$677,314Average Value$375Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
Elk Park offers a quiet, small-town mountain lifestyle
Named for the number of elk available to hunt in the nineteenth century, Elk Park is a small North Carolina mountain town just a mile from the Tennessee border with an elevation of 3,166 feet. Outside of summer visitors to the Elk River Waterfall, this quaint community of just 500 residents can be seen as a pass-through town. The area was established in 1885 as a stop along the now decommissioned East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, better known as the Tweetsie Railroad. “Elk Park is a little outside of the normal circle of High Country communities up here,” says Jonathan Lehman, a local broker with Keller Williams. “It doesn’t get the tourist crowd, and it’s certainly a safe place to live. It’s more of a working-class community than anything else.” In addition to its secluded atmosphere with scenic mountain views, Elk Park’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it attractive to first time buyers, retirees or anyone seeking a slower-paced life away from the city.
Elk Park, NC offers peaceful small-town living surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Highway 19E in Elk Park provides convenient access to nearby towns, making commuting and exploring the region a breeze.
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A mountainous landscape offers waterfalls, farms and orchards
Elk Park’s quiet atmosphere attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new nature escape. Elk River Falls is a 50-foot waterfall that tends to get crowded in the summer, as out-of-towners come to dip their toes in the pool of water at the base of the falls and picnic on the flat rocks. “It’s a very accessible waterfall, and the walk to it is not bad at all,” Lehman says. “People of all abilities should be able to get to it.” Elk River Evergreens is a family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm that opens in November, and Hump Mountain Apple House is a seasonal market with apple orchards, jellies and jams. About 3 miles from town, Mountain Glen Golf Club has a public 18-hole course.
Enjoy the beauty of Elk Falls, a local gem that provides hiking, picnicking, and photo-worthy views for residents and visitors alike.
Experience the joy of fresh-picked apples and family-friendly fun at Hump Mountain Apple House, a staple of Elk Park's countryside lifestyle.
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Old and new cabins hide along winding backroads
In addition to its small population, Elk Park has a low housing inventory. When available, buyers can find wooded ranch-style homes with modern renovations and Mountain-themed cabins with wrap-around porches or second-floor balconies. Most properties are between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet, and their price tags typically range from $155,000 to $795,000. There is a selection of contemporary three-story cabins that can reach 5,000 square feet in size, offering unobstructed mountain views. These larger properties generally run from $1 million to $2.25 million. Built between 2000 and 2010, homes in Elk Park usually sit on a half-acre to multiple acres. Properties located near Elk River and Elk Creek have a high flood risk.
The town’s historic architecture mixes with new builds, offering a variety of housing styles for buyers.
Life in Elk Park means fresh mountain air, beautiful seasons, and endless outdoor activities nearby.
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Well-rated Avery County Schools serve students in Elk Park
Students living in Elk Park are part of Avery County Schools, which receives a B rating from Niche. Young learners can begin at Freedom Trail Elementary School before advancing to Cranberry Middle School, both of which receive a B-plus rating. The middle school campus hosts the majority of the community’s family friendly events. Avery High School, which holds a B-minus, has championship-winning men’s wrestling and girl’s golf teams.
The Historic Elk Park School, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, was built in 1935 to serve the kindergarten through twelfth-grade students living in town. The one-story Rustic Revival school building was used in the movie Where the Lilies Bloom, and actual students were featured as extras. Today, the building has been renovated into an apartment building.
Freedom Trail Elementary School emphasizes whole-child development through supportive relationships.
Ranked among the best, Cranberry Middle ensures top-notch education with caring teachers and small class sizes.
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The town hosts family-friendly holiday events year-round
The small town of Elk Park works hard to organize and facilitate community events all year, many held at the local Cranberry Middle School. The Easter Eggstravaganza features musical acts and an egg hunt, and the Trick-or-Treat event celebrates Halloween with a costume contest and an outdoor movie. In the winter, the town throws a holiday decorating contest, complete with visits from Santa and a Christmas Parade. There are also frequent community clean-up days at various locations throughout the year.
Boutiques, farm markets and local diners line the highway
Residents can aim for U.S. Route 19E for their errands, where local stores and restaurants dot the highway. The small downtown strip of Main Street features The Eclectic Nest & Closet, a boutique clothing store, and Hidden Treasures, where shoppers can find antiques and vintage items. East of this shopping section, Elk River Depot Family Restaurant serves American fare like chicken pot pie and meatloaf. West of Main Street, Starving Squirrel is a popular window-serve eatery with breakfast sandwiches, tater tots and ice cream. Next door, The Liar’s Table is a trendy market with locally made produce and farm-to-table supper events. Less than a mile west of there, just across the Tennessee border, The Appalachian Station at 19E is a music hall with craft beer and pub food.
Enjoy delicious, home-style meals at Elk River Depot Restaurant—Elk Park’s cozy spot for great food and warm hospitality.
The Starving Squirrel in Elk Park offers delicious Southern comfort food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere loved by locals.
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Highway 19E is the main artery through Elk Park
Commuters can use U.S. Route 19E, or Highway 19E, which runs through the center of town. The highway connects residents to Bristol, located 45 miles north, and to Asheville, located 75 miles south. Elk Park is car-dependent, as no public train or bus services the area, and the nearest airport is Tri-Cities Airport about 45 miles away.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Corrinne Loucks,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Elk Park, NC sell after 146 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Elk Park, NC over the last 12 months is $272,250, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
!!PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Don't miss this opportunity to show your buyers this exceptional property.Rare opportunity to own 8.17 unrestricted acres! Enjoy mountain views and a peaceful setting from this updated, unrestricted farmhouse featuring rolling pastureland and numerous recent improvements.Updates include new roof, windows, plumbing, electrical, water heater, luxury vinyl plank
!!PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Don't miss this opportunity to show your buyers this exceptional property. Rare opportunity to own 8.17 unrestricted acres! Enjoy mountain views and a peaceful setting from this updated, unrestricted farmhouse featuring rolling pastureland and numerous recent improvements. Updates include new roof, windows, plumbing, electrical, water heater, luxury vinyl plank flooring,
Experience amazing long-range mountain views from this impressive home situated on 2+ incredible acres in the desirable 1911 at Cranberry Gated Community. Offering over 3,690 square feet of living space, this spacious mountain retreat features four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. More than 1,300 square feet of expansive decking provides exceptional outdoor living and entertaining space while
This 1.01-acre homesite is located in the West Ridge section of Eagles Nest, the newest and final phase of the community. Referred to as “Mountain Flat,” this property offers an extremely easy build site with gentle topography and views in every direction. The lot is ready for construction, with a road that is currently gravel but scheduled to be paved.Eagles Nest offers a wide range of
A gently sloping lot with lake frontage in the Headwaters at Banner Elk development, offers a rare combination of "waterfront tranquility" and a "mountain retreat". These desirable lots typically feature easy build sites with southern exposure and paved access. This waterfront lot provide direct, "unobstructed, still-water" views of the community's stocked lake and allowing for "shoreline and
In the premier gated community of The Headwaters at Banner Elk, a "gently sloping" doble mountain lot is a highly sought-after feature. Unlike many steep mountain parcels that require complex, expensive foundation work, this lot offer a "gentle grade" that simplifies the building process while maintaining the quintessential mountain feel with stunning views. Expect a mix of mature hardwoods
Welcome to Lot WR53 in the West Ridge section of The Lodges at Eagles Nest—a peaceful setting with breathtaking long-range mountain views. Tucked into one of the most tranquil areas of the community, the lot is just a short walk from serene common spaces featuring scenic walking trails, cozy fire pits, and excellent fishing spots—great for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While offering
1949 Brick Farmhouse on 3.25 Acres with Breathtaking Mountain Views – Elk Park, NCCool Mountain Retreat awaits you at an elevation of 3,532 feet in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this solid brick 1949 farmhouse offers timeless character, peaceful surroundings and endless potential. Set on 3.25 acres of level to gently rolling usable land, this property invites you to slow
Discover a truly rare offering in the North Carolina High Country: a stunning homesite showcasing unobstructed views across the tranquil, still waters of the community lakes. With generous extended frontage and an exceptional setting, this remarkable property presents an inspiring canvas for a custom mountain retreat designed to embrace the beauty of its surroundings. From the lot, enjoy easy
Jessica Auten
Premier Sotheby's International Realty- Banner Elk
If you are looking for a project, then this house is for you! This two bedroom, two full bath home is in need of a some work and renovation, but with a little vision, creativity and investment, it could be something special. Situated on a flat lot, with a creek, there is plenty of yard for outdoor activities. Tons of potential! Features include a one car garage, large deck, spacious living room
Vineyard Reserve 19 is 1.10 acres of ready-to-build mountain land in The Lodges at Eagles Nest — one of the High Country's most sought-after communities. Northern exposure keeps the views open and the light even, and an easy build site means you're not fighting the mountain to get started. A three-bedroom septic permit is already in place, so the groundwork is done and your vision can move
Experience elevated mountain living in this beautifully positioned home within the highly sought-after Lodges at Eagles Nest. Located in the gated enclave of Eagle Park, 23 Eagle Park Circle offers a rare blend of privacy, convenience, and breathtaking long-range mountain views—an exceptional value at this price point. Thoughtfully designed for both comfort and versatility, the home features
Nestled within the exclusive gated community of Headwaters near Banner Elk, this exceptional 1-acre wooded lot offers unparalleled mountain lifestyle and the community offers breathtaking long-range mountain views. This lot is a short walk to two stocked fishing lakes spanning more than 20 acres of water, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. Located just five miles from the charming town
Fall Creek Meadows is a lovely, quite subdivision right next door to tie Headwaters community. Only 20 minutes to downtown Banner Elk. Lots of possibilities with this secluded 1.38 acre gently sloping lot.
Available Now! 3BR/1BA Home in Elk ParkUnfurnished | No Students | No PetsThis cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Elk Park offers comfortable living in a peaceful setting, perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat with easy access to town. Commercial or residential use permitted.Main Floor Features: 2 bedrooms 1 full bathroom Living
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