$367,025Average Value$328Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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.
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Union Mills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Union Mills, Rutherfordton sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Mills, Rutherfordton over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRISTINE 5 ACRE NATURE RETREAT near Lake Lure! Must-see cozy cabin in a beautiful private setting. This property is brimming with wildlife, wildflowers, and your very own waterfall. Wonderful opportunity for a second home, work from home or full-time residence. The cabin features soaring ceilings, exposed beams and whimsical touches. 2 spacious bedrooms with ensuite baths. Plenty of parking
Nice unrestricted 2.94 acres. Driveway is roughed in with piping at the road. Cleared homesite apprx. 1/2 acre. Property lays great. Owner has already obtained a well permit. This lot is ready to start building on or simply bring your camper/RV, tiny home, or whatever you desire. Plenty of wildlife. Very peaceful setting. Survey lines are very well marked.
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,
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
Charming 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath log cabin nestled on 1.74 acres in the gated community of Hearthstone Ridge! Offering 1,232 square feet of comfortable living space, this fully furnished cabin is move-in ready and perfectly suited for a private getaway, full-time residence, or an income-producing vacation property, which is its current use, with verifiable income and outstanding 5-star reviews!
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.
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
Lakefront oasis opportunity in Union Mills, NC, where 56.43 +/- unrestricted acres of pristine land await your vision. A lakefront wedding venue? An luxury motorcoach RV park? This remarkable property offers approximately 840 +/- feet of easy-access lake frontage, creating the perfect setting for your future waterfront homesite which is already cleared providing a seamless transition for
Escape to the mountains with this spacious cabin offering nearly 2,000 square feet of comfortable living space plus a full basement on 5.72 private acres. Though it's just a short distance from the community entrance you will enjoy long-range mountain views stretching as far as Crowders Mountain while relaxing on the expansive wraparound deck that surrounds the main level—perfect for entertaining
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAINTOP RETREAT------$619,500Experience mountaintop living just outside Rutherfordton in this newly constructed, custom-built modern farmhouse. Privately situated on 4.76 acres, this stunning three-bedroom, three-bath, home showcases spectacular long-range mountain views and unforgettable sunrises. The approximately 2,100 square foot interior features soaring 25 ft vaulted
HUGE Price Improvement! 169.8+/-Ac Creekfront with PRIVATE Lake Access! Are you ready for the ultimate in rural living & long term investment potential? This exceptional, large acreage property features frontage on both a bold creek on one side & a secluded 22ac lake on the other. Gently sloped terrain and 60+/- acres of cleared, flat land make this property PERFECT for farming,
Mossy RealtyMossy Oak Properties Carolina Timber and Realty
A&G Breeder Farm is a two house breeder hen farm on 32+/- acres located near Union Mills in Rutherford County, NC. The houses are 42X400 in production area plus the egg room. The houses were built in 2016. The farm is currently contracted with Case Farms - Morganton division and receives $.625 cents per dozen on hatching eggs. The historical gross income on egg pay is $153,000. The farm has a
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION! 33.14+/-Ac Gorgeous Private Lakefront with Long Range Views! Have you ever dreamt of having unrestricted property on a private lake? Who hasn't? Imagine your very own place for hunting, fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, outdoor recreation or even building your dream cabin? Look no further, this property has all that and more. Located less than 1/2hr from Tryon International
Thomas PeacockMossy Oak Properties Carolina Timber & Realty
Nestled in a peaceful countryside neighborhood in Union Mills, North Carolina, next to a beautiful creek, this fully-furnished cabin has all you need for a relaxing stay. Water is included, with utilities separate, and it features a fully-equipped kitchen with high end stainless steel pots and most everything you need. It offers sleeping space for four and shared amenities like a sauna and
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