$746,011Average Value$792Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
A mountain community in western North Carolina
In the hillsides of western North Carolina near the Georgia border, Scaly Mountain was once a popular skiing destination that acted as an escape from Atlanta. Today, the sleepy mountain community is known for its hiking and relaxed outdoor vibe. Several cabins were repurposed into lodges or bed and breakfasts. “Scaly has the most beautiful views, and there are a lot of recreational activities. The area is really developing,” says Josephine Lovell, a county resident and Realtor with Highlands Sotheby's International Real Estate.
A part of the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest provides camping and an extensive trail system. Bartram Trail crosses Dillard Road, connecting to the shorter Scaly Mountain Trail. Hikers can easily access the Osage and Blue Valley areas from the roadway. These paths lead to sweeping views of the national forest. Lovell says Highlands Outpost offers snow tubing. "There’s a little recreation area too. And during the summer, they have a roller coaster,” she says. The Sky Valley Golf Club offers a par 72 course, croquet and several members-only events at the clubhouse; the country club is about 3 miles away in Georgia.
Cottages and cabins in Scaly Mountain
Elevated cottages and cabins are common in this community, but there are also undeveloped, wooded lots with views of the highlands. Most homes are on about an acre of land and rely on septic tanks and well water. These range from around $400,000 to $800,000. Larger properties on 4 acres or more tend to range from $850,000 to $2.25 million. Some popular areas of the community include the Rocky Knob subdivision, which has a gated entry, a private 17-acre lake and a homeowner's association, and Wildflower Creek, a luxury motorhome resort community on nearly 12 acres with a gated entry, clubhouse, pavilion and walking trails.Homes with private wells may be at risk of lead contamination. The county also has a history of wildfires and flooding, which can impact properties. The community has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
Taking to Dillard Road, Highlands or Otto for shopping
There is a Dollar General on Dillard Road. Following the route to the east brings shoppers to grocery stores in Highlands, such as Rhodes Superette and Mountain Fresh Grocery. Locals can shop for fresh produce at Good Food Market in the Otto area, about 10 miles away. Eateries like Kitchen at Julep Farms and Cupboard Café and Grits are near state Highway 246. There are just a few dining establishments in Scaly Mountain, including Barrel & Vine at the Vineyard at High Holly, which serves wines and a small selection of food Friday through Sunday afternoons.
Most students attend Highlands School
Highlands School is about 10 miles away and serves kindergarten to twelfth graders. It has a B-plus rating from Niche and offers STEM enrichment classes for each grade level and career and technical education pathways for older students. In late 2024, the Macon County Board of Education began a renovation and expansion of the facility.
Near the Georgia border
The Georgia state line is a couple miles south and the town of Highlands is about 9 miles away on Highway 106, also known as Dillard Road. The town also includes the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. “Scaly Mountain is off [U.S. Route 23]," says Lovell, adding that it's a common path for those making the 120-mile drive from Atlanta. Macon County Transit provides limited, fixed routes throughout the region, but ride requests must be made in advance.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Don Collins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty - CA
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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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Scaly Mountain
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Scaly Mountain Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Scaly Mountain, Highlands sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Scaly Mountain, Highlands over the last 12 months is $562,500, down 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover an exceptional opportunity to own a premium motorcoach lot in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, just minutes from Highlands, NC, and Sky Valley, GA. Nestled within the serene, gated 11.75-acre Wildflower Creek Luxury Motor Coach Resort, this private lot offers a true mountain retreat experience for Class-A motorcoach enthusiasts. Fronting a small creek and fully equipped with a concrete
Enjoy this gently rolling 4.09-acre lot located in the serene and impeccably maintained private community of Thomas Knob Estates! With easy access via paved roads and sitting at over 3,650 ft elevation, this large estate lot offers cool summer nights, mild days, and a year-round view potential- an ideal setting for your mountain getaway or forever home. The property comes ready to build with a
Situated in scenic Scaly Mountain, this beautiful ±3.96-acre homesite offers the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and convenient access to nearby mountain towns. One of the most appealing aspects of this property is its prime location on the “Atlanta side” of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, offering excellent accessibility year-round. You’re positioned almost exactly halfway between
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Gentle to near level knoll building site, 4.43 acres, beautifully wooded with seasonal views and potential for better views by trimming. New survey. Driveway roughed in. Underground electricity to be installed to the street. Broker/owner Located in Scaly Mountain only minutes from Highlands, NC, on the Atlanta side. PUBLIC GOLF, ZIPLINE, SHOPPING , SNOW TUBING, HIKING AND MUCH MORE!!!
Wid Flower Creek Luxury Motor Coach Lot for Sale. Description: 115 Wild Flower Creek, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 Discover the epitome of luxury and tranquility at Lot 115 in the prestigious Wildflower Creek Motor Coach Resort, located at 115 Wild Flower Creek, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775. This premium lakefront lot offers a breathtaking view of a stunning water feature, creating a serene backdrop for
CREEK FRONT ON 5 ACRES. A Wonderful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, mountain homeplace overlooking a fast-flowing creek on 5 wooded acres. There are 2 large, covered porches for relaxing, Creekside. The living room has beautiful all-wood ceilings, a wood-burning stove with a stacked-rock wall and rock hearth, and large picture windows to take in the views of the creek. It has a circular driveway with a
Tucked away on 1.67 private acres in a peaceful, established neighborhood, this thoughtfully designed timber frame home offers a harmonious blend of classic mountain style and clean, contemporary finishes. Located just 15 minutes from Highlands, NC and with easy access to Highway 106, the property provides both tranquility and convenience.Inside, the open-concept floor plan is filled with
John MuirBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty - HF
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Patrick GleesonChristie's International Real Estate Highlands-Cashiers
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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