Perched high atop the northwestern corner of North Carolina, is a flourishing small community town called Jefferson.  Only minutes away from Virginia to the North and Tennessee to the West, Jefferson offers spectacular scenic views and a wealth of outdoor leisure activities.  The town is commonly known for it's clean fresh air and lush mountain views.

It was the first town in the U.S. to be named after and honor then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The town's immediate surroundings include wooded areas, green hills and fertile valleys, rivers and other natural beauty.  Jefferson real estate offers amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of historic charm. Jefferson offers plenty of outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, canoeing along the New River, or fishing.  Every season brings with it a unique new beauty to Jefferson, from blossoming wild flowers in the spring, to rich greens in the summer, to autumn's awe-inspiring foliage, to the white coat of snow in the winter. 

Activities, Festivals, & Culture

The Jefferson area (Ashe County) allows you to enjoy practically any outdoor activity you can think of. Everything from fishing, biking, bowling, skating, hiking, canoeing, skiing, and golf can be found in and around Jefferson.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is the choice spot for many people.  You can see miles and miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains across North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, from the many overlooks.

Jefferson and Ashe County are rich in State Parks, historic land & rivers.  Mount Jefferson State Park can be found atop Mount Jefferson.  The park is known for it's magnificent 360 degree views of Ashe County.   Along with it's majestic views, the forests of Mount Jefferson are a botanical delight.  Nearby, canoeing, camping, hiking, and picnicing are all offered at the New River State Park, which is nestled on the banks of the historic New River.

Along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the 100+ ft Cascade Waterfalls can be seen after a short mile hike.

Events (of Ashe County)

* Christmas in July Festival & Fireworks (4th of July weekend)
* West Jefferson Gallery Crawl ( 2nd Friday of month- April thru October)
* Holiday Parade (every November)
* Fiddler's Convention (early August)
* TreeFest- christmas tree decorating festival (held annually Nov.23rd- Dec. 30th)

Economy, Climate, & Schools (of Ashe County)

Always known as a manufacturing and agriculture economy, the composition of Ashe County is going through brisk changes.  Today, the local industry is lead by the electronics and automotive industries and includes  American Emergency Vehicles (AEV), Gates Corp., Leviton Manufacturing Company, and United Chemi-Con.

Agriculture continues to be a vital industry, with a large portion of income coming from the thriving Christmas tree industry that boasts over 9 1/2 million trees making Ashe County the largest producer in North Carolina and second nationally.

The tourism industry has doubled in the past decade. While the Blue Ridge Parkway and New River are major tourist attractions, the restorations of Jefferson and nearby down-towns have drawn a steady stream of visitors to the area.   A direct result of this tourism increase has been a rise in the second home market and growth of the financial and insurance market.  The town has also thrived due to the substantial growth of the areas surrounding Ashe County.

Ashe County enjoys four diverse seasons, all with appealing climates. Winters in the area are normally mild with an average temperature between 35-45 with a moderate amount of snow.   Summer temperatures are also relatively mild with hottest temperatures in the upper 80s and averages of only 68.

The Ashe County school system consists of five schools (3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school).  All of Ashe County's schools have a tradition of excelling in academics, student activities, and athletics.

Proudly, all of the schools have been honored as high performing schools with two identified as Honor Schools of Excellence.  In addition, a wide variety of athletic programs are offered and thriving.  Along with an award-winning high school band program, Ashe county claims one of the highest totals of National Board Certified Teachers in the state with 38.

Ashe County is home to a branch of Wilkes Community College (WCC), which offers a variety of vocational, technical, and college transfer programs.  Additionally, Appalachian State University, home of the 2005, 2006, & 2007 FCS National Football Champions, is a 45 minute drive from Ashe County.


Jefferson Real Estate

The Jefferson area offers some of the most spectacular real estate opportunities youll find anywhere.  From a small mountain cabin to a majestic mountain retreat, Ashe County offers it all.  Jefferson is a short drive away from the Boone and Blowing Rock areas, Wilkesboro and the Scott Kerr Dam, or Virginia and Tennessee.

Jefferson is a growing town without the congestion associated with many other areas. Discover Ashe Countys laid-back peaceful lifestyle while exploring its hollows and back roads, Blue Grass Music and front porch story telling.  From the New River to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Jefferson and the mountains surrounding it have some of the most immaculate and breathtaking views found anywhere.  With many opportunities to live near the New River, yo'll see why it's the communities pride and joy.