A luxury forest haven in Mill Spring
Mill Spring provides a rural retreat in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. "It's so dreamy," says Realtor Aubrey Southwell with Planted Realty LLC. "It's a place where people prioritize recreation, self-care and relaxation." This sentiment shows in the community's luxury homes and cabin retreats that offer privacy and sweeping views of mountains, forests, rivers and Lake Adger. While this may seem like a hub for vacationers, and it is, Southwell notes that there are plenty of people who call the area home. "There are some short-term rentals, but a large number of full-time residents live here," Southwell says. The community also features the excellently rated Polk County Schools and is close enough to nearby Hendersonville, Asheville and Greenville so that commuting or shopping is not much of an issue. With its equestrian-friendly properties and trails that beg residents to get outdoors, Mill Spring stands out amongst its neighbors. While it suffered some damage during Hurricane Helene, Southwell notes that the area was fortunate, and now many Mill Spring residents are pitching in to help nearby communities recover after the storm and bring more people to this side of North Carolina.
Country homes and cabins near Lake Adger
From a bird's eye view, Mill Spring encompasses the forested foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and green valleys full of crop fields and farmhouses. Most residences here are cabins and country homes on several acres of land punctuated with creeks, lakes and ponds. These homes are usually made from timber or stone and have expansive windows with panoramic views of the surrounding land. Southwell notes that there are a few equestrian-friendly subdivisions, like the Lake Adger community, though HOA prices are reasonable. Homes on Lake Adger also might feature private docks and scenic views of the water. The median sale price in Mill Spring is $750,000, but many of the community's spacious mountain retreats go into the multi-millions. Plenty of acreage is available for custom home development, with prices depending on location and proximity to attractions like Lake Adger. Lots list anywhere from $50,000 to $265,000 for an acre and $60,000 to nearly $250,000 for five acres.
Top-rated Polk County Schools
Polk County Schools serves students across Mill Spring, which Niche gives an overall A rating. Niche also ranks the Polk County Schools as the best place to teach in North Carolina, the top district with the best teachers in North Carolina and the second-best school district overall in North Carolina. All six schools in the district receive an A or A-minus rating. Most secondary schools, like Polk County High, offer career and technical education programs with pathways such as animal science, healthcare and horticulture.
Minutes from boating, trails and horseback riding
Mill Spring's biggest draw is its proximity to the lush nature of western North Carolina. Lake Adger is a local favorite, offering pontoon boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming. "Lake Adger is open for business and ready for visitors. After Helene, many have been hesitant to enjoy the lake, but we want people to come," Southwell says. "There are also marinas available for residents who may not have private docks on the lake." Several trails surround the lake, including equestrian trails that are popular with residents, according to Southwell, who also notes an equestrian center 11 miles away in Tryon. More trails may be found in surrounding hills and mountain ranges, like the Green River Game Lands, South Mountain State Park or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Mill Spring proper, Laughter Pond provides another serene fishing locale, and Polk County Rec Complex has athletic fields, a walking loop and a playground.
Mill Spring Farm Store and shopping in Hendersonville
The community center has limited amenities but does feature the Mill Spring Farm Store. The farm store has a wide assortment of local meats, cheeses, honey and produce. Artisan goods and ready-made foods are also available here to stock the pantry. Dollar General and Family Dollar are also available for quick necessities. One of the closest towns is Columbus, which offers a Food Lion and a few eateries, such as Iron Key Brewing Company, which also has burgers and fries along with its craft beers. About 25 miles away, Hendersonville has more restaurants, big box stores like Sam's Club and other retail favorites at the Blue Ridge Mall. Residents may also head to Asheville, Charlotte or Greenville for more dining, retail and entertainment.
Commuting from Mill Spring
Highway 74 and Interstate 26 are both close to the car-dependent community of Mill Spring, making commuting convenient. Due to the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024, some roads may still be in the process of repair, and Southwell says that residents should remain aware of local closures. AdventHealth Polk is the closest medical center, about 6 miles from Mill Spring. The Asheville Regional Airport is about 30 miles from the community, and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 45 miles away. Mill Spring has a CAP Index Crime Score of one out of 10, significantly lower than the national figure of four.
