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We are looking to buy a second home in the WNC area. I have been looking at log homes in Murphy. Can anyone give me some info on the area, ie property taxes and quality of life? Thanks
Quiet area, not much there. There is a walmart, for "mall" shopping you're going to have to drive to Asheville (a couple of hours if the weather is nice) or into GA. Lots of retirement homes there, a lot of Floridians. They have an odd beer law there, you can buy wine but not beer. If you want beer you're driving into Andrews or so for it.
The downtown is pretty, everything is in one area.
Within the city limits of Murphy the laws have changed regarding wine and beer sales. They voted last year and passed a referendum that wine & beer could be sold and served in the restaurants and groceries. No longer have to drive to Andrews, even though the drive there is absolutely beautiful.
The downtown is very nice and walkable with shops and restaurants, not sure if the recession is going to put anyone out of business, hopefully not. I believe Chattanooga is a little closer for major shopping as mapquest said about 1.45 hrs, of course that too depends on weather and the sales tax is higher. Our goal is also to have a 2nd home there in 3 yrs. Good Luck.
Forgot to mention, the residents we spoke to that had moved there, yes mostly from FL, did enjoy living there. I will say that if you try to become friends with the families who have been there for generations, you will definitely find resistance/indifference so don't bother. Plenty of transplants in the small subdivisions all around there to become friends with from what we could tell.
I'd just add that there are some nice golf courses in the area (both in NC and across the border in GA), if that's a consideration, and a couple of decent restaurants downtown. Not much in terms of night life or cultural interests, but a nice, small, quaint town. Close to some great hiking trails and not far from NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center).
Within the city limits of Murphy the laws have changed regarding wine and beer sales. They voted last year and passed a referendum that wine & beer could be sold and served in the restaurants and groceries.
Oh good. I have a remote office out there and it stunk to go out to get food and no one had beer. :P Glad the cultured finally allowed beer.
It was funny, I walked into Ingles to get beer. "Where is the beer cooler?" They gave me a look like I was from Mars.
Thanks for the information. We are planning a trip to the area over spring break. It's also good to know we will not be the only Florida people in the area.
No, you won't be the only Fl people.But I have to warn you, that in my experience, it's sometimes the Fl people that are harder to connect with IF they've made it in with the locals. The economy in Murphy is almost non existent.Businesses are closing up left and right.
PLEASE, PLEASE Do your homework before you buy a log home.
We restore log homes and work in the area from time to time.
I can tell you, If you know nothing about them, it is real easy to buy a junker.....believe me. Also understand, A log home although very beautiful they ARE high maintenance. I know, I live in one. I would not trade it for anything, but you must educate yourself on
1) Construction -80% are improperly built (check the caulking)
2) If they are built close to the ground...pass!
3) Type of finish, Latex,oil, solid, semi....to much to explain here.
4) Porches, overhangs- the more the logs are exposed, the more maintenance.
There are others, just do your homework!
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Let me warn you
