Lake Junaluska is a scenic vacation spot known for Christian retreats
Developed in the early 1900s as a United Methodist retreat, the community of Lake Junaluska still hosts Christian conferences and retreats in its hotel and event spaces, but it welcomes anyone who wants to soak in the beauty of Western North Carolina. “It’s hard to look in any direction without seeing some mountains, and it’s not just mountains in the distance — they’re up close,” says David Willett, a Realtor and broker with Re/Max Executive Waynesville who has lived in Haywood County his whole life. “It’s quite diverse with people who come not only to enjoy the area but also come as part of the conferences.” The lake is the center of recreation in the community, and it’s surrounded by walking paths and gardens to create a peaceful and meditative space. Waynesville and Interstate 40 are nearby, connecting Lake Junaluska to city amenities and the rest of the region.
Homes with lake and mountain views on forested hillside lots
Cottages, log cabins, ranch-style homes and luxury custom houses line the hilly slopes around the lake. Most homes have water and mountain views, and they often sit on forested lots that give a sense of privacy despite being close to neighbors. The streets here are narrow and winding, and homeowners can park on steep driveways or under attached carports. While many properties were built in the 1970s and ‘80s, there are a few Craftsman homes built when the community was founded.
Many of the properties here are used as vacation rentals and second homes, and the conference center and natural beauty ensure a steady market for short-term rentals. “There's a high demand for anything in and around Lake Junaluska simply because if you're looking to make an investment or buy a rental property, you're always going to be able to do rentals here,” Willett says. “You just don’t know about other subdivisions.” Most prices range from around $250,000 to $750,000, and luxury houses or homes with special views can cost more. Most homeowners pay monthly homeowners association fees between $20 and $180. Condos range from $230,000 to $530,000, plus monthly HOA fees between $220 and $660. Undeveloped properties range from around $40,000 to $300,000.
Christian and secular events throughout the summer
In addition to the private Christian retreats and conferences held at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, several events are open to residents and the public. The Summer Worship Series invites well-known theologians to lead worship services and workshops each week from July through August. The Memorial Chapel here is open for private prayer and worship services; other nearby houses of worship include Woodland Baptist Church and Long’s Chapel.
Not all events here are rooted in religion. The community’s Independence Day Celebration includes a flotilla of decorated boats and fireworks over the lake. Stuart Auditorium hosts musical events throughout the year, including the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival each August and performances from Waynesville’s Folkmoot Festival each July.
Recreational opportunities around Lake Junaluska
The 200-acre lake provides a scenic backdrop for the houses and events here, and it’s also a popular place for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. A walking path winds around the water, and there’s also a rose garden, a native plant garden and a meditative labyrinth. Residents can join the community’s swimming pool and play a round of 18 holes at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cherokee entrance is about 26 miles away, providing access to over 800 miles of hiking trails through the country’s most-visited national park.
Haywood County Schools earn As and Bs
Kids can attend Haywood County Schools, which earn an overall rating of B-plus from Niche. They can start at the A-minus-rated Junaluska Elementary and then go to the B-plus-rated Waynesville Middle. The B-minus-rated Tuscola High has a popular athletics program, and its football team has a century-old rivalry with the district’s other high school, Pisgah High. High schoolers can also apply to attend the A-minus-rated Haywood Early College High, a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School.
A short drive from Waynesville
U.S. Highways 74 and 23 both lead about 4 miles to Waynesville, a drive that can take roughly 10 minutes. Interstate 40 is nearby, leading about 29 miles to Asheville. Bicycles and golf carts are allowed on the roads, and there are paved walking paths around the lake. Haywood Regional Medical Center is just to the west, and Asheville Regional Airport is a 33-mile drive.
Southern cuisine and shopping are nearby
The Buttered Biscuit is one of the community’s most popular restaurants, known for its enormous biscuits and diner-style breakfasts. Blue Rooster Southern Grill offers a taste of the South, featuring fried chicken and a beloved coconut cake. Nearby, Lowe’s Home Improvement sells DIY essentials, and Food Lion and Publix have groceries. Waynesville has more options for shopping and dining, including a walkable downtown lined with local businesses and national retailers like Walmart.
Written By
Annie Franklin
