Tag Archives: Sapphire, NC Real Estate

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cashiers, NC Area to Be Protected With Land Grant

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The Asheville Citizen-Times recently had an interesting article about the area receiving a land grant from The Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program.

Evidently, North Carolina’s land trusts recently received federal funds to help protect about 20 of the state’s scenic byways, including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Continue reading to learn more about this exciting development, and what it means for Cashiers area home buyers.

Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate

According to the recent article, this is the second time that North Carolina’s land trusts have received federal funding for land protection projects.

This time, the federal government gave $2.7 million to these area land trusts to help protect natural, cultural and historical resources along these scenic byways.

These land trusts will accomplish this noble goal by:

  • Educating landowners about conservation efforts
  • Acquiring property and conservation easements
  • Planning for conservation efforts on other area byways.

Some of the byways that will benefit from these efforts include:

  • Drovers Road Scenic Byway in Henderson County
  • 90 acres near the summit of Bearwallow Mountain
  • Six additional routes throughout Western North Carolina

Investing in Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate

I’m thrilled that the federal government is awarding our area more money to help keep out mountains beautiful.

After all, thousands of people all over the country flock to Western North Carolina each year because this area is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and breath-taking vistas.

If you’ve been thinking about making the Cashiers, NC area your permanent home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your Cashiers area real estate expert, I’ll answer any questions you might have about living in the area as well as let you know about available listings in our various communities, which include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

State Decided to Cut Landslide Hazard Map-Making in Highlands, NC Region

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State lawmakers recently decided to cut the state’s landslide mapping unit, which was created to assess which mountain slopes are most likely to create a landslide.

The Smoky Mountain News reported that five state geologists who were working on the maps were laid off this week.

The state’s decision will save about $355,000 a year.

Continue reading to learn more about what this means for Highlands, NC area home owners and buyers.

Living in the Highlands, NC Area

Since the landslide mapping unit began working on the landslide hazard maps in 2005,  they have completed studying four counties:

The team was in the process of studying Jackson County’s mountain slopes when the state cut their funding.
The state’s landslide mapping unit has faced controversy since the beginning because many critics felt that mapping the landslide hazard zones would make it harder to sell property in those zones.

Critics of the mapping unit also questioned whether the unit’s conclusions were accurate.

But others thought that the landslide unit was a great public safety initiative – providing mountain residents with vital information about at-risk areas.

Since landslides typically follow predictable paths, proponents also said that the landslide maps wouldn’t hurt property values, but rather help people figure out on which side of a lot to build their home.

In fact, experts say that mapping where old landslides happen is the best way to predict where future slides will take place.

The geologists working on the landslide project relied heavily on old landslide sites to predict whether a slop was at a low, medium or high risk for a future landslide.

Macon County officials hope to use the findings by incorporating them into a new steep slope ordinance.  A handful of other Western North Carolina counties – including Jackson and Haywood – already have such an ordinance.

To view Macon County’s landslide map, visit www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/Landslide_Info/MaconCounty.html.

A partial map for Jackson is expected to be posted soon to wfs.enr.state.nc.us/fist/.

Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

What do you think of state lawmakers’ decision to cut funding to the landslide hazard map-making unit? Let me know!

And if you’re thinking about entering the Highlands, NC real estate market as a Highlands area home buyer or home seller, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As a Highlands, NC REALTOR, I strive to keep up-to-date on the news that affects Highlands area home buyers and Highlands area home sellers so I can help them make educated decisions on the Highlands area real estate market.

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

Cashiers Area Scholars to Address Growth and Development in the Cashiers, NC Area

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The Smoky Mountain News recently reported on an upcoming discussion that will be held at the Highlands Biological Station on growth in the mountains of North Carolina and how that growth will affect farm and forestland in the area.

The discussion, which is part of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s “Think About Thursdays” speaker series, will be led by Paul Carlson.

Mr. Carlson will address such pressing topic in the N.C. Mountain region as:

  • Steep-slope land values
  • How local officials plan to keep up with road systems as the area develops
  • How future development will affect the native flora and fauna in the area

For those interested in going to this event, here are the details:

  • When: 6 p.m. on July 7
  • Where: Highlands Biological Station, 265 N 6th St in Highlands, North Carolina
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call (828) 526-2602

Development in the Highlands, NC Area

One of the things that’s always impressed me about the Highlands, NC region is how the residents continually strive to strike a balance between development and natural beauty.

Thus far,  the region has  done a  great job of preserving that natural beauty, as evident by the numerous recreational amenities available to Highlands area residents.  These include:

With discussions like the one that will be held on July 7, Highlands area residents – as well as interested Highlands area home buyers – can be confident that that natural beauty will continue to be cherished and preserved for years to come.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

Have you been thinking about relocating to the Highlands, NC area? Then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your North Carolina Mountains real estate expert, I have years of experience working in various area real estate markets, including:

Contact me today to learn more about how I can help make navigating the Cashiers, NC area real estate market easier for you and your family.

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

Highlands, NC Area Real Estate Attracting Those Seeking a Cooler Summer

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More and more interested Highland home buyers are purchasing homes in the N.C. Mountains because of their summer getaway appeal, according to a recent news article.

Many Lowcountry residents are attracted to the North Carolina mountains because they offer an escape from the oppressive humidity in the Piedmont.
Interested Highlands home buyers are also attracted to the low prices on Highlands area homes for sale, the article noted.
Other reasons that are often cited for relocating to the Highlands, NC area as mentioned in the recent article include:
  • Breath-taking vistas during the fall and spring
  • Plenty of recreational amenities, including hiking and fly-fishing
  • A small-town atmosphere with close proximity to major cities, including Charlotte and Atlanta
  • A variety of home style options, including the traditional log cabin and more contemporary styles

Entering the Highlands NC Real Estate Market

As illustrated by the recent news article, there are plenty of great reasons to invest in Highlands, NC real estate – and not just for the summer, but year-round. This beautiful area includes such charming and unique communities as:

Have you recently been thinking about entering the Highlands NC real estate market as a Highlands NC area home buyer?

Then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, your Highlands, NC area real estate expert!

When you do, I’ll be happy to  answer any questions you might have about living in the NC Mountains.

To get the relocation process started, feel free to check out some of my helpful Highlands NC area home buying resources, including:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Fun Things to do in Highlands NC Area This Month

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When people think of the North Carolina mountains, perhaps one of the most vivid images that come to mind is the brilliant fall foliage and the beautiful blooms in springtime.

What many people might not be aware of, however, is all of the incredible events that go on all summer long in the Highlands, NC area.

From festivals to 5Ks, there’s always something fun and exciting going on.

Relocating to the Highlands, Lake Toxaway, and Cashiers Area

Here’s a sampling of some of the amazing activities that you and your family could be enjoying this month if you were living in the Highlands, NC area.

Group Hiking: The Nantahala Hiking Club regularly hosts group hikes.  Contact this Franklin-Highlands area club to find out when the next hiking excursion will be.

  • When: Various days throughout summer
  • Where: Throughout the Highlands, NC area
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 369-6820 or visit www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

State Parks Visit: Some state parks, including the Gorges State Park, is free to the public.  This Transylvania County Park features trails, waterfalls, picnic areas and campsites.  It’s quite popular among the locals in the Highlands, NC area.

  • When: Anytime during park hours
  • Where: Transylvania County
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 966-9099.

Highlands Area Triathlon: During this triathlon – which features individual and relay team options – you’ll participate in a 250-yard swim, 9 mile cycle and 5K run.  Those interested can register at www.setupevents.com.

  • When: 8 a.m. on June 25
  • Where: Valdese Aquatic Center
  • Admission: Prices vary
  • More Info: Visit www.setupevents.com

Brevard Rotary Firecracker 5K/10K: The 16th annual 5K and 10K races will take place in downtown Brevard and is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

  • When: 8 a.m. on July 4
  • Where: Downtown Brevard, 299 S. Broad St.
  • Admission: Entry fee is $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K ($5 more after June 26), $20 for students 18 and younger and seniors age 65 and older.
  • More Info: Visit www.BrevardRotary.org.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

As you can see, there’s always something fun, new and exciting going on in the Highlands, NC area.

If you’ve been thinking about making the Highlands, NC area your permanent home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, your Highlands, NC real estate expert.

I’ll answer any questions you might have about living here, let you know about available listings in the area, as well as provide you with a number of invaluable Highlands area home buyer resources.

These helpful tools include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

A Good Idea for Hendersonville and Why Highlands NC Area is an Amazing Place to Call Home

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The city of Hendersonville is thinking about converting an old rail line into a multi-purpose  trail that can be used by bicyclists, walkers, joggers and even equestrians, according to a recent article.

The 18-mile Norfolk Southern Ecusta rail, which travels from Hendersonville to Brevard, was built in 1894.  At one point, the line ran all the way from Hendersonville to Lake Toxaway.

Over the years, however, the rail has become obsolete and is currently inactive.  While portions of the line in the Brevard area have already been converted into a multi-use trail, the Hendersonville side remains unused.

The city is using a grant from the Federal Highway Administration to pay for the majority of the study, which costs about $65,000.

The final report is expected to be released in January 2012.

Living in the Highlands NC Area

This new development in Hendersonville is a fantastic thing for all who live in the North Carolina mountains.

It also highlights the general philosophy in this area that celebrates outdoor recreation.

Here in the Highlands, N.C. area, residents constantly have an array of recreational amenities from which to choose, including:

Have a family member that doesn’t necessarily enjoy being outside too much but does enjoy the mountain environment? No worries! There are plenty of indoor recreational attractions that the N.C. Mountains offer as well!

Relocating to the Highlands, NC Area

If you’re considering moving to the North Carolina mountains, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen!

When you call, I’ll tell you about all of our unique mountain communities, including:

As your N.C. Mountain Life expert, I’ll also provide you with a number of invaluable N.C. home buyer resources, such as:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

 

 

North Carolina Waterfalls

Horseback Riding

Gem-mining

Fly-fishing

Golf

Tennis

Whitewater Rafting

South Carolina Waterfalls

South Carolina State Parks

Calling All Golfers…May Is Charity Golf In The NC Mountains

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Join your NC mountain golf real estate neighbors in playing one of the area charity golf events.  Tournaments are held in Cashiers, Highlands, and Sapphire, NC

Wanted: Golfers from Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, High Hampton Golf Club and Wade Hampton Golf Club of Cashiers, NC Burlingame of Sapphire Lakes, Sapphire Mountain Golf, Country Club of Sapphire Valley of Sapphire, NC, the Cullasaja Club, Highlands Falls Country Club, Highlands Country Club of Highlands, NC, Lake Toxaway Country Club in Lake Toxaway, NC…and anyone in the NC mountains who likes to play golf to play in the many charity golf tournaments during May. You are invited to share in the fun. These mountains are alive with the sound of golf balls flying. You knew there was a reason to return early in May to your mountain home. To secure your registration form for each of these tournaments by clicking on this Mountain Activities link for your golf registration form.

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Transylvania Community Hospital Addition Offers Enhanced Health Care

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Transylvania Community Hospital, Brevard, NC Celebrates 75th Birthday With New Wing

Folks owning homes in Lake Toxaway, Sapphire,Rosman, Brevard, and Penrose areas will all benefit from the new 30 bed wing at the Transylvania Community Hospital. As an NC mountain realtor, I am often asked by those looking for real estate how our local hospital facilities are. With this new addition, patients will not only have a wonderful hospital staff but also a state of the art medical facility in which to receive care.

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