Franklin: Watauga Vista (Boone, River Bend, Highlands: sales, real estate, rental)

[daytonadewd]

If you live in the Franklin area of Macon County, I'm interested on info about a mountain community/neighborhood there called Watauga Vista. Apparently it's been there for decades.

While I've visited there and the area, wanted to get locals perspectives and gossip about it. People who live there? Is it considered a good neighborhood? Any problems there I should know about? Why does it seem so affordable (for such amazing views), compared to Gold City development across the road (which basically has the same views)? What's the economy like in Franklin area now? New construction? Tourism?

[TreehouseNC]

I live in the Gold City side across from Watauga Vista.....(I am selling also) and I know that they are in a gated area. I looked at houses in there and some were very nice and some were much older. I don't know of (or never hear anything) any problems there. I see alot of the mountainside homes from here and at night I can tell there are some full time residents. There are probably alot of of vacation homes and alot might get rented out for seasons. Anyway, it is very pretty and yes they have the same views are here. Not sure which Gold City Development you are referring to. I only know of three and us who have our own private communities up here. But as far as I can tell, I think Watauga Vista is more expensive than up here, but it again all depends on what you are looking for in a home. Construction has slowed based on personal experience. My husband works at Lowes and it is slower there for contractor sales, and my son was with an electrical company that laid everyone off due to no work with new construction.

The economy has been good here. home prices are holding compared to FL or other areas south. Sales are down of course, but most of the nicer/better homes are holding. As a matter of fact here is a report from my realtor sent this morning:
There are 762 homes on the market. This week, another 24 were
added, but 22 were taken off. We had price changes on 23 homes.
Of those, 5 were below $10,000, 7 were between $10,000 and $25,000,
6 were between $25,000 and $50,000, 3 were from $50,000 and $100,000
and 2 were over $100,000. Price is the biggest factor in home sales.
And we are happy to report, this week, 10 homes sold (closed). To
date, we are 22% less than 2008 and 51% less than 2007 in sales.
We are starting to see a few more expensive homes sell.

If you are looking for a home, there are PLENTY od nice, newer ones waiting for buyers. It just takes looking and research. Good Luck.

[Larry Davis]

Originally Posted by daytonadewd

If you live in the Franklin area of Macon County, I'm interested on info about a mountain community/neighborhood there called Watauga Vista. Apparently it's been there for decades.

While I've visited there and the area, wanted to get locals perspectives and gossip about it. People who live there? Is it considered a good neighborhood? Any problems there I should know about? Why does it seem so affordable (for such amazing views), compared to Gold City development across the road (which basically has the same views)? What's the economy like in Franklin area now? New construction? Tourism?

There are two, long established gated communities in Franklin ...... Watauga Vista and Mill Creek Country Club. Many of us moved to this area not only escape crime, traffic and nasty people, but to get away from the petty rules and restrictions you find in so many other areas, such as Florida, to lead a freer life and solve our own problems when and if they arise, without interferance from government or some HOA. However, with that being said, the greater percentage of new residents are from Florida and they are bringing with them their paranoia ...... wanting to create here exactly what they had in Florida ....... gated communities with their HOA's and every conceivable convenience law. Many of the local builders and realtors moved here after doing all the damage they could do in Florida and are more than willing to give the newcomers exactly what they want. So, most of the new and newer residential neighborhoods are gated, HOA's. The only thing that will preserve Macon County is the fact that 70% of the land is National Forest!

Ok, enough ranting. Sorry about that. Now to answer your questions ...... If gated community with an HOA is what you want there are really some very nice looking ones around. There is only one area of Macon County that is questionable and probably should be avoided. It is called "Skeenah". Apparently much of what little crime we have around here takes place there. It's a relatively small area of old, old local families that go way back. I've heard it used to be moonshine and now its meth labs. Anyway, I've never avoided the area and have never incountered any problems there. It's just the only area I personally would not invest in real estate.

If I were looking to build or buy a home in a gated community it would most likely be either of the two old established ones mentioned above. They are proven. All of the infrastructure has been in place and working for a long time. With the current economy, many of the new communities are suffering financial difficulties and the developers are not coming through with all that is promised. The Gold City that you mention is called "Wild Flower" and I have heard they are on the verge of bankruptcy. Watauga Vista is nice. Many people like it very much and many people like Mill Creek. They are totally different. What I personally do not like about Watauga is you can't just go out for some nice long walks. It is too steep in most places. Older folks especially would have a tough time walking and I can see where some of the driving would be rather intimidating. I am sure that affects the real estate prices negatively and you would certainly pay more for a like place in Mill Creek. Both of these communities are very convenient to shopping and main street Franklin.

The economy is ok. Not great but ok. Most of the Western North Carolina mountain areas seem to be doing a little better than most places. Builders and real estate companies are hurting. I would think it would be a great time to negotiate with a builder for a new home. I don't really understand it, but even with the economy being down local real estate prices have remained stable. There has been no drastic drop like you see in so many other areas. Tourism in this area is down. I know because I have rental cabins and where I would normally be completly booked for the rest of the year, we have just a handful of reservations. I understand Cherokee with the casino there is doing just fine.

Hope I've answered most of your questions. If not, let me know and I'll do my best.

Larry

[TreehouseNC]

I used to work for the owner of Wildflower and it is gated and absolutely beautiful and walkable. But I could not live there!!! It takes forever to drive in there and talk about DARK!!! It's way too far in. I walk in there all the time to take a leisurely stroll. It's not steep to walk in there and the walking paths are nice. I think Larry knows who I am. I am off the main road going to Wildflower! I am in a nice quiet little development of seven houses.....And I can see Watauga Vista. Didn't you bring some buyers by here last week? Bring them back!!!.....please!

[Music]

Yes I know where Watauga Vista is.It was an older summer home area built mainly by Claude Welch in the 1960s.For its time the houses were nice and many have been updated.Down side is I hear they have had some water issues from time to time.Swiss Colony is another place 5 miles north of Franklin on US28 and turn into River Bend Estates.

Mill Creek on the other hand has city water and sewer although a few of the first homes built in th golf course area had septic tanks.There is a local forum called Franklin Gossip - Franklin, NC and many people there could answer area questions as well.

The economy has many of us in a state of uncertainty but property investments there in the past has been successfull for many.

[Music]

[/quote]Larry do you sell real estate in Franklin ?

[daytonadewd]

Many thanks for your replies and perspectives!

I'm still perplexed by the math figures I'm getting aren't equalling up. I personally know of 6 households relocating to WNC. I'm hearing of national trends from Florida, Nevada, Texas, etc. moving there. I would have thought they would be flocking to this area as well.

So is Franklin being bypassed in this new rush in favor of Highlands and Boone instead? If so, why? There has to be a reason! (i.e. was there a secret, national Klan rally there? )

I just saw a notice there will be an auction for a lot in Watauga Vista this Saturday, 7/11 at 10am on Rocky Hill Road by Marty Kimsey Auction Team. Rocky Hill Road in W.V. is not a high elevation area for lots like Skyland Drive, for example.

If things are so stable there, (and the lots such a bargain in the first place), why would people stoop to an auction to sell?

I found out there is a lot of problems with the county in obtaining water. Apparently on lots for new construction in Watauga will now require wells, which honestly I don't see a problem as there are many springs, streams.

The HOA messed this up with the county for permits/long-term planning and also sold the existing water system to a private water company thats bleeding existing homesites that are connected to it. So actually purchasing a site with a well system might work out better in the long run, than an improved lot. So to me, the water issue is NOT the MAIN issue here folks.

So what is it? Any further comments, ideas? Please help!

[TreehouseNC]

Who cares what the reasons are that people are going to Highlands, Boone or elsewhere. Go where you like. Do what you want, live where you enjoy. Our water is awesome and we have no issues with it up here at 3500 feet.

If a house is auctioned, it could be a personal financial issue with the owner....it happens. From what I remember, building can take forever due to permits taking a long time.

Perhaps you are analyzing too much?? Research is good, but any place can be analyzed to death....

[Larry Davis]

Larry do you sell real estate in Franklin ?[/quote]


Hi Music,
No, I'm not a real estate sales person. Not now and never have been. However, would you believe ..... I grew up in Miami Fl and in that entire city I was aware of only one other Larry Davis. Ten years ago my wife and I moved to little ole Franklin and there are two other Larry Davis' here and, yes, one of them is a long-time realtor.

[daytonadewd]

Found out the Wautaga Vista HOA is embroiled in a battle which will be settled shortly to oust problem board members in a special election. Same ole shinanigans.

Apparently this was causing some serious issues and keeping people away. Hopefully this will now change.

Am planning a trip for September to include Franklin, Highlands, Boone and Maggie Valley.

Thanks for your excellent posts!