Riverside community and small-town vibe in the mountains of Murphy
Located between Knoxville and Atlanta, Murphy is a community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, with a small-town vibe. Despite a population of only about 1,600 people, Downtown Murphy is thriving, immersed in local brewpubs and festivals, surrounded by forests along the Hiwassee River and scenic hiking trails in the depths of lower Appalachia. "Everyone is so friendly, and there's just a certain energy here," says Donna Srabian, an area local and team lead at RE/MAX Town & Country. "We don't have traffic. We have lakes, rivers, mountain views and hiking away from the rat race. This is the way people want to live, and they love it."
Murphy offers plenty of shops and restaurants for residents to enjoy and explore.
Launch your boat in Murphy at the Payne Street Boat Ramp for a day of fun on the Hiwassee River.
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1970s colonial homes and log cabins
Houses sit on shady, wooded lots and gravel roads centered around downtown. Architecture includes Craftsman, midcentury and cabin-style homes. Many properties, mainly newer homes on the edge of town, are reminiscent of log cabins, with wooden exteriors in densely forested areas. Home prices range from $100,000 to $600,000. “People will buy a vacation home and then move here full time,” Srabian says. “Once people live here or have a second home here, they tend to stay.”
In Murphy, a cabin style home is popular with families looking for vacation houses.
Some houses in Murphy are separated by trees.
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Breweries and restaurants in this historic downtown
Its community spirit and Main Street culture are the highlights of this rural village. Historic Downtown Murphy features 20th-century architecture and locally owned storefronts along the Unicoi Turnpike, its central thoroughfare home to breweries, restaurants and boutiques. Shopping centers with box store retail are about 3 miles north on U.S. Highway 19, with supermarkets such as Ingles Market and Walmart Supercenter. Legends Steakhouse serves classic southern cuisine in a vintage atmosphere. Valley River Brewery and Eatery is a local watering hole serving brick-oven pizza and craft beer in a rustic space with DIY décor. “I honestly didn’t think so many breweries and wineries could exist in such a small town,” says David Brown, a resident who has lived in the area for over 20 years. “It’s captured in time with the same kind of small-town lifestyle.”
Murphy residents can get all their grocery needs at Ingles.
Murphy locals enjoy delicious food at Legends Steakhouse.
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Fishing and rafting on the Hiwassee River
Near multiple lakes and the Nantahala National Forest, Murphy has plenty of access to outdoor recreation. Konehete Park offers tennis courts near the Murphy River Walk, a 3-mile informational trail with boardwalks along the Valley River. Murphy Health and Fitness is a 24-hour gym with a swimming pool and personal trainers. Mountain bikers can head to Piney Knob Trails, a 700-acre watershed area with 13 miles of trails around Fain Mountain. The Hiwassee River is one of the area's most popular attractions, with trout fishing and Class II rapids for whitewater rafting. "We have two lakes: Apalachia and Hiwassee. You go out on the lake, and you might see four boats. It's paradise," Srabian says. Local waterways also feed into Chatuge Lake, with scenic hiking trails and boating areas about 15 miles east.
A group of friends in Murphy make a plan for their next adventure.
Residents get their daily steps in at the Murphy River Walk trail.
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Valley River art, museums and festivals
The Valley River Arts Guild showcases a regional gallery with over 50 canvas paintings and a monthly art walk. The Cherokee Historical Museum tells the regional history of the Cherokee peoples, with more than 2,000 artifacts and exhibits of the "Trail of Tears." Residents can visit the Murphy Farmer's Market for farm-fresh products on Saturday mornings during spring and summer. The Murphy Spring Festival features kids' activities and a beer garden in May. Local bands play bluegrass and folk music concerts monthly during the Fain Alley Music Series.
Learn about the history of Murphy at the Cherokee Historical Museum.
Murphy residents support local artists by buying their work at the Valley River Arts.
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Curriculum at tech-focused Cherokee County Schools
Murphy Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, emphasizing technology and an after-school program. Murphy Middle School also has a B and a state-of-the-art STEM Lab. Murphy High School receives a B-minus on the same campus, providing an Army JROTC program and study halls for SAT prep.
Murphy Elementary School has 536 students in grades PK, K-5.
Murphy High School has 489 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Day trip to Atlanta and other big cities
Cherokee County Transit (CCT) vans provide daily door-to-door transportation for residents. Atlanta is roughly 120 miles south, and Knoxville is about 100 miles north on state Route 68. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is the closest airport for those who need to catch a flight, about 85 miles west on U.S. Highway 74, the area's central expressway. "We are within two hours of Atlanta, Chattanooga and Knoxville. We are close to small-town stuff, and it's a day trip to the big city," Srabian says.
Sound concern and flood risk
Murphy is the site of several crypto-mining facilities. Residents who live near Harshaw Road on the southeast side of town may frequently hear the whir of a jet engine, which is the sound of computer systems running software while being cooled by fans. Additionally, properties along the Hiwassee River and the Valley River may be at risk of potential flooding.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Anna Dukovich
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jahna Allen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Murphy, NC sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Murphy, NC over the last 12 months is $311,525, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exquisite Executive Home with Full Basement Apartment This stunning executive home, complete with a brand-new roof in 2025, offers a rare blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality. The main floor features a welcoming entryway, a spacious great room with a floor-to-ceiling stone wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room, and a sunny breakfast room. The kitchen is a true centerpiece with a
OPEN HOUSE scheduled Feb 14 & Feb 15: 2-5p. Welcome to a mountain masterpiece in a sought after gated community. This extraordinary 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat is perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking mountain views, where layered peaks stretch endlessly across the horizon and sunsets paint the sky in brilliant color most evenings. Outdoor living is second to none, with massive decks on
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Tucked in The Meadows at Fox Ridge, this furnished log-style cabin blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Set on a level, usable lot with peaceful frontage on Bearpen Creek, it's easy to picture quiet mornings on the screened front porch that spans the length of the home—your new favorite spot for coffee and conversation. Inside, hardwood floors and natural wood finishes create a warm,
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Set in the serene gated community of The Sanctuary at Vance Mountain, this property offers the perfect canvas for your future dream home. With stunning 180-degree mountain views, you'll wake up to breathtaking scenery every day. Pictures truly don't capture these views! An exciting bonus - the neighboring lot is also available for purchase! Whether you want extra space or a place for family to
Discover a stunning mountain subdivision in Murphy, NC, offering breathtaking views and serene living. With water and power available, this property is perfect for building your dream home or getaway. Conveniently located near downtown Murphy, you'll enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and boating.
8.3+/- acres of UNRESTRICTED land minutes from downtown Murphy and lake Hiwassee, property has 4 unexpired, 2 bedroom septic permits- (valid until 2029+/-) . As well as possible perpetual access to a spring on a nearby property per deed reference! Buyer agent to verify As well as survey of property of how it could be divided into lots - great for developers looking for a great investment! Gentle
This beautiful lot in the Wilderness Creek Falls Subdivision offers a great build site with stunning year-round views. Located in a peaceful, well-maintained community, it also provides access to a private community area featuring a picturesque waterfall-a perfect spot to relax, picnic, or enjoy nature with friends and family. With easy access, underground utilities, and natural beauty in every
Nestled within the established gated community of Stone Ridge Falls, this secluded and wooded lot spans over 2 acres and features stunning hardwood trees along with Owl Creek frontage at its base. An existing driveway provides convenient access to the property and underground power is available. Located in the Hanging Dog area of Murphy, NC, this lot is just a short drive away from casinos,
Set in the serene gated community of The Sanctuary at Vance Mountain, this property offers the perfect canvas for your future dream home. With stunning 180-degree mountain views, you'll wake up to breathtaking scenery every day. Pictures truly don't capture these views! An exciting bonus - the neighboring lot is also available for purchase! Whether you want extra space or a place for family to
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home situated on an impressive 4 city lots, located on a peaceful street just a short walk from the vibrant heart of downtown Murphy. This property combines the character of a classic 1970s home with the potential for modern updates, making it a fantastic opportunity for families or investors alike. Key Features: Generous Living Space: The inviting
Welcome to peaceful mountain living at 280 Cabin Lane in beautiful Murphy, North Carolina. This inviting rental offers a comfortable interior and a serene setting, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the quiet charm of the area while staying within a short drive of town amenities. The home features a well-maintained layout with plenty of natural light and practical living space, creating a warm
Looking to relocate to the Murphy NC area and not ready to buy yet? Look no further. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home for rent will welcome to the mountains. Call for details. No pets and No smoking home.
This home is the top unit that is 2 bedroom 1 bathroom. Unit has its own laundry. Electric is included in rent with internet. Don't miss out on this rustic elegant home at the river
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