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
Christy Mitchell,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Murphy, NC sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Murphy, NC over the last 12 months is $313,050, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your fully furnished, turn-key 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 both the main
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,
Here, mornings begin with mountain views stretching to the horizon, and evenings end in the quiet comfort of a home built to last. This one-of-a-kind, custom-built 2024 residence at The Overlook at Martin's Creek is designed to be truly unique, standing apart from any other home in the area while offering exceptional craftsmanship, privacy, and breathtaking mountain views. Covered decks wrap
This beautifully maintained, single-story Craftsman invites you in with classic curb appeal and a covered front porch perfect for morning coffee and friendly conversation. Inside, rich hardwood floors flow through a living room centered around a warm fireplace, while the updated kitchen featuring stainless-steel appliances and a farmhouse sink enhances everyday living and entertaining. Three
Rare level-lot cabin with easy maintenance concrete siding, beautiful stone accents, and a spacious wrap-around deck. No 4x4 needed—motorcycle friendly access! Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains without the typical maintenance stress. This cabin-style gem sits on a rare level lot, offering an open lawn and a functional backyard area—no steep cliffs here. Accessibility is the
Why pay for space you don't need? This 1 bed, 1 bath tiny cabin in Murphy offers exactly what matters—comfort, charm, and functionality on a beautiful 0.5-acre lot. Inside, luxury vinyl wood flooring runs throughout a smart layout that lives large, featuring an electric fireplace, generous kitchen cabinetry, and everything right where you want it. Step out back to a spacious rear deck overlooking
Million Dollar View on this 1.51 acre building lot. Septic approval has expired and will need to be renewed with the county. Paved Road access, underground electric and Fiber internet. Western sunset view for miles
Discover a diamond in the rough awaiting your vision! Located in the Hot House community, this sprawling 24-acre former farm property offers a unique opportunity for investors or those dreaming of crafting their ideal home from the ground up. The centerpiece of this expansive acreage is an old farmhouse built in 1932 encompassing 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. While currently not suitable for occupancy,
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 comfort and convenience in this well-appointed custom home, ideally situated on a beautiful lot just 5 minutes from downtown Murphy, NC. Enjoy the perfect blend of country serenity and modern accessibility—close to shopping, dining, and all the outdoor adventures the mountains have to offer. This property offers low-maintenance living with city water and sewer already in place—no need
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.
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 inviting rental home is located at 220 Nellie Circle in Murphy, NC, offering a quiet residential setting with convenient access to downtown Murphy, shopping, and local schools. Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, this property is ideal for tenants seeking comfort, privacy, and a relaxed mountain-town lifestyle. The home features a functional floor plan with comfortable living space and
Welcome to this well-maintained rental home. Situated in a quiet residential area, this property offers a peaceful setting while still being conveniently close to local shopping, dining, and schools. The home features a comfortable layout with ample living space, natural light, and practical design throughout. The kitchen provides plenty of cabinet and counter space, making it ideal for everyday
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
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