High Point, NC
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Landmarks and Attractions
- High Point's Culinary Scene
- Museums and Arts in High Point
- Sports and Recreation in High Point
- Universities and Education in High Point
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare in High Point
High Point, NC, is a major furniture industry hub known as North Carolina's International City. It hosts the world's largest home furnishings trade show and is home to High Point University.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: High Point, North Carolina .
- Administrative Role: High Point is a city in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. It is unique as the state's only city that extends into four counties: Guilford (where most of the city is located), Davidson, Forsyth, and Randolph .
- Country and Region: It is located in the state of North Carolina, USA. The city is a key part of the Piedmont Triad, a region formed by the three interconnected cities of High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem . This region is known as a major center for furniture, textile, and transportation manufacturing .
Historical Names and Nicknames
High Point is known by several nicknames that reflect its industrial heritage and global connections:
- Official Slogan: "North Carolina's International City" – This slogan stems from the semi-annual High Point Furniture Market, which draws over 100,000 exhibitors and buyers from around the globe .
- Industrial Nicknames: "Home Furnishings and Hosiery Capital of the World" – This title acknowledges its historical and ongoing dominance in furniture manufacturing and its past as a major textile producer .
- Modern Nicknames: Residents and visitors also affectionately call it "HP," "Hype Point," "The Pocket," or simply "The Point" .
Founding Date and Age
- Date of Incorporation: High Point was chartered as a town on May 26, 1859 .
- Age: The city is 167 years old as of 2026.
- Origin of the Name: The city was named after its location at the "highest point" along the new North Carolina Railroad line between Charlotte and Goldsboro, which was constructed in 1856 . The town was laid out on this site in 1853 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 35°59′28″N 79°59′37″W (35.991, -79.9937) .
- Physical Location: High Point is situated in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region, the plateau area between the Atlantic coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains . Parts of the city rise above 1,000 feet, making it one of the highest cities in the Piedmont .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 866 feet (264 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
High Point is a globally significant industrial and trade center, with a specialization in the home furnishings industry. Its economy is historically rooted in manufacturing:
- Furniture Capital: Since the 1880s, the city has been a leading center for furniture manufacturing, attracting factories due to the availability of hardwoods .
- High Point Market: Today, its most significant economic driver is the High Point Market, a massive home furnishings trade show held twice a year. This event transforms the city into a global hub for buyers and exhibitors .
- Diversified Industry: Beyond furniture, High Point has a history of textile and hosiery manufacturing and is home to Thomas Built Buses, a major manufacturer of school buses .
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 114,059, with an estimated 116,926 residents in 2023 .
- City Classification: High Point is the 9th most populous city in North Carolina and the 259th most populous in the United States. It is the third-largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area, which has a population of over 789,000 .
City's "Calling Card" (In Brief)
High Point is the undisputed capital of the home furnishings industry, a title it earns twice a year when the world's largest furniture market takes over the city. Beyond the Market, it's a dynamic Piedmont city with a unique four-county footprint and a rich industrial heritage.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
High Point experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters . Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
Average Temperatures
- Hottest Month: July, with average daily highs around 87-89°F (31-32°C) and lows near 70°F (21°C) .
- Coldest Month: January, with average daily highs near 49-52°F (9-11°C) and lows around 31-32°F (-0.2-0°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: The record high temperature is 106°F (41°C) , and the record low is -7°F (-22°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Rainfall: The city receives about 39-43 inches (990-1100 mm) of rain annually, spread relatively evenly throughout the year . July tends to be the wettest month .
- Average Snowfall: Average annual snowfall is around 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) , though this varies significantly from year to year .
- Humidity: Humidity is highest during the summer months, often making it feel muggy from late June through August .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): Temperatures warm up considerably, with highs ranging from the low 60s°F (16°C) in March to the high 70s°F (26°C) in May. This is a beautiful time for outdoor activities.
- Summer (June - August): Characterized by hot and humid weather. Daytime highs are consistently in the mid-to-upper 80s°F (around 30-32°C), with occasional spikes near 100°F (38°C) . Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (September - November): Similar to spring, with pleasant, warm days and cool nights. September sees highs near 80°F (27°C), cooling to the low 60s°F (16°C) by November. This is another excellent time to visit.
- Winter (December - February): Cool to cold, with average daytime highs in the low 50s°F (10-12°C) and nighttime lows often dropping to around freezing. While significant snowfall is not an annual occurrence, ice storms can occasionally impact the region .
Based on weather patterns, the best times to visit High Point for pleasant outdoor activities are from mid-May to late June and from mid-August to early October .
Transport
Main Airports
High Point is served by three major international airports, providing extensive connectivity :
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI): Located just 17 miles from downtown High Point in Greensboro, this is the closest and most convenient airport. It is served by Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): Situated 82 miles southwest of High Point in Charlotte, CLT is a major hub for American Airlines and offers a vast network of domestic and international flights served by 13 airlines.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): Located 82 miles east, midway between Raleigh and Durham, RDU offers another major gateway with service from 19 airlines, including many international carriers.
Major Highways
High Point is exceptionally well-connected by road, with twelve interstates and U.S. highways passing through the city. Key routes include Interstates 40, 74, 85, and 73, as well as U.S. Routes 29, 70, and 311 .
Rail Service
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to High Point. The Carolinian and the Piedmont lines connect the city to Charlotte, Raleigh, Richmond, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City .
Landmarks and Attractions
World's Largest Chest of Drawers
- Full Name: World's Largest Chest of Drawers .
- Description: This 38-foot-tall novelty architecture landmark is a whimsical tribute to High Point's identity as the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World." It resembles a giant Colonial-style highboy chest.
- Location: Located at 508 N. Hamilton Street. The "drawers" feature two 12-foot-long replicas of stockings hanging from the knobs, referencing the city's history as a hosiery production center.
High Point Museum and Historical Park
- Full Name: High Point Museum .
- Description: This museum showcases the rich history of the Piedmont region, with a particular focus on High Point's development from a Quaker settlement to a furniture titan. The adjacent Historical Park features several early American buildings, including a working blacksmith shop, a log house, and a one-room schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life .
Mendenhall Plantation
- Full Name: Mendenhall Plantation .
- Description: Located in nearby Jamestown, this restored plantation was settled in 1811 by Quakers, Richard and Jane Mendenhall. It is a powerful testament to the area's Quaker heritage and their anti-slavery stance. The site includes a barn with a false-bottom wagon, which was used to transport enslaved people on the Underground Railroad .
High Point University
- Full Name: High Point University .
- Description: Founded in 1924, this private Methodist-affiliated university is a prominent feature of the city . Its campus is known for its distinctive, resort-like atmosphere with beautiful architecture, manicured lawns, and impressive statues and fountains, making it a point of interest for visitors .
High Point's Culinary Scene
While High Point may be globally recognized as the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World," its culinary landscape is rooted in classic Southern comfort and bolstered by a new wave of innovative eateries. The city offers a blend of time-honored diners, family-friendly Italian spots, and a modern food hall that reflects the area's growth.
Carolina's Diner
No culinary tour of High Point is complete without a visit to Carolina's Diner, a beloved local institution. Located at 201 Eastchester Dr, this isn't a retro-themed reproduction; it's the real deal—a genuine American diner that has been serving the community for decades. Its distinctive purple exterior with stone accents makes it a memorable landmark .
Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. You're greeted by the sizzle of the grill, red and silver vinyl booths lining the windows, and a long counter with spinning stools where regulars have perched for years . Carolina's Diner is famous for its unwavering commitment to classic comfort food. The menu is extensive, but breakfast—served all day—is a cornerstone. The eggs are cooked to order, the hash browns achieve the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture, and the pancakes are enormous, golden discs of perfection . For lunch, the patty melt—a burger patty transformed with grilled onions, Swiss cheese, and rye bread—is a must-try, as is the towering club sandwich . No meal is complete without a slice of pie from the rotating selection in the glass case, or one of their famously thick milkshakes, served with the metal mixing cup on the side for an extra half-serving .
Sweet Old Bill’s
For a taste of classic Southern fare with a side of local charm, Sweet Old Bill’s at 1232 N. Main St. is a staple. This well-known eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with favorites like brisket nachos, barbecue, and St. Louis-style ribs . Diners can enjoy their meal on a cheerful patio or inside, where they might be treated to live music alongside their pulled pork plate. Sweet Old Bill’s is also a Certified Autism Center (CAC), reflecting High Point’s commitment to inclusive hospitality .
Stock + Grain Assembly
Reflecting the revitalization of downtown High Point is Stock + Grain Assembly, a modern food hall located at 275 N. Elm St. Overlooking Truist Point baseball stadium, Stock + Grain is a gathering place for the community . It features seven independently owned restaurants under one roof, offering an array of choices that cater to every palate. Patrons can enjoy everything from sushi burritos and poke bowls to brisket tacos, New York-style pizza, and creatively topped biscuits. The variety makes it an ideal spot for groups or families with picky eaters, as everyone can get exactly what they want and enjoy it together in the spacious indoor or outdoor seating areas .
Giannos
For Italian cuisine, locals and visitors alike flock to Giannos, located at 1124 Eastchester Drive. This locally owned restaurant has earned a reputation as the Triad’s "Best Italian Restaurant" for its authentic dishes and stone oven-roasted pizzas . The extensive menu features classic pasta dishes, seafood, and the option to build your own pasta creation. Their house pizzas, such as the Greek or meat lovers, are crowd-pleasers. As a Certified Autism Center, Giannos is known for its friendly staff and welcoming environment for families .
Biscuit Factory and Black Powder Smokehouse
No visit to North Carolina is complete without barbecue and biscuits. For a classic Southern breakfast, the Biscuit Factory at 2103 Kirkwood St. is a local favorite, serving up breakfast staples that the whole family will love . A short venture to neighboring Jamestown brings you to Black Powder Smokehouse at 302 E. Main St. This artisan-style barbecue joint is renowned for its smoked brisket and a standout side: smoked gouda mac and cheese, which elevates this comfort food classic .
Museums and Arts in High Point
High Point offers a variety of cultural experiences, from interactive children's museums to galleries showcasing local and regional artists. The city has also made significant strides in accessibility, with many venues designated as Certified Autism Centers.
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum
Named North Carolina’s 2022 Attraction of the Year, the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum at 200 Qubein Ave. is a premier destination for families . This two-story, award-winning museum is a Certified Autism Center (CAC) and offers a wealth of hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity and learning. Children can test their courage on the multi-level Courage Climber, explore science and art in the STEAM Lab, and take a spin on the museum's whimsical double-decker carousel. Outside, the Adventure Zone invites kids to dig for fossils and learn about pollinators in the garden. The museum provides sensory guides, fidgets, and noise-reducing headphones at the admissions desk to ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors .
High Point Museum
For a deeper understanding of the city's past, the High Point Museum at 1859 E. Lexington Ave. is the place to go. This museum, also a Certified Autism Center, explores the local history, including High Point's rise as a furniture powerhouse . The museum brings history to life with engaging exhibits and hosts free hands-on activities each month. Visitors might catch a blacksmithing demonstration, try their hand at making bread and butter, or participate in other period-specific crafts. The museum also offers designated quiet spaces both indoors and outdoors for guests who may need a sensory break during their visit .
The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards
Located in the creative hub of Congdon Yards at 400 W. English Drive, The Art Gallery (TAG) is High Point’s premier destination for visual arts . As a Certified Autism Center, TAG is dedicated to connecting people with art . The gallery presents a dynamic schedule of 16-20 exhibitions per year, featuring both solo and group shows by local and regional artists. Admission to the gallery is free, making art accessible to everyone. TAG is also deeply involved in the community through programs like ArtSmart, an after-school art initiative, and Art for Health, which integrates art into health education for children .
Distractions Art Studio
For those who prefer to create their own art, Distractions Art Studio at 2762 NC 68 Suite 107 offers a hands-on experience. As a Certified Autism Center, it provides a welcoming space where visitors can paint their own unique souvenirs . Guests can choose from a variety of canvases, boards, or pottery pieces and let their creativity flow with guidance from the friendly staff, making it a perfect activity for all ages and skill levels .
World's Largest Chest of Drawers
A truly unique and quirky landmark, the World's Largest Chest of Drawers pays homage to High Point's identity as the furniture capital. Located downtown on North Hamilton Street, this 32-foot-high structure is a whimsical tribute to the industry that put the city on the map. The giant chest even features a pair of oversized socks dangling from one of its drawers, adding to its charm and making it a popular spot for a memorable selfie .
Sports and Recreation in High Point
High Point offers a diverse sports scene, ranging from minor league baseball and professional soccer to community recreation and easy access to major college athletics. The city is equipped with facilities for both spectators and active participants.
Truist Point: Home of the High Point Rockers and Carolina Core FC
The heart of High Point's professional sports scene is Truist Point stadium, located downtown at 275 N. Elm St. adjacent to the Stock + Grain food hall . This classic downtown ballpark offers excellent city views and is a Certified Autism Center (CAC), ensuring a welcoming environment for all fans . Truist Point is the home field for two professional teams:
- High Point Rockers: This minor league baseball team brings exciting, family-friendly entertainment to the city.
- Carolina Core FC: A professional soccer team that plays in the MLS NEXT Pro league. The team played its inaugural season in 2024, adding a new level of professional soccer excitement to the region .
A.J. Simeon Stadium
For those interested in high school sports and local football history, A.J. Simeon Stadium at 2930 School Park Rd. is a significant venue. With a seating capacity of 10,000, it is the largest stadium in High Point . It hosts American football and soccer games for local high schools, including High Point Central High School and T. Wingate Andrews High School. The stadium has a rich history, having been home to the Carolina Dynamo of the USL Premier Development League and currently hosting the Carolina Phoenix of the Independent Women's Football League. Notably, the United States national soccer team has also played matches at this stadium .
College and Professional Sports Access
While High Point has its own teams, it is also strategically located in the Piedmont Triad, offering easy access to a wide array of college and professional sports .
- High Point University Panthers: Residents can cheer on the HPU Panthers, who compete in NCAA Division I sports .
- Nearby Major Programs: The city is within a 90-minute drive of the prestigious college programs of the Duke Blue Devils, NC State Wolfpack, and UNC Tar Heels. The ACC basketball tournaments are held at the nearby Greensboro Coliseum Complex .
- Pro Sports Hubs: Charlotte, a 90-minute drive southwest, is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Raleigh, a 90-minute drive east, hosts the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes .
- Minor League Baseball: The immediate area is also rich with minor league baseball, with teams like the Greensboro Grasshoppers and Winston-Salem Warthogs nearby .
Golf
Golfers will find High Point to be an excellent base. The city itself has four golf courses, including the Pete Dye-designed Oak Hollow . Within the immediate area, there are over 50 more courses. The prestigious Wyndham Championship, a PGA Tour event, is held annually at Sedgefield Country Club in neighboring Greensboro. For a world-class golf getaway, the famous Pinehurst resort, a frequent host of the U.S. Open, is just a 70-mile drive away .
Community Recreation and Q’s Corner
High Point offers ample opportunities for community recreation. The 4.9-mile High Point Greenway connects four city parks, providing a perfect path for walking and biking . High Point City Lake Park is a summer hotspot with a marina for boat rentals, miniature golf, a pool, water slides, and a lazy river .
For indoor, active play, Q’s Corner at 1800 N. Main St. is a standout. This "judgment-free" indoor play gym is a Certified Autism Center designed for kids of all abilities. It features a main gym with a ball pit and trampoline, as well as state-of-the-art multi-sensory and soft playrooms, ensuring an unforgettable day of fun and exploration for every child .
Universities and Education in High Point
High Point has a strong commitment to education, anchored by a nationally recognized university and supported by a network of community colleges and schools.
High Point University (HPU)
High Point University is the city's most prominent educational institution and a significant contributor to its identity. Located in the heart of High Point, HPU has garnered national attention for its focus on experiential education and career preparation. According to the City of High Point, U.S. News and World Report has ranked High Point University at No. 1 among Regional Colleges in the South. Forbes.com has ranked HPU in the top 7 percent among "America's Best Colleges," and Parade Magazine has listed it among the top 25 private schools in the nation .
The university offers a comprehensive curriculum with over 50 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors, and 14 graduate degree programs. Its beautiful campus and growing athletic programs, including the NCAA Division I High Point Panthers, make it a vibrant part of the community . HPU is one of 18 colleges and universities within a 25-mile radius of downtown High Point, underscoring the region's rich educational landscape .
Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC)
For workforce development and continuing education, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) plays a vital role. GTCC has a campus in downtown High Point, serving as a satellite to its main campus in nearby Jamestown. GTCC is recognized for being at the forefront of workforce education, fine-tuning its course offerings and customizing classes to meet the specific needs of High Point citizens and local businesses .
Public and Private Schools
High Point’s geographic location means it lies within four different counties—Guilford, Davidson, Forsyth, and Randolph—each with its own public school system, offering a variety of K-12 options, including magnet and career pathway programs . In addition, the city is served by nine accredited private day schools, providing a range of learning environments from college preparatory curriculums to special needs education .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare in High Point
High Point is served by a major regional hospital that provides comprehensive medical care to the community and the wider Piedmont Triad area.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | High Point Medical Center
The primary medical facility in the city is the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | High Point Medical Center, located at 601 N. Elm St. This hospital has a long history of serving the community, dating back to 1904 . It is a more than 380-bed medical and surgical facility, featuring all private patient rooms .
The medical center is a comprehensive health system with a medical staff of over 250 physicians representing more than 30 medical specialties. Key services provided include emergency care, neuroscience, women's health, and a full range of surgical services. Primary and specialty care practices are located within the hospital, covering areas such as dermatology, oncology, pediatrics, and psychiatry, making it a central hub for healthcare in the region .
A Special Blend
Highlighting High Point's commitment to community and inclusivity, A Special Blend is a local coffee shop with a profound mission. Located at 504 N. Main St. and designated as a Certified Autism Center, its purpose is to enhance and improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment and skills training . It’s a beloved local spot for an afternoon pick-me-up that also makes a positive social impact.