Forest City offers outdoor recreation and a charming downtown
In Forest City, nature meets a small-town vibe. Parks, forests and trails surround the community, but it has a thriving downtown area full of shops, restaurants and events. "It's a sweet little town full of history," says Realtor and Forest City resident Sonja Smith with Odean, Keever and Associates. "I just love the family feel, the history, the quaintness, and how we're in a rural area but close to so many major cities." Forest City also features well-rated schools and renovated midcentury homes that appeal to families and buyers looking to get away from the city hustle.
Midcentury renovated homes and custom lots
Homes here in Forest City are settled amongst blankets of woodland, with clusters of quiet residences spread around Main Street. Most homes were established in the mid-to-late 20th century, with small, tidy yards and ranch-style Colonial Revival or cottage exteriors. A few Craftsman-style and Tudor Revival houses lend a sense of midcentury charm to the community. Many houses on the market have had their interiors renovated, and prices are about $270,000 to $375,000, depending on the level of updates performed. Some limited residential land is also available for development, ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 for a quarter-acre. Many homes are within walking distance of Forest City's center, making it convenient for folks looking to get dinner at a nearby eateries or attend local events.
B-rated Rutherford County Schools
Rutherford County Schools serves Forest City public schoolers. Students may start at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary, which earns an overall B-plus rating from Niche. They may then attend B-rated East Rutherford Middle and B-rated East Rutherford High. The high school offers a rigorous AP Academy with Math, Science, English and Social Studies programs.
Trails, parks and golf course
Settled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for Forest City residents to get outdoors. Residents can head to local green spaces like Crowe Park, which has athletic fields, a playground and picnic tables. Baseball fans can also catch games at McNair Field. Nearby, the Forest City Municipal Golf Course has public tee times available and is adjacent to the public pool at Callison Rec Center. Another favorite community space is Charles R. Sumney Park, which features play areas, athletic fields and a running track. When residents want to get into nature, they can trek the Thermal Belt Rail Trail that runs through Forest City. Scenic hiking, fishing and hunting spots surround the community, particularly at the nearby Green River Game Lands or the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
A vibrant Main Street community
"Downtown Forest City always has something going on," says Smith. On the community's Main Street, locally owned shops and restaurants bring residents and visitors on evenings and weekends. "Many of the stores kept their building's original exteriors, like the Copper Penny Grill; it's charming and shows off the history," says Smith. Copper Penny Grill was founded in 2015 and has three locations across the area, but diners like Smith enjoy eating steaks and burgers in the historic building. Other favorites include The Hoot Nannie, a classic tavern, and Pie Safe Baking Company, which serves pastries, cheesecakes and a vast selection of pies. Smith also mentions some of Forest City's events. "There's the Forest City Pavilion, which people love, and there are events throughout the year, like the Christmas celebration," says Smith. Residents can choose between Ingles, Food Lion, Walmart and ALDI for groceries. Locals may travel to larger cities like Rutherfordton, Hendersonville, Asheville and Charlotte for more dining, big-box retail and entertainment.
Commuting from Forest City
Forest City sits along Highway 74 and is close to Highway 221, two major thoroughfares in the area. According to Smith, while rural and car-dependent, the community is still a decent commute from other major communities. "You're about an hour from the ski slopes and four hours from the beach," Smith says. Nearby Interstates 40 and 26 are within 40 to 50 miles of Forest City. Many residents may work in Asheville or Charlotte, both around 60 miles away. The closest hospital is Rutherford Regional Medical Center, about 4 miles from Forest City. Asheville Regional Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are both 50 to 60 miles away. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of four out of 10, equivalent to its neighbor, Spindale, and the national number.
