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Mills River

Mills River

Located in Henderson County

$640,287 Average Value
$323 Average Price per Sq Ft
60 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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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 Amanda Jennings Gravley, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Parks in this Area

Mills River Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$759,500
Median Sale Price
$696,200
Median Single Family Sale Price
$752,560
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$319,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
106
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$323

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,427
Number of Homes for Sale
60
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
6.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,187
Above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,612
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,411
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
31,363

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Nov 16
    Open House 11/16

    111 Wildwood Forest Ln, Mills River, NC 28759

    $465,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,374 Sq Ft
    • 111 Wildwood Forest Ln
    • New 1 day ago

    Located in the popular Glens of Aberdeen subdivision in the town of Mills River. This charming 2 bedroom, 3 bath plus den/office home is nestled in a peaceful, cul-de-sac setting. The home features an inviting open floor plan with plenty of room throughout and natural light. Den can easily be converted to a bedroom. New roof installed in 2022 and Anderson Renewable windows on main floor. Basement

    Karen Bosse Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks

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  • Tuesday, Nov 4
    Open Tue 10AM - 4PM

    47 Skylar Ln, Mills River, NC 28759

    $1,000,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,026 Sq Ft
    • 47 Skylar Ln

    The Reserves at Roper Farm is a gated community in the heart of Mills River, NC that offers mountain views, high quality construction & luxury finishes, large lots, community pavilion, dog park, & walking trails. Featuring rich wood flooring, 10' ceilings & 8’ solid doors throughout the open plan, gourmet kitchen w/ beautiful leathered granite countertops, high-end ZLine appliances, 48” gas range

    David Johnson Keller Williams Elite Realty

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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
Amanda Jennings Gravley
Fisher Realty Sapphire/Toxaway
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