10 Reasons To Call Blowing Rock Home

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a charming mountain town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its picturesque setting, small town charm, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities, it's no wonder that many people are drawn to this community. 

Blowing Rock is frequently ranked as one of America's best small towns. In 2022, readers of Southern Living ranked Blowing Rock as the #2 Mountain Town in The South (read more accolades). We spoke with a few locals to learn more about what makes this area so special.

Outdoor Activities

With its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. There's something about the air up here that is refreshing, clean and invigorating. Because the area is drenched with large trees and forests, any time we're able to get outside and interact with nature, even if for a short walk around the house, we notice a change in our health and attitudes. There's also something not present that improves the outdoor experience: flying insects. We have our fair share of bugs and critters in Watauga county, but one thing you rarely have to contend with are those pesky gnats, mosquitoes and other 'flying nuisances' — opening up many more opportunities to simply enjoy 'being' outside.

Whether you're hiking, biking, fishing or sitting, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy the great outdoors here. Our favorite local spots are Bass Lake (1 mile from town), Moses Cone Manor (2.5 miles from Blowing Rock with tons of great trails and parking) and Boone Fork Trail (~10 minutes from town). There are countless trails, parks and picnic areas within 30 minutes of Blowing Rock that you can enjoy throughout all 4 seasons (April-December tend to be the best months for hiking however). During winter, there are 3 ski slopes within driving distance of Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain being closest at ~10 minutes from most areas of Blowing Rock. Sugar Mountain is a very reasonable drive and offers significantly longer, more challenging trails than App Ski Mtn. Beech Mtn is ~45 minute drive from Blowing Rock but is well worth the extra effort getting there.

Great Dining & Shopping

Blowing Rock has a number of great restaurants and unique shopping opportunities. From local artisanal products to one-of-a-kind boutiques, there is something for everyone in this mountain town. Gideon Ridge was named #1 Top Date Night Restaurant and #2 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in US in Trip Advisor’s Best of the Best Travelers Choice Awards in 2022. The Getaway, our latest hotel property in Blowing Rock, published a Restaurant Guide describing a few of our favorite, local culinary experiences in and around downtown.

A word of warning: you'll be tempted, but don't get so relaxed during your stay that you forget to make evening reservations at a local favorite like Bistro Roca. It serves new American classics, including spins on steak and fish, as well as starters like spreads made with local ingredients or roasted figs with Manchego and sourwood honey. — Southern Living, 2023

Great Schools

With a low student-teacher ratio and a strong focus on academic excellence, the schools in Blowing Rock are highly rated. This makes it a great place to raise children or pursue higher education. Blowing Rock Elementary is located in the heart of downtown just off Main Street. There are many private schools in the area such as Grace Academy and Mountain Pathways, the public schools are rated second in the State of North Carolina which also reduces the Cost of Living for many families moving to our area from more populated areas.

High Demand, Great ROI

If only seasonal, one necessary aspect of calling any area 'home' is to determine if purchasing a property is worth the risk of investment. Many factors go into determining this, but two key drivers will inevitably involve: financial return on investment (ROI) and perceived emotional value. Let's quickly address these two topics that we'll expand further in future articles.

Financial ROI

We won't dive into the details of real estate investment ROI here (click here to read more on this topic). Typically, single family real estate investments don't produce as much ROI as multi-family or commercial properties, however, any investment of resources (time/money) should aim to generate a return over time. Right? The demand:supply of Blowing Rock real estate creates predictable, positive ROI. With average home prices being ~25% below the national average (as of January 2023), many buyers can participate in this Market at all times. This high demand paired with limited home inventory works to maintain buyer interest during economic downturns while consistently increasing home values year over year. Blowing Rock's market often leaves home owners with a positive asset on their balance sheet, capital gains when they decide to sell their property, and an annual source of tax deductions via depreciation along the way — all great indicators that real estate in Blowing Rock is worth the investment.

Emotional ROI

The financial figures must make sense, but what about the truly valuable things in life: family, friends, quality time, being in nature, conquering a challenging hike, or enjoying an amazing dinner at your favorite restaurant? The emotional value of a real estate investment must be considered and is at least partly tied to the location of the property under consideration. Blowing Rock is highly sought after because there's something magical about physically being in a place where so many great memories can be made. The people are kind, the area is safe, the pace is a little slower, and the sunsets are breathtaking. These 'emotional aspects' must be factored into any single family investment process — and Blowing Rock checks many of the necessary boxes.

Charming Downtown Area

From artisanal craft shops to locally-owned restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to support the community and shop locally. This can be a great change of pace for those who are used to living in a more urban environment.

Breathtaking Scenery

Blowing Rock is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means that there are breathtaking views around every corner. Whether you're driving through the winding mountain roads or hiking through the lush forests, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From the colorful fall foliage to snow-capped mountains in winter, there is always something to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Proximity To Larger Cities

While Blowing Rock is a small town, it is within easy driving distance of larger cities such as Charlotte (90 miles), Asheville (90 miles), and Winston-Salem (91 miles). This means that residents can enjoy all the benefits of living in a small town while still having access to the amenities of a larger city. Blowing Rock's location also means that many city dwellers look to our area as a convenient place of solace and retreat — increasing the income a home owner could earn by offering their property as a short term rental (if only for part of the year).

Safety, First

Another key element of any living situation is peace of mind and physical safety. The Town of Blowing Rock's safety and crime ratings are renown, it's something you can feel just walking the streets in the area. One unquantifiable aspect of this topic is the momentary and day-to-day mental benefits of living in an area where personal saftey concerns are not having to be factored into every activity. Blowing Rock is no utopia, but it is known as a place of healing and feeling safe is a necessary part of that process.

Cultural Events

Despite its small size, Blowing Rock has a thriving arts and culture scene. The town hosts a number of events throughout the year, including art festivals, music performances, and theater productions.

A few of our favorite events unique to Blowing Rock are WinterFest (during January), Art In The Park (throughout spring & summer), and the Charity Horse Show (late June-August). The annual calendar is packed in Blowing Rock, there are shows, concerts, art gallery tours, sporting events and countless opportunities to satisfy all your cultural inclinations.

Strong Sense of Community

One of the things that sets Blowing Rock apart is its strong sense of community. The people are genuinely friendly and proud to share the rich culture of this area. The town is home to a number of civic organizations and volunteer groups, which means that there are always opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

Come, Stay A While

In January 2023, Southern Living went so far as to write an article outlining why Blowing Rock is the Perfect Mountain Town Escape. Blowing Rock offers an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities and great food — all with a welcoming spirit. If you're considering a move to this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out our listings or contact our team today to learn more.