Highlands, North Carolina Real Estate

Highlands Real Estate & Homes for Sale in North Carolina

Highlands, North Carolina, is the gem of Macon County. The town is situated in the stunning part of Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of 4,118 feet. Real estate options consist of single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses and undeveloped land lots. Surrounded by scenic forests, waterfalls and mountain peaks, Highlands invites residents to make use of the natural surroundings for many forms of recreation. Biking, hiking, camping, golfing, fishing and horseback riding are all part of the lifestyle. About half of the town's land area is part of the Nantahala National Public Forest, which acts as a huge backyard park for the community.

Highlands has about 2,000 year-round residents and 23,000 more summer dwellers. Mild winters and an average summer temperature of 75 degrees are what draw many to this area. The town is located in the western tip of the state, just north of the South Carolina border and about 60 miles southwest of Asheville. Because of the popularity of the town as a tourist destination, two of the primary employing economic sectors are retail trade and travel services. The latter includes entertainment, recreation and accommodation.

Highlands is known for being somewhat more sophisticated than most mountain towns; its restaurants, private country clubs, cultural organizations and quaint, downtown shopping district add more complexity to Highlands living. Public education is provided by Highlands School under the jurisdiction of Macon County Schools. Highlands School has about 400 enrolled students, spanning from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Highlands, NC Real Estate Market: Prices for Highlands, NC Houses for Sale

The Highlands, NC housing market has options for vacation homes or second homes, permanent residents, investors, retirees or resort-style living. The dense forest and elevated location provide scenic views and many secluded lots for homes, while the golf, tennis and gated communities provide more structure.

Prices for detached, single-family homes in Highlands range from $200,000 up to $2 million. Between $200,000 and $500,000, the home seeker can purchase anything from a real private, cozy cottage to a large, multi-story, family home. More expensive homes may have lakefront locations, access to a private golf course, acreage and expansive floor plans.

There are many neighborhoods and subdivisions with lovely homes in Highlands, North Carolina and each offers its own version of the mountain resort lifestyle. Condominiums and townhomes are available; these units offer the natural amenities of the community with a smaller price tag. Prices range from $260,000 to $700,000. Highlands can also be an ideal place to build a custom home. Undeveloped lots range in price from $50,000 to $1 million.