Hickory, North Carolina has been named America's most affordable metro for the second consecutive year and ranks 25th in best places to live in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA's affordability is based on housing costs relative to income and the price of goods compared to national averages. Additionally, within North Carolina, Hickory is only outpaced by Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, ranking third.

Travel + Leisure highlighted Hickory Metro as one of the nation's most beautiful and affordable places. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, Hickory boasts hiking trails and Southern allure. With a median home price of $161,000, it's the U.S.'s most affordable spot. Besides attracting retirees, young families are drawn here, especially with its emerging reputation as a tech hub for companies like Google and Apple.

Best Life ranked Hickory, North Carolina, as the No. 2 off-the-radar winter destination in the U.S. for its festive allure. Hickory blends small-town charm with city amenities, particularly enchanting during the holidays with its lit-up town square, outdoor dining, and live music. Travel writer Meg St. Esprit highlighted its pleasant winter temperature, allowing shopping and hiking without heavy gear. She appreciated the nostalgic vibe from the central train tracks and recommended dining at the historic Olde Hickory Station restaurant.

In 2022, CNBC named North Carolina the Top State for Business in America, highlighting its strong economy and history of innovation. Consistently ranking high, NC secured second place last year and has often been in the top 10 since 2007. The CNBC study evaluates states on 10 competitiveness factors, including workforce, infrastructure, business costs, and innovation.

The Greater Hickory Metro is America's most affordable metro and is among the best places to live, says a U.S. News report. Evaluating the 150 largest metropolitan areas, the 2022-2023 rankings assessed value, desirability, job market, and quality of life. Hickory tops the list for affordability based on housing costs and ranks 31st in Best Places to Live in the U.S. It also stands as the 3rd Best Place to Live in North Carolina.

The Hickory MSA ranked No. 91 on the Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities Index. Hickory moved up 24 spots from the previous year's rankings.

In Realtor.com's December 2021 Market Hottness Report, the Hickory metro ranked No. 15 on the list of the nations hottest housing markets. The Realtor.com economic research team came up with its monthly ranking of the hottest U.S. markets for real estate by tracking the metropolitan areas where homes are selling the quickest and where the most potential buyers are clicking on property listings.

A SmartAsset study ranked Hickory, North Carolina as the second best place to retire in the state. The ranking considered factors like tax-friendliness, medical care, and social opportunities.