Smoky Creek offers quiet, rural living not far from downtown Morganton
The Smoky Creek community is less than 10 miles from Downtown Morganton and gets its name from the small body of water that winds through it. The area’s roughly 580 residents enjoy proximity to the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment options, and the peaceful, rural lifestyle that comes with living just outside the hustle and bustle. “People move out there for the space, to have the land for hunting, and for the quiet,” says Gabby Reyes, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has been selling real estate for about seven years. “It’s quiet living out there.” Reyes currently lives in Charlotte but grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains area. “Since I still have a lot of roots there, I do a lot of business out there. I like that I get to go out there a lot,” she says.
Spacious lots support hunting, horses and homesteading
Most homes in the area are ranch-style and manufactured, typically with three bedrooms. They often sit on lots spanning an acre or more, which residents use for hunting, homesteading or keeping horses. Houses don’t go on the market regularly, but when they do, the median price is around $275,000. Land is available and doesn’t often go on the market. When lots are available, they can range from $20,000 for a half-acre to $150,000 for 19 acres. Many of the available lots are not connected to water and sewer lines and Reyes says buyers should account for that. “But for me, that’s the only drawback to the area.”
Public schools in the area earn A and B ratings on Niche
Burke County Public Schools serves the community and has an A-minus rating on Niche. Some of the closest schools are Drexel Elementary, Heritage Middle and Jimmy C. Draughn High. Drexel Elementary and Draughn High have B-plus ratings on Niche, and Heritage Middle has an A-minus.
From burgers to boating, there’s plenty to do nearby
Rhodhiss Lake runs along the community’s south side and is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing. Motorsport fans enjoy proximity to HorsePower Park, a locally owned off-roading track for monster trucks, ATVs and dirt bikes. For traditional green spaces as well as stores, restaurants and services, residents head to Downtown Morganton. Uncle Eee’s is a popular spot to grab a burger and Root & Vine is a little more upscale, yet still laid-back and serves New American cuisine. The closest hospital to Smoky Creek is UNC Health Blue Ridge, just outside of the city near Interstate 40.
Main roads link Smoky Creek to Downtown Morganton and Highway 70
Due to the lack of regularly scheduled public transportation options in the area, residents get around by car. Smokey Creek Road and Antioch Road are the main thoroughfares and connect to roadways leading to Morganton and Highway 70 East.
Weather considerations and other important information
Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s. Winters are cooler, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Flooding is possible near Rhodhiss Lake. Hurricanes are also possible. In 2024, the Morganton area was hit by Hurricane Helene. The Burke County Landfill is on the community’s west side and includes recycling services.
