Lexington, North Carolina

What It Is Like to Retire in Lexington

Lexington has become a popular retirement community for the many baby boomers attracted to North Carolina and its smaller towns. Lexington is the County Seat of Davidson County; nearby towns include Thomasville and High Point. It has a nicely restored downtown. About 20,000 people live in Lexington and 150,000 in Davidson County.

Lexington is located in North Carolina's Piedmont region of rolling hills. Furniture making has been the main industry although construction is becoming more important. Lexington calls itself the "Barbecue Capital of the World" . The Lexington Barbecue Festival is one of the largest street festivals in North Carolina. There are over twenty barbecue restaurants in town, most of which feature the local "red slaw" as a side dish.

Many residents either commute to nearby Greensboro or Winston-Salem - or they enjoy the cultural offerings available there. Although the town has struggled to replace lost furniture jobs, it has a strong county economic development program. It recently won a National Main Street designation. Picture of South Main St. courtesy of Wikipedia and Kenneth C. Zirkel, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Watch this short Youtube video prepared by the Destination Magazine:

Where to Retire in Lexington and Home Prices

Active adults can either live in town or in some of the over 55 communities being built in the region.

Zillow reported the median home value was $201,982 in late 2021, about a 23% rise over the past year.

What Is Special about Lexington

Barbecue Festival attracts 100,000 people. Low taxes...growing medical complex...golf courses... quiet, friendly, growing downtown... close to Winston-Salem, High-Point, Salisbury, Greensboro. You can enjoy the social activities in the above cities with a lower cost of living and less congestion. Main Street USA designation.

What Is Not Special about Lexington

Crime rate is higher than the national average

Who Will Like Retirement in Lexington

If you like a slower paced life you will like Lexington.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Furniture making is the traditional industry although foreign competition has hurt. The area is trying to attract new residents who are either commuters or retirees as one way of filling those lost jobs.

Climate and Physical Environment

Lexington is in the rolling hills of North Carolina's Piedmont region.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Childress Vineyards; The Bob Timberlake Gallery; Childress Racing Museum; High Rock Lake; and Uptown Lexington greatly enrich the cultural theme.

Crime

The crime rate is just slightly above the national average.

Medical facilities

Lexington Memorial Hospital services the area and other nearby hospitals include Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem and Rowan Regional.

Transportation

3 major airports are within 65 miles (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte). There are also 3 AMTRAK stations within about 20 miles. A large private airport is scheduled to add about 16 new hangars.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia on Lexington Lexington City-Data More community reviews at Topretirements Visit Lexington North Carolina Retirement Guide