Whether you’re gazing upon rising mountains, watching deer wander from the forest into your yard, playing frisbee with your dog in your backyard, or on your porch talking to neighbors as they stroll past, here you’ll find the warmth and comfort of home. And with reasonable real estate prices, owning your own slice of paradise in one of the most beautiful parts of the county could be more possible than you think.
Tree-Lined Streets
Upscale Urban Living
Mountain Estates
Cabin Escapes
You can see and think more clearly in your Unicoi County mountain home. Whether you’re connecting with your neighbors in a place tucked along a tree-lined street, settling into a home with land for gardening, kids, and pets, or off the beaten path in a rustic cabin near a waterfall, the options are almost endless in a county that many residents call “The Valley Beautiful.”
Nestled on the border of North Carolina in the Appalachian Range, 80% of the county’s landmass is mountainous terrain ranging from 5,000 feet above sea level at the border with North Carolina to 1,600 feet at its border with Washington County, Tennessee.
Near the turn of the 20th century, the Town of Erwin was home to the headquarters of a booming Clinchfield Railroad. That’s when the railroad hired New York architect and community planner, Grosvernor Atterbury, known for his garden-city planning genius (he designed Forest Hills in New York City), to create a residential area including schools, industries, parks, and employee housing. Today, his vision still thrives along Erwin’s famed residential streets such as Elm, Love, and Ohio Streets. Majestic multi-story homes still welcome the next generation of families to live and thrive there. Sidewalks and front porches are busy with neighborhood strolls or visits, and are a welcome change of pace from the stress of urban life.
Land and homes are affordable at any level in Unicoi County, ranging from lots with rolling hills or mountain vistas for new construction, to existing single-level homes with beautiful lawns or acreage for tilling to create your own vision of perfection. About 20% of residences are also available for renters of various styles ranging from apartments to houses. The average home value is $165,000 and there’s a housing affordability index of 162*.
Here is a quick glance at comparisons in housing costs from several metro areas across the nation compared to Unicoi County. Or, you can find and calculate how you will save when you move or retire to Unicoi County now.<
| Metro | % More Affordable Home in Unicoi County |
|---|---|
| Asheville | 35% more affordable |
| Charlotte | 25% more affordable |
| New York City | 86% more affordable |
| Orlando | 21% more affordable |
| Dallas | 43% more affordable |
| Chicago | 58% more affordable |
| Los Angeles | 71% more affordable |
| Seattle | 70% more affordable |
*U.S. Census, (Housing Affordability Index meaning that a home here is 62% more affordable than the national average for median household incomes necessary to qualify to purchase a media price home.
Ready to start looking for your new place and live or retire in Unicoi County? Start looking on your favorite real estate site or find out even more here.
You know you’re home when you strike that perfect balance between a sense of content and an excitement for what your community has to offer. That’s real, wild living.
Unicoi County has a thriving church and civic community. Whether you’re looking to connect spiritually with like-minded folks or just want to join a club, there are plenty of options for you here.
As you consider relocating to one of the most beautiful spots on earth, take a deeper look at the towns that make up this community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From the Nolichucky River and the Appalachian Trail to fun festivals and farming communities, Unicoi County is bursting with exciting opportunities at every turn.
From working remotely to opening your own business, or making the scenic commute to a neighboring city, find just the right job fit with the vast work opportunities in our region.
Live where you love, without making financial sacrifices. Take a look at how Unicoi County cost of living compares to your current hometown, or others you’re considering.
