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From City Hustle to Hickory Harmony: Making a Smooth Transition

Katie Lamboglia • August 29, 2024

Moving from the fast-paced life of a big city to the charming, slower rhythm of Hickory, NC, is a significant shift, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Hickory offers a unique blend of small-town warmth with just enough modern conveniences to keep things comfortable. If you’re considering making the move, here’s how to ensure a smooth transition.


1. Secure and Reliable Transportation

In big cities, you might be used to hopping on a subway or catching a bus to get wherever you need to go. Hickory is different. Here, having a car is essential for your day-to-day life. Whether you’re heading to one of the local grocery stores or taking a scenic drive to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, a reliable vehicle is a must. Before you move, make sure your car is in good shape or consider investing in one that suits your new, more rural lifestyle. 


2. Decide on Living Inside or Outside City Limits

Hickory offers diverse living environments depending on your preferences. If you thrive on being close to amenities like shops, schools, and restaurants, living inside Hickory’s city limits might be the best choice for you. The neighborhoods here are well-maintained, and you’ll find everything from charming historic homes to more modern builds.


On the other hand, if you’re craving space, privacy, and a closer connection to nature, consider living outside the city limits. You’ll find larger plots of land, quieter surroundings, and a slower pace of life. It’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the noise of city living and enjoy some peace and quiet.


3. Prepare for Friendly Locals

One of the most charming aspects of Hickory is its residents. Don’t be surprised if your new neighbors greet you with a warm smile and genuine interest in what brought you to town. Hickory’s small-town charm is alive and well, with a community that is both welcoming and tight-knit. Embrace this friendliness—engage in conversations, attend local events, and soon, you’ll find yourself making connections that could turn into lasting friendships.


4. Line Up Employment Before You Move

Before packing your bags, it’s crucial to have your job situation sorted. Hickory has a range of employment opportunities, but it’s not as extensive as what you might find in a larger city. Whether you’re transferring within your current company, starting a new job, or planning to work remotely, having this lined up will make your move less stressful. Hickory is a growing hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and education, so explore these industries if you’re looking for local opportunities.


5. Familiarize Yourself with Local Essentials

To ease your transition, familiarize yourself with Hickory’s essential services before you move. Know where the nearest grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and utility providers are located. Getting your utilities set up ahead of time will ensure a seamless move-in day. Additionally, explore the local schools if you have children, and find out about the nearest parks and recreation areas to start enjoying the natural beauty of the area.


6. Plan for a Gradual Adjustment

Adjusting to Hickory’s slower pace might take some time, especially if you’re used to the constant hustle of city life. Give yourself the space to ease into this new rhythm. Start by exploring local parks, which offer beautiful settings for a peaceful walk or a family picnic. Get involved in community events—Hickory hosts a variety of gatherings, from farmers’ markets to music festivals, that can help you feel more connected to your new home.



The transition from a big city to Hickory, NC, is an opportunity to embrace a different, perhaps more fulfilling lifestyle. With the right preparation and an open mind, you’ll find that the charm and warmth of Hickory make it a wonderful place to call home.


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We are thrilled to share some exciting news! True North Realty is now a member of not one, not two, but THREE MLS (Multiple Listing Service) systems: Canopy MLS, Triad MLS, and High Country MLS . This milestone is a major win for our clients and agents, broadening the scope of areas we can cover and enhancing the service and support we provide. Counties Now Covered:  By being part of these three MLS services, we have expanded our reach across several counties, including: Catawba Caldwell Alexander Lincoln Iredell Burke Mecklenburg Gaston Wilkes …and many more! This comprehensive coverage means that our buyers and sellers can now access more options than ever before when it comes to finding or marketing their home. Why This is Amazing for You: 1. Expanded Reach: Our ability to list properties across Canopy MLS, Triad MLS, and High Country MLS means our sellers' listings can be seen by more buyers across different regions. This increased exposure can lead to quicker sales and better prices for your properties. 2. Greater Access for Buyers: As a buyer, you'll have access to an even larger pool of properties to choose from, spanning diverse areas served by these MLS services. Whether you're looking for a charming home in a rural area, a spacious property by the lake, or a convenient city townhouse, our expanded MLS memberships have you covered. 3. Local Expertise Combined with Broader Access: True North Realty agents have always prided themselves on their local expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to serving you with excellence. Our membership across Canopy, Triad, and High Country MLS systems extends that same exceptional service while offering more choices, a larger network, and unmatched market insights. 4. Seamless Transactions: Our commitment to providing a seamless transaction process is now stronger than ever. With more comprehensive market data, up-to-date listing information, and access to additional tools and resources through these three MLS systems, our agents can better guide you through every step of your real estate journey. At True North Realty, we believe in continuously raising the bar for our clients. Our membership with Canopy MLS, Triad MLS, and High Country MLS underscores our commitment to providing the most value, opportunity, and exceptional service for all your real estate needs. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, we have the connections and resources to make your dreams a reality. Ready to explore the new possibilities? Contact us today and let’s make your real estate goals come to life!
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