When its time to break away, and that time comes more often every day, you know these mountains are where you need to head. 

Do you have a place to get away from it all without being so remote that you can’t reconnect with civilization?  Do you want to be centrally convenient to all things Blue Ridge without being overwhelmed by crowds of or people attempting to do the same as you?  

If so, then we have found your place here. 

Live The Mountains Unlimited—Welcome To The Arrowhead Retreat! 

This peak pavilion style home features four-bedrooms, four-baths, being founded on 2.57 high altitude acres— in ridge top rondel, as far as the eye can see see, you are surrounded by an incredible dream of misty blue mountains and green valleys made unbelievably beautiful by the play of sunlight and cloud shadows falling gently up the multiple peaks within view.  Afforded mountaintop privacy, yet just off US Hwy. 19-E between Burnsville and Spruce Pine, NC, in a convenient, yet coveted area where these types are property are very scarce. 

The Location⎯ The View

Unrivaled altitudinal beauty matched with the opportunity to Touch, breath, and live an ancient environment.  Ingratiate yourself into one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth! 

The home is nearly the perfect high mountain compound in a National Park like setting— for those looking for blessed assurance when it comes to safety and sustainability for family and guests, or as a retreat for individuals of a prepared mindset.  You have nearly 89 miles of View-shed, truly, this is where the “purple mountains majesty” meets the sky— views that rival anything you’ve ever seen on any overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway! 

This home is guaranteed to be the best place between the Pyrenees and the Rocky Mountains from which to sit back, relax and watch on the most beautiful sunsets ever seen by mankind! 

How many Rolls Royces’ are there in the US?  How many Ferraris, Mercedes Maybachs and G-550s, or fine yachts, Gulfstream Jets and Bugattis?  All fine things, but where is the exclusivity?  

This home certainly is exclusive and rare when it comes to features and location, especially with the view and the potential to widen the view— if the gave out Michelin Stars for view homes, this bad boy would rate a 5!  

These mountains have been a haven for folks throughout the world.  Unlike some of the nations elite, there is no need to seek a New Zealand getaway— here you can stay where FREEDOM is ensured and a small population of like minded self-reliant folks that will welcome you throughout the area. 

An expansive panoramic view-shed complements this well built home as one of your primary assets.  The security of that asset is in the view-scape that you own and control.  The bright airy home has oversized windows, each framing a different and ever changing view.

The Cherokees referred to this place as “Elo Gadusi Tsudisdaya” (The Land of Unending Mountains) or “Kanvidi Gadusi Uwenvsv (The Land of the Eternal/Forever Mountains). 

Every time you go to the post office or to the grocery store or out to eat, you are in fact taking. Scenic drive that the majority of people in this world would have to save a lifetime just to be able to come and visit! 

The property is zoning free, yet deed protected with light and appropriate covenants.

MOUNTAIN HOMES REALLY DON'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!  You will enjoy all the native wildlife in this diverse ecosystem right from the privacy of your living room or deck.  This is altitude that really will positively uplift and affect your attitude! 

Special Note:  Other adjoining lots can be made available to increase your acreage, or even to expand your legacy to ownership of the entire mountaintop! 

The Home (Structure & Exterior)

Efficiency and sustainability are core components in this mountaintop compound, and there is a massive amount of green built features— very likely the most you will find in a home in this area.  The home is positioned to take advantage of a landscape like no other, which you will see through the panoramic windows of this custom designed retreat. 

Smart, Efficient, and Beautifully Designed!

This fortress of a home was constructed in 2011 by the late J.R. Simmons, a master builder for the Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland areas.  The current roofing is 14 years old, and rated for hurricane winds.  There is professional metal guttering with metal wedges (keeping the guttering from being against the eaves. Defying convention, the Deltec® designed home captures a curving view of the horizon.

The home’s design provides the greatest strength of any form, and delivers built-in energy efficiency, even in the harshest conditions.  The home works with nature while having been precision-engineered providing exceptional structural strength and resilience, withstanding the most extreme weather conditions, time after time.  

Strength— built with Southern Georgia Yellow Pine that is twice the strength of commonly used structural lumber, in an advanced panelized building system, both energy-efficient and premium-quality.  In addition, all the main structural pieces are BluWood®  framing lumber, trusses and sheathing components— protected from the threat of fungus, rot and termites.  

Treated with a unique, two-product technology called Perfect Barrier System.  BluWood components are protected against the devastating consequences to wood of fungal and termite infestation.  The fist part is an Infusion-Film which forms a water-repellent semi vapor permeable film interlocking with the wood fibers to provide controlled topical and subsurface moisture absorption.  It is formatted to resist mold growth on the cured surface of the film.

The second part of this technology is the Perfect Barrier DOT Wood Preservative, a proven fungicide and insecticide which provides protection from rot fungi and wood ingesting insects, including termites. 

The wall panels, roof and floor trusses and ⅝” sheathing are pre-cut and precision-fabricated at a state-of-the-art facility less than an hour away in Asheville, NC, then were delivered directly to this property where it was assemble and finished just like any stuck-built home.

High wind/hurricane resistant and architecturally distinctive by design.  Homes built with this design are located all over the US, and they have had a 99.9% survival rate in some of the harshest conditions, enduring direct hits from home of the most powerful hurricanes on record, from Andres, Katriana, and most recently Helene, according to Deltic Homes. 

The home is aerodynamic, working with nature not against it— wind can’t build up enough pressure on any one side to cause structural failure.  The roof and floor trusses radiate from the center of the home, dispersing the energy from sustained high winds through the entire structure.  The optimum roof pitch (6/12) is for wind deflection and reduced lift.  The circular structure transfers environmental loads most efficiently and the radial floor and roof trusses work like spoke on a wheel, so energy from sustained winds is dispersed instead of building up in an single area. 

Oversized truss hangers keep the roof anchored to the walls, and continuous metal strapping transmits with through the home to the foundation and ultimately the ground. 

Machine rated 2,400 psi framing lumber is used in the trusses and walls.  ⅝” sheathing is used on the exterior walls, roof and floor to strengthen the home and prevent flying debris from penetrating the structure. 

Oversized truss hangers keep roof system anchored to walls.  The walls have multiple construction ties to the floor system for structural stability and to transfer shear forces. 

Continuous metal strapping from roof trusses to foundation helps maintain structural stability. 

Reinforced high-quality Marvin® double pane windows from Colorado, with impact glass prevent wind and water from entering the home.  Founded in 1912, Marvin windows are crafted with the highest quality material delivering unprecedented performance and exceptional aesthetics. 

The exterior walls are clad with James Hardie® fiber cement board siding. Inside the 6” walls is just as much foam insulation. 

The home is naturally designed to support solar energy use to provide power or hot water in the event of power outages.  Here the owners have opted for the Sundance Power Systems, Inc.®  with Skyline 1001 collector (solar cells) on the roof (5.7KW)— to provide a clean energy lifestyle in a grid-tied system with Duke Power.  Part of this system powers the hot water heater as well.

In addition, there is a Generac® whole home propane powered generator (18KW) that can sustain the home during any major or prolonged power outages.  There is a 1,000 gallon propane tank for fuel, and the DC to AC converter equipment is located for easy dry access in the garage area. 

To withstand our distinct four seasons found on this mountain, the sellers chose Fiberon® Composite Decking with lighting on the steps to complement the home’s exterior.  This North Carolina produced product has a 25-year stain and fade warranty and are free of harmful chemicals and contribute toward points in LEED and other green building rating systems.  You won’t have to worry about splinters, splits, cracks or rot, making the outdoor spaces safer for children and pets, plus it lasts for a very very long time.  

Family and guests are protected on the deck with heavy duty powder coated aluminum picketed rails.  Once you get a hold of one of these gates, you will begin to appreciate this fine quality and realize the attention to detail and security for your loved ones.  Also included is a lighting grid around the deck. 

The foundation continues with high-end construction in the use of Superior Walls®— Custom Concrete Precast Foundations.  Architects love the use of this foundation wall system due to the dimensional accuracy, and you will love them due to the energy efficiency thereby lowering the energy costs,  and natural waterproofness of poured concrete, making your basement dry, warm, and quiet— also increasing the homes value.  The precast nature of these walls allows for major quality control, which again, highlights all of the above.  The crawl space area for the home has a concrete sealed floor.  Locally sourced native stone clads the exterior of these extremely well built foundation walls.  

Water is supplied via well, but also the home is equipped with a rainwater collection system that can capture up to 250 gallons, and then that is transferred into a 1,500 gallon reservoir.  The water then goes through a purification system made up by a silt and particle filter, then through two different types of carbon filters, and finally passes through a UV disinfection system that uses ultraviolet light to destroy any remaining microorganisms, thus making the water safe for human consumption.  

Inside The Home

Walking into the entry room, one is greeted by a large open, yet flowing floor plan, with vaulted ceilings— free from interior load-bearing walls, enhanced natural ight, and an unparalleled interaction with the natural world outside, creating a living experience and sense of well-being like no other.  Passive solar design helps heat and cool the building through appropriate window placement, and an enhanced insulation maintains a balanced temperature inside the home.

The antique pine floors on the main level are reclaimed wood from a historic textile mill in the Piedmont of North Carolina, and they were just refinished last year.  Both the main level and lower level floors (tile), as well as being available for a portion of the supersized two-car  garage floor (place for an eventual workshop) have a four-zone radiant heat system. 

The Alpine Radiant Systems® is a hydronic radiant floor heating system (propane fueled) that sends warmth up from the entire floor surface, providing a comfortable, silent, efficient, and energy-saving alternative to forced-air heating.  Alpine sets the industry standard for luxury homes across the US for this type of heating.

In addition to this main heating system, the home is equipped upstairs, downstairs, and in the master bedroom with a ductless hybrid multi-zone heat/AC System (often called mini-splits).  The home also features a whole house dehumidifier/ventilation system with a Hepa Filter. 

Between the living room and the kitchen, beneath the impressive vaulted ceiling finished in pickled-pine is a distinctive and unique Bari® Soapstone Rotating Fireplace sitting atop a granite pad— Designed and manufactured exclusively in Germany— Above all, the goal is to create e stoves with a balanced and harmonious shape and form.  

This unique stove is built with two layers, an inner steel body controlling the combustion and an outer panel to create a convective air channel that circulates warm air through the home while reducing the outer temperature of the stove.  It is a system that combines primary and secondary combustion with a tertiary combustion using a catalyst to achieve ultra clean combustion that surpasses 2020 EPA clean air standards.  You can burn high and hot, or low and slow to suit your heating needs while maintaining efficiency.  The makers of the stove rightly point out that heating with wood is the most basic, renewable, Carbon Neutral every source available. 

The stove has a 76% efficiency rating, via the TruHybrid™ combustion technology— a modern European EPA certified product here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. 

This spacious and inviting kitchen exudes a warm, contemporary craftsman style with a touch of rustic charm, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests.  The cabinetry was built by a local master-craftsman in Spruce Pine, the late John Pendley, and features light maple Shaker-style doors and auto-close drawers, characterized by their clean, recessed panel design and subtle hardware that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Upper cabinets include elegant glass-front panels, beautifully showcasing dish ware with curio lighting and adding a sense of openness to the space.

 GE Profile™ Appliances bring a sophisticated design to the kitchen area. 

A sleek stainless steel range hood, with its modern cylindrical silhouette, serves as a striking focal point above the cooktop, efficiently venting while complementing the professional-grade stainless steel appliances, including a side-by-side refrigerator with water dispenser, built-in microwave, double wall oven, and gas range.  

The expansive curved raised island, topped with a smooth quartz countertops, offers ample prep space, a deep under-mount sink, and comfortable seating for three on patterned upholstered bar stools with wrought-iron bases.

Other standout appointments include the vaulted tongue-and-groove wooden ceiling, which enhances the room's airy feel and is accented by adjustable track lighting and pendant fixtures for versatile illumination.  Rich wood floors in a golden pine tone ground the space, while the mosaic tile backsplash (from WNC Tile in Asheville) in neutral earth tones with subtle geometric patterns adds texture and visual interest above the other granite countertops.

Under-cabinet LED lighting casts a soft, colorful glow (hinting at customizable hues like purple), illuminating the countertops.  Overall, this well-appointed kitchen blends timeless woodworking with modern conveniences, creating a functional yet aesthetically pleasing heart of the home.

The cabinetry three and flow of the kitchen area flows into the walk-in scullery/butler’s pantry which features a cutting board island, the same auto-close drawers, and other decorative elements, such as a chalkboard wall with inspirational quotes, glass jars for storage, and artistic wall hangings, infuse personality and warmth, as well as natural lighting through a sun tunnel in the roof.  This room gives access to an outside area that has a small deck and fenced green area for the pets, as well as a large laundry room and access to the garage.  The guest half-bath with a raised red quartz counter top is also located off from this room. 

The master bedroom ensuite, along with another bedroom currently being used as an office, are located on the main level of the home.  The master bedroom features a large walk-in closet, and dueled vanities set in a raised-height counter in the master bath with a tiled shower.  Also in the master bath is an AquaGlass® Jetted tub with built-in water heater, as well as a heated towel rack, and natural lighting through a second sun tunnel found in the ceiling.

Centered in the middle of the upper floor, above the dining area, high in the vaulted-ceiling is a defining centerpiece featuring a circular, blue-toned artistic design with intricate, radially symmetrical patterns resembling a flower or geometric star, embedded at the apex where wooden planks radiate outward.

This Mandala art, characterized by complex, symmetrical geometric configurations often centered around a focal point and radiating outward in balanced patterns,  and derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "circle" or “completion."  Mandalas are ritualistic and artistic diagrams, often created in various media like paint, sand, or in this case, possibly tile, glass, or enamel inlay.

Mandalas symbolize the universe in its wholeness, representing harmony, unity, infinity, and the cyclical nature of life. They are used as tools for meditation, focusing the mind, and conveying spiritual concepts like the interconnectedness of all things, balance between the inner self and the cosmos, and the journey toward enlightenment or self-realization.  What better centerpiece could be chosen for such a home, on such a mountain as this? 

Another distinctive thing giving definition to the home is the wide easy grade helical stair case from Charleston Ornamental Iron located in Fuquay-Varina, NC.  This captivating centerpiece, blends rustic charm with elegant craftsmanship to create a warm, inviting ascent that feels both functional and artistic. 

Unlike a straight or L-shaped staircases, its helical form allows for a more compact footprint while providing a dramatic, winding path that draws the eye upward, evoking a sense of adventure and discovery as one climbs. The wooden treads, crafted from rich, honey-toned pine, offer a smooth, polished surface that gleams under natural light, with subtle grain patterns adding organic texture and warmth.  Each step is generously proportioned for comfortable footing, and the open riser design enhances the airy feel, allowing light to filter through and preventing the space from feeling confined.

One of the most striking features is the handrail, ingeniously inlaid with thick, nautical-style rope that twists along the black wrought-iron framework, infusing the structure with almost a seafaring vibe reminiscent of a ship's rigging, but also more of a mountain lodge's adventurous spirit. This rope detail not only provides a tactile, grippy surface for safe navigation but also serves as a delightful decorative element, contrasting the sleek metal with its fibrous, braided texture. 

The balusters themselves are a testament to skilled ironwork, featuring ornate spiral coils and bulbous finials that echo the staircase's curvature, adding a touch of Victorian-inspired elegance without overwhelming the rustic aesthetic.  The dark metal finish grounds the design, creating a bold visual anchor against the lighter wood and neutral walls.

Surrounding the staircase, the space exudes a harmonious blend of functionality and personalization, amplifying its appeal.  Large, multi-paned windows encircle the upper landing like a panoramic turret, flooding the area with natural light and framing breathtaking views, distant mountains, and a serene balcony—perfect for inspiring moments of reflection or creativity.  

The beige walls and vaulted wooden ceiling enhance this brightness, making the stairway feel like an extension of the outdoors.  A narrow shelf along the inner curve hosts an eclectic array of charming knick-knacks, from small figurines and candles.

At the base, the staircase seamlessly integrates into a productive nook that feels like a scholar's retreat.  A sturdy wooden desk, adorned with a vintage lamp casting a golden glow, a brass trumpet leaning casually against files, and stacks of books on topics like history and sports, suggests a space for intellectual pursuits or hobbies. Nearby bookshelves brim with well-loved volumes, while wall plaques, framed photos, cheerleading championship mementos, and small sport pennant flags telling stories of visits and travels to the events.

Overall, this spiral staircase is a masterful fusion of form and function, where every element—from the rope-inlaid handrail to the expansive windows—contributes to a positive, uplifting atmosphere.  It transforms a simple transition between floors into a joyful journey, ideal for a home that values nature, craftsmanship, personal expression, and a harmony to the cyclical nature of of this home, and the lifestyle in these mountains.  

An ensuite bedroom and full bath and large walk-in closet is located downstairs, as well as a large media room which is being used currently as a bedroom.  Again, one will find raised-height countertops throughout the home.  

The downstairs entertainment area features a unique bar with a two-tap kegerator, sink, and bar fridge.  The bar is accentuated with bark from “Bark House®” local sourced here in Spruce Pine, NC and even more unique is the internally illuminated mica she from the historic Tar Heel Mica Company, giving a nod not only to the owner’s historic roots in ownership of the company, but to the overall gemstone and mineral Mecca that the town has been historically known for.  There is also lots of storage and excess cabinetry in the bar. 

A hightop table from the famous Hops Brewery defines the center area of the bar, and as an auxiliary heat source there is a very neat Jotul® Scandinavian Wood Stove, nicknamed “The Little Giant” due to its remarkably low emission rate while maintaining an impressive heat output and burn time, according to the company.  Jotul has been building stoves for over 170 years.  Continuing with the entertainment and bar theme, the guest bath comes complete with a stand up urinal.

The lower level opens to the outside where one will find a small gravel area which affords guests a walk-out area to continue the entertainment outside in the green areas atop this beautiful terrain on which the home is planted.    

How To Get Here

No matter the road you take, to or from here, it’s always the “scenic route!”  This ridge top awaits your legacy— your family’s crest or shingle os ready to be erected here at 1024 Arrowhead Ridge Road. 

Leave the stresses of your daily ives at the foot of the mountain, in the downcountry where they belong— let this property’s altitude improve your attitude! 

This property affords you privacy without remoteness and convenience without the crowd.  

You are just 10 minutes away from downtown Spruce Pine, and the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, and 10 minutes aways from the famous Penland School of crafts, the Toe River, or the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You will be 15 minutes to downtown Burnsville, 50 minutes to Asheville, NC and 60 minutes to Johnson City, TN.  This land is two hours from Charlotte, NC. 

Spruce Pine

Born a train town, raised on mining, gemstones, timber, industry and farming, and rocking out as a popular tourist area due to its central convenience to all the popular destinations in the High Country!  The town started out as a “Hell On Wheels Town” being created alongside the ribbons of steel that brought opportunity, commerce and growth prior to good highways being developed for the area.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is the largest small town between Asheville and Boone in this area of Western NC.  With a population of about 2,221, the town offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community charm.  With a burgeoning economy and a strong index for growth—It is also a place for artists to pour out their art and soul with an inspiration that only these ancient mountains can provide.

Located in Mitchell County, roughly 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Spruce Pine is emerging as an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with access to cultural and outdoor riches. Here’s why this “Mineral City” is a fantastic place to live.

Breathtaking views of the most beautiful place on earth bring tourism and inspire coveted retirement havens; and trains, mines, timber, and industry together have made up the economic wealth of this entire region.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Spruce Pine’s story begins with the Cherokee, who once inhabited the region, followed by European settlers drawn to its resources.  Incorporated in 1907, the area that would eventually become the town was originally called “Kim Thickets” and was later called Spruce Pine on account of a large Spruce Pine that stood near the mail drop at the Old English Inn, a structure which still stands in the towns oldest community, The English Woods. It earned its nickname, “The Mineral City,”  from what would become it’s mining heritage.  

By the late 19th century, the arrival of the Clinchfield Railroad spurred growth, connecting Spruce Pine to broader markets.  The area became a global leader in high-purity quartz mining—essential for glass, ceramics, and today’s tech industry—as well as feldspar and mica.  The Great Depression hit hard, but the town rebounded, with mining remaining a backbone. 

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals near the Blue Ridge Parkway chronicles this legacy, offering a glimpse into Spruce Pine’s gritty, industrious past.

Remarkably Low Crime

Safety is a hallmark of Spruce Pine.  With a crime rate of just 135 per 100,000 residents—94% below the national average—it’s one of the safest towns in America.  Violent crime is virtually nonexistent (0 per 1,000), and property crime is minimal (1.35 per 1,000), making it a haven for families and retirees.  This security stems from its small, tight-knit community and rural setting, fostering a sense of trust and vigilance among residents.

The Weather
The area experiences a distinct four seasons, without the extremes.  You will have a fairly mild climate of mixed variety, except on those rare winter days when the altitude gets the better of our latitude— but for the most part, you will have year round comfort assurance.

Tax Savings and Affordability

Living in Spruce Pine saves money compared to Asheville.  Mitchell County’s property tax rate is 0.55%—lower than Buncombe County’s 0.77%.   For a $350,000 home, that’s $1,925 annually versus $2,695—a $770 yearly savings! 

The cost of living in this area is 12% below the national average! 

No state income tax on Social Security and a flat 4.75% rate on other income add to the financial perks, making Spruce Pine a wallet-friendly alternative for Asheville commuters (50 minutes away) or retirees.

Demographics at a Glance

Spruce Pine’s 2,221 residents (2024 estimate) reflect a median age of 42.3, with 58% of adults married and 39% of households with kids under 18.  The population is 88.9% White, 11.1% Hispanic or Latino (who may be of any race), and small percentages of other groups. 

Median household income is modest at $42,143, with 31% earning under $25,000 and 16% above $150,000, showing economic diversity. 

With a population density of 474 per square mile—higher than rural norms but far below urban levels—Spruce Pine balances community closeness with breathing room.

Major Employers and Healthcare

Major employers for the area, outside of retail and hospitality include Bombardier Motor Corp. of America (makers of Can-Am & Sea-Doo), along with Buck Stove Corporation, Sibelco North America, and the Quartz Corp. USA— all having established their companies and livelihood here amongst all those so fortunate to call this place home, and providing good incomes to nearly 4,000 individuals.  In addition, within less that 10 miles, another 4,000+ people are employed at Baxter’s Healthcare and at two major state correctional facilities located just across the county line. 

Mining remains a cornerstone, with Sibelco and The Quartz Corp employing hundreds to extract the world’s purest quartz, vital for semiconductors and solar panels. 

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, part of Mission Health, is a key employer and lifeline, offering emergency care, surgery, and specialty services like orthopedics and chemotherapy.  Located at 125 Hospital Drive, it’s a critical asset for Spruce Pine and nearby towns, ensuring quality healthcare without a long trek to Asheville. Other sectors, like retail and tourism, also contribute, buoyed by the town’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Our brand new state-of-the-art YMCA provides a wellness center featuring top-of-the-line cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and an indoor track, as well as an aquatic center featuring pool exercise and  play for all ages of children an adults.  This facility has an indoor athletic center as well and is central to downtown.

Education and Craft Opportunities

Higher education is accessible via Mayland Community College, with its main campus in Spruce Pine offering associate degrees, certificates, and unique courses in mountain woodcrafts and digital media—perfect for career changers or lifelong learners.

Mayland is a public two-year institution that offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates.  The school has received notable national recognition in various rankings.   For instance, it has been listed as the 10th-ranked college among the top 50 community colleges by thebestschools.org, the 32nd-ranked college in the top 50 by Washington Monthly, and the 9th-ranked college in the nation’s top 10 community colleges by Bankrate, Inc. 

Additionally, it ranks 16th in "Community Colleges in the U.S." according to Create A Career’s Top 25. These accolades suggest that Mayland performs well above the median for community colleges nationally in terms of factors like student success, affordability, and educational quality, though the specific criteria for these rankings vary (e.g., student outcomes, cost, or program quality).

Mayland has a strong college transfer program with articulation agreements to universities like Gardner-Webb and Milligan College. Its first-year progression rate (69.5% for Fall 2021) and college transfer success rate (80.9% for the 2020-21 cohort) indicate solid student persistence and preparation for further education, which are competitive with or above national norms for similar institutions.

With in-state tuition at $2,561 and out-of-state at $8,705 for the 2020-2021 academic year (per US News), it is significantly less expensive than the national average for public two-year colleges, which the College Board reported as $3,900 for in-state tuition in 2023-2024.

For its nursing program, Mayland’s three-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 94%, earning it an "A" grade and placing it above both the North Carolina state average (88.37% for ADN programs) and the national average (typically around 85-87% for ADN programs), highlighting a specific area of excellence.

Mayland ranks above the national average for community colleges in affordability, certain program outcomes (like nursing), and external recognition, though its graduation rate is slightly below average. Its strengths lie in cost-effectiveness, transfer opportunities, and workforce-relevant programs, making it a competitive option within the national landscape of two-year institutions.

The world famous Penland School of Crafts— stands out as one of the nation’s premier and prestigious schools of art with a diverse student body from all over the world, with many famous and talented people attending at various times, for workshops in glass, clay, metals, and more.  Its free galleries and resident artist programs enrich the town culturally and economically, inspiring creativity just minutes from downtown.    

The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is one of eight such facilities operated by the East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine. It operates in partnership with Blue Ridge Community Hospital, also in Spruce Pine, and serves the Mayland area, which includes Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties.

Educationally, the center plays a key role in ECU’s dental program. Fourth-year dental students complete nine-week rotations here, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of faculty, residents, and staff. This aligns with the school’s community-based, service-learning model, which emphasizes practical training in underserved areas.  The facility is equipped with 16 chairs and modern clinical and communication technology, linked to ECU’s main campus in Greenville via a videoconferencing network, ensuring students and staff have access to faculty expertise.

The ECU School of Dental Medicine CSLC in Spruce Pine is a vital healthcare and educational hub, addressing regional dental shortages while training future dentists to serve rural communities effectively. 

Nearby, Appalachian State University and UNC-Asheville (both about an hour away) expand options.

Unmatched Natural and Cultural Beauty

Spruce Pine sits at 2,559 feet elevation, surrounded by the Pisgah National      Forest and 33 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway wraps around the region offering breathtaking vistas. 

Downtown’s two main streets—Upper (Oak Avenue) and Lower (Locust Avenue)—blend quaint charm with artistic flair, thanks to galleries like the Toe River Arts Council and public art installations, along with multiple shopping and dining opportunities. 

The entire region is known for its national forest and wilderness areas.  The North Toe River ribbons through the town, offering world-class canoe and kayaking, along with a high concentration of the largest specimens of our native brook/speckled trout attracting fly-fishermen from all over the US.  In addition to this world-class, clear-water angler’s dream, one can enjoy this backwater all the way from Spruce Pine,  to the Mississippi on into the Gulf of America.

Also nearby are amazing attractions like Grassy Creek Falls and the Linville Falls delving into the Linville Gorge dazzling hikers as the Grand Canyon of the southeastern United States.  

The Penland School of Craft, just six miles away, elevates the scene with world-class exhibits, cementing Spruce Pine’s status as an arts hub amid stunning mountain scenery.

Festivals That Celebrate Community

Spruce Pine buzzes with festivals that highlight its creative and quirky spirit. The Spruce Pine Alien Festival in June leans into extraterrestrial lore with over 125 vendors selling cosmic crafts, alien decor, and more—an “out-of-this-world” draw for locals and visitors. 

The Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival, held the last Saturday in April, showcases master blacksmiths in action, a nod to the area’s craft heritage bolstered by the nearby Penland School of Craft.  October brings the Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival at Riverside Park, blending savory eats with toe-tapping tunes, while the NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August celebrates the town’s mining roots with dazzling displays. The Spruce Pine Potters Market, also in October, rounds out the calendar, spotlighting local artisans in a historic textile factory setting.

Why Spruce Pine is a Great Place to Live

Spruce Pine, NC really is the center of it all here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.  The town shines as a place to put down roots. Its affordability—low taxes, cheaper homes, and a modest cost of living—pairs with stunning surroundings, from mountain trails to riverbanks. The crime rate’s rarity offers peace of mind, while festivals and the Penland School infuse vibrancy and culture.  

Jobs in mining and healthcare provide stability, and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital ensures care close to home. Education options, from Mayland to Penland, cater to all ages. 

The areas surrounding Spruce Pine offer breathtaking views and pristine waters, centered in the highest peaks of the mountains of North Carolina.  We are a safe place to adventure and live.  With our low taxes, low crime rate, emphasis on freedom, and improving infrastructure we are a place to grow and have opportunity.

People move here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.  Our realm is safe, clean, and still retains a degree of the ancient wild.  People desire our beautiful mountain views, and clear pristine waters.  Such natural capital as exists here keeps our market strong even during economic downturns.

With a friendly community, outdoor adventures, and a slower pace—yet with Asheville’s and Johnson City’s amenities within reach—Spruce Pine delivers a rich, fulfilling life at a fraction of the cost.  It’s a mountain town where history, nature, and opportunity meet, making it an unbeatable spot to thrive.