The mountain
property for sale at Longbranch Estates is located in Swain County, NC just south of the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina, about 60 miles west of
Asheville and 85 miles east of Knoxville. Large tracts of Nantahala National Forest,
Tennessee Valley Authority (Fontana Lake), and the Cherokee Indian Reservation also lie
within the greater borders of Swain County.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railway traverses the county east to west, and several scenic
waterways, the Tuckaseegee, Oconaluftee, Little Tennessee and Nantahala rivers help define
Swain County as a tourist destination site and an attractive retirement location.
With a low population density per square mile, the county offers an unhurried lifestyle,
yet many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, socializing with friends and neighbors, and
the possibilities for helping others and making life better for all.
Fishing spots, trails for walking and facilities for picnicking are within a few minutes
of all county residents. There are community tennis courts in Bryson City, and indoor
facilities for Bingo, video gaming and other recreation in Cherokee and Swain County.
The Smoky Mountain Golf Course is located on Conley's Creek, Whittier, and bowling and
roller skating are within a 30 minute drive. Swain County is planning a new indoor
recreation facility with gyms, activity rooms mid a swimming pool.
Worship services are offered by several Baptist and Protestant denominations, and there
are Catholic congregations in both Bryson City and Cherokee. Jewish services are held in
Franklin during the warmer months.
The cost of living is reasonable in Swain County. Costs for housing and services are lower
than state and national averages, and property taxes and utility charges are also lower
than in many areas of the U.S.
Swain County is served by four banks, several realty firms and several insurance agents.
There is a 48 bed acute care general hospital (Swain County Hospital in Bryson City) with
a fully staffed emergency room open 24 hours. Six resident physicians are based in Bryson
City, and a full range of medical care is provided through WestCare Health Systems and
Harris Regional Hospital in nearby Sylva. Two dentists and one optometrist also practice
in Swain County.
The county also boasts an 120 bed skilled care nursing facility and one rest home. Routine
services, such as blood pressure and blood sugar screening, are offered at the Swain
County Health Department.
Swain County is very unique because 85 percent of its 553 square miles is federal land,
and it is still mostly mountains, forests, whitewater and wilderness. It is a place
uncrowded, unhurried, unspoiled and uncommon. Bryson City's population is just 1,580, but
it swells in size during the summer months when tourists and travelers arrive. The quaint
town is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and is surrounded by an array of natural
resources. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, Fontana
Lake, and many spectacular rivers and streams are all within only a few miles of Bryson
City. The Tuckaseegee River flows through its midst offering a variety of opportunities.
Bryson City is the county seat, plus retail and government center. |
