Let’s look at the top winter activities in the North Carolina mountains, popular destinations for seasonal homes, and insights into the area’s real estate market.
Winter Activities
North Carolina’s snowy weather, without the biting cold of other winter destinations, creates an ideal setting for winter recreation. Western North Carolina has several ski locations, with five smaller ski areas garnering immense popularity. Sugar Mountain, the state’s largest ski destination, stands out with charming lodges and a significant vertical drop. Beech Mountain, the highest ski area in the Eastern United States, captivates visitors with its gorgeous location.
Alpine skiing is just one facet of the many experiences awaiting you in the mountains of North Carolina. For outdoor enthusiasts, the world-famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park serves as a stunning place for winter hikes with noticeably fewer crowds than in the summer. Also, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing throughout the season.
Popular Winter Home Locations
Numerous towns and cities in the North Carolina mountain region appeal to buyers seeking seasonal properties. Let’s discover a few below:
Asheville, the most well-known city in the North Carolina mountains, charms visitors with its hiking trails, arts scene, and trendy ambiance. In the winter, access to top-notch breweries, restaurants, and museums is coupled with the backdrop of magnificent mountainous terrain. Redfin data reports a steady rise in Asheville’s housing prices in recent years, with the median sale price reaching $455,250 in December 2023.
Boone, another favored choice for a seasonal home, is a Blue Ridge Mountain community with a fascinating history and abundant charm. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Boone’s surrounding trails offer spectacular mountain views. Property prices in Boone have surged, reaching a median sale price of $455,000 in December 2023, according to Redfin.
Blowing Rock, renowned for its rustic cabins and lodges amid Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, is another excellent option for a seasonal retreat. Redfin reported a median home sale price of $860,000 in December 2023.