Andrews is a rural valley town surrounded by mountains
Over towering peaks and deep in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is Andrews, a small valley town of under 2,000 residents. "It's nestled in a valley with big, huge mountains all around it," says local broker Bill Banzhaf of Mountain Place Realty. He's sold homes across the community for 20 years. "It has a little downtown with a small-town feel, and then right from there, you can go into the mountains. You can have a mountain home and still easily visit downtown." It has balance; residents can live on tucked-away lots up in the hills, or near the heart of town, where several small businesses and events bring locals together.
Homes are in the mountains or offer views of them
From the narrow streets of downtown, in spots where the trees aren't too tall, locals can see where mountain peaks jut into the skyline. Downtown homes are the community's oldest, including traditional and farmhouse-style homes that date to the early 1900s. There's also a good mix of mid-century ranch-style homes. Homes in or near downtown typically sell for $100,000 to $400,000. Homes are spread out on sizable, mountainside lots outside the town center. "Going outside and into the mountains, you'll see more cabins," Banzhaf says. "They are usually on an acre-plus." They tend to have big, floor-to-ceiling windows or wide decks with clear views of the valley. These mountain chalets usually sell for $400,000 to $600,000. Several plots of land are for sale, ranging from $9,000 for a half-acre to $1.5 million for nearly 260 acres of mountain hillside.
Hiking and day trips to Nantahala Lake
Sitting between mountains, Andrews offers access to several hiking trails. To the community's south is the Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area, an expansive natural area home to the Chunky Gal Trail and the Fires Creek Rim Trail. Many trails are accessible several miles away, and it's common for residents to get in the car and make the drive; spots like Huckleberry Knob are popular. Locals also enjoy proximity to Nantahala Lake, sitting about 18 miles east. The lake is popular for water sports and fishing. Andrews also offers several public parks. Judy Nichols Recreational Park offers sports facilities, a seasonal pool and a playground.
Downtown is reviving and local events bring residents together
Downtown Andrews has all the pieces of a traditional rural town center. Its brick-clad storefronts are worn but sturdy, kept going by cherished locally owned shops and restaurants. Its streets have tall, wrought-iron fixtures with dangling potted plants, and evenly spaced light poles with waving American flags. It's also a hub of community events, from the Andrews Spring Fling to Oktoberfest. Food Truck Fridays is a monthly event from May through October with local food trucks, live music and an area for the kids with a bounce house.
And Banzhaf says downtown is going through a revival. "More people are interested in putting businesses downtown," he says. This growth includes Snowbird Mountains Brewery, which Banzhaf recommends. "It's a very cool spot," he says. "Many folks who come in and out of there know each other." Main Street mainstays include Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant and Burger Basket, and Morning Fog Coffee and Eats opened in 2024. The coffee shop has plenty of outdoor seating and operates from a renovated 1920s farmhouse. Locals head to DG Market or Ingles Market to grab groceries, and Walmart is about 13 miles west.
Andrews High School offers SMART TIME
Cherokee County Schools scores an overall B on Niche and serves over 3,000 students. Andrews Elementary School, located in the heart of the community, has a C-plus on Niche, and Andrews Middle School has a B. Andrews High School offers SMART TIME, which stands for students mastering academics, relationships, and time to increase maximum education. It's an extra 30-minute period where students can get educational support or ACT and WorkKeys prep. Each student at AHS is also given a Chromebook. Niche gives the high school a C-plus.
Navigating Cherokee County
Andrews is a car-dependent community with a walkable downtown. U.S. Route 19 connects residents with Marble in the west and Topton in the east. Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities, about 15 miles away. While a North Carolina community, Andrews is near the Tennessee and Georgia state lines, around 94 miles from Knoxville and 130 miles from Atlanta.
Written By
Brennen Martin
