars who boat, dock, and dine together like it’s second nature. Think “resort lifestyle” without tourists. Cornelius feels easy and high-end:

  • Mornings start with lattes overlooking the lake at places like Waterbean Coffee at Jetton Village.

  • Afternoons are about quick fishing runs, wakeboarding at Lake Norman Wake School, or pulling up a pontoon at the Hello, Sailor dock for fried catfish tacos.

  • Evenings mean dinner on the patio at Port City Club, where string lights reflect off the water and the sunsets are ridiculous.

This isn’t a vacation. It’s just life here.

Best Neighborhoods in Hickory NC

Oakwood Historic District: One of Hickory’s most iconic neighborhoods, Oakwood features tree-lined streets with restored early-1900s Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes. It’s walkable to Union Square (the city’s revitalized downtown hub) and right next to the SALT Block, home to the Hickory Museum of Art, Catawba Science Center, and public library. Residents enjoy a front-row seat to events like the Sails Original Music Series and the seasonal farmers market. Oakwood is prized for its historic charm, civic pride, and tight-knit, front-porch-friendly vibe.

Mountain View & St. Stephens: Located in the southern and northeastern corners of Hickory, these neighborhoods are known for newer subdivisions and family-friendly layouts. Mountain View offers access to Mountain View Elementary and has retail hubs like Mountain View Village shopping center. St. Stephens, closer to Highway 127 and I-40, provides quick commutes and includes neighborhoods like Sandy Ridge. These areas are growing thanks to their affordability, school options, and easy access to downtown.

Moore’s Ferry, Anchors Landing & Oliver’s Landing: These upscale residential areas line the southern and eastern shores of Lake Hickory. Moore’s Ferry includes luxury homes, a private marina, and manicured landscaping, all minutes from downtown. Anchors Landing is a gated community with wooded lots, clubhouse, and lake access, while Oliver’s Landing features the championship-format Ole Still Golf Club and waterfront estates. All three appeal to those wanting lake life with upscale amenities.

Waterford: Tucked northwest of downtown near 29th Avenue Drive NW, Waterford is known for large, custom-built homes on wooded lots with privacy and peace. Many homes here sit on half-acre or larger lots, offering room to roam without sacrificing proximity to city amenities. This neighborhood is a favorite among professionals and retirees looking for quiet, upscale suburban living.

Brookford & Long View: These historic mill towns on Hickory’s southern edge now offer affordable housing and a strong sense of community. Brookford is known for its modest homes, quiet streets, and town-owned services. Long View, incorporated with its own local government, provides small-town living with Hickory schools and city access. Both areas have deep blue-collar roots and are home to families who’ve been in the area for generations—along with new residents drawn by value and a neighborly atmosphere.

History Meets Momentum

What started as cotton farms morphed, thanks to Lake Norman, into a lakefront empire. A town born from a cotton dispute now thrives as one of America's top-ranked lake towns. Old Town Cornelius still pulses with history (and craft beer).

Golf & Country Clubs

Lake Hickory Country Club: Two locations—Town Club (near downtown) and Catawba Springs Club (27 holes, northeast Hickory). Offers tennis, swimming, fitness, and social events.

Catawba Country Club: Southeast of town. Member-owned, family-friendly with a scenic 18-hole course.

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa: In nearby Conover. Two championship courses, a luxury spa, and equestrian amenities. Semi-private.

Public Golf: Hampton Heights Golf Course (municipal), Players Ridge (in Granite Falls), and indoor training at Hickory Indoor Golf Center.

Business and Economy

Hickory’s economy is built on a foundation of resilience. Still home to top furniture brands, it's now a national center for fiber-optics, with CommScope and Corning as major employers. The city is also a regional healthcare hub with Frye Regional and Catawba Valley Medical Center.Manufacturing remains strong—including automotive parts, textiles, and tech—and Hickory’s downtown revival supports local makers, startups, and creative professionals. Add in moderate property taxes (Catawba County's effective property tax rate is approximately 0.65%) and a convenient location at I-40 and US-321, and you’ve got a well-rounded economic base.

Fun Things to Do in Hickory

Union Square: Hickory’s downtown district with boutique shops like Taste Full Beans and Thistle Dew Nicely, casual restaurants such as Olde Hickory Tap Room, and seasonal live music under the Sails on the Square.

SALT Block: Visit the Hickory Museum of Art, explore hands-on exhibits at the Catawba Science Center, or relax at the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library—all in one cultural complex.

Lake Hickory: Go paddleboarding, launch a boat from Rotary-Geitner Park, or rent watercraft from Lake Hickory Marina.

Harper House Museum: Step back in time with a guided tour of this beautifully preserved 1887 Queen Anne home that tells Hickory’s story.

Aviation Museum: Explore military and vintage aircraft—including a Blue Angels jet—at the Hickory Regional Airport, free to visit.

Glenn Hilton Park & Baker’s Mountain: Enjoy nature with riverside trails, a wetlands boardwalk, playgrounds at Glenn Hilton, or panoramic views after a hike at Baker’s Mountain.

Crawdads Baseball: Watch the Texas Rangers’ minor league affiliate at L.P. Frans Stadium, complete with themed nights, fireworks, and affordable family fun.

Furniture Mart & Valley Hills Mall: Shop more than 100 furniture brands at the Hickory Furniture Mart or visit national retailers and a food court at Valley Hills Mall.

Festivals: Attend Hickory Hops craft beer fest each April, enjoy live summer music with the Sails Original Music Series, and explore local produce at the Saturday downtown farmers market.

Buyer's And Seller's Guide (Free)

2025 Sellers Full Guide

(How to Get Max Return With No Stress)

30-Day Plan to Sell Your Home Seamlessly

Buyer's Checklist To Make Effortless Move

"All-You-Need-To-Know" Buyers Guide

Small-Town Soul, Big-Time Business

Cornelius isn’t chasing big-city hustle—it’s building quality of life. A booming local economy of entrepreneurs, marine services, tech startups, and luxury real estate keeps it humming. Plus, no extra town property tax. Yep, you read that right.

Weather That Lets You Live Outside:

Winter

Mild and short. Highs usually stay in the 40s–50s°F. Snow is rare — maybe one light dusting per year that melts the same day. Most days, a hoodie or light jacket is all you need.

Spring

Comfortable days in the 60s–70s°F. Dogwoods, azaleas, and cherry trees bloom across town. Perfect for getting back on the water, hiking Jetton Park trails, or hitting weekend farmers markets.

Summer

Hot and humid, with highs in the mid-80s to low-90s°F. Lake Norman warms up fast — water temps often hit the 80s by June. It’s prime time for boating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.

Fall

Cooler and crisp. Highs in the 60s–70s°F, lows in the 40s–50s°F. Trees around Lake Norman turn brilliant red, gold, and orange from late October through early November. Perfect weather for dock parties, firepits, and lakefront wine nights.