Balsam Grove is close to Brevard but feels worlds away
Named for its verdant scenery, Balsam Grove is a stop along North Carolina’s Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, a picturesque mountain road in Blue Ridge country. The unincorporated community is within Pisgah National Forest, close to the border of Nantahala National Forest. It has one main road, a volunteer fire station, a general store with gas pumps and a church less than 20 miles from Brevard, the seat of Transylvania County. “It’s about a 30-minute drive, but we’re in the South. Everything takes a little longer,” says local broker Amanda Jennings Gravley of Fisher Realty. “It’s very rural, remote and beautiful. There are some good real estate opportunities there, especially in regard to land.” In the quiet of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Grove residents enjoy the privacy of large lots surrounded by densely wooded highlands.
Limited sales data, but the median home cost is $262,000
Sales data is limited in Balsam Grove since properties don’t come on the market often. However, the median cost of single-family homes is roughly $262,000. A property’s age, condition, acreage and square footage are significant cost-determining factors. Acre and multi-acre lots are common, as are contemporary cabins, rustic cottages, manufactured homes and ranch-style homes. Special flood zones surround the creeks and streams that meander through the mountains. Properties touching these zones may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Public schools in nearby Rosman support advanced learners
Transylvania County Schools earns an overall B-plus on Niche. Rosman Elementary, Rosman Middle and Rosman High each receive B grades and are roughly 10 miles south of the community in the town of Rosman. The high school offers a gifted and talented program known as AIG. Outstanding high school sophomores and juniors can be nominated for a multiweek summer boarding program at the Governor's School of North Carolina.
Balsam Grove is close to trails, waterfalls and an observatory
In the heart of mountain country, Balsam Grove is surrounded by hiking, biking and equestrian trails, many of which take visitors past beautiful waterfalls and whitewater cascades. Pisgah National Forest is rich in hardwoods and features sections of temperate rainforest, the dominating biome of Nantahala National Forest. Beneath leafy canopies, anglers can find many creeks and rivers prime for freshwater fishing, especially for trout. Hikers climb through shaded woodlands to beautiful vistas, such as the panoramic view from the top of Devil’s Courthouse, about 10 miles away. Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, also about 10 miles away, offers public viewings of the night sky through telescopes.
General store and local outfitter sell daily and outdoor needs
The family-owned and -operated Balsam Grove General Store is where folks can grab essentials and gas up. About 10 miles down Parkway Road, there’s Headwater Outfitters, a fishing charter service on the French Broad River. “That’s a great, very popular local spot with a little bar,” Gravley says. “They do tubing and fishing guides.” For most everything else, folks can head to Brevard. The city has various restaurants around Broad Street, ranging from barbecue to brunch. It also has the closest medical facilities, including a 24-hour emergency room at Transylvania Regional Hospital.
Main road links West Point to Rosman and South Carolina
Due to the lack of public transportation options in the area, Balsam Grove is a car-dependent community. State Highway 215, also known as Parkway Road, is the main way in and out of the area. It connects to U.S. Route 64 in Rosman. The nearby city also provides access to U.S. Route 178, which is a straight shot across state lines into South Carolina, less than 20 miles south. Asheville is about 50 miles away, and it has the closest commercial airport, Asheville Regional Airport.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
