A small town between the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountains
Mountain peaks, an appreciation for the outdoors and a creative spirit define Waynesville. Known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, this small Haywood County enclave is the largest town west of Asheville. The Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains hug this community of roughly 10,000 people, and these ranges remain a big draw for new residents and tourists. “All my family in Raleigh and Durham want to visit Waynesville to get away from the city and experience something different,” says Amie Newsome, the social media and content manager for Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, who adds that the historic and quirky downtown strip is the town’s beating heart. “In downtown Waynesville, you can look up and have the mountains surrounding you. It’s the best place for shopping and dining and has a really strong art scene.”
Established in 1809 and named after Revolutionary War general “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Waynesville grew as a railroad town, running on tourism and agriculture. “October is our busiest month of the year. I believe 40 cents of every dollar is spent by a tourist,” Newsome says. Giles Chemical, a major producer of Epsom salt, is the big in-town employer, while Haywood Regional Medical Center offers healthcare jobs in neighboring Clyde. “A lot of people work at Western Carolina University, one of the bigger universities nearby. We also have Haywood Community College and some local schools that people are employed at.” She adds that some commute to Asheville, about 30 miles away.
The sun sets behind the Smoky Mountains to the West of Waynesville.
Waynesville is called the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains".
Waynesville is brightly lit downtown for the holiday season to encourage visitors.
Waynesville is close to the Haywood Medical complex offering employment.
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Mountain adventures nearby, Waynesville Recreation Park in town
A town between the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge, Waynesville is surrounded by natural beauty and is often a hub for those looking to hike, mountain bike, ski and take winding drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. “A lot of people think of the Smoky Mountains as Tennessee and Gatlinburg, but there are quieter sides to the Smokies in North Carolina,” Newsome says. “My favorite place is Cataloochee Valley. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, they’re in rebuilding and recovery mode up there, but that’s where you can go see elk and other wildlife and go on different hikes.”
Several parks are in town, including Waynesville Recreation Park. Among typical public park amenities, it features a skate park and a dog park spread across 12 acres. The Waynesville Greenway connects the park to Waynesville Recreation Center, where residents enjoy an indoor pool and gym. Lake Junaluska is a short drive away. Six golf courses dot Haywood County, including private clubs such as Waynesville Inn and Golf Club and public greens like the 18-hole course at Springdale Resort.
Waynesville sits about 30 mins to the East of the Smoky Mountains.
Closed to drivers due to hurricane damage Waynesville hikers still visit the Blue Ridge Pky.
Waynesville Recreation Park has 2 playgrounds in the southern side.
Waynesville has a skate park for all ages to play in.
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Pets are welcome in the Main Street Historic District
Red brick sidewalks wrap around buildings from the early 1900s in downtown Waynesville, the town’s lively center. “Historic Main Street Waynesville is the place to be,” says Newsome. “There are lots of cool art galleries, shopping and dining.” This historic district is where the town’s pet-friendly atmosphere truly shines, with many businesses offering dog treats for four-legged customers. “The breweries are dog friendly. There’s a dog bakery and dog bar where pups can get roast beef ice cream, and you can enjoy a beer,” Newsome says. Waynesville restaurants often specialize in farm-to-table Appalachian meals, a regional cuisine style marrying locally grown ingredients with Southern-style flavors. “We have lots of acres of farms in Haywood County, so our restaurants rely heavily on our farmers to get their produce, and they incorporate it into their menus,” Newsome says. Residents stock up on Haywood-grown goods at the county’s Historic Farmers Market, held April through December in the Haywood Arts Regional Theater parking lot, less than a mile from downtown Waynesville.
Galleries and local artist are one of the major attractions to Waynesville.
Even the oldest establishments in Waynesville offer pet friendly accomodations.
Gift items and local merchandise are available in most of the downtown stores in Waynesville
Dogs can get treats and hang out with owners in Waynesville's downtown area.
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An art scene celebrating Appalachian heritage and culture
Home to artisans, thespians and musicians, Waynesville has a big passion for the arts. “Every first Friday of the month, there’s Art After Dark, where businesses and art galleries will stay open late. You can venture in and get some wine and beer and meet the town’s different artists. It’s very interactive,” Newsome says. Family-friendly plays and musicals take center stage at Haywood Arts Regional Theater, built in the 1990s in a barn style reminiscent of summer stock theater of the early 20th century. Locally made music often features Bluegrass melodies created with banjos, mandolins and fiddles. These tunes brighten annual events, such as the Appalachian Heritage Festival and the Apple Harvest Festival, which bring in tourists from around the country looking to sample the region’s live music, crafts and eats. Folkmoot USA is one of the town’s biggest events. As North Carolina’s official international folk festival, it brings hundreds of international groups to Waynesville each summer to share and celebrate cultures from around the world.
Local artist Teresa Pennington has a long standing gallery in Waynesville.
828 Market offers eclectic local goods and art on Main St in Waynesville.
The Shelton house is a historic location for heritage and crafts in Waynesville.
The Hart Center is a barn style building hosting arts performances in Waynesville.
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A range of home styles that often come with mountain views
Home prices in Waynesville are steadily rising, up 16% from 2023 to 2024. The median price for a home sits around $425,000. However, expansive Craftsman estates with scenic mountain views can reach nearly $2 million.
Cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes line the wide, curving streets outside downtown Waynesville, and newly-built Modern Transitional homes are filling out new developments like Valleywood Farms. Farther out, custom luxury homes rest on steep lots overlooking Laurel Ridge Country Club.
Million dollar homes on the golf course can be found close to Waynesville.
Smaller cottages are a popular style for Waynesville homes.
Many established Waynesville streets feature ranch homes and brick construction.
New construction near Waynesville brings transitional homes for new buyers.
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Haywood County Schools partners with Haywood Community College
Haywood County Schools serves Waynesville and earns a B-plus overall rating from Niche. With roughly 6,500 students in its 16 schools, HCS is the largest school district west of Buncombe County. It features the A-minus-rated Haywood Early College in nearby Clyde, in which students graduate with an associate's degree from Haywood Community College along with their high school diploma. Waynesville is home to Haywood Christian Academy, a private school offering prekindergarten through 12th grade. Receiving a B-plus rating from Niche, it’s one of the top private schools in the Asheville area. Western Carolina University, included in the University of North Carolina System, is about 25 miles away. It employs nearly 1,600 people and is popular for its business, marketing and health programs.
Haywood County schools have a great rating for Waynesville students.
Haywood Christian School sits near Waynesville.
Waynesville is the home of Haywood Community College and many students attend from town.
Waynesville is about 30 minutes from Western Carolina University.
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Commutes and crime in Haywood County
Without public transportation, a private vehicle is needed to get around Waynesville. U.S. Route 74, known as the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, carves through the town’s northwestern side, connecting residents to Interstate 40 nearby. “With I-40, you can go east to Asheville or go all the way to the Raleigh-Durham area. It’s about 3 ½ hours away. We’re also an hour and a half from the Greenville-Spartanburg area to the south,” says Newsome, who adds that residents like to take scenic drives down State Highway 215 in nearby Canton to catch views of waterfalls. Waynesville is about 35 miles from Asheville Regional Airport, which offers nonstop flights to 27 destinations, including Washington, D.C. and Boston.
Crime data specific to Waynesville is not readily available. However, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Haywood County saw a nearly 24% increase in the rate of violent crime and a less than 1% decrease in the rate of property crime between 2022 and 2023. The county’s property crime rates are higher than national figures.
A community recovering from Hurricane Helene
Waynesville experiences all four seasons, with snowfall throughout cold winters. Even though it’s a mountain town far from the North Carolina coast, tropical weather can still impact the town. Like many communities in this region, Waynesville is recovering from Hurricane Helene, which hit September 2024. Among the damage, businesses along Allen’s Creek and in lower-lying Hazelwood were flooded. Funds are being raised through “Give the Gift of Haywood,” a holiday shopping initiative where people can buy Haywood Strong ornaments and merchandise. The proceeds go to the Haywood County Small Business Recovery Grant Fund.
Waynesville's Frog level historic district suffered flooding leaving damages from Helene.
Many of the businesses in the Frog Level are still closed to storm damage in Waynesville.
Many Waynesville businesses have had to move to other locations in town after Helene.
Helene damaged the bridge connecting Depot Street to Waynesville.
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Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
William Neary
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waynesville, NC sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Waynesville, NC over the last 12 months is $400,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Peaceful mountain living with year-round views just minutes from downtown Waynesville! This inviting home sits on a large corner lot and offers exceptional outdoor spaces, including a lower area with a flowing stream, firepit, and a charming treehouse-style sitting area perfect for enjoying the scenery. Inside, the home features a spacious open floor plan with a cozy fireplace, gourmet kitchen,
Priced to sell and positioned as one of the best values in Waynesville, this spacious mountain home is now offered at less than $125 per square foot! Motivated sellers! With over 3,500 square feet of living space, 4 beds, 3 full baths, and multiple flex/living areas, this property presents a rare opportunity for those seeking space, versatility, and long-term value. The multi-level layout
Valleywood Farms is conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Waynesville. Open concept, new construction home with included 10 yr home warranty! This plan includes kitchen with shaker cabinets, beautiful countertops and tile back splash. With 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, this home has space for all you may need! Included Home is Connected package provides programmable thermostat, Z-wave
Outstanding value in Waynesville! Tucked away on a quiet, desirable street, this charming residence has been thoughtfully updated to offer the best of mountain-area living. You’ll love the fresh feel of the newly remodeled kitchen and baths, as well as the expansive new deck—perfect for morning coffee or weekend BBQs. With a new HVAC and water heater, all the hard work has been done for you.
Amazing Price Improvement! Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,224 square feet of comfortable living space in the desirable Maple Springs community. This well-maintained residence provides a perfect blend of convenience and mountain living in one of Waynesville's most sought-after neighborhoods. The home features an open and functional floor plan with ample natural light throughout.
Welcome to peace and serenity. This lot offers all of that. No HOA. The lot is located near the end of the dirt road on the left. Electric is available, well, and septic is needed. Come check out this lot and bring your plans and builder. There is a small stream running through the lot for running water access. Close proximity to Lake Junaluska and Waynesville greenway park.
Experience the pinnacle of Blue Ridge living at 371 Falcon Ridge Drive, a turnkey mountain sanctuary where breathtaking long-range vistas take center stage. Nestled on 3 private acres, this immaculate 3-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and rustic tranquility. Perched at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, the interior boasts an open and airy layout where windows frame the
Freshly paved road to the lot now! Rare end lot in a prestigious high-end neighborhood with stunning 270 year-round mountain views! Backing directly to the ridge for privacy, this mostly cleared lot offers the best layout in the community. It’s ready to build with a 4-bedroom septic permit, underground power, water line, and fiber optic to the site. Enjoy easy highway access and a prime location
Come home to Waynesville! This new construction home features a total of 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. A covered front porch and back deck provide easy access to the outdoor areas. Main level living with the Primary Bedroom and en-suite bath, Laundry and common areas on the main floor, with 2 additional bedrooms and 1 full bathroom on the upper level. Just off the kitchen is the laundry/mud room
LOWEST PRICED 2 BEDROOM HOME IN WAYNESVILLE -GREAT VALUE!!! No mountains to climb to get to this easy to access property in town, walking distance to the shops and restaurants in Hazelwood. Brand new shingle roof and exterior paint. Nice sized yard and bedrooms. A mini-split will be installed prior to closing for heating and cooling. Close to everything Waynesville has to offer. 5 minutes to
Turnkey mountain cabin with year-round long-range views of Cataloochee Ski Mountain and flexibility for full-time living or short-term rental income. This updated 2BR/1.5BA retreat features fresh interior and exterior paint, new luxury waterproof scratch-resistant laminate flooring, and a stylish bathroom upgrade with designer wallpaper and a Bluetooth light/music system. The cozy wood-burning
The Rachel is one of our two-story plans featured at Wildbrook Village Community in Waynesville, NC, offering 3 modern elevations. This spacious and modern two-story home is built with impeccable craftsmanship and offers three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a one-car garage. The moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the family room and feel the coziness of the fireplace. The open
The Brandon is one of our two-story plans featured at Wildbrook Village Community in Waynesville, NC offering 3 modern elevations. The spacious and modern two-story home is designed with open concept living in mind. This home features three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a one-car garage. A stunning great room greets you upon entry, with a cozy fireplace and decorative mantle. At the back
Peaceful mountain living with year-round views just minutes from downtown Waynesville! This inviting home sits on a large corner lot and offers exceptional outdoor spaces, including a lower area with a flowing stream, firepit, and a charming treehouse-style sitting area perfect for enjoying the scenery. Inside, the home features a spacious open floor plan with a cozy fireplace, gourmet kitchen,
Welcome to Groves at Waters EdgeExperience elevated mountain living at our newest community, ideally located in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounded by nature and panoramic mountain views, Groves at Waters Edge offers the perfect blend of serene beauty and refined comfort.Our thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes combine modern style with
Charming Brick Bungalow on a large private in-town lot. Easily walk to downtown Waynesville and Hazelwood's many shops and restaurants. This stately brick home has been beautifully renovated and thoughtfully designed. Step into the foyer and discover an airy living room with rich wood floors and a brick fireplace, framed by large picture windows. The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with
Brand new apartments in the heart of Waynesville, NC! Every day is a getaway when you live at Mountain Creek!Living at Mountain Creek Apartments provides a unique opportunity to enjoy an exciting lifestyle surrounded by nature. With a variety of spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans to choose from, you can find the perfect home to suit your needs. In addition to our exceptional apartments,
Welcome to Palisades at Plott Creek, a distinctive gated community tucked in a scenic valley surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, natural beauty and refined living come together to offer a lifestyle unlike any other — all just minutes from charming downtown Waynesville, NC.At Palisades, sophistication, recreation, and relaxation define everyday life. Choose from spacious 1-,
The advertised rate of $6,223/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 28, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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