A Uniquely Rich Quality of Life Awaits in Caldwell County, NC

When people visit Caldwell County, NC, or when residents pause to reflect, a common realization occurs: 

This place has it all!

Few areas in the United States offer such a unique combination of natural beauty, welcoming communities, and an affordable cost of living.

Caldwell County’s economy is impactful regionally and internationally, featuring over 50 industries, such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and biopharmaceuticals. With its strong economic landscape, cost-friendliness and a wealth of fun things to do, Caldwell County is the perfect environment to live and work.

Affordable, Quality Living Awaits

Cost of living is understandably at the forefront of most major decisions in life, particularly where to live. Caldwell County’s uncommon affordability stretches residents’ dollars, making its communities especially attractive. For example, the median home cost in Lenoir, the county seat of Caldwell County, is less than half that in Charlotte. Caldwell County’s cost of living also ranks 9% lower than the rest of North Carolina and over 17% lower than the U.S. average.   

Stunning Location

Caldwell County is situated at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Catawba Valley, serving as a springboard to all of nature’s delights in the area. An ideal location for white water rafting and kayaking, with close to 20 creeks, lakes and rivers, hunting, fishing and camping are also popular local recreational activities. Several resorts in the area allow for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing in the winter. Stunning hikes and sights are at Grandfather Mountain and Pisgah National Forest. While a significant virtue of Caldwell County is its role as a stepping stone to the great outdoors, major metropolitan centers such as Charlotte, Asheville and Winston-Salem are all under a 90-minute drive away.

Arts and Culture

A wide array of cultural options, like museums, galleries, live music, dance and theatrical productions, plus community fairs and festivals, present numerous enriching itineraries to choose from in Caldwell County. Strolling through the botanical gardens and nature sanctuary of Lenoir’s Broyhill Walking Park is a delightful way to spend the day. Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum is located in a home dating to the 1790s and offers a rich overview of local history. Caldwell Heritage Museum provides a chronological history of Caldwell County from the pre-Revolution days until the present. 

Finally, the Chapel of Rest Preservation Society puts on peaceful concerts in the spring and fall while providing breathtaking views of North Carolina’s Happy Valley.

Caldwell County also has strong ties to professional and amateur sculpting, as Lenoir has hosted an annual Sculpture Celebration festival, free to the public, every September since 1985. Other local sculptures can be further appreciated at the Western Carolina Sculpture Center outside Lenoir. 

Distinctive Local Eating and Shopping

The unique charm of Lenoir, Granite Falls, Hudson and Sawmills delivers an abundance of dining, drinking and shopping options. Some of the best furniture shopping in the country is found between Lenoir and Hickory, while farmers markets, boutiques, antiques and shops are sprinkled throughout Caldwell County. Be sure to refer to the Caldwell County NC Foothills Itinerary for guidance on best sampling the diverse culinary scene, featuring Southern BBQ, Mexican, Cuban, Italian and El Salvadorean cuisines.

Great Place to Work Too!

Still a hub for furniture manufacturing, Caldwell County has undergone an economic metamorphosis over the last 15 years, diversifying its key industries. Data centers and emerging technologies are additional industries with a strong presence in Caldwell County, which boasts a labor pool of over 172,000.

Caldwell County is proud to feature a tradition of helping workers develop the skills they need to foster well-paying careers with local signature companies. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute works closely with local manufacturers to meet workforce demand, offering customized programs tailored to a company’s specific training requirements. Caldwell County invests heavily in its more than 10,000 public middle and high school students, aligning programs and opportunities with local workforce needs.

A Great Place to Live

Caldwell County is proud to possess the ingredients for a quality, enriched life in our picturesque communities. For more information or questions, contact Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED).