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Moving to Hickory in 2024?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Hickory
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Hickory

Planning to move to Hickory?

Hickory is a city in North Carolina and moving here will require some major considerations. The cost of living in the city is considered affordable and lower than the national average. The city has a diverse economy with booming industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The city is home to several major employers including Lenoir-Rhyne University, Catawba Valley Medical Center, and more. The education system in Hickory is strong with an excellent public school system and several higher education institutions. If you are moving to Hickory, prepare yourself for potential humidity, especially during the summer months. The crime rate in the city is higher than the state and national average. You can enjoy the lifestyle of a small-town charm and access several outdoor activities. This moving guide will assist you throughout the planning of your upcoming move to Hickory-

Quick Facts of Hickory

Unique features and facts about Hickory-

The name of the city originated from a historic tavern- Hickory Tavern built under a large hickory tree.

Hickory has a long-standing history in furniture manufacturing.

Hickory Motor Speedway which is known as “the Birthplace of NASCAR Stars” has a rich racing history.

The motto of Hickory is “Life Well Crafted”.

Hickory sits at an elevation of over 1,000 feet.

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Top reasons to move to Hickory

Moving to a new city is exciting as well as full of challenges. Before you move, you must find strong reasons to relocate to someplace new. Here are the reasons to move to Hickory-

Cost of living- The cost of living in the city is relatively low. The housing costs are lower, which makes it a perfect destination for families and young professionals.

Education- The city is home to several reputable schools and universities.

Job Market- The economy of the city is diversifying with different strong sectors, including healthcare, technology, and education.

Culture and arts scene- Hickory boasts a rich cultural scene with several attractions in the city, like museums, theatres, and more.

Community- The city has a reputation for its friendly, welcoming, and strong sense of community. The residents of the city celebrate various festivals throughout the year.

Accessibility- The location of the city allows easy access to larger cities like Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Asheville.

Pros & Cons of Living in Hickory

Each pros and cons about the city will help you to prepare for your lifestyle in the new city-

Pros of Living in Hickory	Cons of Living in Hickory
The city enjoys significantly lower cost of living	Public transportation is limited in the city
The city is known for friendly, welcoming and strong sense of community	The city experiences hot and humid summers which is uncomfortable for some people
The city boasts a rich cultural landscape with carious attractions	Nightlife scene in the city is also limited
Economy of the city is diversifying and there are various strong sectors	Crime rates in Hickory are higher than the state and national averages
Traffic in the city is minimal and make commute easy around the town	There are reports of racial tensions within the city

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Hickory, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Hickory

When you move to Hickory, you need to find a neighborhood where you can live with your family. A safe and secure surrounding with supportive neighbors can help you an easy transition. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Hickory-

Viewmont- This neighborhood is known for mixed housing styles. It also offers a mix of residential comfort and easy access to local amenities.

Kenworth- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with proximity to parks and schools. This is one of the first planned subdivisions.

Oakwood/Hillcrest- This location is known to have higher-value homes. However, the housing in this location is expensive.

Ridgeview- This is a preferred neighborhood by retirees because of its quieter atmosphere. The location offers a relaxed pace of life.

Downtown Hickory- this location is undergoing revitalization. It offers an urban feel with access to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Cost of living in Hickory

The cost of living is a major parameter that you must consider before moving. This will help you set your moving budget and manage your finances.

The cost of living in Hickory is generally affordable, with lower housing costs.

Category	Hickory (in USD)
Housing (Rent)	$1,100-$2,100
Groceries	$600-$1,400
Utilities	$300-$800
Healthcare	$100-$350
Transportation	Varies greatly

Housing Market in Hickory

The housing market of Hickory presents a mix of trends. The housing market in Hickory can fluctuate between buyers' and sellers’ markets. Median home prices in Hickory are generally lower than the North Carolina and it is around $300,000.

Average Rental Cost in Hickory

The average rental costs can vary depending on the size, type, and location of the properties. The average rental cost for a house varies from $824-$1,603.

Hickory job market

Learning about the job market in the new city is also an essential factor while planning a move. The job market in Hickory is based on a growing economy.

There are several sectors in the city that are thriving, including healthcare, technology, and education.

The city is home to several major employers, including Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center/Duke LifePoint, Corning, and CommScope.

Top Career Options in Hickory

Here are the details of top career options in Hickory, their average salary and entry-level salary-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Nurse Practitioner	115,000	90,000
Financial Analyst	80,000	50,000
Health Information Specialist	85,000	60,000
Technical Writer	70,000	45,000
Mental Health Therapist	65,000	45,000
Production Supervisor	60,000	40,000

Median Salary in Hickory

The median household income in Hickory is around $63,361 a year.

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Major Industries in Hickory

The city is home to several major industries, including-

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Technology

Retail Trade

Education

Education System in Hickory

Before you move to Hickory, explore its schools, colleges, and universities to find the right educational institutions in the new city. This is one of the major tasks of your moving checklist.

Here are some good educational institutions in the city-

Elementary Schools in Hickory
Northview Elementary School
Oakwood Elementary School
Southwest Elementary School
Jenkins Elementary School
Viewmont Elementary School

Middle Schools in Hickory
Northview Middle School
Grandview Middle School
Harry M. Arndt Middle School
Jacobs Fork Middle School
East Burke Middle School

High Schools in Hickory
Hickory High School
Alexander Central High School
St. Stephens High School
Fred T. Foard High School
Maiden High School

Colleges and Universities in Hickory
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Catawba Valley Community College
Gardner-Webb University
Mitchell Community College
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Transportation And Navigation In Hickory

Transportation and navigation of a city affect the quality of life. Here, we have provided details about the transportation and navigation in Hickory-

Private Transportation- In Hickory, private vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Because of the layout of the city, it is easy to commute via car.

Public Transportation- Hickory’s public transportation system is called Greenway Public Transportation. It provides bus services in the surrounding regions.

Navigation- The city can easily navigate using GPS-based apps like Google Maps and Waze. The city has a grid-like network and road signage.

Best things to do in Hickory

The city offers several options for newcomers to explore-

Explore arts and culture of the city at -

Hickory Museum of Art

Hickory Community Theatre

Full Circle Arts

The SALT Block

Catawba Science Center

Downtown Hickory

Get ready to enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, paddleboarding and more at following destinations-

Lake Hickory

Henry Fork River Park

Geitner-Rotary Park

Bakers Mountain Park

Mountain Creek Park

Indulge in the history of the city at

Hart Square Village

Henry River Mill Village

• Plan a day out with your family liks

Hickory Crawdads

Various Parks

Seasonal Events

Taxes in Hickory

When you move to a new city, you must learn about the taxes you have to pay as a resident. Here is the breakdown of different taxes in Hickory-

Income Tax- North Carolina has a flat state income tax of rate 4.25%.

Sales Tax- The state sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75%. There is an additional local sales tax rate of 2.25% for Catawba County. So, a total of 7% sales tax is applied to the sale of goods and services.

Vehicle Property Tax- Vehicle property taxes are collected annually by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in North Carolina. Along with this tax, the City of Hickory charges a vehicle tag fee of $5.00.

Property Taxes- The property taxes are levied at the local level and the tax rates are based on the assessed value of the property.

Excise Taxes- There are taxes on specific goods in Hickory, including-

Gasoline Tax: 40.65 cents per gallon

Beer excise tax: 62 cents per gallon

Wine Excise Tax- $1 per gallon

Cigarette Excise Tax- 45 cents per 20-pack

Type of insurance required in Hickory

In a new city, you need new insurance to ensure the security of yourself and your belongings. Here is the breakdown for required insurance in Hickory-

Auto Insurance- According to North Carolina law, all drivers carry a minimum level of auto liability insurance. The minimum requirements are-

$50,000 for bodily injury to one person.

$100,000 total for bodily injuries in one accident.

$50,000 for property damage.

Homeowners insurance- This insurance protects your property and personal belongings from events like fire, wind, theft, and more. It will also provide coverage if someone gets injured on your property.

Renters Insurance- If you rent, this insurance protects your personal belongings from covered perils.

Health Insurance- This insurance is essential to cover medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescribed medications, and more.

Life Insurance- This insurance provides financial support to your family in the event of your death. This amount can be used for expenses including living expenses, funeral costs, and more.

Business Insurance- If you own a business in Hickory, you have to buy several insurances including commercial property insurance, commercial auto, and professional liability insurance. All businesses with at least one employee are required to buy workers’ compensation.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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