High Point

Atmosphere & Pace of Life

High Point, North Carolina, offers a balanced and comfortable daily rhythm, characterized by a quiet, slower pace of life for its residents. The city projects a dense suburban feel, where a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere are palpable. Tree-lined neighborhoods, adorned with beautiful parks and lakes, create a pleasant backdrop for a family-friendly environment. High Point is recognized for its gracious hospitality, fostering an inviting and friendly ambiance that draws people to call it home.

What High Point is Known For & Why People Come Here

High Point proudly carries the official nicknames "North Carolina's International City" and the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World". Its global identity stems primarily from the High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings industry trade show, which occurs biannually in April and October. This monumental event attracts over 75,000 designers, buyers, architects, and creatives from more than 100 countries, making it a pivotal draw for professionals in the design and furniture sectors. Beyond the market, visitors are drawn to High Point University and signature events like the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival. For new residents, the city's compelling affordability and high quality of life are significant attractions, alongside its designation as a Certified Autism Destination, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for all families.

Historic Downtown, Local Businesses & Dining

High Point's revitalized Downtown District has transformed into a dynamic and walkable hub for sports, dining, arts, and nightlife. Historically, the city's core developed at the intersection of the North Carolina Railroad and the Great Western Plank Road, now known as Main Street. Today, the downtown area buzzes with activity, anchored by Truist Point Stadium, home to the High Point Rockers baseball team and Carolina Core FC, generating year-round energy.

The culinary scene offers a diverse array of options, from classic Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Notable local eateries include Stock + Grain Assembly, a vibrant food hall featuring a curated mix of local flavors like B3 Smokehouse and Yumi Sushi. For elevated dining, Earl's Landing, nestled within Congdon Yards, provides modern American cuisine in an elegant setting. Other acclaimed establishments include 98 Asian Bistro for Thai cuisine, Aquí es México Cocina Mexicana, Sweet Old Bill's for barbecue, and Blue Water Grille for seafood and French-inspired dishes. The Chop House at Mendenhall is known for its steaks, while Magnolia Blue offers creative interpretations of Southern American dishes. Boulder's Bar and Grill provides American comfort food in a casual, hometown hangout atmosphere.

Beyond dining, Congdon Yards is a significant community hub, blending historic architecture with modern workspaces, dining, and cultural venues like The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards. The lively Uptowne High Point district further expands nightlife and dining options, complemented by local spots like Brown Truck Brewery, Nomad Wine Works, and Blue Bourbon Jacks for craft beverages and entertainment.

Key Attractions & Cultural Anchors

High Point offers a rich array of attractions and cultural anchors. A whimsical landmark is the World's Largest Chest of Drawers, standing 36 feet tall and adorned with two colorful socks, a nod to the city's hosiery industry. The High Point Train Depot and the John Coltrane Statue and Marker are also notable points of interest.

For historical insights, the High Point Museum features a historical park with preserved structures, including the John Haley House (1786), the Hoggatt House (1801), and a working blacksmith shop (1841), offering a glimpse into early Piedmont life. Nearby, the Mendenhall Homeplace in Jamestown showcases Quaker heritage and one of the rare false-bottom wagons used on the Underground Railroad. The Rosetta C. Baldwin African-American Museum celebrates the contributions of the African-American community. The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library stands as the largest furniture specialty library globally, a testament to the city's furniture legacy.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous parks and recreational areas. High Point City Lake Park is a year-round destination with a swimming pool, water slides, a lazy river, miniature golf, playgrounds, and train rides. Oak Hollow Festival Park, a sprawling 1,500-acre complex around the 800-acre Oak Hollow Lake, provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, and features an outdoor stage. The Piedmont Environmental Center offers greenway trails, and community parks like Armstrong Park and Hedgecock Dog Park provide additional recreational spaces. For those seeking adventure further afield, state parks such as Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Haw River State Park, and Mayo River State Park are within driving distance.

Culturally, the High Point Theatre is a premier performing arts venue, hosting its "Passport to Entertainment Series" and various performances. Other artistic venues include the Theatre Art Galleries and the High Point Area Arts Council. High Point University also features the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, which hosts special events.

Major Annual Traditions & Events

High Point is home to several significant annual traditions and events that draw both locals and international visitors. Foremost among these is the High Point Market, held every spring and fall (April and October). As the world's largest home furnishings industry trade show, it transforms the city into a global hub for design and commerce, attracting tens of thousands of industry professionals.

Another signature event is the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, which takes place annually during Labor Day weekend, celebrating the legacy of the legendary jazz musician. High Point University hosts an annual Community Christmas Celebration, bringing festive cheer to the area. The High Point Cycling Classic is a family-friendly annual event that includes bicycle races, a vendor expo, bicycle art, a vintage bicycle show, live music, and food. Additionally, the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival offers professional theatrical productions, including an annual rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," enriching the city's cultural calendar.

Local Heritage & Roots

The origins of High Point trace back to before 1750, with early European settlers including English Quakers and German immigrants. The city was officially incorporated on May 26, 1859. Its strategic location and namesake come from being the "highest point" on the 1856 North Carolina Railroad line, connecting Charlotte and Goldsboro, where it intersected the 1852 Great Western Plank Road (now Main Street). This central position and robust transportation infrastructure were crucial to its early growth, facilitating the movement of raw materials like cotton and lumber, and the export of finished goods.

Before evolving into a major manufacturing center, tobacco, woodworking, and textiles were the predominant industries. The city's transformation into the "Furniture Capital of the World" began in earnest with the opening of the first furniture factory in 1888 or 1889, followed by the first furniture exposition in 1905. Parallel to this, the textile industry also thrived, with the first cotton mill, Willowbrook (later Empire Cotton and Plaid Mill), established in 1880. By 1923, High Point boasted 26 textile plants, highlighting its dual industrial strength. The establishment of High Point College in 1924, which later became High Point University, further marked its civic evolution. High Point also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, notably with the Woolworth's sit-ins in 1960.