Home builder Christi Miller was thrilled when she learned Hickory was named the 14th hottest housing market in the nation by MSNBC.

“I was totally excited,” she said.  “I got giddy about it.”

The list of the hottest markets lists Hickory in front of Durham with a one-year gain of 8.6 percent and a five-year gain of 22.5 percent, according to data collected from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.

“I think this is an indication for what it’s going to be like the rest of 2008,” said Miller, president of Home Builders Association of Hickory – Catawba Valley. “I don’t think Hickory will slow down.”

A Dec. 31, 2007, building permit trend report by The Market Edge indicated an increase in the number of permits issued from 643 in 2003 to 731 in 2007.  The high-point within the five-year range was in 2005 when 766 building permits were issued.

Miller said from her own experience she has noticed a significant increase in the number of people that are looking to buy or build homes in the Catawba Valley area.

“From what I’ve seen already this year, the level of foot traffic (of people looking at houses) — it’s doubled since November (of 2007).”

Miller said there are a number of factors that work to Catawba County’s advantage in the housing market.  As a builder herself, Miller said the county is an affordable place to build homes.  Her company, Residential Builders Group, LLC, typically builds homes in the $155,000 to $185,000 range, which is classified as “affordable housing” at $80-85 per square foot.

She said another appealing aspect of the Hickory housing market is the location.  Miller said with the county’s proximity to the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean offers nice amenities.

“It’s also got that small town feeling,” Miller said. “I think people like that.  It’s a great town, the school systems are great and it’s still affordable.  We have a lot of offer people coming to this area.”

The other cities ranked in the national survey also suggest Catawba County is in a good position headed into the year, she said.  Asheville ranked ninth on the list while Durham was listed as 20th.

“I think (Hickory) is definitely getting national attention,” Miller said.  “There are already business looking at Hickory.  I think the growth potential is here.  We have a lot of room to grow and I think our leaders are working really hard toward growth.”