Nestled at the base of the Hickory Nut Gorge amid breathtaking shoreline, mountain peaks, and rare plant and animal species, the town of Lake Lure in Western North Carolina is a nature lover’s dream. The town, which encompasses the famed lake of the same name, sits at an elevation of 1,000 feet and is surrounded by peaks topping out over [...]
For Ashevillians seeking to bolster independent businesses this holiday season, these movements and resources can be a good starting point.
One simple way to help local business in Asheville is to patronize area restaurants, particularly hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic. Many restaurants offer [...]
The Cherokee Indians of North Carolina were among the earliest inhabitants of Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and their legacy has created a rich cultural imprint on our region. The tribe’s influence is evident in the artifacts, art and agricultural methods that remain today.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe descended from a small group of 800 Cherokee who were either able to stay or escaped and remained here after the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced 16,000 Cherokees to walk to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in 1838. Others later returned from Oklahoma to their native land.
Cherokee art that still thrives in the region includes basketry, pottery, stone- and wood-carving, finger-weaving and traditional masks. Ancient American Indian agricultural methods of burning and deadening the trees and underbrush to provide needed grazing and cropland are evident today in the many fields still visible at the base of the mountains. Mountain and river names along the Blue Ridge Parkway also reflect the American Indian influence.
The heart of the Cherokees’ rich tribal history is, of course, Cherokee, N.C., located 50 miles from Asheville in Jackson County at the main N.C. entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the 15,300 members of the tribe live on the Cherokee reservation (properly called the Qualla Boundary), slightly more than 56,000 acres held in trust by the federal government.Visitors to Cherokee can experience the tribe’s past and its present, brought to vibrant life, at a museum, visitor center and arts cooperative, as well as at festivals and other events throughout the year.
The state-of-the-art Museum of the Cherokee Indians here features exhibits that tell the Cherokee story, from ancient times until today. Inspired by the beauty and ingenuity of the Cherokee people, the cultural and historical tour blends interactive video and intriguing displays into a full sensory experience. https://www.cherokeemuseum.org
A Village Brought to Life: Cherokee of the Blue RidgeThe seasonal Oconaluftee Indian Village shows what Cherokee life was like in the 1750s Southern Appalachians. Self-guided tours allow visitors to interact with craft demonstrators and other villagers in the traditional attire of the era. Winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites are the backdrop for viewing villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, fashion beadwork, and perform cultural dances. https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/oconaluftee-indian-village/
The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc., in Cherokee, founded in 1946 with the purpose of preserving and advancing Cherokee arts and crafts, is the oldest Native American Arts cooperative in the U.S. Part shopping experience, part gallery dedicated to the preservation of Cherokee’s craftsmanship and skill, the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual promotes the work of more than 350 Cherokee artisan members. https://www.quallaartsandcrafts.com
For a completely immersive experience, visitors to Cherokee can enjoy the seasonal “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama. One of the longest-running outdoor dramas in the country, “Unto These Hills” portrays the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective, from 1780 to the 21stcentury. https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/unto-these-hills-outdoor-drama/
For information about real estate in Asheville, email us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556.
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If you’re gearing up for a move, keeping the environment in mind is easier than you might think. The Asheville area offers plenty of resources for a green move, making the impactful life change less impactful on the environment.
Little things like opting for eco-friendly moving containers and supplies can cut back on [...]
Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty’s new responsive website was just ranked among the top 10 best mobile realty sites in the nation, according to REAL Trends’ annual review. With catered landing pages, one-click quick searches, and simple account creation to make the search process easy, especially on a mobile device, www.mymosaicrealty.com is the one-stop destination for clients looking to buy or sell property in Asheville and surrounding Western N.C.
REAL Trends – a trusted source of news, analysis and information on the residential brokerage industry since 1987 – examined sites from across the country to determine its annual rankings. The idea of responsive Web design is to make websites that easily adjust to fit multiple screen sizes, from desktop computers to mobile devices. Fluid layouts, flexible images and individually catered landing pages are the three technical factors for responsive Web design.
Seeking to streamline the real estate experience, Mosaic created its new responsive website using the same strategies it implements to help its clients: listening to customer needs and taking action on their feedback. People most often start their home searches online. As a shift to mobile phone use grows, the importance of responsive Web design is greater than ever.
Accessing www.mymosaicrealty.com on a mobile device reveals a user-friendly experience, with large tabs, streamlined menus, and simple forms for creating personalized searches. Mosaic’s mobile site also offers homebuyers easy-to-use quick searches by listings, neighborhoods, lifestyles and price. Users can dig deeper, with quick links to advanced search options like green builds, newly listed or featured properties, and affordable homes. And with a click of a button, potential clients can go beyond real estate listings to learn all about life in Asheville and the surrounding areas.
For more information about real estate in the Asheville area and Western N.C., contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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As more of the U.S. population settles into working remotely, real estate migration patterns are shifting. So-called “Zoom Towns” – places that boast urban amenities, access to nature, and a lower cost of living than larger cities – are experiencing an influx of interest. Asheville is one such town, as many people from major metropolitan areas who can now work remotely consider the popular Western N.C. mountain destination as a place to call home.
After the coronavirus pandemic sent many American workers into remote-only mode, one survey by MIT researchers estimated the share of virtual workers in the U.S. quadrupled to nearly 50% of the workforce. An Upwork Future Workforce Report, which polled 1,500 hiring managers, found that 56% of hiring managers felt the shift had “gone better than expected,” with more than 60% noting their employees will be working remotely moving forward.
Remote employment is also spurring homeowners to take a closer look at workspace possibilities in their potential home. Factors that best support remote working situations, such as Internet connectivity, home size and affordability, and urban amenities, place many Southern cities, including Asheville, in a desirable position.
Low interest ratesAt the same time that migration patterns are accelerating interest in Asheville, low interest rates are driving buyers who have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move.
According to Freddie Mac, September logged the lowest rates ever, with an average 30-year fixed rate of 2.86%. Rates aren’t expected to rise much anytime soon either: A survey by the Mortgage Reports of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association found the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is likely to average 3.18% through 2020.
Recent home sales in Asheville lend validity to the “Zoom Town” migratory trend. During the third quarter, home sales in Asheville showed a strong uptick, with 457 home sales in the city and 952 home sales in Buncombe County. The county had the highest number of home sales per quarter by 16%, and the city had its second-highest quarterly home sales. This was a sharp departure from the second quarter, where there were fewer sales happening because of the initial COVID-related slowdown in both demand and supply.
If you’re interested in relocating to the Asheville area or Western N.C., or listing your Asheville-area property, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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From a quaint Main Street to ideal proximity to outdoor adventures, Marshall, N.C., is home to a range of rich experiences. A short 28-minute drive from Asheville, this idyllic town in Madison County, with easy access to trails along the French Broad River, features a downtown lined with historic buildings, including a century-old [...]
Waynesville, Haywood County's biggest town with about 10,000 residents, has been a favorite North Carolina mountain retreat since the early 1800s. The reasons for its popularity back then – cool, clean air and water and spectacular scenery – still exist today, but add to its modern allure a quaint, urban charm, a walkable shopping district, a vibrant farm-to-table restaurant and craft beer scene, and amazing proximity to exhilarating outdoor activities.
Waynesville sits about 25 miles west of Asheville, off of I-40, between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town of Waynesville was founded in 1810 by Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier. He donated land for the courthouse, jail and public square, and named the town after his former commander in the war, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Waynesville boasts a number of historic places, including the Boone-Withers House, the Haywood County Courthouse, the Dr. J. Howell Way House and the Masonic Hall, among many others.
Home styles in Waynesville run the gamut, from rustic log cabins to majestic mansions to compact townhomes. Many properties come with plenty of acreage ideal for spreading out and soaking in the beauty of Waynesville’s natural surroundings. Waynesville is part of the Haywood County Schools system. Residents also have access to a handful of private parochial schools.
Downtown Waynesville's restored historic buildings and brick sidewalks are the perfect backdrop for browsing the town’s many specialty stores, galleries and antique shops. And when you’re ready for a bite (or a beverage), there is no shortage of restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. There is plenty of free parking along Wall Street (parallel to Main Street).
Waynesville is home to a number of annual festivals: Folkmoot U.S.A. (July) is a 10-day celebration of world dance and music with performers from around the globe. Church Street Art & Craft Show (October), a popular juried art show, also features mountain music, clogging, entertainment and food. Apple Harvest Festival (October) celebrates all things apple – think cider, fried pies and donuts – and showcases mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths.
Maggie Valley, just 8 miles from Waynesville, is home to lots of fun winter destinations, including Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World. Lake Junaluska, just 3 miles away, offers the perfect spot to spend a Saturday. There are 13 peaks above 6,000 feet in Haywood County, including the famed Cold Mountain. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to waterfalls, hikes and camping destinations. The Pigeon River section of the Great Smoky Mountains is home to plenty of outdoor adventures, including ziplining and whitewater rafting.
For these many reasons, you can see how Waynesville makes for a lovely place to live. For more information about real estate in Waynesville, or anywhere in the Asheville area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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As people around the country consider relocating to areas with more space and less density, Asheville continues to attract attention as the ideal balance of city and country. Thinking of making a move to Asheville, but wondering about employment and business opportunities? The Asheville area is lucky to have both low unemployment and strong [...]
Asheville is an enjoyable place for every member of your family – including the four-legged ones. Dog-friendly restaurants, hikes and parks abound in and around town, promising that your furry pals can join in on all the non-stop fun Asheville has to offer. And with a growing number of restaurants and other establishments shifting to [...]
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