c.1846 North Carolina Fixer Upper Marshall-Jay House $45K
OHU50K Notesย ย $45,000
There are homes… and then there are stories. The North Carolina fixer upper Marshall-Jay House, dating back to the mid 1800s, is more than just a property-it’s a piece ofย Quaker history.

Realtor Comments
- 2 bed
- 1.5 bath
- 1,606 sqft
- 0.66 acre lot
- Build date 1846
606 E Springfield Rd, High Point, NC 27263ย ย $45,000
- Contact Realtor: Mary Powell
- Google Map
- Niche
History
The historic MarshallโJay House, constructed around 1846, first served as the residence of educators Zelinda and David Marshall. Local legend has it that the house an Underground Railroad stop. Legend further has it that a small door in one of the stairwells lead to a secret hiding space where runaway slaves were hidden.
In 1868, it was acquired by the Baltimore Association, a Reconstruction-era organization focused on advancing agricultural practices. They renovated the property as their Southern headquarters, connecting it to the nearby Model Farm, which is now listed on the National Register.
The home later became associated with Quaker minister Allen Jay, who lived there with his family for eight years. During that time, he devoted himself to supporting Quaker communities throughout the postwar South.

In 1949, the Springfield Friends Congregation purchased the property. Preservation efforts gained momentum years later under the leadership of PNC board chair Ruth Coltrane Cannon, who advocated for its protection.
Following a fire in 2023, PNC and the High Point Preservation Society partnered with Springfield Friends to ensure the houseโs survival. The High Point Preservation Society acquired the property for $25,000 and intends to restore it, while PNC maintains protective covenants to help safeguard its long-term future.
Pros of High Point, NC
ย 1. Affordable cost of living
- Cost of living is below the U.S. average
- Median home prices around $220Kโ$240K (lower than many NC metros)
ย You can get more space for your money than in places like Charlotte or Raleigh.
ย 2. Strong location (big advantage)
- Part of the Piedmont Triad region
- Close to:
- Greensboro
- Winston-Salem
- Within ~1.5 hours of Charlotte
ย You get access to bigger-city jobs and amenities without paying big-city prices.
ย 3. Decent regional job access
- Local economy includes:
- Furniture manufacturing
- Logistics
- Healthcare
- Boosted by the High Point Market (major furniture trade show)
ย Not a top-tier job hub, but better than most small citiesโespecially with nearby metros.
ย 4. Suburban feel with city infrastructure
- Population ~115K
- Mix of neighborhoods, schools, and services
ย More โcity-likeโ than places like Olean or Quincy.
ย 5. Mild climate
- Warm summers, mild winters
- Less extreme than Midwest or Northeast weather
ย Easier year-round living compared to colder regions.
ย 6. Education presence
- Home to High Point University
- Adds activity, events, and some cultural life
ย Cons of High Point, NC
ย 1. Crime (notable downside)
- Crime rates are higher than national average, especially property crime
- Safety varies significantly by neighborhood This is one of the biggest tradeoffsโlocation within the city matters a lot.
ย 2. Limited high-end job opportunities
- Local wages tend to be lower than national averages
- Economy still tied to traditional industries
ย Good for stability, less ideal for high-growth careers.
ย 3. Not a major entertainment hub
- Smaller downtown and nightlife scene compared to nearby cities
ย Many residents go to Greensboro or Winston-Salem for more to do.
ย 4. Car-dependent
- Limited public transportation
- Driving is required for most daily needs
ย 5. Uneven development
- Some areas are modern and growing
- Others show signs of economic struggle
ย The city can feel inconsistent depending on where you are.
6. Humidity and summer heat
- Summers can be hot and humid (typical for the Southeast)
ย Bottom line
High Point is a good fit if you:
- Want affordable living near bigger cities
- Prefer a suburban/small-city feel
- Work locally, remotely, or in the Triad region
- Are okay driving for entertainment
You May Also Like
Three Bedroom Two Bath Arkansas Fixer Upper For Sale Under $40K
July 24, 2024
Circa 1942 Ilinois Affordable Home Under $43K
December 20, 2022


































