$360,263Average Value$248Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Hiking trails and forests draw people to Union Mills
Among the mountains of western North Carolina is the small community of Union Mills. It's an area that offers "Clean, quiet living," according to Realtor Dan Hoffman, owner of Lake Lure Land. "We also have some of the best well water in the state." While many people think of this area as a vacation spot, and it is, there are also plenty of full-time residents here. "Only about half of the community is second homes or rentals," Hoffman says. Parks, forests and hiking trails are the biggest draw, but Hoffman also notes Union Mills isn't far from larger cities. "It's a place where people have access to towns. You have everything you need, but you're also about 15 minutes from Rutherfordton or Marion and about 45 minutes from Asheville." Hoffman says. "So, you're rural but not isolated."
Real estate options include cabins, ranches and land
Vacation homes and rental properties dot Union Mills' deep, leafy valleys and high mountain peaks. Most homes in the area are log cabins, A-frame homes, older farmhouses and recently built two-story homes with cabin-inspired wood touches. "There's an above-average amount of log cabins, but I wouldn't say it's all log cabins. You can definitely find other styles," Hoffman says. These are typically priced between $330,000 and $780,000, depending on the acreage that comes with the home. There are also ranch-style homes and manufactured homes across the area, priced from $100,000 to $300,000. Parcels of land are available for those wanting their own piece of mountain. Prices usually range from $20,000 for less than 10 acres to $180,000 for 10 acres and over.
A gateway to western North Carolina nature
Hiking, fishing and camping opportunities draw people to the Union Mills area. Sweeping mountain views, meadows and swimming holes with waterfalls are all within reach. The community is a short drive from South Mountains State Park. The park has nearly 50 miles of trails, equestrian paths, trout fishing holes and an 80-foot waterfall. There's also the adjacent South Mountains Game Lands, which offers hunting and more fishing. Union Mills is also close to several other recreation areas, including the Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The impact of Hurricane Helene is still felt in the parks and forests of southwestern North Carolina, so visitors should prepare for their visit, as specific trails or campgrounds may be closed.
An A-minus-rated school district
Rutherford County Schools serves the community of Union Mills. The wide-reaching district has nearly 20 schools with over 7,300 students and earns an overall A-minus rating on Niche. All schools in the district are rated B or above. Niche also ranks the district in the Top 10 Best Places to Teach in North Carolina and the Top 20 Best Districts Overall in North Carolina.
Basic services in town with shopping and dining nearby
Union Mills doesn't have many amenities, as most of the area is residential, recreational or vacation rentals. Along Hudlow Road, there is a community center available for rentals, a performing arts center, a fire station and a Dollar General for quick shopping trips. The community is about 10 miles from Rutherfordton and Forest City, which has boutique shops and several grocery options, including Food Lion, Ingles, Walmart and ALDI. There are plenty of restaurants there, too, like comfort food spot Copper Penny Grill, which offers steaks and burgers. The town of Marion is about 16 miles north. Also, it has numerous grocery options and big box stores like Lowe's and Tractor Supply Co. Downtown Marion offers local bars and breweries, like Mica Town Brewing Company, and restaurants like Smoke a Lil' Smoke, a popular North Carolina-style barbecue spot.
Car travel is essential with hospitals and airports nearby
Union Mills sits along Highway 221, which takes travelers south to Rutherfordton and north to Marion and Interstate 40. There isn't public transportation here, so residents are car-dependent, especially if they work in larger cities like Asheville. Since the impacts of Hurricane Helene in 2024, some roads across southwestern North Carolina are still closed or being repaired. Residents should know this and consult local traffic maps when planning travel. There are two options for nearby hospitals: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, 10 miles away, and Mission Hospital McDowell, 15 miles away. There are also several airport options depending on preference: Asheville Regional Airport and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport are about 60 miles away, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 80 miles away. Union Mills has a CAP Index Crime Score of one out of 10, lower than the national figure of four out of 10.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Union Mills
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Union Mills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Union Mills, Rutherfordton sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Mills, Rutherfordton over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Motivated Seller! Discover the peace and quiet in this inviting home situated on 2 private, unrestricted acres. If you have been searching for a quiet escape where you can define your own lifestyle away from the constraints of HOAs...this property is your blank canvas. Open floor plan and a huge rec room upstairs give you options and flex space. With a mostly level yard, you'll have space for a
Amazing views and priced to sell! If you are looking for the perfect spot to build a home that allows you to experience breathtaking sunsets and natures beauty daily, this is it! Located in the gated Great Sky subdivision (formerly Queens Gap), you'll have a long range mountain views of Shumont Mountain and Mount Mitchell, and access to underground utilities and public water. Trees have been
Amazing views and priced to sell! If you are looking for the perfect spot to build a home that allows you to experience breathtaking sunsets and natures beauty daily, this 1.07-acre lot is it! Located in the gated Great Sky subdivision (formerly Queens Gap), you'll have long-range mountain views of Shumont Mountain and Mount Mitchell, and access to underground utilities and public water. This lot
3 Lots.......3 Acres with level building site and 2 bedroom septic system already installed. Double-wides welcomed. NO single-wides. Located just off 221 & Hudlow Road in Union Mills area. Great opportunity at $56,000.
Escape to your own private mountain retreat with this charming 3-bedroom, 2 full bath cabin nestled on 1.73 peaceful acres surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty. A gentle creek flows along the back of the property, creating the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Being sold fully furnished, this home is truly move-in ready or can immediately begin serving as an income-producing rental
Discover the potential of this 8.31-acre property located in the gated New Forest Mountain subdivision. This wooded tract offers privacy, natural beauty, and a peaceful setting with a homesite positioned near the top of the parcel beside a natural spring. A 1,200 sq ft foundation already exists on the property, providing a head start for your future mountain retreat or full-time residence. The
Welcome to a truly exceptional lakefront oasis opportunity in Union Mills, NC, where 56.43 +/- unrestricted acres of pristine land await your vision. This remarkable property offers approximately 840 +/- feet of easy-access lake frontage, creating the perfect setting for your dream estate. A future waterfront homesite is cleared,providing a seamless transition for construction, while ensuring
Tucked away inside the prestigious New Forest Mountain Subdivision sits this beautiful 5+/- acre lot waiting for your vision. Enter through the gated entrance as you make your way to this secluded property, you’ll pass by a peaceful waterfall and cross over multiple mountain creeks—setting the tone for the mountain lifestyle that awaits. With stunning mountain views and the privacy you’ve been
Tucked away inside the prestigious New Forest Mountain Subdivision sits this beautiful 5+/- acre lot waiting for your vision. Enter through the gated entrance as you make your way to this secluded property, youll pass by a peaceful waterfall and cross over multiple mountain creekssetting the tone for the mountain lifestyle that awaits. With stunning mountain views and the privacy youve been
Discover 22.49 acres of pure privacy and natural beauty, featuring mature woods, rolling terrain and the peaceful flow of Frog Creek running right through the property. Whether you're dreaming of a secluded private estate, a hunting/recreational getaway, or the ideal spot for your new home, this land has much to offer. Abundant wildlife. Excellent potential for hiking, hunting, ATV trails,
Discover modern luxury and natural beauty in this stunning new-construction home, perfectly situated on a private 2.26-acre lot with a picturesque creek flowing across the front of the property! Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 2,280 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this home blends contemporary style with serene surroundings. Step inside to an airy open-concept floor plan
169.8+/-Ac Creekfront with Lake Access! Discover the ultimate in rural living & investment potential with this exceptional large acreage property. With frontage on both a bold creek & secluded 22ac lake, this property offers endless possibilities. Gently sloped terrain and 60+/- acres of cleared, flat land make it perfect for farming, developing, equestrian use or private estate. Whether
Mossy RealtyMossy Oak Properties Carolina Timber and Realty
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