Kenworth Hall

Pros

• The building is beautiful, well-designed, and well cared for.
• It feels safe thanks to secure key card access, with maintenance that is prompt and thorough.
• All utilities included make the units affordable and easy to budget.
• The management team is professional, friendly, and genuinely cares about residents.
• The apartments are completely modernized with appliances, amenities, and key card access.
• The property is great for college students and small families and is conveniently located in Hickory.
• The maintenance crew is very nice, and the management is polite.
• The renovated units offer great value, with granite countertops, tile showers, and modern finishes.
• The building preserves historic architecture with inviting entry and marble flooring.
• The on-site amenities, including card entry, ample parking, and laundry, add convenience.

Cons

• There were many drive-by shootings in a row for a summer.
• The walls are thin and you can hear people's pets running around.
• The place smelled like weed some days more than others.
• Parking was always terrible and it floods in the lower parking lot near the nursing home.
• Some people parked on the grass at times and if you didn't move your vehicle from the church parking lot you would be threatened to get towed.
• It needs an elevator.

Review

La Vie Properties has become a standout in Hickory, especially for residents who value thoughtful design, reliable management, and a strong sense of home. One longtime senior tenant describes the current state of the building as a big upgrade over previous management experiences, praising a property that is beautiful, well-designed, and meticulously cared for. Security is a real selling point here, with key card access contributing to a feeling of safety, while maintenance is consistently described as prompt and thorough. Add in the all-inclusive utilities and a management team that feels genuinely invested in residents, and it's easy to see why many tenants feel the community truly feels like home.

Affordability and location are repeatedly highlighted as major wins. The building appeals to a broad audience, including college students and small families, thanks to its super affordable rents and a location smack in the heart of Hickory. The convenience is not incidental: residents appreciate being able to easily commute to work or the gym, and they consistently note that the maintenance crew and management staff are friendly and polite. Modernized apartments come with contemporary appliances, a full suite of amenities, and reliable key card access, making for a smooth and low-stress living experience. For many, the combination of price, design, and accessibility earns a solid 10/10.

There is a strong emphasis on family-friendly features and value-added touches. Several reviews point out remodeled units at good prices, with all utilities included, and the presence of a daycare behind the property, which can be a major convenience for families with children. The units themselves are described as remodeled and up-to-date, with amenities designed to appeal to practical, budget-minded renters who still want modern comforts. In short, the property is seen as an attractive option for households seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

Another recurring theme is the quality of finishes and the overall rental experience. Prospective residents are drawn to granite countertops, tile showers, and other upscale touches that set the property apart from its price range. The security features - such as the essential key card entry - paired with a friendly and helpful maintenance staff, contribute to what many tenants describe as a great rental experience. Compared to neighboring options, these apartments are perceived as delivering excellent value for the rent, with clean, well-maintained common spaces and strong onsite management.

The property has earned a unique stamp of character from local real estate professionals as well. A local realtor lauds the complex as a wonderful addition to Hickory and expresses excitement about helping owners place tenants in these apartments. This support from a respected member of the community underscores the building's standing in the market and hints at a healthy demand for units in the development.

Architectural charm and a sense of history also figure prominently in the reviews. Many residents are drawn to the original architecture of the building, which began life as the Kenworth School. The main level entry is described as inviting, featuring marble flooring and an onsite management office that reinforces a sense of permanence and care. Interiors are noted for their tasteful design and modern finishes, including wide plank flooring in living areas, granite countertops with tile backsplashes, and well-appointed bathrooms. The building's card-entry system, ample parking, and on-site laundry add practical conveniences that complement the historic, city-like vibe.

Location and amenities round out the positive picture. The property is described as well-maintained and offering "big city vibes" at an affordable price, with easy access to Downtown Hickory, LR University, shopping, and dining. Residents appreciate the combination of historic charm, modern updates, and convenient amenities such as on-site management and parking. The presence of an elevator is noted as a missing feature by some, but overall the property is seen as a strong destination for those who value convenience and character in equal measure.

Of course, no review would be complete without acknowledging some drawbacks mentioned by a subset of tenants. A few accounts note safety challenges and noise concerns, including incidents of drive-by shootings during a summer period, thin walls that can let in sounds from neighboring units, and occasional odors of marijuana. Parking is occasionally described as terrible, with flood-prone lower lots near a nursing home and instances of cars being parked on grass or towed if not moved from nearby church parking spaces. An elevator is also called out as a desirable addition by some residents. While these concerns are real for some tenants, they sit alongside generally positive assessments of the building's safety measures, management responsiveness, and value.

Despite the occasional caveat, the overall narrative is one of a historic, well-managed, and affordable Hickory residence that offers a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and character. The Kenworth School lineage adds a distinctive architectural identity, while modern finishes and practical amenities keep day-to-day life easy and comfortable. For seniors, students, and small families alike, La Vie Properties appears to deliver a living experience that balances thoughtful design, responsive management, and a neighborhood vibe that many find hard to beat in Hickory.

This area of Hickory, North Carolina offers a variety of dining options, including the Taco and Tequila Mexican Restaurant and Waffle House for those looking to enjoy a meal out. There is also a Starbucks cafe nearby for those who enjoy coffee and pastries. For medical needs, the Primary Care Associates clinic is conveniently located within 19.1 miles, along with a CVS Pharmacy for prescription medication needs. Riverview Baptist Church provides a place of worship for spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, Lake Norman State Park is just 22.4 miles away for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities that cater to different needs and interests, making it a potentially suitable option for senior living in Hickory.

Restaurants

• Taco and Tequila Mexican Restaurant (16.8 miles)
• Waffle House (18.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (18.2 miles)

Physicians

• Primary Care Associates (19.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (19.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Riverview Baptist Church (20.8 miles)

Parks

• Lake Norman State Park (22.4 miles)