Sapphire is a scenic mountain community popular with tourists
Sapphire is a gem of western North Carolina, framed by Panthertown Valley to the north, Gorges State Park to the east and towering peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in every direction. "Bottom line, Sapphire is beautiful," says local broker Dan Hodges, team lead of The Hodges Team at Mountain Real Estate Rocks. He's been visiting the greater region since the 1950s and moved here in 1998. "There are pretty little flowers in the forests, in the fields and in the meadows. And you have a lot of water running through it." Its scenic natural setting makes it a popular tourist destination, home to mountain resorts and hotels. "People come in from all over the world."
Sapphire is a neighborhood surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sapphire is home to many mountain resorts and hotels.
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Many local hikes lead to scenic waterfalls
Sapphire's natural amenities, from waterfalls to hiking trails, are arguably its biggest draws. One of its most popular spots is Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, towering at 411 feet. Visitors take the Foothills Trail to reach the falls. Locals hike to White Owl Falls and Rainbow Falls or enjoy swimming at Silver Run Falls. Hodges also highlights Panthertown Valley, known to many as the "Yosemite of the East." It has waterfalls, rock domes, gorges and 30-plus miles of trails. Fairfield Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing, and Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway are nearby. Sapphire Valley Resort operates the Frozen Falls Tube Park and an adjacent ski slope open to the public. Golfers can enjoy the course at The County Club of Sapphire Valley, a private golf club that's served the community since 1956.
The Whitewater Falls is the largest waterfall near the Sapphire area.
Golfers can enjoy the course at The County Club of Sapphire Valley.
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A varied housing stock in the mountains
Most homes line densely wooded, winding streets that branch off Rosman Highway. The roads are usually narrow and have low posted speed limits, ensuring drivers are careful as they navigate the hillsides. Most homes sit on at least a half-acre of land, and Hodges says most properties offer views of mountains and valleys. "There are also some homes that look out to the lakes and over toward South Carolina," he says. Hodges adds that there isn't a standard for housing styles. "There's every kind of home in Sapphire," he says. "Modern homes, log cabins, colonials and all Artisan-style homes. You name it." Most homes are adorned with expansive decks or dramatic windows so residents can enjoy the views. Homes list from about $260,000 to $6 million; homes surrounded by trees, without much of a view, list below $800,000. From there, the price depends on plot sizes and square footage.
Many larger homes can go for over a million dollars in Sapphire.
Sapphire locals can also choose to live in various condos throughout the county.
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Several local restaurants and shopping in Cashiers
Sapphire has a couple of restaurants that Hodges says have been around for decades. Library Kitchen and Bar occupies the oldest building in the Sapphire Valley, built in the 1860s. After renovation in 1999 and a closing in 2010, the restaurant reopened and continues to serve the community today with a seasonal menu. Micas Restaurant and Pub is another local mainstay with a full bar, steaks and shareables. Locals head about 7 miles into Cashiers for shopping and additional dining options. Residents can grab groceries at Ingles Markets or the family-owned Cashiers Farmers Market. Cashiers has several shops, including the Cashiers Thrift Shop and Highland Hiker.
The Micas Restaurant and Pub is another local mainstay with a full bar, steaks and shareables in Sapphire.
The Cashiers Farmers Market is a family-owned business near Sapphire.
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Hopping on U.S. Route 64
Sapphire is a car-dependent community. U.S. Route 64 runs east and west, connecting the area with Highlands about 17 miles west and Rosman 14 miles east. Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is about 14 miles west of the community. Asheville is 56 miles away, and Asheville Regional Airport is a 40-mile trip. Sapphire has an overall CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Jackson and Transylvania County Public Schools
Sapphire is split between Jackson and Transylvania Counties and is served by two school districts. Jackson County Public Schools scores an overall B on Niche, with Blue Ridge School scoring a B-minus and Blue Ridge Early College receiving a B. BREC allows students to earn an associate's degree or workforce certificate with their high school diploma. Transylvania County Schools has a B-plus on Niche, with T.C. Henderson School of Science and Technology, Rosman Middle and Rosman High all scoring Bs on Niche.
Students living in Sapphire can attend the Blue Ridge School.
Rosman Middle has after school activities for students in Sapphire, NC.
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Sapphire Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sapphire, Rosman sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sapphire, Rosman over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set in the mountains of Sapphire, NC at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, 253 Kestrel Court offers a compelling combination of long-range mountain views, generous living space, and a strong history of successful vacation rentals.This tastefully furnished, five bedroom, 3.5 bath spacious mountain retreat was designed for gathering. Multiple living areas provide plenty of room for
CALLING ALL INVESTORS!! 18 Horsepasture River Court is what you are looking for with an ample sized 3-bedroom, 3-bath home nestled in the heart of Sapphire, NC with fantastic OUTDOOR KITCHEN and YARD SPACE. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac just moments from the enchanting Narrows Waterfall, this property offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and peaceful privacy with lots of room to spread
Discover the wonderful mountain charm of this FABULOUSLY UPDATED 4 bedroom, 4 full bath and 2 half baths. Home is situated on estate size property - park like setting 2.43 acres in Sapphire Valley. Surrounded by lush forest on all sides with a gazebo overlooking a beautiful mountain stream. This property presents an ideal opportunity to get away and unwind with the serene soundtrack playing in
Don Collins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty - CA
Situated directly on Lake Soquilla in Burlingame, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers the ultimate mountain retreat. The living room showcases soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a striking stone fireplace, all framed by tall windows that capture sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The main level features a spacious screened porch, perfect for dining or
Situated directly on Lake Soquilla in Burlingame, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers the ultimate mountain retreat. The living room showcases soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a striking stone fireplace, all framed by tall windows that capture sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.The main level features a spacious screened porch, perfect for dining or
Enjoy end of cul-de-sac and conservation front privacy in a surreal mountain valley at 3500' elevation from this 5.0 acre sub-dividable lot in the Creekside area of the Divide at Bald Rock Community. Paved Driveway off Paved Road started towards house site. 6 Bedroom septic installed in shared field partially on adjoining lot. Fronts large conservation easement. Community water supply is included
Incredible panoramic westerly mountain view from this nice laying lot with gentle access to building site then sloping down to allow for lower level and a view. Was previously turned down for septic approval, so this lot will need to be combined with lot 104 also for sale to allow for a septic system--may still be engineered but well worth it for this view. Paved roads and underground utilities,
Privately nestled within a wooded, tranquil setting, 2374 West Christy Trail offers a rare mountain retreat where comfort, character, and nature converge. Set on two combined parcels totaling 1.34 acres, the property boasts approximately 375 feet of spring-fed creek frontage, creating a peaceful, storybook backdrop just steps from the home. This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence is
Unique lot with creek and boulders flowing toward left side of property. 3700' elevation with paved roads and underground utilities including water and fiber optics. Nearly an acre and backs up to additional common land for plenty of privacy.
Gentle lot that should be buildable with septic permit. May have mountain view and small lake view. Repair area exempt. Amenities option. Verify with your own sources.
Five bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, two stone fireplaces, and a backyard of your dreams.This quality-built home sits on a double lot of roughly 2 private acres in Round Hill Estates. A long paved drive winds past mature rhododendron, native hardwoods, and a cascading stone water feature. Open and covered decks line the back, framing the pond, the yard, and the sound of water
Don Collins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty - CA
Nice laying lot with gentle access to gentle building site with potential for year round view with trimming. Will be a very nice setting. Appears like may be okay to get a septic permit--but permit is needed.Paved roads and underground utilities, including public water and fiber optic internet. Sapphire Valley Resort Amenities.
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