Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Etowah, North Carolina
In a Scenic Valley on the Edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Little Etowah is Close to Trendy Asheville, the Pisgah National Forest and a Popular Waterfall
Set in a scenic valley, Etowah is a nice little community (census designated place) tucked next to the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina. It got its name from the Native American word for a river in Georgia and dates from the late-1800s.
Just 25 miles from trendy Asheville, Etowah has grown 14% during the last decade. Much of this growth has come from people, including retirees, wanting to live near, but not in, Asheville. Etowah has no traditional town center so most merchants, including a grocery, a post office, banks, a few eateries, a pharmacy, gas stations and the like, are along or near the main throughfare, Brevard Road. Anything not found here is generally available in nearby Hendersonville. Neighborhoods, most without sidewalks, have a country quality and attractive residences on nicely-landscaped lots. Riverwind is a pet-friendly 55+ community with tree-lined lanes. The Etowah Valley Golf Club sits toward the northern end of the community.
The Pisgah National Forest offers a bounty of hiking, camping and fishing opportunities. Looking Glass Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina, is just a 20 minute drive away. Mountain views are all around.
Population: 8,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 58%
Cost of Living: Meets the national average
Median Home Price: $420,000
Climate: The elevation is 2,100 feet above sea level, so summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s, 30s and 40s. On average, the area receives 54 inches of rain and nine inches of snow each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Pardee Memorial Hospital is just seven miles away in Hendersonville and accepts Medicare.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Pardee Memorial Hospital is just seven miles away in Hendersonville and is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes, and it is in a new-ish building with lots of windows.
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 34%
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Winter roads are sometimes a little treacherous.
Notes: Home prices have increased 14% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
North Carolina:
"Esse quam videri" is the motto of North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State. It was the 12th state to be admitted to the Union, joining the other states on November 21, 1789. North Carolina was also one of the Thirteen Colonies and was originally named the Province of Carolina. It was the second to the last state to declare its secession from the Union during the Civil War.
The state is situated in the Southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. The capital is Raleigh, but the largest city is Charlotte.
The historical people of North Carolina include the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Pamlico, Coree and Cape Fear Indians. The Revolutionary War impoverished the state of North Carolina for several years.
Charlotte is on a rapid growth streak thanks to its banking industry. North Carolina is also home to several universities, including the University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State University.
The state hosts more than 80% of the NASCAR racing teams and is the site of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Carolina Panthers represents North Carolina in the National Football League, and the Charlotte Bobcats play in the National Basketball Association.
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