What It’s Like to Live in the North Carolina Mountains

The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is a part of the western North Carolina mountains and resides in what is often referred to as the southern highlands. The area is known for its scenic beauty as it is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The picturesque vistas are enhanced by lush virgin forests, crystal clear lakes, rushing streams, and breathtaking waterfalls.

With daily high temperatures averages in July ranging between 74º – 78º F depending on the elevation, it’s easy to understand why the area has been a popular retreat for southerners looking to escape the summer heat and swelter. This part of the North Carolina mountains boasts some of the coolest summer temperatures in the eastern United States.

Things to Do

The area which mainly runs along US Highway 64 is known for its peaceful, relaxed communities and towns. In Highlands and Cashiers you will find charming shops – clothing boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and of course an abundance of dining options from award-winning restaurants.

There’s also no shortage of ways to play as the outdoors lend itself to an multitude of activities:

Golf
Tennis
FlyFishing
Croquet
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Boating
Whitewater Rafting
Snow Skiing

Each town offers a casually-sophisticated lifestyle with a vibrant music and art scene. Playhouses too. For those who are drawn to the cultural side of things, Cashiers and Highlands will not disappoint.

As one soon discover when considering the purchase of North Carolina mountain real estate, there is no shortage of things to do in keeping one busy.

Our part of the North Carolina mountains is known for it’s abundant waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and roaring streams. Waterfalls such as Silver Run Falls, Dry Falls, or Whitewater Falls dot the landscape and are accented by the breath-taking dense forests and rhododendron thickets. You’ll also want to explore the other waterfalls just outside Cashiers. These include Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park and High Falls just a quick trip away near scenic Lake Glenville. Nearby, the Nantahala National Forest offers access to an abundance of outdoor adventure. While in the area, you’ll want to be sure to check out Panthertown Valley. This scenic wilderness area offers many trails and waterfalls – such as Schoolhouse Falls. Of course fishing excels with Horsepasture River and Chattooga River known for fly-fishing trips.

With so much to see and enjoy – it’s easy to understand why buying real estate or home ownership in the North Carolina mountains is such a popular option for many.

Community Information

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, Charlotte, Greenville, & Nashville, our special area of the North Carolina mountains  offers a respite for those seeking to unwind and find a pace of life that is not often found in these fast paced times. The Plateau rests in the Southwest corner of the North Carolina mountains with mountain elevations varying form 3500 feet to well over 5000 feet.

Cashiers Information Resources

• Jackson County, NC
• Macon County, NC
• Cashiers Chamber of Commerce
• Highlands Chamber of Commerce
• Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

NC Mountain Real Estate Brokers

Interested in NC mountain homes for sale? Let us navigate the buying process as you begin your search for North Carolina mountain real estate. One of the many advantages of working with us as your buyer’s agent is you’ll be working with a licensed real estate brokerage in North Carolina with nearly 40 years of expertise and insight. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that you have a real estate professional that represents your interests. We are members of the Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS® with access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) showcasing the latest property listings and real estate data including single family homes, condos/townhouses, land, homesites, open houses, new listings, price reduced homes, recently bought homes, market trends, and more. Not seeing what you’re looking for on this page? Expand your real estate and home search to other golf neighborhoods and developments in Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire, Lake Glenville, and Scaly Mountain.