Tryon is a small artsy town for horse lovers and vacationers
Nestled in the Escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Village of Tryon rests where misty peaks descend into rolling hills. This scenic location, in addition to its mild climate, is a primary reason why homebuyers, vacationers and artists have sought refuge here since the 19th century, and also a major contributing factor to the abundance of equine enthusiasts who flock to the area. “It’s a big horse community,” says Barbara Keever, a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina and the co-owner of Odean Keever & Associates. She says the Tryon International Equestrian Center is a big draw. “We sell a lot of farms to people who want to be close to the center.”
Tryon has roughly 1,500 year-round residents, a number that sharply rises during the summer and fall when tourists seek its horse-riding trails and quirky historic downtown. The community is known for being the hometown of musician and civil rights activist Nina Simone and a retreat for author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
One of the top school districts in North Carolina serves Tryon. The enclave also has a low risk of crime, according to the CAP Index, which gives the village a Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
From downtown condos to estates with acreage and mountain views
Condos, townhouses and single-family homes are all available in Tryon and often sought after by buyers looking for second homes. Condos sit close to downtown and range from $260,000 to $430,000. Townhouses are primarily west of downtown or in the rolling hills southeast of the village and cost between $280,000 and $385,000. Single-family homes come in a variety of architectural styles, from cottages and ranch-style homes to farmhouses with acreage and sprawling custom estates with mountain views. Most homes fall between $300,000 and $700,000, but homes with more acreage start around $700,000 and can exceed $1.5 million.
Students can attend one of the best school districts in North Carolina
The Polk County School System serves Tryon. Niche gives the district an A overall rating, ranking it the second-best school district in the state. It has about 2,200 students and 7 schools. Tryon Elementary and Polk County Middle both earn A ratings. Rising ninth graders can either attend the A-minus-rated Polk County High or the B-plus-rated Polk County Early College. Isothermal Community College has a campus less than 4 miles north of the village.
Recreation in Tryon Horse Country
As a village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tryon is often a basecamp for outdoor recreation. Popular parks are within reach, including Chimney Rock State Park, known for its landmark rock offering uninterrupted views of the landscape below. However, the park has been closed since it was impacted by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Seven parks dot Tryon. Pocket-sized green spaces like Depot Garden Park offer places to connect with nature amid the hubbub of downtown. It features plantings cared for by the Tryon Garden Club. Nearby, Nina Simone Plaza honors the Tryon native with a statue of her likeness playing a floating set of piano keys. Harmon Field is one of the village’s larger parks, home to ballfields and courts for baseball, soccer and tennis, along with a small equestrian center. Tryon Country Club offers its members a scenic 9-hole course designed by the legendary Donald Ross.
Throughout its history, Tryon has been a destination for everything horseback riding, from the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which draws riders from around the world, to the long-running Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, which maintains local riding trails and organizes popular events like the annual Block House Steeple Chase, dating to 1946. The expansive Foothills Equestrian Nature Center offers hundreds of acres to explore on horseback or on foot.
Shopping small and dining local in Historic Downtown Tryon
Morris the Horse welcomes residents and tourists to Trade Street in Historic Downtown Tryon. The sculpture-on-wheels is a replica of the toy horse produced by Tryon Toy Makers in the early 20th century, one of the toy company’s most popular offerings. The red-saddled village mascot overlooks a row of historic brick buildings hosting boutiques, cafes and institutions like the Tryon History Museum. Restaurants range from Brooks Tavern, a stone and brick-clad spot for American fare, to Trade Street Diner, a chic-yet-rustic stop for breakfast and brunch. The village is known for its antique stores, several of which dot Trade Street south of downtown. Tryon IGA Supermarket and Dollar General offer groceries and daily essentials, but larger national retailers are about 24 miles away in Hendersonville. Medical care is close by at AdventHealth Polk, a full-service critical access hospital.
Tryon hosts community events year-round, from a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to the Tryon Christmas Stroll. Many of these events take place downtown, including the annual Tryon Beer Festival each November. Craft brews made in North and South Carolina are the star of this street festival, which also features live music, food and games.
This small town has a vibrant art scene
Tryon celebrates art in all its forms. Galleries along Trade Street feature works by area artists, from pottery and paintings to jewelry and fabric crafts. They stay open late for 4th Fridays, an event series held monthly from February through November that invites residents and tourists to explore downtown Tryon. The Nest Artisan Market is a go-to for finding locally made gifts. A few doors down, Tryon Theatre airs second-run blockbusters and hosts the Tryon International Film Festival. Its art deco façade sets the tone for moviegoers who pass through the front double doors and time warp to the 1930s. While the retro cinema dates to 1938, it was renovated in 2017 to offer customers 21st-century comforts. The Tryon Fine Arts Center, a longstanding pillar of the art scene, hosts concerts, plays, summer camps and more. Community is at the heart of nonprofits like Tryon Little Theater, which has provided a stage for local talent since the 1940s, and Tryon Arts & Crafts School, where budding artists of all ages work on their craft.
Tryon offers highway access and limited public transportation
There are limited mass transit options in Tryon, making it a car-dependent town. U.S. Highway 176 curves through the area, connecting the village to nearby communities like Landrum and Saluda. Interstate 26 is nearby, facilitating trips to larger cities. Spartanburg, about 30 miles southeast, is home to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Asheville Regional Airport is around a 30-mile drive northwest into the mountains. The Polk County Public Transportation System offers a point-to-point bus service for eligible riders to grocery stores, medical appointments and airports.
