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
Taylor Gremli,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Murphy, NC sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Murphy, NC over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meticulously maintained log cabin located in River Ridge estates in murphy NC. Massive porch for gatherings, plenty of garage and carport space, storage all over and a basement ready for expansion. Sitting on 1.12 wooded acres, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath log cabin offers the perfect mix of privacy, comfort, and convenience. Located in a desirable neighborhood with mountain
Designed for comfortable everyday living with room to adapt as your needs evolve, this multi-family home in Murphy, NC offers generous living space, mountain surroundings, and scenic seasonal views of Brasstown Bald on approximately 1.55 acres. Located in the mountains of Murphy, NC, this versatile home provides a flexible layout well suited for full-time living, extended family, or
Privacy close to Murphy. This property joins US Forest Service land and is close to Lake Hiwassee. Paved road to the property. Gated entrance with very nice homes. There is a creek on the property. Underground power. Shared well. Expired septic permit. Build your forever home in a perfect location.
MOTIVATED SELLER, BRING US AN OFFER! Unrestricted, 10+ Acre Mini-Farm: The Ultimate Mountain Homestead. Rarely do you find a flat, expansive valley tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains with this level of infrastructure already in place. Located at 3325 Pack Mountain Road, this turnkey mini-farm offers the perfect blend of self-sufficiency, recreation, and country living. Nearly 7 of the 10.35
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.
Escape to your own private mountain retreat with this charming cabin nestled in the woods near Murphy, NC. Situated on a peaceful, wooded lot, this inviting home offers the perfect blend of rustic character and comfortable living. Inside, you'll find a warm and welcoming open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area highlighted by a stunning stone-front gas log fireplace and soaring cathedral
Escape the crowded neighborhoods and enjoy true mountain living in this chalet-style cabin on 0.94 acres bordering US Forest Service property. The home needs cosmetic updating but offers the setting, layout, and mountain character buyers are looking for, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1,088 sq ft, wood siding, cathedral ceilings, and a fireplace. Mountain views set the tone from the side deck or
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.
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Hiwassee River from this beautifully remodeled riverfront retreat, where the home sits remarkably close to the water—a setting that simply cannot be duplicated under today's building regulations. Completely renovated from top to bottom, this ranch-style home blends modern luxury with the beauty of mountain living. Walls of windows frame breathtaking river
Build the mountain retreat you have been looking for on this 1.83-acre tract in The Ridges of Carolina. Lot 51 offers a fantastic view with paved road access, a mix of level and sloped terrain for more flexibility when planning your homesite, and a wooded setting that creates the privacy and natural mountain backdrop buyers want. Just about 18 minutes from downtown Murphy and the Murphy
Craving a mountain getaway with breathing room, income potential, and the kind of privacy buyers are willing to pay for? This mostly furnished 2BR/2BA cabin with a loft sits on a .77-acre center lot, and with a full-price offer only, the seller is willing to include the adjoining lots on each side for a total of 2.18 acres. Cathedral and wood ceilings, a kitchen island, gas log fireplace,
The HOA is Bear Creek HOA. There is a recorded amendment to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions that states in Section 2.05 RV'S TRAVEL TRAILERS AND MOTORHOMES: One RV, Travel Trailer, or Motorhome is permitted on a lot. Written approval from the Declarant is REQUIRED PRIOR to installation of any additional RV's Trailers or Motorhomes. Well is in place,
FOR RENT - Escape to the peaceful beauty of the North Carolina mountains in this inviting home located on scenic Hanging Dog Road. Offering the perfect combination of privacy, comfort, and convenience, this property is just a short drive from downtown Murphy while providing the quiet country setting you've been looking for. Enjoy spacious living areas, a functional floor plan, and a relaxing
Property Id: 2011341 Welcome to your new 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom unit in Murphy, NC! This multi-family property on Creekside Drive offers a spacious living area with hardwood floors, carpeted bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups, a balcony for relaxing, and designated parking. Pets are welcome, and utilities including water and sewage are
86 Fielding Place • Murphy, NC2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | $1,800/MonthTucked away in a peaceful mountain setting, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the privacy you've been looking for while still being just a short drive from Murphy's shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation.Inside, you'll find a comfortable floor plan with plenty of room to spread out. The
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