Rural charm and mountain views draw homebuyers to Fleetwood
Fleetwood is a small community in rural Ashe County, offering seclusion, just a short drive from the thriving towns of West Jefferson and Boone. Agriculture is at the heart of this enclave, where family-owned Christmas tree farms welcome visitors from around the region during the holiday season. Fleetwood, set in a region of the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s known for its sweeping views, appeals to the outdoorsy looking for a second home or a peaceful place to retire. The county’s highly rated schools attract young families, and highway access adds convenience. However, a slower pace of life is part of the draw. Andrea Witherspoon, a lifelong resident of the area and the owner of Regency Properties, says, “Anybody from down the mountain—Greensboro, Raleigh—or anyone who drives along Route 421,” looks to buy here.
Mountain-style homes, log cabins and townhouses in the High Country
Mature trees and hilly farmland surround many of Fleetwood’s single-family homes that rest on winding country roads, often made of gravel. Tucked-away log cabins and mountain-style homes are most common, but subdivisions such as Liberty Landing and Fleetwood Falls feature a variety of architectural styles, including traditional ranch-style homes, contemporary and Craftsman designs. Scenic views and acreage are often selling points, and some communities are gated and/or HOA-controlled with monthly fees that range from $25 to nearly $70.The median single-family home price is about $425,000, close to the national median. Most homes cost between $280,000 and $750,000. The Whispering Streams development offers townhouses from $480,000 to $680,000. “Fleetwood is our most expensive area. The price per square footage is higher than anywhere else in Ashe County,” Witherspoon says. “That’s due to the proximity to Boone and Route 421.” Properties along creeks and the New River are in or near flood hazard areas, according to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Students can attend above-average public schools in Ashe County
Ashe County Schools gets a B-plus overall rating from Niche. Three of the district’s six schools serve students in Fleetwood: the B-plus-rated Westwood Elementary, the A-minus-rated Ashe County Middle and the B-minus-rated Ashe County High. The high school offers fall, winter and spring sports, including football, swimming and baseball. Alternatively, students can apply to the A-rated Ashe County Early College High, which offers college-level courses through a partnership with Wilkes Community College.
Outdoor activities include tubing on the New River, hiking and skiing
The South Fork of the New River flows through Fleetwood. This shallow and usually slow-moving stretch of the river is a favorite for kayaking, tubing and fly fishing, and is part of the New River Paddle Trail. Several public access points are in the area, including Todd Island Park and Green Valley Park, the latter of which features a playground constructed from more than 23,000 recycled milk jugs. The nearby town of West Jefferson offers a variety of outdoor adventures, from hiking to Luther Rock at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area to camping at New River State Park. The town is also home to Mountain Aire Golf Club & Community, which features a public 18-hole course, and Ashe County Park, where residents can play disc golf, tennis and drop into the skate park. Scenic overlooks and a few hiking trails are available along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Fleetwood. Winter sports are a popular pastime in this region with resorts such as Appalachian Ski Mountain, about 24 miles away. Those new to the area should note that some parks and trails remain closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Deep Gap, West Jefferson and Boone offer shops and restaurants
With few options locally, Fleetwood residents typically shop and dine in nearby communities and towns. Corbett’s Produce is less than 8 miles away in Deep Gap to pick up North Carolina-made ingredients and prepared meals. Ingles Markets in West Jefferson is the closest grocery chain. The town, about 10 miles north of Fleetwood, features a historic downtown where residents and tourists bop in and out of restaurants, breweries and boutiques. Ashe County Cheese is a household name, and Black Jack's Pub & Grill is a favorite for American fare. Boone , home to Appalachian State University, also has a bustling downtown less than 20 miles south and serves as a regional destination for shopping at name-brand stores and national retailers. Area farms offer family-friendly activities. Lantern Farm is a favorite for its pumpkin patch and corn maze in the fall, as well as its choose-and-cut Christmas trees in December.
Highway access and long drives to the closest airports
Most people drive to get around Fleetwood and much of Western North Carolina. U.S. Route 221 connects the community to nearby towns and other major highways, such as U.S. Route 421. Ashe County Transportation Authority provides scheduled rides throughout the county and to airports such as Tri-Cities and Asheville Regional, approximately 90 and 115 miles away, respectively. Ashe Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center are the closest full-service hospitals in Jefferson and Boone.
