Vilas, North Carolina, is a small community in Watauga County known for its quiet, country living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in 1885, Vilas has a rich history as a farming community, with many tracts of land remaining in families for generations. Today, it attracts both full-time residents and second-home owners from cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. The area features a variety of home styles, including quaint manufactured ranch-style homes, two-story Craftsman houses, and contemporary log cabins, many offering scenic mountain views and wooded seclusion. The highly rated Watauga County Schools serve the community, with Valle Crucis School and Watauga High School providing quality education. For higher education, Appalachian State University is located about 5 miles east in Boone.Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Valle Crucis Community Park, a 28-acre space with playgrounds, a basketball court, walking paths, and access to the Watauga River, which offers fly-fishing spots, kayak launch areas, and hiking trails. The park also hosts live music events during the summer. Vilas features local amenities like the Cove Creek Store, a community market with a bakery and grill, and the historic Mast General Store, known for its wide range of goods and local philanthropy.U.S. Route 321 runs through Vilas, connecting it to other High Country towns and leading to Charlotte, approximately 110 miles south. While there are no public trains or bus routes in Vilas, the Appalachian Campus Area Transit serves nearby Boone. The community is noted for its low crime risk compared to the national average, making it a desirable place for families and retirees seeking a peaceful mountain lifestyle.