Cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the “land of a thousand waterfalls”, rests the unassuming town of Brevard. Unassuming because, even though its a small town with less than 7,000 residents, Brevard has become a a noted tourism, retirement, and cultural center in Western North Carolina. A moderate climate, environmental beauty and cultural activities attract locals and re-locators alike.
What is it known for?
Many things. Brevard is home to Brevard College, a 4-year liberal arts college as well as the Brevard Music Center, one of the nation’s preeminent summer music teaching and performance institutions. But Brevard has a few other “claims to fame”.
Sciurus carolinensis – the Eastern Gray Squirrel. Except in Brevard, it’s actually white. Wait. What? A white squirrel? Is it a distinct species? Some sort of genetic mutation? Well, the answer you’ll get depends on who you ask…
The white squirrel has become sort of a living mascot for Brevard; so much so that the town has built an entire art & music festival around. The festival, aptly named “The White Squirrel Festival” draws in over 9,000 visitors over it the two-day event.
Where do you want to live?
Just six miles from downtown Brevard lies Connestee Falls – a country club community featuring a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, lakes, club house, and hiking trails.
For those looking for something without all the amenities, The Reserve, an 1,100 acre, low-density gated community ideal for nature lovers. Divided into parcels averaging twenty plus acres each, The Reserve is a gated community of estates with a distinct wilderness feel.
Side Trips
Brevard’s close proximity and easy access to major metropolitan areas like Asheville, Hendersonville, Charlotte, Greenville and Atlanta make it an ideal place to live or visit.
Asheville Regional Airport is closest though Charlotte-Douglas Airport is one hour away and Greenville-Spartanburg Airport is only a 45 minute drive.
Practical info
As with the rest of Western North Carolina, both asking and selling prices are on the rise. Unlike some other smaller communities however, inventory is declining which is good for both buyers and sellers since lower inventory and higher demand keep the average listing price around $338,000.
An entry level 3/2 around Brevard starts around the $160k mark. Expect to start in the low $300′s for homes closer to downtown. If golf is your hobby and you want to live in a country club community like Connestee Falls, homes on the fairways start in the mid $200′s and climb from there.
