Climate & The Thermal Belt

The weather in this area is definitely always a big draw for those moving here. All of North Carolina offers a true four-season climate.

Western North Carolina, in particular, offers much cooler temperatures and lower humidity during the summer than the coastal and piedmont regions of the state. This is certainly something that our Florida and other southern state transplants take into consideration.

One of the really interesting things about this part of Western NC is that it’s located in the Isothermal Belt. Due to its positioning in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there is a constant hot to cool air transfer that takes place which results in milder winters and cooler summers than are found in other areas of Western NC.

This is why you’ll find multiple vineyards in the area, their vines are less likely to be harmed during the winter. It’s also why we end up with so many residents from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other northern states. We only have about one snow day a year!

Lower Property Taxes, Housing Costs & Cost of Living

North Carolina offers residents lower property taxes when compared to many other states. This is typically a big consideration when people move from New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, and other states known for their high property taxes.

Here’s an example, using one of our cottages in Derbyshire that has an assessed tax value of $249,814.

The current milage rate in the Green Creek (our particular area in Columbus, NC) is .561.

Multiply the tax value x the milage rate: $249,814 x .00561

The property taxes on this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home are $1,401.46.

The Tryon/Columbus community also has lower housing costs when compared both nationally and regionally. Not only is the cost of construction lower in Western NC than in many locations across the nation, but the cost of land is lower as well.

Access to Local Resources & Ease of Travel

One unique aspect about the Tryon/Columbus community is that you are able to enjoy a more rural setting while still being close to everything that you need.

Multiple grocery stores, drugstores, restaurants, banks, doctors offices and a hospital are all within a 10 minute drive of our properties.

This area has fitness clubs, golf courses, a community tennis club, and other recreational resources for residents. Also, for those interested in the equestrian lifestyle, there is easy access to trainers, veterinary services, feed & tack, event facilities, and everything you could need for your horse.

Tryon and Columbus are located along I-26, which runs from east to west Charleston, SC to Kingsport, TN. The interstate provides easy access to the nearby cities of Spartanburg, SC (20 minutes); Hendersonville, NC (30 minutes); and Asheville, NC (45 minutes).

I-26 also connects to I-85, which runs south down to Atlanta, GA. Greenville, SC is only a 55 minute drive away via I-26 connecting I-85. The Greenville Spartanburg International Airport is just off of I-85, before you reach Greenville, about 45 minutes from Tryon/Columbus.

If you prefer to fly out of Charlotte, NC, that airport is just a 90 minute drive away.

Natural Beauty of the Area

Many of the people who relocate to this area talk about how scenic it is and how big of a part that played in their decision to move here.

Western NC is known for its fall foliage and mountain views. The Tryon/Columbus community is filled with reds, yellows, and oranges every autumn. You are also able to enjoy both short and long range mountain views, without having to deal with as much of an elevation change as some of the more northern areas of the mountains.

Our location in the foothills of the mountains provides a gently rolling landscape. Residents are able to avoid the building costs associated with steeper topography. For equestrians, the land is also gentle enough for pastures.

Sense of Community

The final thing that many people find important, which can sometimes be hard to judge before you move into an area, is the sense of community that a town has.

Tryon and Columbus consistently exceed everyone’s expectations in this aspect. For smaller towns, they offer a multitude of opportunities to be involved in the community, with everything from volunteer to civic to recreational-focused organizations. Residents here often team up to help their neighbors, and there is an overall friendly atmosphere.

No matter which of these five reasons are most important to you, we would definitely recommend that you to take a closer look at the Tryon, NC and Columbus, NC area.

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Best Bed and Breakfasts in Western NC

Asheville, NC – Chestnut Street Inn

Chestnut Street Inn features seven bedrooms and a guest cottage. Built in 1905, the home has been completely restored, and offers all of the modern amenities a guest would want. The Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Asheville and is only a few minutes drive from the Biltmore Estate. In the morning, guests are treated to a three course breakfast, and refreshments are offered each afternoon.

Columbus, NC – Butterfly Creek Inn

Located just outside of Tryon, Butterfly Creek Inn is a beautifully decorated home that has been converted into a truly relaxing space for visitors. Newer than most bed and breakfasts (which can certainly be considered a good thing), the Inn offers five guest rooms. It features a creekside view, a wonderful patio space complete with a hot tub, and a three course gourmet breakfast each morning.

Hendersonville, NC – 1898 Waverly Inn

This beautiful inn, located in downtown Hendersonville, has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. With fifteen guest rooms, the Inn serves up a large breakfast each morning with plenty of options to suit any guest’s tastes. 1898 also features a new spa treatment room for on site massage treatments.

Leicester, NC – Wildberry Lodge

Wildberry Lodge is a great mountain retreat located about twelve miles outside of Asheville. The main cabin features five guest rooms and the new addition features two suites. Situated on forty-five acres, the Lodge offers beautiful long range views, especially in the fall. A full breakfast is available for guests each morning.

Saluda, NC - The Orchard Inn

The Orchard Inn offers nine guest rooms in the main inn and five cottage suites. The Laurel Cottage Suite, which was originally built as the owner’s quarters, sleeps up to eight guests. In addition to offering breakfast for guests, the Inn also offers dinner service for non-guests as well. A main feature of the Inn is the large glassed in porch across the back of the home which allows guests to enjoy the mountain views year round.

Tryon, NC – 1906 Pine Crest Inn and Lodge

The 1906 Pine Crest Inn and Lodge in situated right in downtown Tryon, NC. In close proximity to restaurants, shops, and the Tryon Theatre, the inn also features its own restaurant, Carter’s at Pine Crest, where they serve up 3-course gourmet breakfasts. The largest inn on our list of best bed and breakfasts, Pine Crest many guest rooms and suites in various cottages and also multi-bedroom private cottages.

Why Stay in a Bed & Breakfast

One of the main advantages to staying in a bed and breakfast is the access that it provides to the inn keeper. This is a person who loved the area enough to establish a business that relies on other people wanting to visit the area. In our experience, the inn keeper always has the inside scoop on the best places to eat (aside from their inn for breakfast) and what visitors should check out in order to get the most out of their visit. Also, if you are considering moving to the area that you are visiting, make sure you let them know. They’re certain to have some insight!

Well there you have it, a  review of some of the best bed and breakfasts in Western Carolina. If you have other questions regarding the area, don’t hesitate to contact us here at WNC Land today.

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Whether you’re looking for a small horse farm on the trails, a large equestrian estate, or an equestrian community, they’ll help you find just what you are seeking.

Finding a Horse Farm or Equestrian Property for Sale in Western North Carolina, the mountains of North Carolina, or Asheville, NC

Western North Carolina and the surround area is an excellent location for equestrians. There are many resources for horse owners: equestrian event facilities, regional trail systems, and many equestrian organizations that support the horse culture of the area.

There are also some of the best equestrian real estate brokers in North Carolina:

Ann Wigely at the Sheelah Clarkson Agency

Lillie Brown at Town & Country Realty

Ron Piccari at Remax Advantage Realty

Bonnie Lingerfelt at Remax Advantage Realty

To read more about the best equestrian brokers/agents in Western North Carolina, check out our article here.

Finding an Equestrian Property or Horse Farm in Charlotte, NC, Lake Norman, NC or the Midlands of North Carolina

When you are looking for an equestrian property or horse farm in the Midlands of North Carolina or the Greater Charlotte area, Julie Breedlove at Equestrian Properties and Land will be your go-to real estate broker. She knows everything there is to know about that area and horses. She’s also well-informed about what is available for horse owners all over the state of North Carolina

Finding an Equestrian Property or Horse Farm in Southern Pines, NC, Pinehurst, NC or the Coast of North Carolina

In the lower part of North Carolina, Jamie McDevitt and Noel McDevitt at McDevitt Sotheby’s International will be the best equestrian brokers/agents to reach out to for help with finding the perfect horse farm or equestrian property.

In Review

No matter where you are looking in North Carolina for horse farms for sale, these real estate brokers/agents are going to be the right people to help you with your search. They’ll be able to locate the right property whether you’re a hunter jumper, prefer dressage, or just want to be on the horse trails.

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Reasons People Relocate to North Carolina

Aside from needing to relocate for a job, there are several reasons why North Carolina is on the top of many people’s lists. The most important reasons tend to be: Mild Four-Season Climate, Lower Taxes, Low Housing Costs, and a Lower Cost of Living. If any of these appeal to you, then you should probably consider looking at North Carolina a bit more closely.

Consider Which Region Would Suit Your Needs: Mountains, Piedmont, or Coastal Plains

The Mountains of this state offer incredible views, cooler summers, fabulous fall foliage, and opportunities for light-medium snowfall in the winter.

The Piedmont region is centered around Charlotte, which is the major metro in the state. In addition to being close to that center of activity, there are also other cities in the region that are great shopping hubs, including High Point (furniture).

In the Coastal Plains you have access to many of the east coast’s nicest beaches. There are also many well-known waterfront towns, such as Wilmington, that are making a national name for themselves as a vacation (and relocation) destination.

Vacation in North Carolina…Often

After you have an idea of which region might be the location of your new home, one of the best ways to decide that an area is right for you is to visit. We would take that a step further and recommend that you visit during each season (if logistically feasible).

Since North Carolina has a true four-season climate, that’s a few trips a year, but it will give you a good feel for what the area is like year-round.

While in Town Chat Up the Locals

Once you’ve picked out some areas in the region you are interested in visiting, we like to suggest either staying in a local bed and breakfast or smaller hotel near the center of town since you tend to have more interaction with the locals in that situation.

You really need to talk to many different locals to get the scoop on the area that you are considering, so you don’t just get the tourist’s view. Not that you’re going to be digging up dirt on the town, but they’ll be able to tell you about which neighborhoods are best, what the local schools are like, and what there is to do on the weekends (once you get past the top vacation activities).

Finding Your New Home

When you have settled on a location, you need to find the right person to help you find the perfect home. Do some research on the local real estate agents before picking one (this is where talking to the locals can come in handy).

The right agent will be familiar with the particular area you are interested in, listen to what your needs are, and be able to present some good options that suit your requirements for a new home.

Act Like a Local Before You Become One

Once you’ve started the process of finding your new home, start doing things that you would do if you already lived there. Subscribe to the local newspaper, and then you’ll be in the loop. Also, if you have hobbies that have clubs or groups that meet in the area that you are moving to, go ahead and get in touch with them. You’ll have social activities to participate in once you’re in town, and you’ll know a few people who you can reach out to if you have a question pertaining to your new town.

Overall, you want to make sure that you know as much as you can about the new area you are relocating to. After making sure the town is right and meeting the people, it won’t be a sudden transition. It’ll be one that you can look forward to and enjoy.

This is a broad overview, but if you take these steps when you are looking to relocate, you’re guaranteed to be happy in your new home. You’ll know that the area is the right fit because you’ve tried it out, it’ll provide the benefits that you were looking for in a new location, and you’ll already know some of your neighbors.

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Many of the people who come in to tour Derbyshire are still considering Western North Carolina in general as a place to live. Some people are concerned that, since they are looking at such rural area, there won’t be much to entertain them once they move here.

There are so many great small cities in this region that offer so much to do, we’re always happy to offer a little advice. If they end up picking our community as their home, then they have several great, short roadtrips that they can make whenever they want. Of course, Tryon would be our favorite, but all of these cities are the ones that we would consider to be the small cities to live in when considering Western North Carolina.

Asheville

Asheville is the city that has, without a doubt, received the most exposure. It is a great place to live, work, and have fun.

This is the largest small city that we have on our list. Asheville offers a more urban setting with access to many dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The restaurants in Asheville have been making it into many national and regional publications, and it truly is the place to go for great dining in this area. Tupelo Honey Café is one that has been publicized the most. It’s one of our favorites, but you definitely need reservations! In addition to all of the restaurants, there are also multiple local breweries in the area.

Asheville has a great downtown filled with lovely little boutiques. It’s certainly a location that you could go and spend a long day shopping around. As you move out of the central downtown area, there are many national chain stores in the Biltmore area, and there’s also a mall.

Speaking of the Biltmore area, the Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville, and this in definitely the biggest tourist attraction in all of Western North Carolina. Each year over one million people visit the property.

In addition to touring the Biltmore Estate for entertainment, there are also many opportunities to enjoy the performing arts, including multiple theatres and the ever-present population of street performers downtown.

One thing to consider when looking at Asheville is their access to healthcare, which is really incredible. Mission Hospital, located right downtown, is nationally ranked for multiple specialties, including a 3-star ranking for cardiac surgery.

Asheville is located up in the mountains, and because of that you have the opportunity to enjoy some incredible views. The weather can be a bit cooler in the winter, with some snow, but the summers are cooler as well.

Brevard

Brevard is small town that has recently made it on the map for being the location where a portion of The Hunger Games was filmed (there’s a tour, in case you are interested). It is also home to the Brevard Music Center, a great music institute for both high school and college students.

Smaller than Asheville, it still boasts a great main street with shopping and dining options. One of the best Brevard restaurants we have tried recently is The Square Root. They serve a great brunch, and they’re located right across the street from a local chocolate shop.

A new addition to Brevard is the Oskar Blues Brewery. They opened this third location in January of 2013 (with the other two located in Colorado) and it offer tours and an Oskar Blues only bar. As a bonus, they partner with the breweries located in Asheville and run a shuttle back and forth on the weekends.

As with Asheville, you are up in the mountains when you are in Brevard, so there are some great long-range views. You will experience a cooler winter with some snow, but the nicer summer will make up for it!

Hendersonville

Hendersonville, which is located a bit further down the mountain from Asheville, is a small city with a really great Main Street. It is what you would expect from an older town where the majority of the focus was on that main strip. They offer shopping, dining, and even a children’s museum.

One place we always like to go when we head to downtown Hendersonville is Lime Leaf Thai, but there is such a variety of restaurants, there’s something to make everyone happy.

This city would certainly keep you busy for a nice, long day trip, and it’s large enough to sustain national chain stores so that you don’t have to go far for the necessities if you live there. As Hendersonville has continued to grow, they’ve expanded beyond their Main Street and have

Tryon

Tryon is the smallest city that we have on our list. We may be partial, but we think it’s definitely one of the best. Unlike other cities that have grown rapidly and brought it many new chain stores, Tryon has actually focused on sustaining their Trade Street stores and only bringing in locally owned shops and restaurants.

The city has a rich history of being a retreat for those wishing to escape the hot summers. Tryon is actually in the foothills instead of the mountains.  Located in the Isothermal Belt, the city still boasts cooler summers but also milder winters. Snow is still a novelty here and only lasts for a day or so.

Due to the milder winters, Tryon is a haven for the local vineyards. There are actually three local wineries located within a thirty minute drive, and even more vineyards who sell grapes to other locations in North Carolina (including the Biltmore Estate).

In spite of its smaller size, the city is still conveniently located with easy access to groceries and national chain stores within a fifteen minute drive. One of the great things about Tryon is the fact that it does feature some great shopping and dining options on Trade Street (with Sidestreet Pizza being an all-time favorite of ours). There’s even a quaint little movie theatre that dates back to the 1930s.

One unique feature of Tryon is its equestrian heritage. The city, which was once a training location for the US Olympic Equestrian Team, continues to have a focus on all things equine. It is reflected in the shops downtown, the attire of its residents, and even the town mascot, Morris the Horse.

Review

Each of these cities have some great features that would appeal to both a potential resident and a visitor. From a growing urban city to a quaint little town that focuses on preserving its heritage, there are options for everyone. If you are looking at moving to Western North Carolina (or just want to explore a little bit), these are definitely some small cities that you should visit!

all of the things that you would want such as access to higher end grocery stores (Fresh Market), superstores (Walmart), and a mall.

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Enjoy All Four Seasons in Western NC

Western North Carolina is one such spot that enjoys a plethora of things to do, events to participate in and sights to see, simply because fall, winter, spring and summer actually exist here.

The nice thing about exploring and enjoying the four seasons in this area is that the differences here are the extremes. The mild climate exhibited in Western North Carolina lets you enjoy each wrinkle in the weather without having to be waist deep in snow or suffer any of the extended, punishing weather patterns exhibited in the Sun Belt or the northern half of the country.

The higher in the mountains you travel, the more the weather will fluctuate, as well. It is not uncommon to see snow on the mountains, which can stay for a few weeks at a time. On the plus side, the elongated stay of extreme heat or, especially extreme cold and snow is simply not prevalent here. However, the temperatures do vary enough to allow you to get outdoors and enjoy each of the seasons to the fullest.

Hiking, skiing, and enjoying the fall foliage are just a few of the many activities that are available with the weather patterns of this area. Going farther south may produce some semblance of seasonal variation, but not so much as Western North Carolina. Summer heat in parts farther south can produce a high humidity and heat factor lasting from mid-May through mid-September. Fall lasts longer than a northern version of it but winter tends to fairly lifeless with no bright sparkle of snow as you head into the more southern regions of the country.

Summer

The mountains and valleys of the western part of the state present an entirely different vantage point. The summers present milder weather, especially in the higher elevations, as well as having cool forests, and streams nearby to offer respite to the rare occasion it gets a little too warm in the valleys.

Spring

Spring gets an early start here, with milder temperatures starting to surface in March, where you will not see spring in some parts of the north until April or early May. It is a very colorful time, as well, as you begin to see the green of growth creeping up higher and higher up the mountainsides.

Fall

Fall presents itself with spectacular views of the changing colors of the leaves. Along with that, the chance to enjoy is ever present, also, with cooler, yet not cold temperatures. Hiking, biking, as well as any other outdoor activity is availed to you deep into fall.

Winter

Again, winter presents itself with more of a spirited and brighter variation than a winter further south. Snow can be seen in the mountains with a crispness to the air around the area. However, the winter is not a drawn out affair, enabling one to enjoy the season without feeling that the end is not quite near. The average high temperatures fall in the high forties to low fifties, with occasional snow, which provides a nice change of pace to the climate.

Isothermal Belt

One unique feature of this area is what is known as the isothermal belt, a weather phenomenon that is more prominent here than in many other regions. This environmental factor occurs at the foothills and southern slopes of the mountains. There is a temperature inversion which occurs, providing mild temperatures than are prevalent at either higher or lower elevations. This pattern especially helps protect any vegetation from frost and freezing conditions. It particularly helps budding plants and flowers in the spring and can be very helpful in the growing of many fruits, including apples and grapes.

Western North Carolina provides a rich variety of seasonal transformations. From a true changing of seasons to the uniqueness of the isothermal belt, this area is very much climate rich, enabling one to more fully enjoy the region.

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