Columbus is a relaxed, rural community with a love of horses
Columbus has a lot of life for a small region. Sitting in the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the North and South Carolina border, the town itself has nearly 1,000 residents and is the seat of Polk County. Even more people live in the wider community, among woods and farms. Thanks to its wide-open spaces and a location near Tryon International, a top equestrian facility, the rural area is a draw for horse owners. It also appeals to anyone who enjoys the outdoors or a more relaxed way of living. “It’s laid-back and peaceful,” says Jeremy Wood, the broker-in-charge at SC NC Realty LLC. “We have a slower pace of life and a year-round mild climate.”
Ranch-style homes, multilevel houses and equestrian estates
Many homes on the outskirts of Columbus are estates that come with a combination of barns, stables, pastures and livestock. These residences often range from $630,000 to $1.5 million, with select properties going for several million dollars. Closer to the town center, ranch-style homes can be found from $215,000 to $500,000. Traditional multilevel houses usually sell for between $415,000 and $850,000. Wood says the area has a healthy vacation rental market because of the horse events nearby. Residential roads are often narrow and do not have sidewalks. Streets are lined by tall pines and other trees. Farther out, woods can become denser in between farmland and vineyards, but roads remain well paved.
Southern fare, baked goods and barbecue featured on Food Network
Most of Columbus’ shopping and dining can is along Mills Street. Mountain View BBQ and Deli was featured with other regional barbecue joints on an episode of Food Network’s “Eating America With Anthony Anderson.” Openroad Coffee Roastery sells sandwiches and baked goods and has a menu of drinks, while Calvert’s Kitchen dishes out Southern-inspired food in a rustic setting with red and white tablecloths. The town also has a Food Lion and a Family Dollar. Farther out, the region has several wineries like Overmountain Vineyards, which accepts walk-ins though reservations are recommended. Columbus Baptist Church runs The Good Neighbor Store, a thrift shop that provides clothes to people in need.
Polk County Schools and a chance at agricultural education
Students are served by Polk County Schools. They can attend Polk Central Elementary, which earns an A from Niche, as does Polk County Middle. Polk County High earns an A-minus and offers career and technical education pathways in areas like agriculture and business.
Sports facilities, playgrounds and trails, plus Shunkawauken Falls
Stearns Park has a playground, benches and a gazebo. Gibson Park features a multisport field, often used for youth football, and the county’s only public pool, which opens each summer. North of town is Polk County Recreation Complex, a sprawling facility with ballfields, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground, plus walking trails. It is connected to Laughter Pond, a popular fishing spot. Dream Haven Farm offers horseback riding lessons. Nearby Shunkawauken Falls, close to the top of White Oak Mountain, is a waterfall around 150 feet tall. Several other falls and hiking trails are in the area. Close by, Meadowbrook Golf Club has tee times open to the public.
Tryon International is a renowned equestrian center
Tryon International, less than 10 miles from Columbus’ town center, hosts equestrian events throughout the year, plus concerts, line-dancing nights and other gatherings. Each holiday season, the facility puts on Winterfest, a celebration with a drive-thru lights show, ice skating and carriage rides.
Major highway access, with temperatures that are mild for the region
Interstate 26 and U.S. Route 74 run through the town. It is around 40 miles from Asheville and about 30 miles from Asheville Regional Airport. The town is part of western North Carolina’s isothermal belt, an area protected from extreme weather by surrounding mountains. It results in milder temperatures than other parts of the region and longer growing seasons for farmers. “It’s also a big draw for people from New York or Florida,” Wood says.
