Hickory/Lenoir area is a really nice area - The city contains the Brushy Mountains, a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I think the combined population of Hickory and Lenoir is about 75,000 so it isn't a country bumpkin hangout.
It is centrally located so that you can go to the mountains (Blue Ridge Parkway) or to the beach (Outer Banks). The beaches are more of a drive but still very doable for a weekend getaway.
There are a lot of smaller communities in this area that would be great to raise a family.
The people are very friendly and I think you will like it very much.