High up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a small Appalachian town with a population of roughly 20,000. This area, known as the High Country of North Carolina, is known for its rugged peaks and outdoor attractions right on the cusp of the Tennessee border. Billie Rogers, a broker with Keller Williams who has lived in the High Country for more than 30 years, says many of her clients move to Boone for its temperate climate and varied recreation. “It’s so much more relaxing up here,” she says. “There’s no traffic, only amazing views. Plus, people are just nicer — they hold open doors, and they help look for lost pets. No one ever honks their horn at you unless they know you or if you’re seriously going to cause an accident.” For many of the people moving to Boone, the slower pace of mountain life is a welcome change. However, heavy tourism and a bustling student population also mean there’s plenty to do.
Far from a remote village, Boone is also a college town and a center of commerce for the surrounding High Country. Four of the top employers in Watauga County are based in Boone: Appalachian State University, UNC Health Appalachian, Watauga County Board of Education and Samaritan’s Purse. As Rogers puts it: “If you live in the High Country, Boone is where you do your work.” Watauga Medical Center is the county’s only hospital and is operated by UNC Health Appalachian.
Boone is a popular mountain town located in North Carolina.
UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA), in Boone, is the leader for healthcare in the High Country, is comprised of three hospitals and 13 medical practices.
1/2
Mountain homes at peak prices
Housing in Boone skews rustic, with plenty of custom-built cabins and midcentury mountain cottages. Although not every home can have multiple acres of land, most of them feel like it, thanks to densely wooded lots set into the hillsides. Some homes are rented out seasonally, and many condos near downtown are rented to App State students. Ranch-style homes and New Traditional developments across town cater to year-round residents.
As of early 2025, the median home price in Boone was about $450,000, above the state median of $375,000. However, prices have trended downward by 6% in the past year, likely due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Homes sell in an average of 106 days after being listed on the market, significantly higher than the national average of 44 days.
Cabins and snow go hand in hand in Boone.
There are many housing types in Boone, ever near the college.
Custom cabins are found all over Boone, many rental and vacation options as well.
1/3
Making a comeback after the devastation of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene struck Boone on September 27, 2024. In the wake of the heavy rainfall and catastrophic winds, the town witnessed previously unthinkable levels of destruction: entire homes were swept away in the floods, while others were swallowed up by sinkholes and crushed beneath landslides. “I don’t want to downplay the damage that was done during Helene. It was just devastating. No one thought it could happen more than 300 miles inland,” Rogers says. “But it’s also been amazing to watch everyone pull together to rebuild. People will go on Facebook and say, ‘You need a bridge built? Okay, we’ll be there are 3 p.m.’ The mountain lifestyle really is self-sufficient, and people take care of one another.” Though the High Country is still years away from returning to life as it was before Hurricane Helene, the area was reopened to visitors just two weeks after the hurricane made landfall, marking a major step in the road to recovery. Of the 1,200 initial road closures in Watauga County, less than 200 remain affected as of January 2025.
Rogers says the town is still reckoning with the changes in runoff post-Helene, and that unexpected flooding can occur during heavy rain when water gathers in the mountain valleys. Due to its elevation of 3,333 feet above sea level, Boone experiences above-average precipitation and has a humid continental climate, with summertime highs around 80°F and winter lows of 20°F.
Hurricanes are quite uncommon in the Boone area.
Many homes and businesses were destroyed during Hurricane Helene, especially along the rivers in Boone.
1/2
Home of the App State Mountaineers
Watauga County Schools is based in Boone and receives an A grade from Niche, which ranks it as the No. 6 out of 116 school districts in the state. The district serves about 4,700 students and operates nine elementary schools and one high school. Of the two schools located in town, Hardin Park Elementary serves kindergarten through the eighth grade and scores an A, and Watauga High earns an A-minus.
Boone is also home to Appalachian State University, a public college in the University of North Carolina system. Around 21,000 students attend the university each year, more than doubling the town’s year-round population. The university’s football program, the Mountaineers, is the only team in the state to have won the NCAA Division I Football Championship, with three back-to-back wins between 2005 and 2007. Two of Boone’s professional sports teams, Appalachian Football Club and Bigfoots Baseball, play their home games at ASU sports facilities.
The student population of Hardin Park Elementary is 851 and the school serves grades PK-8.
On GameDay in Boone, Kidd Brewer Stadium is packed with Mountaineers fans.
1/2
An outdoor lover’s dream near three ski resorts
While Boone has its fair share of parks with playgrounds and basketball courts, the town is famous for its range of rugged outdoor activities. “For people who are at all outdoorsy — whether that means hiking or just a lunchtime walk — this is paradise,” Rogers says. Boone is known as a ski destination in the South due to its proximity to three ski resorts: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. Other nearby peaks are reserved for hiking, particularly Grandfather Mountain, where one of the nation's largest Scottish Highland games events is held each July. Those who prefer to take on the trails by cycling head to Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, which has five trails of varying difficulty.
Despite its name, the New River is actually the oldest river in North America. Its southern fork zigzags through the mountainous terrain just east of Boone, flanked by the 3-mile Greenway Trail. Kayaking, fishing and tubing are all popular activities along the New River Paddle Trail. More recreation spots such as swimming lakes, golf courses and zipline parks can be found throughout the surrounding area. Some families purchase season passes to Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park whose namesake locomotive is the primary attraction.
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is a great amenity to Boone, it's just too cold and windy right now to use the pump track.
Pickleball is a booming sport in most cities, Boone is no different. Summit Pickeball always has action going on.
Appalachian Ski Mountain in Boone is a local favorite among the ski slopes.
1/3
Dine local and celebrate Appalachian heritage
Thanks to seasonal tourism and a sizeable student population, Boone lacks little in the way of shopping and dining, unlike many other towns of similar size. “There are a lot of very wealthy people who have homes up in the mountains, which means we actually have quite a few fine dining restaurants,” Rogers says. “Now, King Street around App State is where you’ll find all your rooftop bars, live music and art galleries.” Considered Boone’s Downtown district, brewpubs, cafes and boutiques all mingle within this stretch of historic brick storefronts that maintain the look of a mountain outpost. College nightlife and all-ages entertainment can also be found close by. Admission to rotating and permanent exhibits at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is free, while the Appalachian Theater hosts film screenings and live performances. Big-box shopping centers are along the highways to the east and south of town, anchored by recognizable retailers such as Walmart, Lowes Foods, Hobby Lobby and Harris Teeter.
Since 1952, the outdoor drama “Horn in the West” has been an annual tradition that brings to life the High Country’s early settlers during the American Revolution. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association produces the play each year at Daniel Boone Amphitheater, which is adjacent to the Hickory Ridge History Museum, an educational homestead where costumed interpreters give tours and workshops. During the warmer months, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market is held on Saturday mornings in the parking lot.
F.A.R.M. Cafe, in Downtown Boone is a community favorite, especially for their charity work.
Rivers Street Ale House is a popular restaurant/bar in Boone. Tonight everyone is trying their hand at trivia.
1/2
About a hundred miles from major North Carolina cities
City life is a ways away from this mountain town, though U.S. highways 221, 321 and 421 meet in Boone for travel throughout the Appalachians of North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway weaves through the jagged landscape just outside of town and is one of the most-visited units of the National Park System, renowned for its unmatched views. To many residents, it’s part of their daily commute. “I’d drive the Blue Ridge Parkway every day to work in Blowing Rock, and every day I’d round a corner and gasp at the view,” Rogers says. “It never gets old when the clouds cover the tops of the mountains. We’ve got our heads in the clouds here — and I mean that literally.” The nearest regional airport is about 90 miles southwest in Ashville, while the closest international airport is 95 miles south in Charlotte. Watauga County’s public transit authority, AppalCART, operates bus routes throughout the town and the surrounding area.
AppalCART is the public transportation system that runs all through out Boone.
Charlotte, is just under 2 hours from Boone.
1/2
Lower-than-average crime statistics
According to statistics provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, property crime fell by about 28% and violent crime figures remained the same between 2018 and 2023. In the same five-year span, FBI crime data shows that both violent crime and property crime in Boone were well below state and national rates.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Scott Brotherton
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hope Caroselli,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Boone, NC sell after 105 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Boone, NC over the last 12 months is $515,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful Breathtaking Living on peaceful Heavenly Mountain! This Luxury Condo offers an Open floor plan with plenty of space and light. 1BR/1BA suite, big windows in living room, kitchen and primary bedroom. Immaculately maintained! A Covered porch offers an incredible one of a kind mountain experience. A Separate large storage room offers extra space in the basement. Located within Heavenly
This lovely building lot in the mountains of Western North Carolina is just over 2 miles from the Boone city limits, a less than 5 minute drive. A wooded lot, with clearing it will have stunning views of several mountain ranges, offering blazing sunsets to the south and west. Enjoy country living just minutes to fine dining, exquisite shopping, cultural events, and entertainment. At 3400'
Situated on 2.13 acres, this exceptional 4 bedroom, 4 bath fully furnished residence offers almost 3,100 square feet of refined living space. Built in 2022, this home thoughtfully blends modern craftsmanship with elevated mountain style. The home features an open concept main living area for both intimate gatherings and large scale entertaining. The spacious kitchen offers generous workspace,
Welcome to Franklin Haus. Franklin Haus is a fully furnished, turnkey property located minutes from downtown Boone. This well-maintained home offers an open living and dining area, a well-appointed kitchen, and comfortably designed bedroom spaces. The property features long-range seasonal mountain views, providing a scenic backdrop during much of the year. Currently operating as a successful
Discover this beautiful mountain community just minutes from downtown Boone—an ideal setting to build your dream home in the High Country! With easy access off Castle Ford Road, the neighborhood offers paved roads, clearly marked lots, and gentle build sites that are excellent for a custom home or log cabin retreat. A trusted local builder is available to bring your vision to life with a
Perched at the top of Boone with convenient access to town and everything it has to offer, this exceptional mountain retreat blends classic cabin charm with comfort and versatility. Offering 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms plus 3 additional sleeping rooms, the spacious layout easily accommodates up to 14 guests, making it ideal as a second home, full-time residence, or property with excellent rental
Discover an exceptional opportunity to own approximately 14 acres in a highly desirable High Country location near Boone and Blowing Rock. This magnificent tract offers outstanding long-range view potential with tree control, along with beautiful natural features including creek frontage, rock outcroppings, and native trees. With elevations reaching up to 3,800 feet, enjoy cooler summer
Discover an exceptional opportunity to own approximately 4 acres in a desirable High Country location near Boone and Blowing Rock. This scenic tract offers mountain view potential, a small spring-fed creek, rock outcroppings, and native trees, creating a beautiful setting for your mountain retreat. With elevations around 3,500 feet, enjoy cool summer temperatures and the natural beauty that makes
This 2022-built home has been freshly cleaned and touched up, offering a like-new feel in a convenient location less than 5 minutes to New Market Center and 10 minutes from downtown Boone and Appalachian State University. Tucked along a quaint street, the setting feels quiet while keeping you near town. Front and back decks provide welcoming spaces to relax and enjoy the mountain air. Inside, the
This magnificent 27.69 acre tract near Boone and Blowing Rock boasts exceptional views and natural water features. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this property is perfect for an estate or small development, offering a private setting for a full-time residence or vacation home. With ample space for recreation and hunting, it’s ideal for a multi-generational buildout with multiple
Discover this beautiful mountain community just minutes from downtown Boone—an ideal setting to build your dream home in the High Country! With easy access off Castle Ford Road, the neighborhood offers paved roads, clearly marked lots, and gentle build sites that are excellent for a custom home or log cabin retreat. A trusted local builder is available to bring your vision to life with a
Are you searching for a log cabin in a prime High-Country location? This one sits right between Boone and Blowing Rock, offering easy access to both while maintaining a cozy, mountain feel. Enter from the full-length covered porch into a spacious living room with vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning stove with an antique mantel, and large windows that bring in natural light. The dining area connects
Welcome to Chimney Cabin! Modern Mountain Living is waiting for you in this renovated 3 bedroom, 4 bath home! The main level offers 2 large primary ensuites with a spacious living area in between along with an impressively, wide stone fireplace. Hardwood floors have been expertly refinished along with new paint inside and out, and new tile floors in all bathrooms and kitchen. From the kitchen and
The Village of Meadowview is an off-campus student apartment community conveniently located just 5 minutes from Appalachian State University and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Boone, NC. We are also only a few streets away from plenty of shopping and dining. The Village of Meadowview offers 2 and 3-bedroom floor plans. Our off-campus student apartments
New remodeled house minutes downtown Boone, ASU campus, and all public bus routes. Located on the NC 105 Bypass, the brick 3 bedroom 1 full bath, and 2 half bath home has all brand new appliance, fresh paint top to bottom, LVL flooring, carpet, a 1 car garage, very nice side yard with a firepit, storage shed, propane HVAC for heating and cooling, and only minutes from shopping and restaurants.
Mountaineer Village offers off-campus student living in Boone, North Carolina, located near Appalachian State University. Our 3-bedroom pet-friendly apartments feature energy-efficient appliances, fully equipped kitchens, hardwood floors, in-unit washer and dryers, and so much more. At Mountaineer Village, residents enjoy a convenient location near App State University. Within our
Welcome to 483 NC-105 Extension — known locally as the Batchelor Chiropractic Clinic — positioned in the heart of Boone.Available for immediate lease, this property sits along one of Boone’s busiest commercial corridors, with approximately 30,000 vehicles per day passing by and surrounded by established, high-visibility businesses. The building offers nearly 2,900 square feet of usable space
Bill CaroselliBlue Ridge Realty & Inv. Blowing Rock
Overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains at Hampton Estates, a community of standalone townhomes located in East Boone. Built in 2022, these 3 Bed/2.5 Bathroom homes offer dark luxury vinyl plank flooring, high-end finishes, modern fixtures, private parking, and stone fireplaces. These are jointly leased and zoned R-1, meaning a max of two unrelated people are permitted. Property is pet friendly with
Location! Location! Location! Located in the heart of downtown Boone, these highly desirable condos are now available for lease. Walk to ASU campus, restaurants, and shopping. All the units are 2 bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Each unit is unfurnished with various floor coverings and finishes. All have refrigerator, built-in microwave, HVAC (heating/air), dishwasher, disposal, and washer/dryer.
STUDIO WESTStudio West Apartments offers all-inclusive, fully furnished studio efficiencies with a wide variety of amenities. Our clubhouse, accessible to residents 24 hours a day, offers a fitness center, tanning booth, resort style indoor-outdoorswimming pool, and business center with free printing.Studio West is conveniently located less than two miles from Appalachian
Unit 11 is available at Heritage Court offering high visibility, easy access and plenty of parking! 5-year lease is required. Lessor is offering one month's Free Rent to Lessee for renovations. Lessee isresponsible for utilities. No hair salon, nail salon, restaurant.
Spacious 3BR/3BA Condo – Near App State + Outdoor Adventure!Comfort Meets ConvenienceWell-maintained 3BR/3BA condo on East King Street—just minutes from App State, shopping, dining, and top outdoor spots!Private Baths for AllEach bedroom has its own bathroom—perfect for roommates or anyone who wants extra privacy.Close to Everything5-min drive to Rocky Knob
NEED A COLLEGE RENTAL IN BOONE?? This one is for you! GREAT BOONE LOCATION!!! College Place apartments in Boone!! 2nd floor apartment!! If you need a apartment for your college student, this is the one! This nice 2 BR 2 BA apartments is near the college. Open floor plan with kitchen and living room and space for dining. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Water/sewer/trash/lawncare and
Pam WhiteAllison & White Property Management & Realty
Brown Crossing Apartments – Comfortable Living Just Minutes from CampusDiscover the perfect blend of convenience and comfort at Brown Crossing Apartments, where thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units offer a welcoming place to call home. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood just off the 105 Extension, a peaceful retreat within reach of the action.Located just a
Now Accepting 2026-2027 Applications Turtle Creek West offers beautiful housing in-town location just minutes from ASU, Samaritan's Purse, Watauga Medical, and many other community destinations. Applications for next year open up on October 1, and applying on our website will add you to the waitlist. We will not take any fees until we have a spot to offer you. Electricity is paid
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
