Spindale's small-town vibe in the heart of Rutherford County
Spindale may be in the middle of two larger communities, but it's anything but middle of the road. The charming community features a scenic, historic Main Street that offers dining, retail and entertainment. Residents also benefit from renovated homes, access to trails and parks and proximity to larger towns and cities. "It's nice because your husband or wife may work in Asheville or Charlotte, but you can live in this quiet, rural community without worrying about the commute," says Realtor Sonja Smith with Odean, Keever and Associates. This family-friendly community also features well-rated schools, making it popular with families looking for a quiet place to call home.
Classic midcentury homes and a 55-plus community
In Spindale, collections of modest homes surround the heart of the community. Most residences across the community are older, smaller cottages, Craftsman and ranch-style homes, priced between $200,000 and $350,000. The houses sit on tidy green yards surrounded by oak, magnolia, and evergreen trees, with large swaths overrun by kudzu. As homes move farther away from the main street, farms and other roomy residences are among the rolling foothills. Land is available for custom-built homes, priced from $30,000 for one acre to $135,000 for 15 acres. Spindale has recently developed the Sparks Crossing development, a newly established 55-plus community. The new construction on the area's western edge features ranch-style homes priced between $375,000 and $450,000. Sparks Crossing does have HOA fees to maintain the subdivision, typically around $120 per month.
Rutherford County Schools
Rutherford County Schools serves students across Spindale. Kiddos may start at Spindale Elementary, which earns an overall B-minus rating on Niche. Students may then attend B-plus-rated R.S. Middle before attending B-rated R-S Central High. The high school offers several diploma options, including an Associate's Degree Pathway, an Advanced Placement Pathway and a Career Technical Certificate with College Credits.
Rail Trails and community parks
Spindale has a few green spaces across the community for residents to gather. Charles Deviney Park offers a playground, tennis courts and shaded picnic areas. Several trails run through and around Spindale. "The Thermal Belt Rail Trail goes through Rutherford County. It's really popular for biking and hiking," Smith says. Residents can take the trail east into Forest City or west into Rutherfordton. North of the community, Silvers Lakes is a popular spot for fishing, and Cathey's Creek Motocross Park is a go-to for extreme sports enthusiasts. In neighboring Forest City, the Forest City Municipal Golf Course offers public tees times. Spindale is also close to abundant nature spaces, 25 miles from the Green River Game Lands and 35 miles from South Mountains State Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also about an hour from Spindale.
Main Street shopping and dining
Main Street is the heart of Spindale, featuring boutiques, supply shops, jewelers and other small businesses. Locally owned eateries bring residents together throughout the week, and most have a cozy, mom-and-pop feel. Spin City's Corner Cafe features soups, sandwiches and salads, and Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria is a popular place to get a frosty beer and hand-tossed pies. One of Spindale's unique offerings is Spindale Drug, a family-owned pharmacy with a retro lunch counter serving hand-patted burgers and fountain drinks. Grocery stores are within a few miles of Spindale, including Walmart, Ingles Market and Food Lion. For larger big box stores and more retail, residents may drive west to Hendersonville and Asheville or east to Charlotte.
Commuting from Spindale
Highways 74 and 221 are the closest major thoroughfare to surrounding communities. Interstates 26, 40 and 85 are all around 40 miles from Spindale. Due to Hurricane Helene's devastating effects, some roads and highways heading west may still be recovering, so residents should exercise caution and keep track of closures. The community is very car-dependent, but one of its benefits is that it's around an hour's drive from major cities like Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville. Rutherford Regional Medical Center is 3 miles away. Asheville Regional Airport is 45 miles from Spindale, but Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 65 miles from the area for more direct flights. Spindale has a CAP Index Crime Score of four out of 10, which is on par with the national risk factor.
