Mathew Kowal

Western North Carolina - Relocating To The Mountains

Relocation Information for the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County.Of course Jackson County is a wonderful place to plan a getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, but it also serves as a wonderful place to live for its residents.If you want to settle in a wonderful mountain locale, then we have just what you are looking for here in Western North Carolina, including a pleasant climate and the scenic beauty of the mountains. Jackson County was founded in 1851, in the heart of the North Carolina Mountains, nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains, and features a nice balance between peaceful forests and vibrant downtowns.Since we are already here, we have listed the Top Four reasons why you should relocate1. Central Location - Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and only 150 miles from Atlanta. It's also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte.2. A River Runs Through It - The picturesque Tuckasegee River flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County. A moderate current makes it one of the best white-water rivers for beginners and families, and it is considered Western North Carolina's best stream for trout fishing.3.Booming Business - With a 24 percent increase in population in the 1990s, economic growth abounds. The county is also a popular tourist destination, which has fueled growth in the downtowns of Sylva, Dillsboro and Cashiers.4. Lovely Landscape - The county's 491 square miles encompass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The landscape is highlighted by waterfalls, rocky peaks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The new 'Our Town ' magazine is here! This magazine is FULL of beautiful scenery and helpful information. Our Town can be accessed instantly online by going here!

For Information on how to join our wonderful community or if your just passing thorugh contact Mathew S. Kowal at The Blue Ridge Summit Group 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Check out Rae's Blog at The Cashier Highlands Real Estate Insider
http://cashiersrealestate.blogspot.com

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Is it time to move to the Carolinas???

I found this article about how the North Carolina Real Estate Market is holding up better than anywhere in the country.... With charlotte emerging as the anchor the rest of North Carolina is following in its footsteps. For more about this article check out TIME LIFE Magazine.

In 1791, George Washington called Charlotte, N.C., a "trifling place." In 1941 an author scoffed that the city had as much use for high-rises "as a hog has for a morning coat." By 1991, Charlotte was still a minor-league city without major-league sports, a cultural wasteland with a central business district that died every weekday after work. "No restaurants. No nightlife. Nothing," recalls seven-term Republican mayor Pat McCrory. "You could lie down in the street and never have to worry about getting run over." A local planner gained notoriety by proving it was impossible to find a Snickers bar downtown after 5 o'clock.
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But there's no longer anything trifling about Charlotte. With $2 trillion in assets being managed from the glossy bank towers of Tryon Street, the city is now the nation's No. 2 financial center behind New York City. In early September, Bank of America, the behemoth of North Tryon and the largest U.S. bank, swallowed the beleaguered investment firm Merrill Lynch, while Wachovia, its competitor on South Tryon, considered a merger with Morgan Stanley. And while the rest of the country is sinking, Charlotte is soaring, with 28 construction cranes downtown. It's got the nation's least-battered metropolitan-housing market, lowest office-vacancy rates and fastest-growing airport. It hosts the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Its center-city population has doubled since 2000, and its light-rail system, just a year old, is already approaching its ridership goal for 2025. Meanwhile, ribbon-cuttings are scheduled for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, three museums, a theater and an African-American cultural center by 2010.
"To understand Charlotte, you have to understand our ambition," says chamber of commerce head Bob Morgan. "We have a serious chip on our shoulder. We don't want to be No. 2 to anybody." Civic leaders often compare their city to New York, Chicago, and even London. On Sept. 11, 2001, McCrory notes, with a sly grin, that local banks swiftly evacuated their skyscrapers: "Everyone in Charlotte assumed we were next."
The business of Charlotte was always business. The city began as a trading post at the intersection of two Indian trails, hosted America's first gold rush and first mint, and later blossomed into a transportation and textile hub. Charlotte's white leaders agreed to desegregation relatively early, concluding that turmoil was bad for business. And local banks exploited North Carolina's liberal acquisition laws to build the conglomerates that now dominate headlines. Today Charlotte's nine FORTUNE 500 companies help run the city, not only by writing checks--Bank of America and Wachovia have pledged $15 million apiece to build new cultural centers--but also by helping to write plans. "We're a pro-business city like none I've ever seen," says Center City Partners head Michael Smith. "It's true about Southern hospitality, but there's a real hunger here."
It can be jarring to hear Charlotte's power brokers explain that it's important to improve their city not for its own sake but for the sake of its businesses, which need high-quality culture to attract high-quality talent. But even if they sometimes make Charlotte sound like a New South wealth-generating machine that happens to contain people, their boosterism is producing real progress. Charlotte still has problems with smog, schools and sprawl, and a few condo projects have stalled in the credit crunch. But Charlotte's mix of climate, cheap housing, new urban amenities and old habits of materialism are attracting a new generation of workers, including a reverse migration of black professionals from the North. "If you have a solid résumé and you're willing to work hard, you'll be rewarded here," says Keith Parker, a 41-year-old African American who runs the city's wildly successful transit system. "It takes away the stereotypical fears about Southern cities." Charlotte might not be New York or London yet, but it's over its Snickers problem. "We don't mind when the competition thinks we're Mayberry," says McCrory. "We're happy to be America's best-kept secret."


For additional information on the North carolina Real Estate Market or to find out how you can become part of the Western NC Mountains community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group
O: 828-743-7077 C: 404-394-7177

What is the Cashiers Real Estate Market...

I Found this article posted by T.C. and Company Properties and I hope it will help you understand what and where the Cashiers Market is.

The real estate in Cashiers, as in many areas of the Appalachian Region of Western North Carolina, has been on a steady rise for many years, and nothing seems to be able to derail it. For investors and people looking for second (third, fourth) homes, this place is a gold mine. You can always expect a return on your investment in the coming years. And, don't be surprised if you see a movie star or the head of a Fortune 500 company in any of the restaurants in Casheirs, Highlands, or nearby Sylva.


ZIP Code: 28717Approximate

Location Boundaries: Southern Jackson County in North Carolina

Location Characteristics: Combine the drastic granite dropoffs of the Blue Ridge escarpment with more than 80 inches of rain a year and something dramatic is bound to happen. Around the town of Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers), perched at 3,500 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide, the jackpot shows up in the form of waterfalls-everything from tiny cliffside seeps to 400-foot-plus cataracts that roar into deep gorges. The downtown is little more than a crossroads, the junction of U.S. 64 and North Carolina 107, and a mile or so radius of antique shops, high-end restaurants, and second-home clusters discreetly tucked into the woods. The thousand-foot cliffs of Whiteside Mountain provide the kind of hairy, multipitch, huge-exposure climbs that would almost make you swear someone had trucked the place out from Yosemite.If you're ready to get away from commercialized areas, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains "finger" of the Appalachians, Cashiers is your place. There are no chain restaurants or unsightly billboards and enormous signs. Cashiers is protecting the natural beauty and integrity of the area, and it has been a secret, second-home destination for the rich and famous for many years. The extremely private, but convenient location to nearby airports and major interstates to metropolitan areas (Asheville, Atlanta, Greeneville, etc.) make it a "no brainer" destination.

For more information on how to purchase a home or for additional information on the Highlands Cashiers Real Estate Market contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

The Divide at Bald Rock
Bald Rock

Building Christmas Tradition in Cashiers North Carolina

As Christmas approached last year I found myself without a tree... but from this dilema a tradition was started.... I found my way to the Tom Saweyer Tree Farm in Cashier North Carolina on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau and tradition was found. FOr an experience unlike anyother take your family to the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm this year for the finest in choos and cut trees, garland, and many other christmas needs. The smell of the hot cider, and friendly staff will be sure to provide you and your family an afternoon of fun, as you search for that perfect tree. I have attatched some additional information I found on the tree farms website, enjoy! The tree farm is open beggining November 22 from 9-5 and closed on Thanksgiving.

One of the special things about the Christmas holidays is tradition, events and customs that are handed down from generation to generation. It can be your favorite Aunt's homemade apple pie she brings every Holiday, dad's reading of The Night before Christmas after Christmas Eve dinner or even lighting the angel on top of your tree and remembering the true reason for the season.
It doesn't matter if you are newlyweds sharing your first Christmas or a family with children, come visit our farm and let us help you start another family Christmas tradition; an annual trip to Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms to find that perfect tree.
See the anticipation build as your children explore the farm full of excitement at what they will find. Share in their joy as they grab your hand to show you the ‘perfect tree'. Take in the memory and tuck it away in your heart as your family surrounds the tree that you have all agreed is the one!
It could be a cold and windy day when you visit Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms but we're sure the thrill of finding the right Christmas tree for your home will not only warm your body, but your heart as well.
At the most joyous time of the year, create a memory that will last a lifetime!

Tom Sawyer's Christmas Tree Farm is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, sixty miles south of Asheville and just twenty miles north of Franklin, North Carolina.
We have over eighty acres of farms dedicated to growing the finest Fraser Firs. Sizes of trees range from three feet to twelve feet in height so there is sure to be something for even the most discriminating Christmas tree lover.
The farm looks across Lake Glenville at 3800 feet elevation and is open come rain, shine or even snow. Our hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
We invite you to make this a wonderful family experience. Bring the kids. Bring the dog too! Don't forget to pack a lunch and sit at one of our many picnic tables. Enjoy the view of the area with its ponds, barns and of course, a seemingly endless selection of Christmas trees just waiting to be discovered.
From our family to yours, may the peace and joy of the holiday season stay with you all year long.
So come on out and create lasting memories for you and your family to share for many years....

HOW TO GET THERE

From AtlantaTake I-85 North to I-985. I-985 turn into 441 North.Take 441 Through Dillard Georgia .Just past Dillard Take a right onto 106 at the Chevron towards Highlands .At the light in Highlands take a right and then a left at the first light onto 64 East.Go 10 miles to Cashiers and take a left at the light onto 107 north.(At the Exxon)Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From CharlotteTake I-77 North to I-40.Take I-40 west towards Hickory .Go to Asheville and take I-26 East.Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.
From AshevilleTake I-26 East. Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From GreenvilleTake 123 towards Easley and Clemson. Stay on 123 to Seneca.In Seneca take a right on 28 towards Walhalla. Go through Walhalla to Mountain Rest.In Mountain Rest bear right onto 107 North.Take 107 North to Cashiers. At the intersection go straight 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.
For more information on how to build your permentant mountain memories Contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828.743.7077 or C:404.394.7144

If it's the natural beauty of water your looking for be it a 200 +/- foot fall or just the tranquil sounds of a meandering creek the this is the place for you. As the water drops below this magnificent deck, one can sit and enjoy the sounds with a nap or indulge in a fine glass of wine as the sun sets in the distance.







To the left is one of our many rock faces where the water gently cascades before dropping into a beautiful clear pool. At right is a 6 roadside fall, just one of the many natural beauties to be shared by all.






Below left is another roadside fall. This fall meanders through Creekside at The Divide. This particular fall is a great example of the many types of foliage that grow in, on and around the many falls of Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock.



As you cross this rustic bridge in Bald Rock you can not help but be overcome from the sounds of the cascading fall below. There are many bridges like this one in Bald Rock each with a unique purpose and design.










Here a split rail fence creates a gorgeous back drop for yet another on of the many cascading creeks that run throughout both Bald Rock and the Divide. The fall below is situated in one of the many common areas in Bald Rock. Whether it is a simple hike with the family or just reading a book with an ideal background you can find it all in Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock. This particular fall is one of my favorite spots to eat lunch.... It is the perfect setting for a quick lunch or a full on 5 course picnic.














Above is the bottom section of the falls pictures at right. In the summer you can find many of the neighbors relaxing by these falls and they make the perfect spot to get your feet wet on a beautiful summer day. To the right is continental falls. This fall boasts a drop of 200 +/- feet and is a sight to behold any time of year. Many lots in both Creekside at The Divide as well as above the falls have fantastic views of this monstrous waterfall. Below is the bottom section of continental falls.
For more information on these falls or to come visit on of our many other falls contact the Blue Ridge Summit Group at: O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144
http://www.dividenc.com/
http://www.baldrock.com/