Highlands Real Estate Listings of Houses and Homes for Sale in Macon County, North Carolina


	Highlands Houses for Sale

Highlands

Highlands, N.C., was established in 1875. Early residents were diverse in their backgrounds. The town was populated with tradesmen and wealthy professionals, northerners and southerners, Americans and Europeans. In the 1880s, there were about 300 residents, plus several stores and churches. About 40 years later, Lake Sequoyah was formed when a dam was built at Cullasaja River. By 1931, the year-round population had grown to about 500.

Highland’s population did not change much until the second half of the 20th century, when increasing development in other areas prompted more home seekers to appreciate the beauty of Highlands’ natural surroundings. The early diversity of the town has made a lasting impression, and Highlands continues to attract artists, scholars, writers and professionals.

There are several lakes in or near the Highlands community. The most popular are Lake Sequoyah and Cliffside Lake. Lake Sequoyah, in Highlands, is dotted with many lakefront homes; homeowners here enjoy gorgeous water views and the rich community of wildlife around them. Cliffside Lake, just outside of Highlands, is used for camping, picnicking, fishing and other forms of recreation.

Hiking is available in the Nantahala Forest and near the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain. The Bartram Trail is popular with serious hikers; it begins in Georgia, winds through North Carolina near Highlands and runs west to meet the Appalachian Trail in the Nantahala Mountains. Another option is the Shortoff-Yellow Mountain trail, which runs through the Cowee Mountains.

While the natural amenities of the Blue Ridge Mountains area are Highlands’ most obvious attractions, the town also caters to those who appreciate culture. Highlands has a live professional theater group, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and an international film festival. Shopping in the downtown village area is also an experience; antique shops, clothing stores and specialty boutiques offer an eclectic choice of unusual items.

Highlands is home to four private golf facilities and one public course. The private facilities are Cullasaja Club, Highlands Country Club, Highlands Falls Golf Course and Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Highlands Cove is the public course. All five facilities are well-regarded locally; the hilly terrain and scenic views make for a challenging yet serene afternoon on the green.