The North Carolina mountain region offers a unique and wonderful lifestyle, where one gets to wake up surrounded by spectacular summits and breathing in fresh air.
Beyond its natural beauty, the locals are warm and welcoming, building a supportive and tight-knit community.
Considering living in North Carolina mountain communities? Read on to learn more about the beautiful neighborhoods in the region.
Overview of the North Carolina Mountains
North Carolina’s mountain region encompasses 23 counties in the western part of the state. This area is part of the Appalachian Mountains, the oldest mountain range in North America and one of the oldest in the world.
Living in NC mountain communities is a retreat in nature, with the majestic Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains offering a serene and picturesque lifestyle ideal for those seeking a slower, nature-focused life.
Residents in the region enjoy the vibrant art scene inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings and year-round outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
1. Hayesville
Hayesville is a rural community just minutes away from Lake Chatuge, a scenic reservoir with serene islands, coves, marinas, and scenic hiking trails on the Georgia border.
The Mountain Harbour Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course designed by William Byrd, offers a challenging game and stunning scenery.
The community centers around Downtown Hayesville, an old-fashioned town square in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with brick boutiques and plazas.
Many properties sit on forested half-acre lots along winding roads and hilly terrain and offer scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Hayesville residences is a mix of 1950s Craftsman, traditional, and ranch-style homes built around 1950 and newly constructed tract houses built in the early 2000s.
2. Murphy
Located between Knoxville and Atlanta, Murphy is a riverside village with a small-town vibe in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Murphy residents have plenty of access to outdoor recreation, such as trout fishing at the Hiwassee River, hiking along the Valley River, and biking at Piney Knob Trails.
Historic Downtown Murphy, surrounded by forests along the Hiwassee River and scenic hiking trails in the depths of lower Appalachia, is bustling with local brewpubs, restaurants, and boutiques.
Residences in this neighborhood include 1970s colonial homes and log cabins sitting on shady, wooded lots and gravel roads centered around downtown. Predominant architecture includes Craftsman, midcentury and cabin-style homes.
3. Andrews
Andrews, a small rural valley town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, offers breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.
Sitting between mountains, this town offers access to several hiking trails, including the Chunky Gal Trail and the Fire Creek Rim Trail. Residents also enjoy proximity to Nantahala Lake, a popular spot for water sports and fishing.
Downtown Andrews, a traditional rural town center with brick-clad storefronts, is a hub of community events, including the Andrews Spring Fling, Oktoberfest, and Food Truck Fridays.
Residences in the downtown area are the oldest, featuring traditional, mid-century ranch-style, and farmhouse-style homes that date to the early 1900s. Mountain chalets outside the town center offer spectacular views of the valley.
4. Brasstown
Brasstown is a charming community home to nature lovers, creatives, and retirees on the western edge of the North Carolina Smokies.
The neighborhood’s close proximity to the Hiwassee River provides fishing opportunities and hiking trails to residents.
Homes in Brasstown include chalets and cabins. Most houses are elevated on stilts and have front porches. The rolling hillsides offer distant views of the verdant highlands.
5. Asheville
Asheville, the largest city in Western North Carolina, is a booming resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains where outdoor recreation is enjoyed year-round.
The city is a farming region known for local ingredients harvested from fertile Appalachian soil, making it a destination for farm-to-table cuisine. It also ranked top in the nation for its number of local breweries per capita, boasting over 40 breweries.
The architectural blueprint in Asheville is rooted in old-world opulence. It is home to the renowned Biltmore Country Estate, the country’s largest private residence, and the luxurious Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, a historic vacation getaway for the elite.
6. Boone
Situated high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small Appalachian town of Boone, is known for its rugged peaks and outdoor attractions.
Boone is called the ski destination in the South, located near three ski resorts – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Sugar Mountain Resort. The New River Paddle Trail is a popular spot for water activities like kayaking, fishing, and tubing.
Many of Boone’s residences are a mix of rustic, custom-built cabins and midcentury mountain cottages. Some homes are rented out seasonally, and condos located near downtown are rented to Appalachian State University students.
7. Sylva
Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, Sylva offers a mix of small-town charm and a rustic lifestyle.
The community is home to the Jackson County Courthouse, a picturesque structure overlooking downtown Sylva and the mountains, and is the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina.
Residences in Sylva are predominantly single-family homes, such as cabins and custom houses with wood siding. The town also features chalets, manufactured dwellings, and Colonial-inspired homes near the downtown area.
8. Highlands
Highlands is a popular mountain retreat that has evolved into a long-term residential community with a charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views.
The community offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages, from hiking trails with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to scenic lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a collection of boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores along the walkable Main Street.
Housing options in Highlands include colonial-inspired homes, farmhouses, and a mix of older and contemporary cabins.
9. Waynesville
Known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, the small enclave of Waynesville
is the largest town west of Asheville. Established in 1809 and named after Revolutionary War general “Mad” Anthony Wayne, the community grew as a railroad town, running on tourism and agriculture.
Situated between the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge, Waynesville is surrounded by natural beauty and is often a hub for those looking to hike, mountain bike, ski, and go on winding drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Outside downtown Waynesville, you’ll find ranch-style homes, cottages, and bungalows. New developments like Valleywood Farms feature modern transitional homes. Farther out, custom luxury homes rest on steep lots overlooking Laurel Ridge Country Club.
10. Black Mountain
A popular day-trip spot for Asheville tourists, the town of Black Mountain is growing as a destination for retirement and second homes.
With the Blue Ridge Mountains at the center of many adventures, residents and tourists enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreation, from climbing the Lookout Mountain Overlook to relishing the sights and sounds of Catawba Falls.
Downtown Black Mountain treats locals to scenic shopping and a vibrant art scene. Mountain peaks rise over the top of red brick buildings that house art galleries, boutique businesses, microbreweries, and restaurants.
Custom Craftsman homes, ranch-style houses, and cottages dominate the architectural landscape of Black Mountain. A-frames and cabins dot the area. Many single-family homes rest on hilly lots with picturesque views.
Conclusion
It is impossible to visit any of these North Carolina mountain communities and not fall in love with the breathtaking views, the outdoor activities, the rustic ambiance, and the people.
If you would like to explore North Carolina mountain homes for sale, I’d be happy to show you all the wonderful options available. Please give me a call today at 828-508-0803 or send me an email at gward828@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which mountain towns have the best internet for remote work?
Asheville and surrounding areas such as Fairview, Biltmore Forest, and Arden, are considered to have good internet for remote work. -
Are North Carolina mountain homes good for Airbnb?
Yes, North Carolina mountain homes are good for Airbnb, particularly in areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding regions that offer a unique blend of outdoor recreation, scenic views, and cozy mountain retreats. -
Is mountain living safe for seniors?
Yes, living in North Carolina mountain communities can be safe and attractive for senior living. Towns like Black Mountain, for example, have been recognized for the quality of life and safety they provide seniors.
