Welcome to Asheville

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

County Offices
289 N. Main Street
Rutherfordton 828-287-6045
www.rutherfordcountync.gov

Chamber of Commerce
162 North Main Street
Rutherfordton 828-287-3090
www.rutherfordcoc.org

Services
Preserving a small-town ambiance, Rutherford County is comfortably nestled between the metropolitan areas of Asheville to the west and Charlotte to the east. Ensuring opportunities to secure a quality education has always been a high priority in this region and Rutherford County is no exception. The well-managed public school system that serves the county is complemented by options for a private education from kindergarten through 12th grade. And Rutherford County is home to some of the highest academic scoring schools in the entire state. Isothermal Community College is a learning-based college with over 3,000 students attending classes at its two campuses. It is recognized as one of the nation’s top community colleges. For higher education, several universities serve the area including Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Gardner Webb University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Newcomers can look forward to easy access to comprehensive healthcare as well. The county has a wide range of medical services available, with specialists in most branches. Rutherford Hospital, offers excellent hospital and outpatient care, a large network of physicians, and many programs to support and educate the community. The County Health Department also provides varied programs to support the local and surrounding communities. Several independent health care facilities round out the medical coverage available to residents of the county.

Lifestyle
Those who appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of country living within a reasonable commute from metropolitan excitement will find an ideal home in Rutherford County. Home to a number of lakes and waterways including Lake Lure means that locals never want for aquatic adventure whether fishing or boating. Plus the Blue Ridge Mountains offer endless outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking, biking and camping to more strenuous adventures like rock climbing. The county operates a number of athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic shelters as well as lush parks and mini-parks that are located throughout the area.

Interesting museums, historic sites, colorful annual events, competitive events, public murals artwork, clubs and organizations, and an active arts community are just a few of the highlights that ensure a superior quality of life. Throughout the county’s small towns and lush countryside are diverse housing options, from cozy cottages and vintage homes to modern subdivisions graced by scenic views. New and growing developments harmonize with the stately homes in established communities to cater to every taste and lifestyle choice. Rutherford County is a wonderful place to call home.

Town of Forest City
Town Hall
828-245-4747
www.townofforestcity.com

Chamber of Commerce
828-287-3090
www.rutherfordcoc.org

Forest City is located six miles east of Rutherfordton, the county seat, and is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The growing community of Forest City has managed to preserve a small-town atmosphere in spite of recent residential, commercial, and industrial expansion. The city offers regional healthcare and educational facilities that enrich the community intellectually, culturally, and recreationally. Boasting a proud tradition and loyal residents, this community has added many new restaurants, entertainment centers, retail plazas and industries in recent years. Newcomers will find everything from vintage homes shaded by ancient greenery to vibrant new construction in established or new developments. This unique blend of old and new gives Forest City a charm of its own, contrasting a quaint historic district with upscale country-club and golf-course communities in the area. In addition to local recreational amenities, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer camping, lake fishing, boat rentals, hiking, biking, and nature study.

Town of Spindale
Town Hall
828-286-2541
www.spindalenc.net

Chamber of Commerce
828-287-3090
www.rutherfordcoc.org

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spindale attracts with its small town charm and southern hospitality, mountain views and scenic beauty. This location in a county that is known for its natural beauty makes this the ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors. So popular in fact that many well known Hollywood movies have been filmed in the area. Nature and the outdoors are key to Spindale’s recreational offerings. Walking and hiking trails range from Chimney Rock Park nature trails to the local Rails to Trails project or a short drive to Lake Lure can satisfy any outdoor desires. Spindale offers a wonderful four season climate that its residents and visitors enjoy. In addition to natural resources, the town is home to many specialty shops, cafes and restaurants. For the arts, Spindale is the home of the Foundation for Performing Arts and Conference Center at Isothermal Community College, which provides numerous cultural and learning opportunities for the local residents and residents of the rest of Rutherford County. The town also offers a broad range of educational opportunities for its residents. It is home to Spindale Elementary, the Carver Center, and Isothermal Community College. Housing choice are predominantly based around single family homes, but those range from historic country homes to ultra-modern multi-million dollar estates. Combining all of the recreational, educational and quality of life options that Spindale has to offer makes it the ideal location to call home.

Town of Rutherfordton
Town Hall
828-287-3520
www.rutherfordton.net

Chamber of Commerce
828-287-3090
www.rutherfordcoc.org

Enjoying a Rutherford County location in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 40 miles East of Asheville and only 30 miles North of Spartanburg Rutherfordton is among the oldest towns in the westernpart of the state and is the seat of the county government.  With a rich revolutionary war history, it has managed to keep its small town charm while growing into a modern community.  The historic district at the north end of town is home to many classic antebellum style homes. Downtown Rutherfordton has more than 40 structures and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district and its charm and character reflect its past. The town’s location on various ridges and hillsides offer great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It location also means mild weather in four distinct seasons.  Rutherfordton is home to more than 4,200 residents who are actively involved in maintaining the character and lifestyle that they enjoy. This means that newcomers and visitors alike are instantly welcomed with open arms and in a way that can only happen in a community such as this. The downtown district is very active with a variety of shops and businesses that complement the broad mix of the town’s residents. Combine this quality of life with the vast outdoor recreational opportunities and the easy short drive to the nearby metro areas and it becomes easy to understand why Rutherfordton is a great place to raise a family and call home.

Town of Lake Lure
Town Hall
828-625-9983
www.townoflakelure.com

Chamber of Commerce
828-287-3090
www.rutherfordcoc.org

The Town of Lake Lure was incorporated in 1927. It is a well known vacation destination for visitors from around the world. This can be seen in the local population which swells from a winter time average of just over 1000 residents to more than 10,000 at the height of the summer season. The town sits in the Hickory Nut Gorge area, east of Asheville. The Rocky Broad River winds its way down through Hickory Nut Gorge, and the water flows through the valley that feeds Lake Lure. Although it is a manmade lake, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The town covers 13.25 square miles including the lake with a large central body of deep water, three long bays, and an island of seven acres it also has several small bays and inlets. The climate, as in all of Rutherford County is very temperate as Lake Lure is in the “thermal belt” of the western North Carolina mountains. 

The Town of Lake Lure is a great location for sports including swimming, golfing, hiking or rock climbing. There are of course a variety of water activities, ranging from canoeing and fishing to boating and water skiing.  The lake is the main reason so many families visit Lake Lure each year. Residents and visitors enjoy the 720 acres of lake, clean beach areas, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountains. They also find that throughout the area there are many restaurants, shops, and lodging opportunities. Housing options are skewed toward single family and vacation homes. Lake Lure is an ideal spot to call home.