Lewisville, North Carolina

Geography

Lewisville, North Carolina is a residential community of more than 13,000 people in western Forsyth County, North Carolina. While the town was incorporated in 1991, it has a long history as a township dating back to the 1700s. One of the reasons the residents decided to incorporate was to retain the town’s small-town feel. A great deal of time and effort have gone into planning for future growth. The town square is the focal point for the downtown, setting the tone for that future development. Shallowford Square is the setting for many of the town’s family-oriented activities and it continues to foster a real sense of community in Lewisville From its first days as a community, where rugged pioneers loaded Nissen wagons with provisions preparing to cross the Shallow Ford as they embarked on a great adventure westward, Lewisville has embodied, in its very essence, a sense of community, a spirit of independence and a determination to guide its own future.

It was from this foundation of community spirit and involvement that residents, in 1991, took steps to incorporate the town. The goal was not to keep Lewisville from being annexed by another municipality, but rather it was so residents could guide the town’s future, manage its growth and preserve the unique character that was being threatened by unplanned, often irresponsible development. In developing the town’s Town Charter, the founding residents held three principles as the foundation for the community. First was the unwavering belief that governing begins with its residents, not dictated to them from elected officials. That’s why today Lewisville has a number of committees and boards that are specifically created to develop and review policy recommendations for the elected Council to consider.

In those instances, when issues come before the Council for consideration independent of the committee/board process, the Council will generally refer them to a committee or board for review or recommendation prior to taking any action. Participation on committees and boards is open to all residents and, like during the earliest days as a community, it is volunteers who share a genuine concern for the town, who are helping to chart the community’s future. Lewisville is truly unique in this respect.

The second principle is the almost sacred commitment to retain and preserve as much of Lewisville’s small town character and charm as possible. The community has some of the most demanding requirements for development of any community in North Carolina. These requirements are very specific about what types of development the town will allow and how it will allow that development to occur. One of the very first tasks tackled as a community was to develop a Comprehensive Plan setting the vision for the future. Guided by community volunteers the plan serves as a blueprint for growth and is revised every five years with significant community engagement. From this plan the town has developed a number of innovative tools to manage growth including the Lewisville Downtown Overlay, Vienna Business District and the Rural Overlay. Each is crafted to allow growth yet preserve the natural character and “essence” of the community. The third principle the founders had in mind was a limited government – one that was empowered only to manage the essential services desired by residents. Land planning, road and facility maintenance, public safety, solid waste collection, recycling and parks & recreational activities for its citizens are among those services that its residents deem appropriate to be provided by the town. Others may be added in the future, but only after they receive a critical review and recommendation by its citizen committees and boards.

Lewisville is located in western Forsyth County at 36°5′53″N 80°24′58″W (36.098087, -80.416030). U.S. Route 421, a four-lane freeway, passes through the southern part of the town, with access from Exits 242 and 244. Via US 421, downtown Winston-Salem is 11 miles (18 km) to the east, and Wilkesboro is 44 miles (71 km) to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.2 square miles (36.8 km²), of which 14.0 square miles (36.2 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km²), or 1.59%, is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,826 people, 3,341 households, and 2,676 families residing in the town. The population density was 822.0 people per square mile (317.3/km²). There were 3,501 housing units at an average density of 326.0 per square mile (125.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 93.11% White, 4.19% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.34% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.23% of the population.

There were 3,341 households out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 16.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $64,571, and the median income for a family was $72,250. Males had a median income of $50,229 versus $34,496 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,999. About 1.6% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public schools in Lewisville are managed by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school district. Forsyth Country Day School, a private K-12 school, is also located in the town.

"Intentionally Small Town"

Although the community marked its 150th anniversary in 2009, Lewisville was not incorporated until August 13, 1991.

Lewisville's early formation and its current approach to planning and growth was influenced by the problems encountered by its neighboring suburb, Clemmons, which was noted for over-commercialization of its downtown area. Lewisville responded with planning that included a ban on drive-through restaurants, the creation of several parks (including one located in the town center), and other features aimed at preserving a small town feel.

Notable residents

Rick Brewer, former administrator at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, South Carolina, and current president of Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, former resident of Lewisville

Austin Dillon (b. 1990), NASCAR driver

Ty Dillon (b.1992), NASCAR driver

Neal Hendrix (b. 1973), professional skateboarder

Chris Paul (b. 1985), NBA player born in Lewisville