Perched at over 3,300 feet in the heart of North Carolina's High Country, Boone delivers a mountain experience that feels a world away from the everyday. Home to Appalachian State University, this vibrant town blends small-town warmth with a youthful energy, surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks and valleys in the Southern Appalachians.
Why Boone for Your Second Home
Boone is the gateway to the High Country, and its elevation means genuinely cool summers and snowy winters — a rarity in the South. The town sits at the intersection of outdoor recreation and mountain culture, with easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, and several ski resorts. The presence of Appalachian State brings cultural events, college athletics, dining options, and a steady rental market that benefits second home owners. Property values in the High Country have seen consistent appreciation, and the area attracts buyers looking for a true four-season mountain retreat.
Life in the High Country
Winters bring skiing and snowboarding at Appalachian Ski Mountain and Sugar Mountain, making Boone the closest thing to a ski town you will find in North Carolina. When the snow melts, the landscape transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and fly fishermen. The Watauga River and its tributaries offer world-class trout fishing, while trails like the Tanawha Trail and Profile Trail provide stunning ridge-line hikes. Downtown Boone has an authentic mountain-town feel with locally owned restaurants, live music venues, and a farmers market that runs through the warmer months. The energy of game day at App State is infectious, and the cultural offerings — from the outdoor drama Horn in the West to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts — give the town a depth you might not expect.
Where to Look
Popular second home areas include Yonahlossee and Hound Ears Club for resort-style living, Valle Crucis for pastoral mountain charm, and the slopes around Banner Elk and Sugar Mountain for ski-in proximity. Closer to town, neighborhoods along Howard's Knob and the Watauga River corridor offer convenience with mountain views. Cabin communities dotting the ridges above Boone provide privacy and stunning panoramas.
Plan Your Visit
See our guide to things to do in Boone & Blowing Rock, or explore the nearby gated community of Sweetgrass.