Located in the heart of northwest High Point, the Hickswood neighborhood is more than just a patch of quiet streets and welcoming homes—it is a community with roots that trace back through generations of local history. For those lucky enough to call Hickswood home, or for visitors keen to uncover hidden gems in High Point, this neighborhood tells a story of transformation, connection, and pride.
The Origins of Hickswood: A Story Carved From the Land
The name “Hickswood” blends both heritage and geography. The story begins with the Hicks family, early landowners in the region whose sprawling farms and woodlots once covered much of what is now neighborhood streets and homesites. Carved from a patchwork of family properties and adjoining woodlands, the area became affectionately known as “Hicks’ Woods” before evolving into “Hickswood.” This close tie to the land and to the families that tilled it infuses the area with a sense of belonging and stewardship that persists to this day.
By the mid-20th century, as High Point experienced post-war growth, the Hickswood area began to transition from rural farmland to a suburban enclave. The first clusters of brick ranch homes and quietly curving streets—such as Hickswood Road and Barrow Road—marked the earliest formal development. Old-timers still recall when fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and the once-rural roadways served as routes for farmers hauling produce into the city.
Key Historical Milestones
Hickswood’s journey can be traced through several milestones that stand out in local memory:
- 1950s-1960s Suburban Expansion: As High Point’s furniture industry boomed, demand for family-friendly, accessible neighborhoods soared. Developers saw Hickswood’s promise. The first schools and small churches took shape, and modest shopping centers popped up along neighboring Sandy Ridge Road and Hickswood Road.
- Establishment of Area Schools: The founding of Southwest Guilford High School in 1979, just outside Hickswood’s southern boundary, created both a community anchor and a pipeline for local sports, arts, and education pride. Many Hickswood teens have walked or biked to class, building the school’s legacy.
- Growth of Parks and Recreation: The development of nearby Johnson Street Sports Complex and Gibson Park provided green spaces for families to gather, children to play, and weekend warriors to compete. These anchors gave generations of Hickswood residents a place to unwind and connect.
Notable Landmarks and Community Treasures
Hickswood might not be brimming with grand monuments, but part of its magic is found in the everyday landmarks that locals cherish:
- Hickswood Baptist Church: Perched on Hickswood Road, this church first opened its doors in 1968. Over decades, it has witnessed countless milestones—weddings, baptisms, community celebrations, and charity drives—all echoes of the neighborhood’s spirit of fellowship.
- Barrow Road and Hickswood Road: These main arteries weave the neighborhood together. Strolling these streets, you’ll see a blend of classic midcentury homes, lovingly maintained lawns, and mature trees, reminders of the woodlots that once blanketed the area.
- The Old Hicks Family Homestead: While few original structures survive, stories of the old farm still circulate, shared by longtime residents at block parties and over coffee. It is said that remnants of a hand-built barn still stand, tucked behind one of the newer homes—a quiet testament to Hickswood’s agrarian beginnings.
- Proximity to Gibson Park: Just a short drive away, this sprawling recreational area offers trails, disc golf, and picnic shelters. For decades, Hickswood families have celebrated birthdays and reunions here, further stitching the neighborhood together.
Evolution Through the Decades
Hickswood’s character has been gently shaped by the decades. In the 1980s and ‘90s, as High Point’s population became more diverse, so too did the faces and voices of Hickswood. Newer homes sprang up on previously wooded lots. Small businesses—the corner gas station, a local bakery—came and went, but a strong sense of neighborliness endured.
Through economic ups and downs, the neighborhood persevered. When larger chain stores opened along Westchester Drive and Main Street, Hickswood residents adapted, balancing the convenience of modern commerce with the quiet charm of their tree-lined streets. Today, the neighborhood is a tapestry of ages, backgrounds, and stories, united by a shared love for their pocket of High Point.
Pride in Community and Looking Toward the Future
What keeps Hickswood unique—and dear to its residents—is the gentle rhythm of life here. On any given afternoon, you might see:
- Neighbors chatting on front porches
- Children racing bikes down safe, quiet roads like Timberlake Drive
- Gardeners tending roses and azaleas that have been blooming for decades
- The annual block party, where old-timers swap tales with newcomers over homemade barbecue
Hickswood’s legacy is one of resilience and warmth—a living bridge from High Point’s past to its future. While development and change are inevitable, the community’s commitment to preserving a neighborly spirit remains unshakeable.
Whether you are new to High Point or have lived here all your life, a visit or stroll through Hickswood offers more than just a glimpse into local history—it offers a window into what makes a neighborhood truly special: roots, pride, and a welcoming embrace.