$446,641Average Value$250Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
Deep Gap offers seclusion and adventure in the High Country
Winding mountain roads, scenic vistas and outdoor adventure define everyday life in Deep Gap. This rural Western North Carolina community, known for being the birthplace of influential folk musician Arthel “Doc” Watson, appeals to those seeking vacation homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. “The vast majority of properties are weekend homes,” says Helen L. Phillips, a longtime resident of the region and a Realtor with Coe Realty Co. She adds that Deep Gap’s highway access is a big selling point, as it offers connectivity to the rest of Watauga County. “Most of our sales are to people to the east of us, up to a two- or three-hour drive.” The community is named after the deep natural gap at the base of Fire Scale Mountain, where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets U.S. Route 421.
Log cabins and mountain-style homes with scenic views
Single-family homes in Deep Gap rest along steep and winding two-lane roads that climb the community’s mountainous terrain. Properties often have porches and ample windows to enjoy scenic views. Architecture is diverse, with many homes custom-built. However, two home styles are the most sought-after, according to Phillips. “Many people come to me wanting a log cabin, but they’re more expensive than stick-built houses, so a lot of time people buy mountain-style homes,” Phillips says. “It’s very ambiguous, but it’s like a log cabin, but stick-built. It has that same feel with a lot of wood inside, and it’s less expensive to maintain.” Phillips adds that the gated Powder Horn Mountain community is popular for its amenities, which include a lake, hiking trails and a clubhouse. Properties under 2,300 square feet typically cost between $175,000 and $600,000, while larger homes usually start around $625,000 and can exceed $850,000.
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer year-round adventure
Deep Gap can serve as a home base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway, with scenic overlooks and access points for hiking trails, passes through the heart of the community. “My favorite trails are along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock and Grandfather,” Phillips says, referring to areas about 20 and 35 miles west, respectively. In Boone, cyclists can take on wooded switchbacks at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park or enjoy a more leisurely ride along the Boone Greenway. State parks near Deep Gap include Elk Shoals New River State Park, where visitors can fish, swim and paddle in the slow-moving waters of the South Fork New River. Appalachian Ski Mountain, a destination for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating since 1962, is about 15 miles away.
Deep Gap has a few businesses, but most shopping is done in Boone
The post office and a few businesses and restaurants are sprinkled between farms and warehouses along Old U.S. 421 South. The family-owned and operated Corbett’s Produce sells locally made goods, including produce, pantry items and farm-raised meat. Thompson Seafood and Country Cooking serves comfort food in its homey dining room adorned with cast iron pans and model cars. Blue Ridge Diner is a no-frills spot for homestyle American fare.
Phillips says residents typically head to Boone for larger shopping trips. The town has grocery chains, national retailers and a small mall. “Boone is the largest town around here,” Phillips says. “It’s kind of the commercial center. It has Appalachian State University, which is a big employer.”
A-rated public schools and Appalachian State University are nearby
Watauga County Schools earns an A rating from Niche and serves about 4,400 students across 10 schools, including a virtual academy. Deep Gap students can attend the A-rated Parkway School for prekindergarten through eighth grade. Students can move on to the A-minus-rated Watauga High, home to the district’s Watauga Innovation Academy. The school within a school earns a B rating from Niche and partners with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute – Watauga Campus to offer students the ability to earn college credits while earning their diploma. Alternatively, the A-rated Two Rivers Community School, a tuition-free public charter school about 6 miles from Deep Gap, offers kindergarten through eighth grade.
In addition to the CCC&TI – Watauga Campus, Boone is home to Appalachian State University. Often shortened to App State, the school is ranked as the second-best public regional university in the South by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. It offers more than 150 degrees, with programs ranging from accounting to theatre arts.
Driving around Watauga County
Deep Gap residents have access to U.S. Route 421, a four-lane highway linking communities across Watauga County, and U.S. Route 221, which heads north towards the Virginia state line. Boone is about 10 miles away, while the resort town of West Jefferson is around 15 miles away. “You have very quick access to both towns, which have tons and tons of events,” Phillips says. Two commercial airports are about a 110-mile drive from Deep Gap: Asheville Regional and Charlotte Douglas International.
Important to know
Like much of Western North Carolina, Watauga County continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which hit in September 2024, damaging homes and causing landslides and power outages. Portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway, popular hiking trails and state parks are still being repaired.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Kowalski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Deep Gap Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Deep Gap, Boone sell after 151 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Deep Gap, Boone over the last 12 months is $333,500, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey, furnished and lakefront—265 Trout Lake Road offers the ultimate High Country retreat in Powder Horn Mountain, just minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock and everything the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. This updated mountain escape is ideally on a private 1.2-acre double lot, recombined to ensure only one POA fee, with expansive lake frontage, wooded privacy and calming sound of a nearby
Jessica Auten
Premier Sotheby's International Realty- Banner Elk
Build your dream mountain retreat on this generous 1.69-acre lot in the gated community of Powder Horn Mountain. Originally three separate parcels, the lot has been combined under one PIN, resulting in a single POA fee, a rare advantage for added value and simplicity. Ideally near the outdoor pool, playground, Elk Creek and Bright Penny Lake, this homesite offers convenience and natural beauty.
Jessica Auten
Premier Sotheby's International Realty- Banner Elk
Welcome to this charming one-level home nestled in the peaceful beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Perfectly situated just minutes from the nearest grocery store, this property offers the rare combination of convenience and country living. From the front porch, take in tranquil pastoral views that provide a daily dose of calm and connection to nature. Sitting on a generous 1.2-acre lot,
No pets. Future farmers dream. Located in Deep Gap, NC. This is on a full working farm. Unit for rent is in the bottom part of this building (four units total are in this building). Must have references, must fill out application. One year lease. Laundry facilities on site. Electric not included, group rate for internet. Contact us for application and details.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Kowalski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,047
Median Age
44
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$59,463
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,807
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
35.9%
Advanced Degrees
16.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.6%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
