Why People Choose Ashe County

2014-04-01

AHCR
The Area

Last modified on 2020-05-17

It's Perfect for Those Pursuing an Active, Yet Tranquil Lifestyle in the Mountains

Those who live in Ashe County are people who want a more relaxed lifestyle. They enjoy the tranquility of the mountains, and the many things Ashe County and its surrounding area have to offer.

Ashe County is truly a destination in and of itself. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the far most northwestern corner of the state away from traffic and city congestion, it is a haven for retirement and second-home buyers.

If you're searching for a place to live that will encourage a healthy lifestyle, then continue reading...

Respectful Population

Respectful Population in Ashe County NC

The people of Ashe County are largely quiet and dignified, friendly mountain folks who welcome newcomers to the area. They are self-reliant people, who have a deep respect for their neighbor and expect the same in return. They value their Appalachia culture and down through generations have kept their mountain traditions alive through their music and story-telling. They readily adapt to change and new endeavors with enthusiasm and anticipation.

Children Growing Up in Ashe County NC

Fostering Growth

Ashe County people are involved with their children. And, this is evident as they proudly spend more per student than the North Carolina average. Ashe County Schools maintain a low drop-out rate and their SAT scores far exceed the state average and the national level.

Rich in the Arts

Music festivals and art shows are constant in all seasons – anywhere people gather you will find music whether it’s traditional mountain music, contemporary or chamber music. The Ashe County Arts Council is very active in the community cultivating and enhancing the cultural life in the region. Ashe County has its own Civic Center – and is home to Ashe County Little Theatre.

Thousands of people come to visit the frescos in Ashe County. Internationally renowned artist Ben Long painted his first fresco in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. A year later, he painted a life-size depiction of The Last Supper in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs.

Fine Arts in West Jefferson, Ashe County

Recreation in the NC Mountains

Recreation for All

Mount Jefferson State Park towers above the town of West Jefferson. There are 500 acres of natural area and hiking trails.

There are two golf courses in Ashe County and several more within a 30-minute drive. The famed Blue Ridge Parkway makes its way through the county offering hiking trails, picnicking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. The historical New River is great for canoeing, rafting, and fishing, native trout streams for fishing are only a few of the many outdoor activities Ashe County has to offer. You could spend a lifetime in the area and each day meet new and interesting things to do.

Shopping & Dining

Nestled in a valley with the mountains above is the Town of West Jefferson. West Jefferson is well known for its street murals, its many art galleries in and around the town, and for the monthly gallery crawls sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Center. The town offers unique shops, restaurants, mountain music, festivals, a town park with bi-weekly evening concerts, the Farmers Market on the back street offering organic vegetables, fruits, homemade items as well as handmade mountain crafts. There are strip-malls in and around the town offering additional shopping as well as in the Towns of Lansing, Jefferson and Glendale Springs.

Great Shopping in Ashe County

Friendly Neighbors in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Great Neighbors

Ashe County is also a springboard to nearby area activities. The Wilkesboro's, Boone and Blowing Rock areas are as close as 20-25 minutes away for those who enjoy skiing or sporting events. For those interested in continuing education, the opportunity lies in a short distance away at Appalachian State University or the Community College in Ashe County, or Wilkesboro. For those interested in the arts, the Florence Thomas Art School is located downtown West Jefferson.

Explore Natural Splendor

Ashe County has four distinct seasons. The high elevations (5,100 feet at highest elevation) provide temperate summers, beautiful autumns, mild winter snows, and a refreshing new beginning in spring. Ashe County encompasses approximately 427 square miles of diverse terrain from farmland at 2,300 feet in elevation to 5,100 feet on mountain tops. There are approximately 25,812 full-time residents, a population density of 57 persons per square mile. During the summer months, this number increases as Ashe County becomes home for many summer residents who spend summers in the cool mountain breezes of the North Carolina Mountains.

Explore the North Carolina Mountains

Easily Reached

Ashe County has easy access to the surrounding cities: Charlotte is only 2-hours away, Winston-Salem - Greensboro is only 1.5 hours away. Raleigh-Durham and the Tri-Cities are easy traveling to and from Ashe County.

Ashe County Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport, located three nautical miles east of the central business district of Jefferson, NC. The airport is in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015, which categorized it as a general aviation facility.

www.AsheChamber.com
www.AsheCountyGov.com
www.AsheMemorial.org

Share with friends

Popular Posts
Recent Posts

2015-04-03

The History of West Jefferson

History of West Jefferson, North Carolina The people of Ashe County and West Jefferson often hold deep ties to the area’s history. There is a sense of magnificence when entering the mountains of north western North Carolina – possibly looking back to the sense of wonder the first explorers felt as they ventured into the Blue Ridge Mountain’s immense beauty for the first time. Colonel Ben Cleveland, Revolutionary War hero particularly known for his leadership at the Battle of King’s Mountain, was the first settler to own land where West Jefferson now stands. History tells us, Ben Cleveland received the large tract of Appalachian mountain land, including what is now Ashe County, in 1795.

2020-06-24

Ashe County Farmers Market in West Jefferson

Visit the Farmers Market in West Jefferson There are many reasons to shop local at the Ashe County Farmers Market. Choosing our local farmers market means stimulating the economy of northwestern North Carolina. It also means fresher food as food is gown locally instead of transported hundreds – sometimes even thousands of miles. When you shop at the Ashe County Farmers Market you will find fresh vegetables, there is seasonal produce, local honey, free-range eggs, maple syrup, jams, and freshly baked breads and pastries. Local all-natural beef, chicken, pork, and lamb as well as (occasionally) fresh mountain trout are also available in a wide variety of cuts and sizes. In addition to fruits, meats, and vegetables the Ashe County Farmers Market features the works from talented local artisans including hand-woven baskets, pottery, candles, quilts, and soaps. Fine wood crafts are also available for sale: one-of-kind cutting boards, bird houses, furniture, and boutique picture frames just to name a few. The market has a wide choice of nursery items, bedding plants and flowering arrangements ready for landscaping and outdoor gardens. During the Christmas season, the Farmers Market features Christmas trees, garland, handmade ornaments, and all types of greenery for the holiday season. More than a Farmers Market During the summer, the Farmers Market will sponsor different activities, such as a sheep-sheering Saturday, a day for Llamas, Alpacas, occasional live music and many more activities.

2020-11-10

NC Mountains winter snow

Winter is on the Agenda in NC Mountains. Now that the autumn days has ended and the colorful October days have turned toward winter, one must look back to the foggy days of August.

2017-10-20

The Haunted Factory in West Jefferson

Update October 2020: The Haunted Factory is open every Friday and Saturday evenings during October – Halloween is Saturday, October 31. Doors open at 7pm and close at 11pm. Admission is $10.00. For more information click here. Halloween in West Jefferson, NC.

2021-02-26

Pocahontas Statue West Jefferson NC

West Jefferson's Marble Statue - A Work of Art Standing proudly at the corner of West Main Street and 2nd Avenue in downtown West Jefferson, the Pocahontas Statue is beloved by Ashe County citizens. The history behind this statue may be more than what meets the eye, and the Pocahontas Statue in West Jefferson has a twin over 600 miles to the north. The statue originally commissioned in the early 1930s was to be a major piece for the Geneva Central Council in upstate New York. Original funding for the project came from Works Progress Administration.

2024-12-12

Areas we serve

2024-11-26

Christmas Trees | Economic Impact Ashe County NC

Ashe County Christmas Trees Today, Ashe County remains at the forefront of the Christmas tree industry, with a new generation of farmers carrying on the traditions established by their predecessors. As environmental concerns and sustainability become increasingly important to consumers, the region's commitment to responsible land stewardship and renewable resources positions it well for continued success in the years to come. The Christmas tree industry is more than just a seasonal attraction for Ashe County - it's a vital economic engine that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and contributes significantly to the region's financial well-being. Let's explore the various ways in which this thriving sector impacts the local economy. Ashe County's Christmas tree farms generate millions of dollars in revenue each year, with a substantial portion of this income staying within the local community. The sale of trees, wreaths, and other holiday greenery provides a significant boost to the county's agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the regional economy. Job Creation and Employment Opportunities The Christmas tree industry creates a diverse range of employment opportunities for residents.

2024-10-06

Hurricane Helene - Ashe County NC

Ashe County faced an unprecedented natural disaster. Torrential rains from Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout the North Carolina Mountains.

2024-09-10

NC Mountain Land Ashe County, NC

2024-08-26

NC Mountain Log Home for Sale

3 Bedrooms - 3.5 BathsDetached 2-car Garage, workshop space, and a bedroom and half-bath above. Covered Porch, open and closed decksLarge pavillion with huge stone fireplaceLocated in Todd, NC between West Jefferson and Boone.Offered at $849,900. A Home to Retire or use as a Mountain RetreatOn the main floor you will find a snug great room with an eye-catching stone fireplace, the kitchen, and a cozy eating area. The primary bedroom, with full bathroom and walk-in shower, opens onto the back porch.

Mountain Land

Other Popular Land Searches

West Jefferson Office

West Jefferson Office

North Carolina Real Estate

Virginia Real Estate

By Location

By Type