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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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
Jenny Reisinger,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Waynesville, NC sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waynesville, NC over the last 12 months is $410,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated townhome in Waynesville Condo West. Adjacent to Waynesville Country Club, minutes from Downtown Waynesville and Hazelwood, with all the shopping, dining, and recreation the area has to offer! This home features two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room, granite countertops in the kitchen, and newer flooring throughout. Private patio
Seller offering $5000 buyer paid closing costs to be used toward rate buy down or additional appliances!This beautifully crafted new construction home offers a rare combination of modern comfort, thoughtful design, and peaceful creekside living, all without the constraints of an HOA or subdivision. Inside, the open-concept layout is enhanced by vaulted ceilings and expansive windows that
Seller offering $5000 buyer paid closing costs to be used toward rate buy down or additional appliances!This thoughtfully designed new construction home with creek frontage blends comfort, style, and everyday functionality, without the restrictions of an HOA or subdivision. Inside, an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and oversized windows create a bright, airy feel throughout. Natural
Back on the market with improvements! Welcome to 45 Ginger Lane, a well-maintained mountain cabin offering comfort, flexibility, and a peaceful Smoky Mountain setting. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home also features a spacious loft currently used as a third sleeping area, providing extra room for guests or larger groups. Outdoor spaces are set up for easy enjoyment, with a covered front porch, a fenced
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.
Seller offering a $5000 credit at closing with acceptable offer. Priced to Sell! This custom-built 2019 retreat offers a serene mountain lifestyle on a one-acre lot within a quiet Waynesville neighborhood. Defined by soaring vaulted ceilings and an expansive wall of windows, the open-concept interior is bathed in natural sunlight and frames clear views of the surrounding mountains. The heart of
At nearly 4,000 feet in elevation, this beautiful 9.79 acre mountain property in Haywood County, North Carolina, offers the rare combination of privacy, multiple homesite opportunities, outstanding long-range views, and convenient year-round access. Located near the top of Balsam Ridge in the desirable Pioneer Ridge/Walnut Creek community, this wooded tract is an excellent opportunity for anyone
Elevation meets elegance in this custom-designed, one-level contemporary retreat. Perched at 3,400 feet in the serene Shadow Woods community, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom sanctuary spans 1,975 sq. ft. on a private 1.18-acre lot. The heart of the home is a breathtaking Great Room, where soaring vaulted wood ceilings and matching wood accents meet gleaming hardwood floors and a cozy gas-log
MOTIVATED SELLER-ALL OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED. Take in the beauty of Western North Carolina from this 2.21-acre gently sloping homesite overlooking the picturesque Jonathan Creek Valley in Haywood County. This property offers the perfect blend of open mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and convenient access to nearby communities. The gentle topography provides an ideal building site for a
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
Waynesville NC creekside home • 2BR/3BA • Jonathan’s Creek • Fully Renovated • Separate lower-level living quarters • Open-concept main level • Hot Tub • Short Term Rental PotentialSet along Jonathan’s Creek, this fully renovated property delivers the kind of lifestyle that’s hard to find and even harder to leave—fly-fishing right outside your door, multiple decks for hosting, and the
Beautifully updated townhome in Waynesville Condo West. Adjacent to Waynesville Country Club, minutes from Downtown Waynesville and Hazelwood, with all the shopping, dining, and recreation the area has to offer! This home features two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room, granite countertops in the kitchen, and newer flooring throughout. Private patio
Perched on 1.54 acres across two parcels, this refined mountain residence offers a rare blend of privacy, convenience and sweeping long-range mountain views just minutes from Waynesville. Inside, vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings with exposed timbers and expansive windows bring the outdoors in, filling the home with natural light and uninterrupted mountain scenery. The great room centers around
Escape to 2.96 acres in the coveted Ironduff community, where streams, hardwoods, and possible long-range views create a true mountain sanctuary. A level drive is already roughed in, and year-round paved access makes building simple. Keep the trees for privacy or open up views of surrounding ranges. With a waterfall across the street and a peaceful setting in The Glens of Ironduff, you’ll be just
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
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-,
Fox Run is a quiet, family owned community in the mountains of Haywood County, Western North Carolina. The owners are local and handle maintenance and questions directly. You're minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with grocery, dining, and shops close by. Our units all have in unit washer & dryer and stainless steel appliances. Rent includes parking, water, sewer, trash, and pest
Property Id: 2784842 Welcome to 64 PJ Drive, a beautifully renovated home conveniently located just minutes from Main Street Waynesville. This property offers a clean, updated interior with modern finishes and a comfortable, functional layout. Enjoy the convenience of city water and sewer, easy access to shopping, restaurants, schools, and downtown Waynesville, while still having a
Property Id: 1780096 Amazing property set above Lake Junaluska (within walking distance) with views from many of the rooms. Hardwood floors throughout living area and large spaces in both bedrooms. New windows and the perfect location. Washer/dryer in unit. Water, sewer, garbage and internet included. You pay your own electric. Preferably at least a one year lease and small-medium cars only
Property Id: 2763569 Cabin over looking a large creek/island and surrounded by Mother Nature. Located minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Waynesville. Picnic deck with gas grill and table. Gas fire pit on deck. Creative "Hobbit" entry , totally foam insulated, fully heated and cooled. All utilities by Landlord. Totally furnished with TV, DVR, electric cook top, microwave,
$1,700 is the base rent pay.No smoking. Pets are allowed upon approval. The available space is the downstairs portion of a duplex styled home. Separate entrances. It comes partially furnished, with a fully furnished option. Great mountain view's in a rural but close to town community. The home is located in Mauney Cove which is 1 mile from Lake Junaluska, and a 5 minute drive to
Discover this 3-bedroom, 2-bath doublewide near Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC. The home features wood floors throughout, central heating and air for year-round comfort, and off-street parking for convenience. Positioned on its own lot, the property provides a sense of privacy while remaining close to local attractions and outdoor opportunities. Ideal for those seeking a straightforward,
1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom apartment just minutes from Downtown Waynesville. Updated floors and lots of natural light throughout. Shared covered front porch, ample parking and Water, sewer & trash included!! Come enjoy mountain living at its finest in a beautiful location close to I-40, hiking trails and shopping.PETS: 1 MAX up to 20lbs. Minimum 1yr old, housebroken & indoor only.
71 East Marshall St. Waynesville N.C. Brick 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home in East Waynesville. Oak floors, gas logs, washer - dryer hookups. 1 - Car garage. Refrigerator, gas range, dishwasher, microwave. Private rear patio. Large, fenced back yard. Storage in basement and attic. $ 1950.00 per month. $ 3900.00 Security Deposit.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
