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Home | North Carolina | Above Average Costs

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Highlands, North Carolina

A Cozy Appalachian Mountain Resort Town, Highlands is Within the Boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest and Brims with Charm

This snug Appalachian Mountain resort getaway is within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest and overflows with charm.   It started out as a trading post in 1875 and became a golf destination in the 1930s when the Highlands Country Club was built.

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Today, Highlands still draws golfers, as well as vacationers, second home owners and Floridians seeking escape from the summer heat.    The downtown, though small, has red brick sidewalks and is packed with touristy, high-end shops, art galleries, antique stores and award-winning restaurants.  The summer farmers' market takes place here, too.  

Locals enjoy three theater groups, a performing arts center and the Highlands-Cashiers Music Festival. The Bascom, a center for visual arts, offers exhibitions and workshops.   The Center for Life Enrichment collaborates with the Bascom and has a full catalogue of continuing education courses.   The Highlands Biological Station has a nature center, workshops, and symposiums. 

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Several in-town lakes and an extensive greenway provide recreational opportunities. The Cullasaja River, dammed near Highlands, boasts stunning waterfalls. Most residences, some of which are described as trophy homes, sit on a secluded lot and are nestled in the trees.

Population:  1,150 (city proper)

Age 45 or Better:  58%

Cost of Living:    140% above the national average

Median Home Price:  $1.2 million

Climate:  Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s. On average, Highlands receives 81 inches of rain and 13 inches of snow per year.

At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients?   Yes

At Least One Hospital Accredited By Joint Commission?   Yes

Public Transit:   No

Crime Rate:    Slightly above the national average (violent crime is practically non-existent, but property crime is higher than average).

Public Library:   Yes

Political Leanings:   Conservative

College Educated:   45%

Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement?   Somewhat

Cons:    None, except the higher than average property crime rate.

Notes:   Highlands is a cute but seasonal town and is very quiet in the winter, which can be long. This is a remote place but has grown 5% during the last decade. Hurricane Helene in 2024 bypassed Highlands.

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Recommended as a Retirement Spot?    Yes, but probably only on a part-time summer basis.

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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.

Situated in the Southeastern region of the United States, North Carolina 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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