If you’re preparing for your retirement, odds are you’ve been looking forward to this time for many years. Acquiring western North Carolina retirement property could be the one of the wisest decisions you will make as an active adult. Not only is western North Carolina considered to be one of the most beautiful and pristine locations in the entire United States, but its charming communities, majestic mountain ranges, crystal blue lakes, and close proximity to big city amenities are just some of the advantages you’ll discover when you decide to invest in a western North Carolina retirement property.
Asheville and Boone
The cities of Asheville and Boone are two of the most widely recognized cities in the entire western North Carolina region. Asheville, home to a population of around 69,000 residents, is alive with arts, culture, sports, and educational opportunities. Asheville has many fine homes to consider if you’re looking for the ideal western North Carolina retirement property.
You’re never too old to stop learning, and higher educational opportunities are available locally through institutions such as the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Black Mountain College, Brevard College, Mars Hill College, Montreat College, South College, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Warren Wilson College, and Western Carolina University.
Famous current residents of Asheville include actor and magician Harry Anderson; NFL football player John Avery; musicians Greg Cartwright and Warren Haynes; retired NBA basketball player Brad Daugherty; author Charles Frazier; singer Roberta Flack, actress Andie McDowell, and soap actress Eileen Fulton, to name just a few.
Points of Interest in Asheville include the lavish Biltmore Estate, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the tranquil Botanical Gardens at Asheville, historic Grove Park Inn, the relaxing North Carolina Arboretum, and the beautiful Smith-McDowell House.
The city of Boone is also situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and provides opportunities to own lakefront property in western North Carolina. As the county seat of Watauga County, Boone is home to a population of around 13,500 residents.
The city of Boone received its name from the well-known pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who reportedly frequented the area. Boone is home to Appalachian State University, which is a constituent member of the University of North Carolina. Additionally, Boone is the location of a satellite campus of the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.
Boone has an elevation of 3,266 feet above sea level, which represents the highest elevation of any town of its size east of the Mississippi River. Because of its elevation, the climate of Boone is a cooler, humid continental climate that more closely represents that of New England or the upper Midwest than the South. The average temperature in Boone during the summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much cooler than the lowland areas to the east and south of the town. Delightfully pleasant weather is a bonus for those who seek to own western North Carolina retirement property, as summers are less considerably humid than other parts of the Carolinas.
The average household income in Boone is around $20,500, but the average family income is closer to $50,000.
Local points of interest in Boone include the Appalachian State University, Blue Ridge Parkway, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Horn in the West, Howard’s Knob, Tweetsie Railroad, Watauga River, and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.
Attractions in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina retirement property and other real estate in the area are popular for their picturesque surroundings, fascinating natural landmarks, and charming small-town feel, as well as for the number of area attractions offered.
The Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are all located in western North Carolina, providing the opportunity for fun times for families, retirees, and the like. Some of the educational and recreational activities in the area include the Appalachian Trail, Biltmore House & Gardens, Blowing Rock, Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee Bear Zoo, Cherokee Indian Museum, Cherokee Indian Reservation, Chimney Rock Park, the Cradle of Forestry, Deep Creek Tubing, Fields of the Wood, Fontana Dam & Lake, Grand Father Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains Railway, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Linville Caverns, Mountain Farm & Museum, Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala River Rafting, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Pack Place, Pisgah National Forest, The Road to Nowhere, Tribal Bingo, Tsali Biking & Horseback Riding trails, Tuckasegee River Rafting, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center.
Other activities enjoyed by homeowners and visitors alike include biking, boating, fly fishing, gem mining, hiking, horseback riding, knee-boarding, lake fishing, mountain biking, rafting, site seeing, snow skiing, swimming, tubing, water skiing, and more.
With the plethora of recreational activities available to those who live in or visit western North Carolina, it is no surprise why western North Carolina retirement property is at an all-time high. Where better to retire than a beautiful home or community development within the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, set in a community full of lively adults and exciting activities?
The Growing Appeal of Western North Carolina
It’s easy to see why values continue to rise among western North Carolina retirement properties and homes. These lovely, mountainous areas of western North Carolina are home to some of the Eastern United States’ leading hiking trails. Encompassing the glorious Blue Ridge Mountain and the Great Smoky Mountain ranges, western North Carolina is the perfect location to own a retirement property.
People who decide to purchase western North Carolina retirement property will enjoy many opportunities to enjoy hiking. Western North Carolina also caters to anglers, mountain bikers, kayakers, and campers. In fact, there are several campground and RV parks located right within the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.
The beautiful manmade lake of Lake Lure is also another reason why western North Carolina retirement property sales are on the rise. The lake is located right within the town’s center, and is cool, crisp, and refreshing. It is increasingly becoming a popular spot for vacationers, families, and retires from all over the world. The lake is about 720 acres in size, with 21 miles of breathtaking shoreline. National Geographic Magazine heralded the lake as “one of the most beautiful manmade lakes in the world.”
The lake sits in the center of Hickory Nut Gorge. The Rocky Broad River, east of the city of Asheville, makes its way in a series of rapids down what is known as Hickory Nut Gap. The water flows smoothly through a valley shaped roughly in the form of a Maltese cross, culminating into the incredible Lake Lure.
Western North Carolina will most surely continue to remain full of beauty, recreational fun, and some of the most sought after real estate in the world. A mild summer climate, convenient access to highways and excellent schools also contribute to the appeal of the western North Carolina region. If you are interested in learning more about western North Carolina retirement property for sale, contact the experts of Schaffer Realty Group at 847-367-8773 to request an appointment today. |
