Section Image

Mills River

Mills River

Located in Henderson County

$647,367 Average Value
$310 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes 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.
Mountains surround the homes in Mills River.
Livestock can be found all throughout the Mills River town.
Livestock can be found all throughout the Mills River town.
1/2

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.
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.
Mills River has a few ranch style homes hidden throughout the subdivisions in the area.
1/2

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.
Mills River Park has a large dog park for Mills River locals to enjoy.
The Mills River flows through the Pisgah National Forest.
The Mills River flows through the Pisgah National Forest.
1/2

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.
Mills River students begin their education at the Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School.
Students living in Mills River can attend West Henderson High School.
Students living in Mills River can attend West Henderson High School.
1/2

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 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.
The Mills River Restaurant offer a delicious breakfast and a salad bar in Mills River.
1/2

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.
The southeast headquarters for Sierra Nevada is located in Mills River.
Mills River has a number of social events throughout the year.
Mills River has a number of social events throughout the year.
1/2
Ty Phelps
Written By
Ty Phelps
Viktor Zagorevskiy
Photography Contributed By
Viktor Zagorevskiy
Andrew Perrius
Video By
Andrew Perrius

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mandy Delerme, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Mills River Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$750,000
Median Sale Price
$351,600
Median Single Family Sale Price
$752,560
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
77
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-68%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$310

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,422
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,187
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,601
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,411
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
31,363

Open Houses

  • 217 High Vista Dr, Mills River, NC 28759

    $69,900

    • 217 High Vista Dr
    • New 29 days ago

    Welcome to the High Vista gated Community nestled in the captivating Blue Ridge Mountains! This 0.91 acre beautiful building lot located in the High Vista Golf Community offers gorgeous mountain views, privacy, security and wildlife abound on this mountain lot. A wide range of optional amenities offered through the POA or Chestnut Mountain Golf Club include an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts,

    Agent Photo
    Karla Marie Bertlshofer
    Hummingbird Ridge LLC
    (828) 674-6804
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • 99999 Red Oak, Mills River, NC 28759

    $44,900

    • 99999 Red Oak
    • New 29 days ago

    Welcome to the High Vista gated Community nestled in the captivating Blue Ridge Mountains! This 1.19 acre beautiful building lot located in the High Vista Golf Community offers gorgeous mountain views, privacy, security and wildlife abound on this mountain lot. A wide range of optional amenities offered through the POA or Chestnut Mountain Golf Club include an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts,

    Agent Photo
    Karla Marie Bertlshofer
    Hummingbird Ridge LLC
    (828) 844-8107
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • 172 Birchbark Dr, Mills River, NC 28759

    $689,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,242 Sq Ft
    • 172 Birchbark Dr
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to life in Hollabrook Farm—where neighborhood charm meets everyday convenience! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has the kind of layout everyone will love, with an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and wood floors throughout. The living room is warm and welcoming, complete with a gas fireplace and built-ins for all your books, games, or movie night gear. The primary bedroom is on the main

    Agent Photo
    Katie Myers
    Realty ONE Group Pivot Hendersonville
    (828) 408-0595
    Section Image
    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Mills River Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,634
Median Age
49
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,373
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,146

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.8%
College Graduates
40.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

8 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Mills River
Mandy Delerme
Lusso Realty
Section Image