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Forest City, NC Homes for Rent

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    $2,000

    Total Monthly Price

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,404 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    148 Westhaven St, Forest City, NC 28043

    Short Term Rental Up to 3 months. No Smoking Walking Distance to Ingles and Hardins Drug Store No Pets

    148 Westhaven St, Forest City, NC 28043
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    $1,700 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • Foothills Villas - duplex

    243 Chamberlain Way, Forest City, NC 28043

    Welcome to this duplex in Forest City, NC — a three-bedroom, two-bath home with practical amenities for everyday living. The kitchen includes a stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Washer/dryer hookups are available for laundry convenience. Enjoy outdoor space with a front porch and a large yard; trash, lawn services and pest control are provided for an additional fee of $120.00

    243 Chamberlain Way, Forest City, NC 28043
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    $1,325 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • duplex - AFFORDABLE HOUSING guidelines for Rutherford County

    277 Chamberlain Way, Forest City, NC 28043

    Welcome to this duplex in Forest City, NC — a three-bedroom, two-bath home with practical amenities for everyday living. The kitchen includes a stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Washer/dryer hookups are available for laundry convenience. Enjoy outdoor space with a front porch and a large yard; trash, lawn services and pest control are provided for an additional fee of $120.00

    277 Chamberlain Way, Forest City, NC 28043

Why Live in Forest City

Forest City, North Carolina, combines outdoor recreation with a charming downtown atmosphere. Surrounded by parks, forests, and trails, this small-town community features a vibrant Main Street with locally owned shops, restaurants, and events. Residents enjoy dining at places like Copper Penny Grill, The Hoot Nannie, and Pie Safe Baking Company, and can attend various local events throughout the year. Forest City-Dunbar Elementary is a highly rated school serving the area. Homes in Forest City are primarily midcentury renovated houses with ranch-style Colonial Revival, cottage, Craftsman, and Tudor Revival exteriors. Many residences are within walking distance of downtown, offering convenience for dining and local activities. Outdoor recreation opportunities include Crowe Park, McNair Field, Charles R. Sumney Park, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, with additional options for hiking, fishing, and hunting at nearby Green River Game Lands and Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Forest City has a crime rate that is safer than the national average. The community is car-dependent but offers decent commuting options to Asheville and Charlotte, both around 60 miles away. Major highways like Highway 74 and Highway 221 provide easy access to Interstates 40 and 26, located 40 to 50 miles from Forest City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Forest City, NC?
The median rent for a home in Forest City, NC is $1,700 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of June 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Forest City, NC?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Forest City, NC, a household needs to earn roughly $68,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,700 per month in Forest City, NC, renters typically need to show $5,100 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Forest City, NC?
In Forest City, NC, the price-to-rent ratio is 11.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$1,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,650
Median Condo Rent
$650
How to Rent a Home