The Upper Fork area of Morganton is home to about 1,000 residents, many winding creeks and the South Mountains State Park. Residents are often treated to views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from their front yards or find peaceful solitude on home farms surrounded by trees. Yet, Downtown Morganton, with its shopping, dining and services, is only about 10 miles away.
Most homes in Upper Fork are ranch-style, manufactured and Minimal Traditional. They often sit on lots spanning an acre or more, where residents have workshops, gardens or patios overlooking the mountains. Houses don’t go on the market regularly, but when they do, the median price is around $240,000. Land is available and doesn’t often go on the market. When lots are available, they average around $130,000 for 20 acres.
Burke County Public Schools serves the area and has an A-minus rating on Niche. Some of the closest schools to Upper Fork are Salem Elementary, which has a B-plus rating; Liberty Middle, which also has a B-plus; and Robert L. Patton High, which has an A-minus. Patton High offers clubs and organizations including Robotics and Engineering Club, Gaming Club and Art Club.
South Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and campsites, and additional campsites are on the community’s southwest side. The Possum Rock River Access is on the east side and offers a launch for non-motorized boats, picnic areas and fishing. Morganton, less than 10 miles away, has traditional green spaces offering playgrounds and tennis courts. It also has stores, services and restaurants. Locals enjoy New American cuisine and a full bar at Root & Vine and grab burgers at Uncle Eee’s. The closest hospital is in Morganton, UNC Health Blue Ridge.
Due to the lack of regularly scheduled public transportation options in the area, residents get around by car. State Route 18 runs near the community’s northeast side and connects to nearby cities and towns, including Morganton.
Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s. Winter temperatures are in the 50s and 60s. Hurricanes are possible. In 2024, the Morganton area was hit by Hurricane Helene.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Marilyn Varnes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blue Ridge REALTORS®
(828) 655-7446
49 Total Sales
1 in Upper Fork
$140,000 Price
C. Shane Cook
C Shane Cook & Associates
(828) 522-5961
133 Total Sales
1 in Upper Fork
$169,000 Price
JS
John Shipley
Shipley Co LLC
(336) 815-4368
266 Total Sales
1 in Upper Fork
$130,000 Price
Bob Warchol
Keller Williams Unified
(980) 600-3495
255 Total Sales
1 in Upper Fork
$195,000 Price
Christina Truitt
WNC Real Estate Inc.
(828) 522-5897
82 Total Sales
1 in Upper Fork
$166,250 Price
Penni Grigg
RE/MAX Southern Lifestyles
(828) 523-1917
135 Total Sales
4 in Upper Fork
$36K - $332K Price Range
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