Hayesville (Asheville, Andrews, Murphy: appointed, real estate, crime)

[jefferson06]

Does anyone have any thoughts on living in Hayesville? It is small so I wondered about the pros and cons, I am from a very populated city and hate it. I am considering relocating here with my family which includes three children, infant, elem. school and middle school. Thanks for any insight.

[Trail Majic]

Originally Posted by jefferson06

Does anyone have any thoughts on living in Hayesville? It is small so I wondered about the pros and cons, I am from a very populated city and hate it. I am considering relocating here with my family which includes three children, infant, elem. school and middle school. Thanks for any insight.

Jeff,Hayesville has lots to offer.tranquility,almost no
crime rate,honest people,a little religion pushy,nice lake nearby.Jobs available
but not big pay scale.Compare it at the low cost of living and it works out.I
would not mind one bit to live there.

[happeemtnchik]

Hayesville is great! The schools are all on the same campus. Housing prices are very reasonable and the people are very friendly. The closest malls are about two hours away, but you can get all the necessities here. The restaurants are mostly locally owned and operated. All in all, it's a wonderful place!

[Trail Majic]

Originally Posted by happeemtnchik

Hayesville is great! The schools are all on the same campus. Housing prices are very reasonable and the people are very friendly. The closest malls are about two hours away, but you can get all the necessities here. The restaurants are mostly locally owned and operated. All in all, it's a wonderful place!

it is one of the truly sleeper spots left in NC that hasn't been dsiturbed by modernism

[blutalon]

I love Hayesville. I moved here from Ft. Lauderdale about 17 or 18 years ago. My daughter went to school here from 1st grade till graduation. It is really the best place to raise children!

[ncpantherlady]

That whole area of North Carolina is really great to raise kids. I lived in Andrews, and worked in Murphy, and it is a really beautiful place. The earlier post about the malls being two hours away is no joke..LOL...You can drive to Asheville, Atlanta, or Chattanooga for any mall ventures. Andrews and Murphy have movie theaters..not sure about Hayesville, but Hayesville has Lake Chatuge which is alot of fun in the summer time...Murphy isn't far away, and they have Wal-Mart and other little stores if you need a small dose of commercialism..I loved it when I lived down there...Just laid back and very relaxing...

[nanannie]

I wonder if its TOO small and would be too large an adjustment.I have a relative in a nursing home there,it would be worth your while to visit with the kids for a week and see how everyone likes it

[JOHNNYCOUNTRY]

It was nice until the Floridians took it over. One Floridian would move there then move someone else they know then they move someone they know. Their like gremlins only the hills make them multiply. No really though its allright if you can fit it there.

[andrewsmba]

Here is a recent press release on Andrews NC. written in March or 2007. Basically everything you would want to know about Andrews and surrounding areas. hope this helps. John

The Town of Andrews press release 03/06/2007

Andrews, the Jewel in Western North Carolina’s Crown

In only two hours drive from Atlanta lays one of the most beautiful valleys in all of North Carolina. Snuggled up to the eastern side of the valley against the Great Smoky Mountains is the town of Andrews. This nineteenth century railroad town has seemingly been bypassed by the modern world while it has maintained historic homes, quaint downtown streets, charming mom and pop stores, and healthy living with many active citizens in their nineties and over to prove it.

Andrews, located in Cherokee County, is a town of approximately 1700 citizens with some amazing statistics. The cold water-fed mountain streams are home to the second largest trout farming industry in the United States. Fly fishermen consider the area a sportsman’s paradise. Scenic 5000 foot mountain peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the many cascading streams and creeks flowing into the valley river. Waterfalls are frequent throughout the region and wildflowers cling to the banks during the warmer months.

The Nantahala Gorge is just 10 miles to the East of Andrews where white water activities are at their finest. Many outfitters are located at both ends of the gorge and provide complete guide and equipment services for both rafting and kayakers. Hiking, biking, and an abundance of camping sites are available in the Andrews area and surrounding Nantahala National Forrest.

World famous John C. Campbell Folk School is located on a scenic 400 acre site nestled into the foothills of nearby Brasstown, NC. The school was founded in the 1920s with a vision of preserving the mountain culture brought to the Appalachia during the 18th and 19th centuries by the immigrants that peopled this region, mostly of Scot-Irish decent with a healthy peppering of German, English and other Europeans. The Campbell Folk School publishes an immense annual catalog offering classes in all aspects of mountain crafts, farm life and folklore. Music and the visual arts also provide an important core to their curriculum. Students enjoy the rustic mountain setting with all the convenience of modern dormitories and the food services of a gourmet chef.

Andrews was founded in a fertile river valley known to early settlers as Valleytown. The native Cherokee knew the area as the Valley of the Seven Tribes. Artifacts and excavations reveal that the area has hosted native settlements for several thousand years.

First time travelers are always amazed by not only the scenic beauty but the drama of making an entrance from the western or eastern gaps into the 7 mile long valley which is completely surrounded with the majestic Smoky Mountains.

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The infamous Trail of Tears began here for the long forced march of the Cherokee to Oklahoma. General Winfield Scott built a portion of the trail which still exists where it snakes over the mountains to Robbinsville. The trail is gravel and is maintained by the forest service. The climb is fairly steep but offers a good workout and some spectacular views of the flora along the way and the valley below. Most of the year the trail is open to auto traffic but four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and drivers should take care to take their time as the single lane provides few places to pass an oncoming car.

In the early to mid twentieth century, Andrews hosted a tannery, extract plant, a huge timber industry, and factories in the furniture and textile industry. The railroad which was completed in 1894 provided the economic engine for much of the town’s growth for almost a century. Now, known as The Great Smoky Mountain Railway, the train is headquartered in Bryson City and currently provides passenger tours and some freight to Andrews.

Andrews’s loss of industry during the past few decades has turned out to be an unexpected blessing. Along with clean pollution free air and scenic beauty the town is now poised for a bright future as the quintessential small town to live in. Long considered a location for a cabin or second home site too many Florida and Atlanta residents, Andrews is now becoming the choice for year-round-living. Andrews Chamber of Commerce president, Gail Horton, likes to say that “We are at the very center of everything. Atlanta, Ashville and Chattanooga are each only two hours away.” She also likes to point out that the Andrews-Murphy airport is one of the finest equipped small airports in the United States. It is a prestigious drawing card for the valley’s future development with a location just one mile from the town entrance on highway 19/74.

Riding stables, hike and bike trails, several excellent Bed and Breakfast locations, fine dining, and the gentile hospitality of the Appalachia further define how to many, Andrews, is the “lost Shangri La of the mountains.” Recent residents, Bob and Maggie Ferreria, who came from Coconut Grove, FL like to refer to their new home as “magic valley.” Locals have become aware of the “magic” and uniqueness also. The Andrews Valley Initiative (AVI) was formed in 2004 by business owners to identify a plan for growth and long range vision. The group has been active in coordinating concepts with the Andrews Chamber of Commerce (ACC), the town board, and the merchant, business association (AMBA). Partially, due to AVI’s efforts several renovations are in progress, hiking trails have been added, parkland has been purchased, and a design committee appointed by the mayor has completed drawing up new guidelines for the town.

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AVI founding members, Jerry and Linda Pullium, have converted their gracious 100 year old home into The Cozad-Cover Bed and Breakfast. Like most folk in Andrews, the Pulliums want to retain the charm and quaintness of their town. Across Main Street from the B&B a fine dining location has opened in a renovated cottage built in 1918. Owned by a professional chef, The Cole House stays open year-round and serves fresh local trout prepared in any of four ways including southern style which is skillet fried.

It is not an overstatement to suggest that Andrews is on the fast track to obtaining the coveted position of a 19th century small town which has worked its way to the 21st century. And all that without losing the gentile charm of its populace and the panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Main Street has continued to reflect a steady growth with new shops and renovations coming aboard in record numbers. Boyd’s Antiques has restored the towns’ original post office into a stunning exposed brick and stained glass showpiece. Next door, Murphy’s Antiques are shown off in a building boasting original flooring and pressed tin ceiling. Across the street, Rushing Creek Boutique offers fashions in yet another 100 year old brick which has been updated while retaining its original charm. The stores namesake, the little creek which literally rushes through the back of the store then goes under the street and on towards Valley River, has also been maintained. Visitors to town and locals alike enjoy The Polished Gem where the store’s owner is a fine jewelry designer who carries gifts, gemstones, and minerals from around the world. Nantahala Wood Crafters offer local handcrafted bowls and home furnishings. Jesse’s Games provides a clean and safe location for kids of all ages to enjoy the arcade and fine sandwiches prepared by the owner. Three new real estate companies have opened downtown, Bradley Inn has been purchased and has begun renovation to its original glory, and Ginger’s Corner has also been purchased with plans for historical restoration currently up for approval by the Town Board. Beans & Novels, a new coffee shop and bookstore breaks ground in March of 2007 and the Methodist Church is nearing completion of a major addition to their historic structure. Additionally, several recent acquisitions are in progress with announcements expected soon.

Andrews has assumed the air of a town caught up in its own renaissance and locals are united in an effort to restore their cultural arts building. This imposing architectural gem is constructed from local made brick and is on the National Registry of historic buildings. The structure was built in the late 1800’s as a church but when the congregation outgrew its physical limitations, the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historic Society (VCAHS) stepped in to save the building. The site is an ideal venue for theater, music, and the performing arts. A large center stage has seating on three sides and an imposing theatrical surround balcony. New lighting fixtures and paint are in progress with additional grants on the way for continued restoration. Several cultural events take place on a scheduled basis with the mountain music jamboree a regular feature which brings audiences to their feet with local musicians playing bluegrass. The society also hosts an annual tour of historic homes, a spring garden tour and sweetheart dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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Andrews’s business owners (AMBA) host several free cultural events to the public throughout the year. Their concept, to bring locals and tourists alike to the streets in events that reflect the areas heritage has been very successful. The Highland Scottish Games to be held on September 8, 2007, The Bluegrass to Blues Music Festival coming on June 2 in 2007, and the Fourth of July Blowout complete with a wagon train parade are but three of the annual favorites.


Travelers to Andrews, the little town with the big heart, can check out current events by going to the chamber web site, and/or the AMBA website.

Andrewschambercommerce.com

andrewsmba.com

Submitted: W. Lee Nichols

[SMALLTOWNGIRLATHEART]

My husband and I just bought a fixer-upper in Hayesville, to remodel and move into in a couple years when we retire. Much to Johnny's dismay, we are also from FLORIDA. I sincerely hope that JOHNNYCOUNTRY is not a sample of the people in Hayesville, as he sounds kind of scary. I also come from a small town in Pennsylvania, and understand how we don't like change, but never heard people talk like him. Maybe Johnny forgets that SOMEBODY is selling land and houses in the mountains for us Floridians to buy ! I am ready to get out of the hustle and bustle from all of the people NORTH of Florida moving in on us, so I guess Johnny should learn to live with us and if he is a Christian person, then act like one. Thanks for listening, and I hope I meet some nice, Christian people in Hayesville.