Fraser firs and red spruces outnumber residents in Burke Mountains, a small community in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Homebuyers are drawn to the quiet High Country location, close to trails and other outdoor attractions. “The neighborhood attracts a lot of hikers, trout fisherman, climbers and people who love the outdoors,” says Realtor Bobbie McCombs of McCombs & Hoke Real Estate, who has nearly 20 years of experience. “A lot of the houses didn’t have good sources of heat [when they were built] because they were considered summer cabins. It’s still typically a second-home area, but people use their houses more year-round now,” she says.
Linville Gorge area trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks
Linville Caverns is open for guided tours through the stalagmites and stalactites under Humpback Mountain. It’s a few miles west of most homes. Lake James State Park, to the south, has miles of wooded hiking and biking trails, a swimmable beach, fishing areas, public boat ramps and boat rentals. Linville Gorge Wilderness, part of the Pisgah National Forest, has an extensive trail system with waterfalls and climbable rock formations. Fishing on the Linville River and nearby streams is permitted. Camping and seasonal hunting are also allowed in certain areas of the wilderness.
Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before blowing through Burke County as a tropical storm in September 2024, causing flooding, downed trees and landslides. “A lot of volunteers are still working on the trails, trying to get them back to where they were. We were lucky. There were some homes affected, but it was mostly trees down and trails washed out,” McCombs says. Trail closure information is available on the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
Single-family homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Gravel driveways curving off the narrow, winding main roads lead to bungalows and ranch-style homes half-hidden behind tree-covered hills. Paved streets branching from the main roads run to developments like Gingercake Acres and Upper Creek Acres, which have Craftsman, cabin and chalet-inspired homes, as well as New Traditionals. Prices range between $130,000 and about $515,000. Homes with panoramic mountain views can go for more than $580,000. “It’s a very stable [market]. Often, homes are passed down from family member to family member,” McCombs says.
Highly rated Avery County Schools
Avery County Schools serve Burke Mountains. While their exact pathway varies by address, many elementary kids attend either Newland or Crossnore. Newland Elementary earns a B-minus from Niche. Crossnore gets a B-plus. Older students continue to B-minus-rated Avery Middle and B-plus-rated Avery High. The high school offers dual enrollment classes at Mayland Community College. The campus is in the nearby town of Spruce Pine, within about 20 miles of most homes. Avery High also has Career & Technical Education Pathways in subjects such as animal science, culinary arts, plant systems and entrepreneurship.
Shopping and dining in Newland, other small towns nearby
“The reason people are in this area is for the quiet and the outdoorsy things to do. They’re not here to shop and dine,” McCombs says. There’s a Dollar General and small, locally owned spots like Linville Falls General Store and English Farmstead Cheese, a sixth-generation family farm and shop, on U.S. Route 221. The small town of Spruce Pine, about 20 miles away, has big box retailers and grocery stores like Walmart Supercenter, Ingles Markets and Frost Foods.
Getting around the Blue Ridge region
U.S. Route 221 connects northeast toward Blowing Rock and south to Marion. State Road 181 runs southeast to Morganton and the UNC Health Blue Ridge hospital, within about 30 miles of most homes. Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital, in Newland, and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, in Spruce Pine, are within about 20 miles of most homes. Avery County Transportation, or ACT, provides local and out-of-county transportation. Rides must be reserved at least a day in advance. Burke Mountains’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
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This absolutely stunning & exceptionally maintained 3 BR, 2 Bath cottage w./ oversized 3 car garage & paved driveway is exactly the mountain retreat you are looking for! Wooded serenity abounds in this peaceful private oasis in sought after Gingercake Acres. Updated kitchen w./ stainless steel appliances, gas range, custom cabinetry w./ tons of storage space & tile floor (fridge, washer & dryer
This serene mountain home is surrounded by natural beauty and features two beautiful mountain streams that meet on the property as part of the Upper Creek trout stream. The gentle sound of running water creates a peaceful setting for nature lovers right outside your door. Built in 2022, this thoughtfully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 1.84 pristine acres. Inside, you’ll find a light and
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
734
Median Age
51
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$106,579
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,878
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
% Population in Labor Force
49.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
