Making a Home in Greensboro

Because of its status as a popular train destination in the 1800s, Greensboro was nicknamed the "Gate City."

Blending an urban landscape with small-town charm, Greensboro offers residents distinctive living amid an area rich in history. As the third-largest city in North Carolina, Greensboro is also the largest in the Piedmont Triad with a population of about 230,000.

Founded in 1808 as the county seat of Guilford County, Greensboro was named after Gen. Nathaniel Greene who fought the British in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse during the Revolutionary War. Today, 28 monuments commemorate the battle at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

In 1828, Henry Humphreys established the first steam-powered cotton mill in North Carolina. Within five years, 75 looms were in operation and, like many other cities in the Piedmont, Greensboro flourished with the textile industry.

Because of its status as a popular train destination in the 1800s, Greensboro was nicknamed the "Gate City." Staying true to its roots, the former Southern Railway passenger train station has recently been renovated and renamed the J. Douglas Galyon Depot. It is the largest train station in the state.

Greensboro also has historical connections to the civil rights move­ ment of the 1960s. On February 1, 1960, four black college students refused to leave FW. Woolworth's "whites only" lunch counter until they were served. The former site of Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro is currently being developed into the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which will feature perma­nent and changing exhibits that cover the historical sit-in along with other landmark events of the 1960s.

Greensboro maintains its "Gate City" title with its prime location on interstates 40 and 85 as well as the new interstates 74 and 73. A little over an hour from Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area, Greensboro is also centrally located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic coast.

Greensboro is also the site of the future FedEx Mid-Atlantic Hub at the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which will bring 1,500 jobs to the area and pump $300 million into the economy over a 10­ year period. The hub is slated to open by 2009.

Due to its low cost of living and mild climate, Greensboro attracts thousands of new residents every year. In the 1990s, Greensboro grew from 183,000 residents to 223,000. The average cost of a single­ family home in Greensboro is $181,166.

Older, established neighborhoods close to downtown have seen a renewal in recent years due to the renovation of older homes and increased amenities in living On the south side of downtown, the aptly named Southside neighborhood has been transformed into an urban village with renovated 19th century homes and newer multi-family construction, including live-work units. Near Greensboro College, College Hill is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with turn-of-the century homes. Named after the park at the neighborhood's center, Fisher Park includes homes built between 1915 and 1930. Westerwood, located northwest of down­ town, is known for its tree-lined streets, cozy bungalows and front porches.

North of downtown, Old Irving Park is a neighborhood characterized by huge, stately mansions. The neighborhood is complemented by New Irving Park, a newer expansion with large, two-story homes and spacious lots.

The Noles at Irving Park is a new development named after John Nolan, the original landscape architect of Old Irving Park. Composed of 86 homesites and 59 condominiums, The Noles at Irving Park borders New Irving Park. Custom homes are priced from the $600s.

In recent years, Greensboro has seen significant growth as new communities emerge in more suburban locales. In southwest Greensboro, Adams Farm offers newer, family neighborhoods with good schools and affordably priced houses.

The elegant, 1,500 acre development of Grandover features homes, townhomes, condominiums and estates, and boasts of resort living along its prestigious golf courses. North of Greensboro, the Lake Jeanette area is more highly priced with lakefront properties on cul-de-sacs and minimal traffic. Other more expensive suburban neighborhoods include Sedgefield and Jefferson Wood.

Also, the emergence of new bars, shops and restaurants downtown are drawing young professionals back to urban living. Governor's Court on Church Street and Friendly Avenue is a 36-unit condominium development that merges contemporary living with an old "main street" design. Another urban development, Smothers Place Lofts on South Elm Street, includes 60 condominiums. Bellemeade Village is a residential development with retail on the street level. Similar projects continue to modernize residential developments in downtown Greensboro.

The Wendover 1-40 corridor has been the site of a number of commercial real estate ventures, and East Market Street in downtown Greensboro has seen signifi­cant revitalization including the expansion of North Carolina A& T as well as the Dudley-Lee Shopping Center.

Greensboro is home to a variety of shopping centers that draw visitors from across the region. Friendly Center, a 7S-acre open village shopping center in northwest Greensboro, is home to more than 95 stores, including three department stores.

Four Seasons Town Centre, off, of 1-40 offers 1.3 million square feet of shopping including The Gap, J. Crew and Ann Taylor.

Known for their antiques, the shops on Elm Street offer alternatives to mall shop­ping in downtown Greensboro.

Looking for fresh produce? The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market down-
town is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country.

In addition to shopping, residents can enjoy local sporting events and musi-
cal performances at the Greensboro Coliseum, including the ACC Basketball Tournament in March. Part of a thriving arts community, the city is also home to the Carolina Theatre, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Greensboro Opera Company. The Eastern Music Festival, an internationally known classical music event, is held every summer on the campus of Guilford College.

The Greensboro Sportsplex is operated by Greensboro Park and Recreation. The 106,000-square-foot facility houses hockey, basketball, and volleyball and soccer leagues and also hosts national and regional sporting events.

Remaining "green" in spite of the new developments, Greensboro offers 170 parks that cover 3,500 acres and more than 65 miles of hiking, biking and jog­ging trails.

Bicentennial Greenway offers two miles of trails in Greensboro. Once an
eight-mile segment is completed, it will connect to another seven-mile trail in High Point. In 2003, Greensboro opened Bark Park at Country Park, an off-leash park for dogs and their owners. Country Park is adjacent to Guilford Courthouse National Park, which marks the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a significant Revolutionary War battle.

Making a Home in Winston Salem
Once the largest city in North Carolina, Winston-Salem has evolved from a tobacco giant to an economic center of medical and technological innovation. Named as one of the top ten most livable mid-sized cities by Partners for Livable Communities, Winston-Salem blends a thriving business sector with an excellent quality of life.

In 1753, a group of Moravians established a 100,000-acre reli­gious colony in Forsyth County. They called the land "Wachovia" after an Austrian count who sympathized with them, and founded the towns of Bethabara, Bethania and Salem.

The area experienced an economic boom in the late 1800s with the industries of R.J. Reynolds tobacco and P.H. Hanes knitwear, making Winston the most populous city in the state.

In 1913, the cities of Winston and Salem were merged, and today the twin city is the fifth largest in North Carolina with more than 195,000 residents.

The city has seen tremendous development in recent years, in part due to the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, an organization dedicated to strengthening the city's core by bringing business, housing, dining and entertainment options into downtown Winston-Salem.

Perhaps the most influential aspect of downtown revitalization is the Piedmont Triad Research Park, a venture of academic, public and private sectors in Winston-Salem for life science and information technology research. Anchored by the campus of Wake Forest University Health Sciences, the park will eventually cover 220 acres in downtown Winston­ Salem and house 30,000 employees.

Residential development has followed the surge in downtown employment opportunities and amenities. Mixed-use developments that combine commercial and residential space include West End Village, which will connect Winston­ Salem's downtown business district to the West End, and Southeast Gateway on South Marshall Street.

Winston-Salem is also seeing increased development in its outer areas. Waterford Village in suburban Clemmons features houses in the $200s, and Stratford Crossing, located off Stratford Road in Winston-Salem, includes homes ranging from $85,000 to $110,000. Ten minutes north of Winston-Salem is Long Creek Village. Offering both single-fam­ily homes and townhomes, Long Creek Village includes a bike path, an abundance of trees and homes along the Long Creek Golf Course. Prices in Long Creek Village range from the $120s to more than $200,000.

With a diverse industrial base, Winston-Salem is the headquarters for BB&T Corporation, and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the top employer in the Triad.

The population of Winston-Salem is highly educated; half of its residents have attended college. Wake Forest University, one of the best
universities in the country and a pioneer in medical research, is located here. Other institutions of higher learning include Salem College, a liberal arts college for women established in 1772; Piedmont Baptist College, which focuses on biblical studies; Winston-Salem State University, ranked No. I among comprehensive public colleges in the South by U.S. News and World Report; and Forsyth Technical Community College, which offers courses at eight different locations throughout the county.

Winston-Salem is also quite generous, as it ranks No. I  in the nation for dona­tions to the United Way per capita and No. I for contributions to the arts. As a result, Winston-Salem is referred to as the "City of the Arts" because of its rich cultural offerings.

Helping to foster the arts community, the North Carolina School of the Arts is part of the state university system. The Winston-Salem Symphony and Piedmont Opera each perform a number of concerts and contribute to the musical education of the community. For those who appreciate visual art, the Sawtooth Center for Visual Art features 26,000 square feet of visual art displays including metals, ceramics and photog­raphy.

For those who love the outdoors, the city also offers 75 parks and 3,348 acres of park and recreational space. The city includes 16 miles of hiking and biking trails on six different greenways and expects to add 34 more miles of green­ way trails within the next 15 years.

Salem Lake covers 365 acres and is a popular spot for hikers and bicyclists. A seven-mile trail circles the lake and connects to the Salem Creek Trail into downtown.

Located 10 minutes west of Winston­ Salem in Clemmons, Tanglewood Park was donated to Forsyth County by Will Reynolds, brother of tobacco entrepre­neur R.J. Reynolds. With tennis courts, a swimming pool, horseback riding, paddle­ boats and playing fields, the park is also home to two championship golf courses.

Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Winston-Salem certainly has its share of outdoor adventures. Only about an hour north of Winston-Salem in Stokes County, Hanging Rock State Park includes a number of hiking trails, breathtaking views of the Piedmont from its cliffs and a cool mountain lake. Or you could canoe the Yadkin River at Pilot Mountain State Park, about an hour northwest of Winston-Salem. Visitors can camp on one of the islands on the river or at other sites within the park.

Making a Home in Highpoint
Internationally known as the "Furniture Capital of the World," High Point is an exciting place to be every April and October. That's when the city welcomes 80,000 visitors for the International Home Furnishings Market, an event that doubles the population of High Point and fills every hotel room in the Triad.

With a population of more than 91,000, High Point stretches across four counties: Guilford, Forsyth, Davidson and Randolph.

Settled by Quakers as well as German, Welsh and Scotch-Irish immigrants, High Point incorporated in 1859. Its name comes from being the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad line.

Because of the easy access to lumber and the prevalence of work­ers in the area, High Point quickly developed into an industrial hub for the manufacturing and retailing of furniture. In 1923, High Point annexed 6,000 new residents, making it the sixth-largest city in the state with more residents than Greensboro.

Times have changed, but High Point still manages to double its population twice a year.

During two weeks in April and October, the International Home Furnishings Market occupies showrooms throughout downtown High Point and fills 12 million square feet of space. Visitors from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world come to see the latest in furniture design and manufacturing. The market pumps more $1 billion into the economy each year and is the greatest single economic event in the state.

Throughout the year, High Point is home to more than 70 retail furniture outlets.

Additionally, the Piedmont Centre Office Park is a nucleus for business in High Point. The center has welcomed a number of new businesses and has seen significant expansion in recent years.

High Point offers affordable hous­ing prices as well as a diverse selection of real estate, ranging from farmhouse to Victorian-style homes. The city also includes numerous condominiums and townhomes to choose from.

With huge mansions on large lots, Emerywood is High Point's old
established neighborhood. Many homes date back to the 1930s, but some areas of Emerywood are much newer. Other well­ known neighborhoods include Heathgate, Cypress Pointe, Ashton Oaks and the more moderately priced  Blairwood. In north High Point, Oak Hollow Estates combines lakefront living with Oak Hollow Lake's natural surroundings.

Nearby, Oak Hollow Mall includes more than 100 specialty stores as well as a movie theater and five department stores: Belk, Dillard's, JCPenney, Sears and Goody's, Barnes & Noble, Pier 1 and Target stand along the perimeter of the mall.

Beyond its status as a furniture giant, High Point is also known for its cultural events. The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival is held each year at the High Point Theatre. The festival features two Shakespeare productions during September and October and "A Christmas Carol" each December. Serving to educate the community, the festival also conducts seminars with commentary on the plays by North Carolina scholars for patrons as well as for local schools. The festival seeks to make classical productions both accessible and entertaining for its audience.

Recognizing the area's rich history, the High Point Museum and Historical Park conducts costumed tours demonstrating colonial life in the Piedmont. The museum features permanent and changing exhibits that trace High Point's history from its roots to today. Part of the area's artistic past, jazz legend John Coltrane spent his childhood in High Point, where he learned to playa range of instruments before moving to Philadelphia.

A commemorative marker located near his boyhood home sits on the comer of Centennial Street and Commerce Avenue.

The Furniture Discovery Center in downtown is the only museum in the country dedicated to furniture design and manufacturing. Covering 8,000 square feet, the museum includes exhibits that teach visitors about furniture history, production, style and marketing. For the kids, the forest conservation area features Harvey Hardwood, a SOO-pound talking red oak tree.

If you'd rather spend your time outside, the Piedmont Environmental Center covers 376 acres and offers 11 miles of trails for hiking, biking and jogging. The center also serves to educate the public, conducting workshops and seminars for both adults and children. Additionally, Piedmont Environmental Center plans trips to a variety of natural landscapes including the Outer Banks, Belize and the Galapagos Islands.

On the shores of I,500-acre Oak Hollow Lake, the Oak Hollow Festival Park features scenic views in addition to various musical and boating events. The lake also includes a campground with a modern bathhouse and a pool, a tennis center, golf course and marina.

Residents can also enjoy City Lake, a 340-acre lake that offers boating, fishing and paddleboats. It also includes the largest outdoor swimming pool in the state.

Making a Home in Asheboro
Asheboro offers small-town living with close proximity to larger cities in the Triad.

From its lakes and rivers to the foothills of the Uwharrie Mountains, Asheboro offers small-town living with close proximity to larger cities in the Triad.

Once occupied by the Catawba Indians, Asheboro was settled in the 8th century by Quaker, German and Scotch-Irish pioneers.

Asheboro was established as the county seat of Randolph County in ] 796 and named after former governor Samuel Ashe. The expansion of the railroad in 1889 created a strong textile and furniture industry in Asheboro until other industries emerged during the 1950s and 1960s, diversifying the economy and contributing to its magnetism.

Today, Asheboro is home to industries such as Klaussner Furniture and Energizer Battery, which keep its economy strong and growing.

One of the most interesting Asheboro businesses is P & P Chair Company, established in 1926. In 1955, John F. Kennedy purchased a P & P rocking chair when he was still a Massachusetts senator. Today, the original Kennedy rocking chair is on permanent display at the Kennedy Memorial in Boston. The company continues to make the same model that Kennedy purchased 50 years ago.

Asheboro operates its own city schools, separate from those of Randolph County, and includes an early childhood development cen­ter, five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Randolph Community College enrolls about 2,000 students seeking college credit, associate's degrees or addi­tional training for employment. The school offers 30 different credit programs as well as non-credit coursework.

With 23,000 residents, including an increasing Hispanic population, Asheboro is attracting newcomers from urban areas. This is due in part to its low local tax rates as well as its natural surroundings.

Asheboro is based along the foothills of the Uwhanie Mountains, which con­ tain the highest uplift in eastern North Carolina. The volcanic landforms are considered by many to be the oldest land­ form in North America. The Uwharrie Mountains' 1,000-foot hills were once 20,000-foot peaks, but have been worn down over time.

Southwest of Asheboro, the Uwharrie National Forest is one of four national forests in the state, covering 50,000 acres in Montgomery, Randolph and Davidson counties. The forest offers endless rec­reational activities including hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking and camping in one of the forest's family campgrounds or at a primitive site. Kayakers and fishermen also can enjoy the Yadkin and Pee-Dee rivers, which flow through the forest.

Four major lakes in the area - Jordan, Tillery, Badin and High Rock - provide opportunities for a variety of water activi­ties including swimming, fishing, boating and waterskiing. Lake Lucas, once known as merely a fishing hole, has recently been renovated to include a playground, picnic shelter, walking trail and boat launch. The Deep and Little rivers also contribute to Asheboro's recreational appeal.

Its prime location along Interstate 73 and U.S. 64 provides an easy commute into urban areas of the Triad. The Asheboro Municipal Airport also serves the area.

The airport is the site of the North Carolina Aviation Museum, which has exhibits of warplanes from World War II through the Vietnam War. The museum also displays military uniforms and memorabilia.

The North Carolina Zoological Park ensures Asheboro's continued growth, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. The 500-acre zoo contains the largest natural-habitat zoo in the country:
a 37-acre African plains exhibit. Future plans indicate that the North Carolina Zoo will soon become one of the most prominent zoos in the nation.

Adding to Asheboro's family-oriented community, the Family Sports Center includes a bowling center, miniature golf, a game room and a snack bar. For those who love to shop, Randolph Mall features over 70 stores and is anchored by Belk, JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's and a movie theater.

Racing fans will enjoy the Caraway Speedway, which hosts a number
of races, and the American Classic Motorcycle Museum features antique and classic motorcycles, including a range of Harley-Davidsons.

Located south of Asheboro via 1-73, me town of Seagrove is home to more than 90 area potteries as well as the North Carolina Pottery Center, which features numerous pottery exhibits. Racing fans will enjoy the Richard Petty museum, located north of Asheboro along 1-73 in Randleman.

Attracting businesses and tourists and offering an increasing number of jobs, Asheboro is destined to become a major economic and tourist center in the years to come.

Making a Home in Burlington
Conveniently situated along 1-40/1-85, Burlington is an expanding community with access to both the Piedmont Triad and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle. In fact, as the Triad's growth moves east and the Triangle's growth moves west, Burlington is becoming a prime spot for new development.

As the largest city in Alamance County, Burlington is home to 47,000 residents and growing. With the recent influx of Hispanic immigrants, which make up 10 percent of the population, Burlington is becoming increasingly diverse.

Its proximity to urban areas as well as its own economic base has fueled a steady growth in recent years. New roads and expanded city services have successfully accommodated the growing community.

Established in 1893, Burlington began as a railroad repair center called Company Shops. Like other cities in the area, Burlington grew to be a center for textiles and a prominent mill village. One of its greatest industries was hosiery. In fact, at the turn of the century Burlington was known as the "Hosiery Center of the South." In the 1920s, Burlington Industries invested in
an innovative fabric called rayon, adding to the city's economic boom.

Today, LabCorp, specializing in medical testing, is the largest employer in Alamance County. Alamance Regional Medical Center, a state-of-the-art health-care facility that serves patients throughout the region, and Carolina Biological Supply are other leading businesses stationed in Burlington.

Capturing Burlington's past, the Alamance County Historical Museum is established on the 19th century house of textile pioneer Edwin Michael Holt. Paramount Theater, for­ merely known as The Grand, was built during Burlington's boomtown years in 1928. The art-deco theater avoided the citywide demolition of older buildings in 1973 and has since seen a number of renovations, making it an historical attraction. The 400-seat theater, which has a full stage and lobby, hosts touring companies and regional acts.

The Company Shops Depot, once the hub of activity in Burlington, was built in the mid-1800s. It was moved from the railroad tracks to its present site in 1978. Today, it plays host to special events, meetings and outdoor concerts.

Other historical sites include the Alamance Battleground, which marks a Revolutionary War battlefield, and Glencoe Mill Village, which recaptures industrial mill life of the 1800s. Homes in the village have recently been restored and sold to homebuyers in order to preserve the structures.

Bargain hunters can't resist stopping in at the Burlington Manufacturers Outlet Center which hosts a wide variety of outlet stores ranging from apparel to computers. B.M.O.C., as the locals call it, attracts visitors from
across the Southeast.

Located about a mile from down­town on South Church Street, Burlington City Park offers a 76-acre amusement park with a restored Dentzel Carousel that was built nearly 100 years ago. It is also the site of the Burlington Carousel Festival, which draws over 50,000 visitors each year, as well as a variety of special events throughout the year.

Residents can also catch a minor­ league baseball game. The Burlington Indians, a division of the Cleveland Indians, play at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Fairchild Park.

A number of lakes in the area also add to Burlington's charm. Lake Cammack, located north of Burlington, is a Y-shaped lake that is five miles long, covers800 acres and includes 50 miles of shoreline. Launching ramps on Lake Cammack offer opportunities for boating, fishing and skiing. A mile-long walking trail through the woods compliments the tranquil lake atmosphere.

In addition to paddleboats, fishing and boating, 1,1 02-acre Lake Mackintosh also includes a 67 -acre park that features beautiful views of the former stone quarry and a forest of hardwood trees.

A new development, Mackintosh on the Lake, offers five neighborhoods with single-family homes ranging from the $140s to over $1 million. Other high-end neighborhoods in Burlington include Somerton and Country Club Forest.

Indian Valley Golf Course on Haw River is an Ellis Maples design. The 18-hole, par-70 course is owned and operated by the City of Burlington.

Burlington also offers educational opportunities nearby. Alamance Community College in Graham offers associates degrees, diplomas and
certificates in business, health and public services, and industrial and graphic technologies. Elon University, a private school founded in 1887, is located just west of Burlington.

Making a Home in Scenic Towns
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, an array of smaller towns in the Triad offers a diverse blend of small-town living, afford­ ability and accessibility.

A bedroom community between Greensboro and High Point, Jamestown has a population of about 3,300. Established in 1816, Jamestown is the oldest town in Guilford County and maintains connections to its rich past through renovations of historical buildings. Home values in Jamestown average among the highest in the Triad.

Although it was settled in 1757, Pleasant Garden didn't incor­porate until 1997. The town of 4,800, located south of Greensboro, offers new subdivisions as well as 409-acre Hagan Stone Park with hiking trails, camping and a wildlife refuge.

Summerfield, founded in 1769 as Bruce's Crossroads, was divided by U. S. 220 until both sides incorporated in 1997. Located in north­ west Guilford County near Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, Summerfield offers residents peaceful country living. With about 7,300 residents, Summerfield is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.

Named for its location on a ridge covered with trees, Oak Ridge is a suburban expansion into northwest Guilford County With about 4,200 residents, the town has seen fast growth including a new shopping center and high-end real estate. It still holds on to a vestige of the past: the Old Mill of Guilford, a fully functional, 18th century grist mill.

Tucked in the corner of northwest Guilford County, Stokesdale
incorporated in 1907, but after going bankrupt during the Depression, lost its charter in 1971. The town re-incorporated in 1989 and has maintained its close-knit community in spite of the growth. With 3,400 residents, Stokesdale is largely rural and features a quaint main street lined with small shops.

Divided between Guilford and Alamance County, Gibsonville is an old mill town named after Joseph Gibson who built a railroad through the town. The town of about 4,600 features miniature train tracks down Main Street and Burke Manor Inn, a popular bed and breakfast. Several new subdivisions have been built on the Alamance County side of town.

The town of Elon developed around one of the best private colleges in the state, and so was named after it when it was founded in 1893. With 7,200 residents, this tranquil town includes plenty of economic develop­ment beyond the university.

Southeast of Burlington near 1-40, Graham has seen tremendous
expansion in recent years, and the city has developed streets and water and sewer lines to accommodate this growth. Graham's ideal position between the

Triad and the Triangle make it a prime location for commuters. This city of 13,800 also features a 19th century fire station, which is noted on the National Register of Historic Places.

Settled by Quakers and Methodists, Archdale has developed as a suburb of High Point across the line in Randolph County. With 9,400 residents, its greatest area of new development can be seen on the north side of town. Archdale shares a high school with Trinity, once the site of Trinity College before it moved to Durham and became Duke University in 1924.

North of Asheboro, Randleman is known as the birthplace of NASCAR driver Richard Petty. A museum and festival in August honor the racing legend. Randleman's hosiery industry helped establish it, but its location has made it even more attractive. The town of 4,000 has seen a housing boom on the northwest side of town.

East of Asheboro, Franklin and Ramseur offer quiet living in spite
of increased growth along U.S. 64. Liberty, the largest town in eastern Randolph County, is known for its night­ life which features live entertainment on the weekends.

Home to the biggest barbecue festival in the nation, Lexington welcomes crowds nearing 120,000 to its October feast, which includes arts, crafts and entertainment. This city of 21,000 has fostered a rebirth downtown that has made it an excellent place to walk and shop.

Also in Davidson County, Thomasville maintains its reputation as the "Chair City" because of its 30-foot chair downtown. The city of 26,000 sees an influx of shoppers, as it is a hub for manufac­turing, retail and wholesale furniture. Thomasville has witnessed its greatest development in the south where 1-85 passes through.

Once known as "Lucky City" after Lucky Strike cigarettes before the
factory closed in 1994, Reidsville is Rockingham County's second-largest city with about 14,800 residents. Part of its development includes a new technical and industrial park that is expected to span 700 acres when it is completed.

North of Reidsville, Eden earns its name from its lush foliage that reminded an early resident of the "Garden of Eden." Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Eden is just south of the Virginia border, and with 16,000 residents, it is the largest city in Rockingham County.

Making a Home in Kernersville
According to Business North Carolina Magazine, Kernersville ranks eighth in the state for doing business.

Known as the "Heart of the Triad," Kernersville is conveniently located between Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point in the geographic center of the Piedmont Triad. Along Interstate 40, Kernersville is in the eastern section of Forsyth County and is the sec­ond-largest municipality in the county.

In 1754, Irishman William Dobson built an inn at the corner of the present-day Mountain and Main streets. The inn attracted a number of visitors, including President George Washington in 1791. In 1817, the inn and the 1,000 acres surrounding it were sold to Joseph Kerner, whom the town was named after.

During the Civil War, Kernersville's leading industry was a tannery that made leather for the Confederacy, and in the late 1800s, the city's economy flourished with the growing tobacco industry.

Today, Kernersville's diverse economy includes the industries of textiles, furniture, metals and trucking. According to Business North Carolina Magazine, Kernersville ranks eighth in the state for doing business, and according to Entrepreneur Magazine is seventh in the nation for small businesses.

Just seven miles away from Piedmont Triad International Airport, Kernersville will benefit from the new FedEx Mid-Atlantic Hub, which will open within the next few years and will bring more than 1,500 jobs to the area.
Kernersville is one of the fastest-grow­ing municipalities in the state with more than 20,000 residents. That number is expected to double within the next 10 years. Its attraction lies in part to its close proximity to all three urban areas of the Triad. Low crime, excellent schools and a range of employment opportunities also characterize Kernersville.

Popular with commuters who are never far from the three major Triad cities, Kernersville also has its own economic base that draws "reverse commuters" from neighboring cities.

The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce has developed a long-range plan for this rapidly growing town called "Kernersville 2020." The plan addresses issues such as road improvements, making downtown Kernersville an active center, economic development and maintaining green space.

Real estate ranges from rural and wooded landscapes to highly manicured, suburban lawns. The area offers a variety of floor plans and is more affordable than larger cities in the Triad.

Kernersville families are active in the town's park and recreation sporting leagues and events. On the eastern edge of Kernersville, Triad Park features new playground equipment and rubberized surfacing, ball fields, picnic shelters, a volleyball complex and trails for walking or bicycling.

The 16-acre Fourth of July Park blends the old and the new with a restored historic one-room schoolhouse and a brand-new skate park. Civitan Park includes seven acres with a walking trail and picnic shelters. Harmon Park is the site of the annual Christmas tree lighting.

The planned Piedmont Greenway "we run from Salem Lake in Winston-Salem through downtown Kernersville into Guilford County. \t\Then completed, the greenway will extend 19 miles.

Kernersville is also home to an exceptional YMCA that includes a 65,000­ square-foot swimming facility that houses two swimming pools and features a 6,000-square-foot water park. Kernersville YMCA also has two indoor gymnasiums and state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Supported in part by the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, Kernersville Little Theatre stages dramatic performances all year long.

Kernersville most famous attraction is Korner's Folly, an architectural nov­elty built in 1880 for wealthy interior designer Jules Korner, the grandson of Joseph Kerner.

Composed of 22 rooms with varying ceiling heights, the house also includes handcrafted woodworking and murals. Noticing the house's eccentric design, a neighboring farmer said, "That will surely be Jules Korner's folly and the name stuck. Inside you'll also find Cupid's Park, the first private theater in America. Attracting spectators from across the state to see its narrow passageways and strange designs, Korner's Folly is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2005.

On the first Friday and Saturday in May, Kernersville celebrates Spring Folly a festival featming musical groups, entertainers, a carnival, car show, crafts and masses of food. Other festivals in Kernersville include a Fourth of July celebration, Honey Bee Festival, Halloween party downtown and a Christmas parade.