8 Things to Know About Living in Waynesville, NC
Waynesville, North Carolina, is centrally located between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. It is the perfect area to settle down since it is surrounded by beautiful hills and serves as an entryway to natural wonders like towering waterfalls and exotic animals.
Waynesville is a thriving, welcoming community whose Main Street is lined with trees in the midst of a dramatic mountain backdrop. Here, you can enjoy life amidst the city’s many historic buildings, benches, public artwork, and friendly locals.
Here are eight things to know before making the move to Waynesville, North Carolina.
1. It’s in a convenient location
Waynesville’s convenient location in the middle of Western North Carolina and close proximity to I-40 makes it an attractive relocation option for those who want to be close to family and friends. The best culturally rich mountain towns in Western North Carolina are within easy driving distance of Waynesville. Make Waynesville your base and see all the area has to offer.
You can get to Asheville in 35 minutes, Cherokee, Bryson City, and Weaverville in 40 minutes, Maggie Valley in about 15 minutes, and Lake Junaluska in about 10 minutes.
2. The people look out for one another
Waynesville is a great place to call home because of the genuine concern shown by its residents. The people are always ready to lend a helping hand. Waynesville is home to over 10,000 people, but the friendly, bustling atmosphere betrays its size.
The city has a cozy, welcoming vibe thanks to its friendly locals, plenty of outdoor activities, and an abundance of locally owned shops and restaurants.
3. A high property crime rate
At 15.6, Waynesville’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 22.7. However, the city has a much higher property crime rate than the rest of the country (57.1 to 35.4).
So while violent crime is low, locals are expected to be on the lookout for burglars and take security measures to keep their belongings safe.
4. Enjoy 217 sunny days in a year
The weather in Waynesville is humid subtropical, so the summers are hot, and the winters are pleasant. July is often the warmest month, with an average temperature of 77°F; January is typically the coldest, with an average temperature of 36°F.
From November through March, Waynesville receives an average of 44 inches of snowfall per year. This results in a year-round mild environment, ideal for outdoor pursuits. In addition, Waynesville has an average of 217 sunny days per year.
5. A cost of living index of 98
Waynesville has a lower cost of living index than the national average by 2%. In addition, the cost of utilities is 7% lower than the national average. Waynesville attracts people from all walks of life because of the high quality of life it provides at a reasonable cost.
The city’s median home price is $357,885. The yearly cost of living for a single person in Waynesville is $36,528, which is lower than the state average of $38,661 and the national average of $38,433. This is the total of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other essentials.
6. Enjoy the Mountain Street Dance or Art After Dark at Downtown Waynesville
Walking through downtown Waynesville is an absolute pleasure. There are different stores to check out, including art galleries, gourmet restaurants, pubs, a coffee roastery, boutiques, and more.
Throughout the year, Downtown Waynesville plays host to a plethora of exciting events, parades, and festivals. Art After Dark is a monthly gallery walk where attendees can mingle with the artists they admire. It’s almost like a street party, and there are so many people there.
In the summer, crowds gather in front of the Haywood County Historic Courthouse for the annual Mountain Street Dance. Locals and tourists alike may get their groove on to live music at these free dances held in the mountains.
7. The city is close to a lot of mountains
Waynesville was once known as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” and for good reason. The town’s nearby attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah National Forest, numerous hiking paths, mountain biking avenues, and whitewater rivers.
Located not far from Waynesville, Cold Mountain is the mountain after which Charles Frazier’s famous book is named. If you don’t have a map and a full day to hike the mountain, you can still see it from the Blue Ridge Parkway if you take U.S. 276 from Waynesville.
8. You can breathe easy in this city
You’ll be able to take a deep breath in Waynesville because of the city’s abundance of creeks, waterfalls, and lush landscapes. The atmosphere is pure and invigorating, and the crisp, clear air is a welcome relief.
Simply being in this location will make you feel revitalized, whether the air is brisk and wintry in the mountains or balmy and breezy in the summer.
In Conclusion
Waynesville is a small town with a lot of charm. You get to enjoy pleasant weather, a low cost of living, a warm, small-town feel, clean air, and proximity to mountains. The town’s high property crime rate is a little concerning, but if you’re security conscious, you’ll be fine.
