$652,869Average Value$362Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
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 roads provide peaceful drives to cabins and farmhouses in Mill Spring.
Some Lake Adger homes in Mill Spring feature private docks.
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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 fees 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 5 acres.
Farmhouses with craftsman influences sit on private, wooded lots in Mill Spring.
Forested acreage and cozy porches are on display for this secluded Mill Spring home.
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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.
Families value Polk Central Elementary’s strong programs in Mill Spring.
Teenagers join athletics and studies at R-S Central High School.
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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.
Residents kayak, fish and boat on Lake Adger near Mill Spring.
Laughter Pond is a popular local fishing spot in Mill Spring.
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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.
Fresh eggs, baked goods and pantry staples fill the Mill Spring Farm Store.
The town of Columbus provides Mill Spring residents plenty of nearby options for shopping and dining.
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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 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Highway 74 is nearby for the car-dependent community of Mill Spring.
Asheville airport is located about 30 minutes away from Mill Spring.
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Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Bill Jennings
Video By
Victoria Sharpe
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Whitney Parsons,
an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in Mill Spring, NC sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Mill Spring, NC over the last 12 months is $535,000, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF LAKE LURE AND SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS from this custom built 4100 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, executive home in The Highlands of Lake Lure. Built using the finest materials available, this beautiful home has an open floor plan with incredible views from almost every room. Landscaped to perfection with massive boulders and custom circular drive.....the 2 acre, oversized lot
Discover luxury mountain living at its finest in this beautifully appointed Ridgeview unit located in the prestigious gated community of Bright's Creek. Nestled alongside a Tom Fazio designed championship golf course, this lower level unit offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooks the 19th hole an ideal setting for both relaxation and recreation. An elevator in the common
TWO ACRES IN HILLCREST SUBDIVISION FOR SALE. This highly desirable Gated-rural community is quaint & reserved. Lot consists of mature pines and hardwoods facing West for those Sunset views. Lot is sloped downward which is ideal for a walk-out basement. No steep curvy mountain roads to navigate here. This area in Western NC foothills is called ISOTHERMAL BELT & is a zone with milder temperatures
46 acres of opportunity in the heart of Polk County, NC! This versatile property offers endless possibilities—farm, private estate, recreational retreat, or future development. Conveniently located near the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center, scenic Lake Adger, and all the charm of western NC living. The land features rolling terrain, wooded areas, and open spaces ready for your
Back on the market, no fault of sellers or the property. Looking to build your mountain home? Consider Mountain Laurel Estates, a quiet gated community in Mill Spring, NC. The neighborhood is very close to Lake Lure, Ingles Markets and all that the area offers. It is also approx. 10-15 minutes from the Tryon International Equestrian Center. This lot has great year round mountain views and a creek
THREE PREMIUM BUILDING LOTS OF 5 PLUS ACRES in Ridgeview Subdivision in the Foothills of North Carolina. Property is level & would be so easy to excavate for a home in a lovely wooded/country subdivision of tall pines & hard woods on a private street. Total acreage is 5.93 acres. Property is only 3 miles from Ingles Grocery Store/Gas station. No steep curvy mountain roads to navigate here. This
Discover luxury living in prestigious Bright’s Creek community nestled within a private 4,700+ acres gated enclave centered around a Tom Fazio designed championship golf course. Enjoy sweeping mountain views, serene pond, creeks and waterfalls, surrounded by miles of trails, creating a peaceful retreat right outside your door. Bright’s Creek offers an unmatched lifestyle with a mountain lodge
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and recreational access with Lot 22, a 3.24-acre gem nestled in the sought-after Lake Adger community in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Western North Carolina. With a gentle, build-friendly slope, this lot offers a rare opportunity to create a custom retreat surrounded by nature, just minutes from the water.One of the most distinctive
Lakefront wooded Lot with 190 ft of Lake Adger shoreline! New Floating Dock and Wooden Steps to the water have been installed and are ready for your lake enjoyment! Bring your Boat and enjoy the lake until you are ready to build your dream lake/mountain home. The owner of this lot is a local Custom Builder who has provided renderings for a Beautiful Craftsman style Stone and Siding Home suitable
Build your dream home in the gated Mountain Park community on beautiful Lake Adger. This 3.12-acre lot is the perfect canvas for your lake life dreams. Mostly cleared and gently sloping, the land offers a great build site surrounded by nature—ready for your cabin, family retreat, or forever home.No need to wait to get started, this lot comes with a working well (just serviced!), future
PREMIUM BUILDABLE LOT in Gated Hillcrest Subdivision in Mill Spring, NC. Lot is 2.69 Acres & located in highly desirable rural gated community that is quaint & reserved. With mature pines & hardwoods, lot is level & then gently rolls downward to creek at the bottom of lot. This is a perfect terrain to build a home w/a walk-out basement. Lot is largest buildable lot in the community. You will
PRIME BUILDING LOT in gated Hillcrest Subdivision in Mill Spring, NC. This highly desirable rural gated community is quaint and reserved. Lot consists of mature pines and hardwoods. Driveway is already in and top of lot is cleared to show the ideal building spot. Just high enough to capture views when select trees are removed for your new home. You will not be able to see your neighbors from
Escape to The Farmstead’s Lake Lure Campgrounds for unique long-term affordable housing rentals and glamping experiences. Stay in cozy tiny cabins, traditional yurts, or safari tents to take part in unforgettable glamping adventures!
This 6-bedroom home in Mill Spring, NC, offers everything you need for an amazing vacation. Enjoy stunning lakeside views, a private dock, a hot tub, a fire pit, an outdoor patio and dining area, an indoor fireplace, a BBQ grill, a home gym, and a ping pong table. The fully stocked kitchen and family-friendly amenities, including a high chair and pack n play, ensure a comfortable stay. The home
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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