Small-town charm amid the Blue Ridge Foothills in Rutherford College
A North Carolina town of about 1,000 residents, Rutherford College stretches between Interstate 40 and Lake Rhodhiss in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “People love the small-town atmosphere and the strong sense of community,” says Jessica Bargsley, Rutherford College’s town manager and finance director. The town is named after a former college that has since become a hospital. Residents here also have access to relatively affordable housing, Burke County Public Schools, award-winning barbecue, outdoor recreation and town-wide events. And while the small-town atmosphere is a big part of the area’s appeal, bigger cities aren’t far away. “We are located about an hour from both Asheville and Charlotte,” Bargsley says.
Relatively affordable prices on spacious lots with ample greenery
The median home price here is about $325,000, lower than the national median. Prices clump at a couple of levels, with some homes costing $125,000 and $280,000, while larger or newer properties can cost between $390,000 and $525,000. Part of the lower cost of living comes down to tax rates. “Rutherford College has one of the lowest tax rates in the state at $.012 per $100 valuation,” Bargsley says. Ranch-style homes and some two-story Colonial Revivals are typical designs. Spacious lots with wide, well-kept lawns line the narrow streets. Tall trees and pockets of woods separate properties. Sidewalks line the main drags but are rare in strictly residential areas.
Highly rated Burke County Schools and a local private option
Burke County Schools serves this community. The district earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Valdese Elementary earns a B, Heritage Middle School scores an A-minus and Jimmy C. Draughn High School earns a B-plus. Jimmy C. Draughn High students can earn college credits via the Career & College Promise program at Western Piedmont Community College. “Rutherford College is also home to Christ Classical Academy, which hosts ages 5 through 18,” Bargsley says.
JD’s Smokehouse and South Mountain Distillery get high marks
While this small town isn't packed with restaurants, what’s here has a sterling reputation. “We’re known for the famous JD's Smokehouse, which serves the best barbecue around,” Bargsley says. Carolina Country Magazine and Strange Carolinas agree; both publications rated JD’s the best BBQ in North Carolina in 2020. “Our local distillery, South Mountain, has gained national recognition for its spirits made of family recipes and techniques born in the South Mountains of North Carolina during Prohibition,” Bargsley says. The distillery offers tours and tastings, with spirits including whiskey and moonshine, plus an “Elvis Collection” of peanut butter and banana-flavored moonshine in honor of the King’s favorite sandwich. This and That Variety has groceries near Interstate 40, and Food Lions are available in the neighboring towns of Valdese and Hildebran, both within 8 miles.
Local parks, seasonal goats and Lake Rhodhiss access
Local parks include Municipal Park and the Rutherford College Greenway. The former provides places for picnics and a playground. The latter has a walking track, two playgrounds and an amphitheater that hosts local story time events. The Greenway also brings out seasonal animal visitors. “If you visit the Greenway during the spring and summer, you may see the Gnawing Nannies — goats — munching away at the vegetation in the park,” Bargsley says. Residents can head up Malcolm Boulevard and cross Lake Rhodhiss to get to Castle Bridge Marina. “You can rent a pontoon or kayak and spend the day on the lake,” Bargsley says.
Founder’s Festival, cooking competitions and a holiday parade
Residents can look forward to several annual events throughout the year. “These events cater to both young and old,” Bargsley says. The Founder’s Festival in May brings vendors, food trucks, live music, kids' activities and a steak cook-off to town. Food retakes center stage at the Pigmaster BBQ Challenge in September and the Veterans Day Fish Fry. The town also hosts a Christmas Parade.
U.S. 70 and Interstate 40 connect Rutherford College to surrounding communities
U.S. Route 70 runs through the southern end of town, and residents can access I-40 about a mile further south. Malcolm Boulevard is the main north-south street through town. Charlotte is about 70 miles southeast, and Asheville is about 65 miles west. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 60 miles away. In addition to the bigger cities, plenty of other small to mid-size towns are nearby. “We’re within 15 minutes of Morganton, Lenoir and Hickory,” Bargsley says. Valdese General Hospital sits near the center of town off Malcolm Boulevard, at the former location of Rutherford College’s campus.
