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
Amber Herendon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Murphy, NC sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Murphy, NC over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom-built mountain home designed for comfortable full-time living in one of the area's most desirable gated communities just outside Murphy, NC and only minutes to Blairsville, GA -- featuring convenient main-level living and high-speed fiber optic internet. The neighborhood offers wide paved roads and a beautiful community pavilion with a stacked stone fireplace, creating a wonderful
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
Tucked away on a secluded 0.8-acre wooded lot, this rustic cabin is the ultimate place to relax, recreate, and refresh. Enjoy total privacy with modern comforts, including fiber internet, a cozy wood stove, and an efficient mini-split system. Adventure waits just outside your door. You are surrounded by three national forests and sit just 20 minutes from the Ocoee River and the charming towns of
Wooded Building lot with underground power and driveway in place. House site was graded several years ago but grown up with small pine trees. Lays good for building. Seller had a expired septic permit before.
Your little mountain paradise is waiting! Tucked away on 5.15 wooded acres, this exceptionally well-cared-for cabin offers privacy, room to roam and outdoor living spaces you may never want to leave. Pride of ownership shows from the moment you arrive, with a paved driveway, beautiful landscaping and thoughtfully placed pavers. Inside, the home opens to a warm and inviting kitchen and living area
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
Tucked away on 6.86 pristine, unrestricted acres in Western North Carolina, this commanding estate offers the ultimate mountain sanctuary and a prime homesteading opportunity. Positioned perfectly on a private knoll, the home overlooks its own gently rolling pastures--completely ready for livestock, horses, or sustainable organic gardens--anchored by a rustic barn at the end of the road. The main
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.
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
Property Id: 1430635 Available soon: 3 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Manufactured Home for Rent - Murphy, NC Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home located on 1.13 acres in Murphy, NC. The property features two outbuildings for storage and plenty of outdoor space. Convenient Location: Located in Murphy, NC, just over the state line, making it convenient to Blairsville and
Escape to this charming, fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2 bath cabin in Murphy North Carolina. Enjoy the spacious screened-in deck and cozy interior that creates the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Welcome to 584 Beaver Ridge Rd., Murphy, NC 28906! This charming rental offers the perfect blend of comfort and peaceful mountain living. Nestled in a quiet setting with easy access to town, this home features a welcoming layout, beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of space to relax. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence or a peaceful retreat, you'll appreciate the privacy,
Mint Condition 2 bedroom 2 bath home. Freshly painted and new flooring. Very private, All appliances included, unfurnished, workshop/shed. NO PETS! Additional FeaturesParking: DrivewayHeating: CentralAir conditioning: CentralPorch/Deck: Yes
Charming 2-bedroom,1-bath and 1-bonus room home located at 22 Mint Lane in Murphy, NC 28906. This home offers a comfortable layout with plenty of space for everyday living in a peaceful Murphy setting.Lease term: Up to 6 months only.Please email/call to view the rental and only drive by to view the rental.
Enjoy privacy, convenience, and mountain living at 238 Teakwood Trail in Murphy, NC. This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is tucked away in a private gated development with paved roads, offering a peaceful setting while still providing easy access to everything the Tri-State area has to offer. Inside, the home offers a comfortable and welcoming floor plan highlighted by a gas-log
Built in 2025 and never lived in Brown Haven built home close to downtown Murphy and the Casino in the Riverwalk Community. Split floor plan, vaulted ceilings, large island with lots of kitchen cabinets and a cozy fireplace!The back deck is large with lots of privacy. NO PETS!!
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