Highlands, NC Home for Rent

Highlands, North Carolina, has evolved from a mountain retreat to a thriving residential community, attracting young families and remote workers alongside second- and third-time homebuyers. The town, part of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, offers a mix of Colonial-inspired homes, farmhouses, and cabins, with condos available in Chestnut Hill and Village Walk At Mill Creek. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, with no rideshares, Walmart, or CVS in town. Local attractions include Whiteside Mountain, Nantahala National Forest, and Harris Lake, popular for trout fishing. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts features monthly artist talks, classes, and exhibitions, while Main Street hosts boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores like Mountain Fresh Grocery. Dining options include Wild Thyme Gourmet, Highlands Smokehouse, and the Ugly Dog Public House, which offers live music. Highlands School serves K-12 students and has a high rating. The area experiences severe weather, including hurricanes, but has a crime score significantly lower than the national average. Highway 64 and Highway 28 provide access to nearby towns and the Georgia state line, about 7 miles south.