High Point North Carolina Community Information
High Point is a thriving city of more than 110,000 residents located in the Piedmont Triad Region. Small by some metro standards, but the globally connected city is known as the “International City and Home Furnishings Capital of the World.” High Point is bordered by the city of Greensboro to the north, Jamestown to the northeast, and Archdale to the southeast. The city has a total area of 55.4 square miles. Most of the city is located in Guilford County, with portions spilling into neighboring Randolph, Davidson, and Forsyth Counties. High Point is North Carolina’s only city that extends into four counties.
History of High Point North Carolina – Quakers and German immigrants were among the first Europeans to settle in Guilford County. High Point was named because of its location at the highest point of the 1856 North Carolina railroad between Charlotte and Goldsboro, where it intersected the 1852 Great Western Plank Road. This central location and transportation allowed for the delivery of raw materials like cotton and lumber and processed goods in and out of the city contributed to its early growth. Before it became a major manufacturing center, the most important industries were tobacco, woodworking and textiles. The city incorporated in 1859. High Point was an early center for the development of the furniture industry in the South and the first furniture factory opened here in 1889. The furniture industry and developing textile manufacturing set the pace for the two 20th century growth booms in High Point. Throughout the end of the 20th century, North Carolina continued to lead the nation in the production of both upholstered and wooden household furniture.
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When the furniture companies started outsourcing the manufacturing operations outside of the United States, High Point diversified its economy and became a center for distribution and logistics, customer service, banking, manufacturing, photography and pharmaceuticals. The High Point Market known as the The International Home Furnishings Market remains a centerpiece of the city’s economy and its most recognized industry. Its bi-annual trade show held in April and October each year is the largest furniture and furnishings industry event in the world. Approximately 12,000,000 square feet of showroom space is used by 2300 exhibitors, in 188 separate buildings. Over 100 counties are represented through both vendors and visitors. More than 75 internationally headquartered companies have year round facilities in High Point. The furniture industries contribute 8.94 billion to the North Carolina economy.
Quality of Life in High Point – There is no better choice for a hometown if your priorities include friendly neighborhoods with a wide choice of housing types and price points. There are exceptional recreation facilities, art, cultural and historical programs. High Point residents can enjoy outdoor activities and sports with lakes, recreation centers and golf courses, along with 40 parks. Water enthusiast gravitate to High Point City Lake Park and Oak Hollow Marina, and sailing enthusiasts get on the water with the Old Hollow Sailing Club from March until November. History and Art are also part of the town fabric. Permanent and changing exhibits are on display at the High Point Museum.
Higher Education – Also important to the city’s economy is High Point University. The university is a private institution founded in 1924 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school takes up 380 acres and has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,208. U.S. News and World Report ranked High Point University #1 Best Regional College in the South and #1 as Most Innovative College in the South. The university has invested 980 million in expansion and upgrades on its campus over the past 8 years. A planned pharmacy school could constitute up to a $100 million investment.
