$646,861Average Value$306Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
Mills River offers scenic beauty, breweries and proximity to Asheville
Mills River, North Carolina, takes its name from the waterway that winds through the town before joining the French Broad River just east of town. “The land here is beautiful. It’s agricultural but with mountain views surrounding it,” says Julie Tallman, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has lived in Mills River in the past. “It’s often referred to as the ‘Mills River Valley,’ to give perspective on the topography.” This valley town of about 7,500 residents is about 20 miles south of Asheville, but its residents don’t need to travel all the way there for shopping or dining, with plenty of options in the immediate area. “There’s a vibrant brewery scene in Mills River,” Tallman says. “And the convenience of all the shopping in South Asheville.”
Mountains surround the homes in Mills River.
Livestock can be found all throughout the Mills River town.
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Wide range of prices and styles amidst forests, fields and new development
Mills River is composed largely of homeowners, who make up 85 percent of the population. The median home price here is $750,000, well above the national median. Ranch-style homes are common among the more affordable properties, ranging from $285,000 to around $550,000. Large newer builds, some within gated communities, can cost up to $1.7 million. Turnpike Road transitions from open farmland to new developments like Mills River Crossing. Other areas are likewise full of open space, with farmhouses or small ranches amid the fields, or have the feel of a midcentury suburb, such as the varied styles tucked among tall trees on Quail Ridge Road.
The median home price in Mills River is $750,000.
Mills River has a few ranch style homes hidden throughout the subdivisions in the area.
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The Mills River, a national park and a national forest among recreation spots
North Mills River Recreation Area provides access to its namesake waterway. “It’s wonderful for trout fishing, tubing and swimming,” Tallman says. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 45 miles away. Tallman also recommends Pisgah National Forest. “It’s well known for hiking, mountain biking and fishing,” Tallman says. Hurricane Helene impacted this part of North Carolina in 2024, and clean-up is still ongoing, so residents may want to check with the relevant agencies before venturing out into natural areas. The town of Mills River is working with Henderson County and developed a debris-processing site to assist in hurricane clean-up. For residents who wish to get outdoors within the town’s limits, Mills River Park offers amenities including a place to launch canoes and kayaks, a dog park and play structures.
Mills River Park has a large dog park for Mills River locals to enjoy.
The Mills River flows through the Pisgah National Forest.
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Highly rated Henderson County Schools serve Mills River
Niche gives Mills River Elementary School an A-minus while Glenn C. Marlow Elementary earns an A. Niche rates these as the fourth and first best public elementary schools in Henderson County. Rugby Middle School earns an A-minus, and West Henderson High School scores a B-plus. West Henderson High School has a musical theatre program, and its marching and concert bands have consistently won awards.
Mills River students begin their education at the Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School.
Students living in Mills River can attend West Henderson High School.
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Bustling brewery scene, local restaurants and shopping in Asheville
The brewery scene in Mills River has grown over recent decades. “The southeast headquarters for Sierra Nevada is here,” Tallman says. “It is a stunning building with gorgeous copper tanks behind a glass wall. Inside, there is a huge amount of seating, and out back, there is a gorgeous amphitheater, and the atmosphere is abuzz with family activity, folks with their dogs, things like that.” Bold Rock Cidery also has a facility in Mills River, while local breweries include Mills River Brewing Co., Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Taproom, and Burning Blush Brewery. Big Mikes BBQ and Mills River Restaurant provide sustenance amid all the beer offerings. Ingles Market has groceries near the center of town. Target, Walmart and other chain shops and restaurants are about 6 miles away in the southside of Asheville, just across Interstate 26 from the airport.
The Bold Rock Cidery offers great food and drinks in Mills River.
The Mills River Restaurant offer a delicious breakfast and a salad bar in Mills River.
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Minutes to Asheville, Henderson and the airport
Downtown Asheville is about 20 miles away and Hendersonville is about 8 miles southeast. “Mills River is conveniently located between Asheville, Hendersonville and Brevard,” Tallman says. Asheville Regional Airport is about 4 miles away, right at the northern border of Mills River. North Carolina routes 191 and 280 intersect in town. Other nearby highways include U.S. Route 64, and Interstate 26, which runs north toward Asheville. AdventHealth Hospital in Hendersonville is about 7 miles away.
Sierra Nevada patio shows, park movies at dusk and Mills River Day
Sierra Nevada’s taproom books performers to play the patio. “There is an impressive lineup of entertainment on the amphitheater stage,” Tallman says. “It’s a huge gathering space.” Other town events include Movies in the Park on some Saturday evenings and Mills River Day. The latter emphasizes the area’s agricultural heritage and environmental conservation, and includes activities for children, a horse show, farm tours and live music.
The southeast headquarters for Sierra Nevada is located in Mills River.
Mills River has a number of social events throughout the year.
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Written By
Ty Phelps
Photography Contributed By
Viktor Zagorevskiy
Video By
Andrew Perrius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mike Morrell,
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 Mills River, NC sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Mills River, NC over the last 12 months is $590,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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