Rockingham

About Rockingham

Rockingham is a small, friendly city near the southern border of North Carolina. Offering scenic parks, outdoor recreation activities and small-town Southern charm, Rockingham is popular with families, young couples and retirees. For many decades, it hosted the major NASCAR events at Rockingham Speedway.

The History of Rockingham

Rockingham takes its name from the Marquis of Rockingham, Charles Watson Wentonworth. The marquis was a friend of the Colonies and served as prime minister in 1765 and again in 1782. He gained popularity among British colonists in the Rockingham area for repealing the Stamp Act of 1765. Even after American independence, many colonists appreciated his work, and they named the town after him. Rockingham was officially founded on April 19, 1774.

Living in Rockingham

Living in Rockingham means having access to some great attractions, including the National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame, the Uwharrie National Forest and the North Carolina Zoo. The Rankin Museum of American Heritage, the Pee Dee River and National Wildlife Refuge and the Sandhills Wildlife Management Area are also highlights popular with tourists and locals alike.

One of the most attractive features of Rockingham, aside from its points of interest, is its short average commute. There's very little traffic here and most residents can get to work in just under 15 minutes. Rockingham also boasts high graduation rates and rates high in terms of livability. While Rockingham is a fairly self-contained city, it's on the smaller side. However, you can find big-city amenities in Fayetteville, Charlotte and Greensboro. Still, Rockingham's position near all of these major cities is a big draw for many people who relocate to the area.

Rockingham Schools

Rockingham County Schools oversees the public schools in Rockingham, including elementary, middle and high schools, as well as one early college institution and one alternative school. In addition to public schools, Rockingham offers a number of private schools.

Resources for Moving to Rockingham

Here are a few helpful resources for planning your move to Rockingham:

• Utilities: Rockingham's major utility providers include Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Natural Gas and the Richmond County Water Department.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect regular curbside collection of trash and recyclables in most residential areas of Rockingham.
• Transportation: The Area of Richmond Transit (ART) system provides public transportation in and around the Rockingham area.

Rockingham Housing

Rockingham is a fairly small city consisting of six distinct neighborhoods. Its low cost of living makes it easy to find affordable housing just about anywhere in the city. The median home price in Rockingham is well below the national average, and rent is also generally very affordable.