Homes for Rent in Valdese, NC

Valdese, NC, a small town in Burke County, is steeped in history and community spirit. Founded by Waldensian settlers in the late 1800s, Valdese retains its heritage through landmarks like the historic Waldensian Baking Company building, now home to Bimbo Bakeries USA. The town's Main Street features redbrick sidewalks, vintage storefronts, and a variety of dining options, including Myra's Smashburgers & Creamery. Valdese hosts the annual Waldensian Festival, celebrating its cultural roots with live music, rides, and bocce tournaments. Recreational opportunities abound with Lake Rhodhiss offering watersports and fishing, while the 300-acre Lakeside Park provides hiking and mountain biking trails. McGalliard Falls Park, with its scenic waterfall and historic Meytre Grist Mill, is a local favorite. The town's art scene is vibrant, highlighted by the Old Colony Players' summer drama "From This Day Forward" and year-round events at the Old Rock School. Valdese is served by Burke County Public Schools, with highly rated institutions like Heritage Middle and Jimmy C. Draughn High. For larger shopping needs, residents often travel to nearby Morganton and Hickory. U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 40 connect Valdese to surrounding areas, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport over 60 miles away. The town's housing market features a mix of early 20th-century bungalows, midcentury ranch-style homes, and custom lakefront estates, all set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.