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ABOUT OUR AREA |
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THERE'S HISTORY IN THESE HILLS
As
European settlers pushed west from coastal North Carolina, some settled
in the lush heartland while other hearty souls pushed farther on to
find rugged mountains unlike any they had seen in western Europe. |
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| Today
you can drive anywhere in western North Carolina and the scenery is
dominated by the towering hills that reach up to touch the sky. In this
rocky landscape you will find tangible reminder of how the area's
residents lived, with archaeologists sites in Ashe and Swain Counties
uncovering the Native American way of life from centuries past.
Construction of the railroad west linked mountain dwellers with the
rest of the state. Historic Districts centered on railroad depots in
Marion and Hendersonville demonstrates the importance of the railroad
in commerce. The railroad also brought us to visit and to settle
permanently in the high hills of the region. Lavish hotels were built
to cater to guests, and some survive today. Historic districts around
Asheville's Grove Park Inn and the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers show
not only how the tourists lived, but how some mountain families lived
and worked nearby. Many of those who came chose not to leave,
constructing mountain homes with panoramic vistas of the majestic hills
of western North Carolina. Through the centuries the solitude, strength
and incredible beauty of these mountains has drawn many like an
irresistible magnet and continues to do so today. |
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| In
the 1840s, travelers through Western North Carolina made their way from
town to town in wagons over dusty mountain roads. The Buncombe Turnpike
connected the region and towns sprang up along the wagon route.
Henderson was one such town established on the site of Judge Mitchell
King's summer estate. The county seat of Henderson County saw
significant growth and development, especially after the arrival of the
railroad in 1879. Taking advantage of a safer, cleaner and faster means
of transportation, more people headed west to experience the North
Carolina mountains. Hotels sprang up along Main Street to accommodate
tourists visiting Hendersonville. In the center of town wooden
buildings gave way to modern brick structures utilizing the
Neoclassical and Tapestry style architecture popular at the time.
Summer residents built fine mountain vacation homes. Today, as at the
turn of the 20th century, downtown Hendersonville remains the center of
commercial life for the area. More than 180 businesses now operate in
Hendersonville’s main Street Historic District. Here you can shop for
antiques, mountain arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, clothing,
gifts, toys and games. Or dine at any of 11 different restaurants,
cafes and bakeries in the district. Mountain hospitality is a tradition
in Hendersonville dating back for generations. The welcome mat remains
out for 21st century guests. |
Area Information:
Any
day of the year is a beautiful day in the Hendersonville area of
Western North Carolina. The region has so much to offer families of all
ages that many a vacationer has decided to relocate to the area after
spending some time in this portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hendersonville is a friendly mountain city with park benches and flower
boxes. A visit to this area will certainly be the highlight of your
vacation. Come see for yourself!
Climate
Historic
Hendersonville and Flat Rock, located in Henderson County and just a
half-hour south of Asheville, have been popular vacation destinations
for over 125 years. The moderate climate is attractive to both retirees
and young families wanting to enjoy the numerous cultural events,
festivals and outdoor recreational facilities. Hendersonville has
earned the title “The City of Four Seasons” with four distinct seasons
without the extreme heat in the summer or cold in the winter. At 2,200
feet above mean sea level,
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Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
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the
mountain climate offers moderate summer temperatures; the average
summer temperature is 71 degrees. The surrounding mountain ranges to
the north and to the west shield the area from the winter storms coming
in from the Plains and from Canada. The average winter temperature is
41 degrees. The area’s rainfall is plentiful and is heaviest during the
summer months. The average rainfall is 51 inches.
Golfing
The
moderate climate is ideal for year-round golfing. North Carolina is
known as “a golfer’s paradise,” and Hendersonville is no exception.
Many nationally acclaimed golf courses are located within or near
Henderson County. The avid golfer can certainly find a course to
challenge his skill.
Shopping
At
the heart of Henderson County is Historic Downtown Hendersonville where
Main Street has been revitalized with quaint shops, cafes and antique
stores. The local mall as well as many shopping plazas offers a
selection of wares for the most discriminating shopper. If, by chance,
you can not find what you are looking for here, Asheville is only 22
miles away with two large malls, more specialty shops and antique
stores.
Events and Attractions
Main
Street is also the central location for the Annual North Carolina Apple
Festival, held each year to honor Henderson County’s national ranking
in apple production. For over 50 years, festivities begin the Friday
before Labor Day and conclude with the King Apple Parade during the
afternoon on Labor Day. The festival offers events for all ages and
offers both the residents and visitors alike the opportunity to sample
some of the region’s heritage. |
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The
Flat Rock Playhouse is the state theater of North Carolina and offers
some of the finest summer productions in the country. The
Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Music Center, the
Hendersonville Little Theatre, the Absolute Theatre Company, the
Hendersonville Chorale as well as other cultural groups also offer
quality entertainment.
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Flat Rock Playhouse,
the state theater of North Carolina |
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| Chimney
Rock Park and Lake Lure are approximately 15 miles east of
Hendersonville. Chimney Rock offers one of the best views in the
mountains as well as beautiful nature trails. Lake Lure consists of
1,500 acres of sparkling water and 27 miles of shoreline. The Great
Smoky Mountains National Park is just 12 miles north of Hendersonville
and Holmes State Forest is only 8.5 miles. |
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tour of “Connemara,” the home of famed poet, author and historian Carl
Sandburg, is a delightful excursion. Or, get a glimpse of rural life by
visiting the Historic Johnson Farm, a 19th Century tobacco farm
covering 140 acres. |
Connemara, home of poet, author
and historian Carl Sandburg |
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| Education
In
1993, Henderson County and Hendersonville City Schools merged into one
public school system consisting of 20 schools, over 1,500 employees,
and approximately 11,550 students ranging from kindergarten through
grade 12. Henderson County schools have held the honor of being rated
among the best in the state over the past few years. In addition to the
fine public schools, there are six excellent private schools. Blue
Ridge Community College, established in 1970, offers continuing
education opportunities that lead to an associate degree, vocational
diploma or vocational certificate. A college transfer program is also
available.
Healthcare
Henderson
County is unsurpassed in the Southeast for the healthcare services that
are offered to a community of this size. There are two full-service
hospitals, Margaret R. Pardee Memorial and Park Ridge. In addition,
Memorial Mission-St. Joseph’s Hospital is conveniently located in
Asheville. Numerous specialty physicians with worldwide medical
expertise and technology have located in Hendersonville, where there is
such a demand for excellent healthcare.
Economy
Henderson
County bases its economy on industry, agriculture, tourism and
retirement. There are in excess of 50 manufacturing establishments,
employing 7.5 thousand workers. The largest area employers are General
Electric, Kimberly Clark, Raflatac, Ralph Wilson Plastics and Meritor
Automotive. All totaled, there are 1,952 businesses in Henderson
County.
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Income & Employment
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| Average Weekly Earnings (2001) |
$540.51 |
| Median Per Capita Income (2001) |
$35,125.00 |
| Median Family Income (2000) |
$47,900.00 |
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| Estimated Labor Force (8/02) |
39,040 |
| Estimated Work Force (8/02) |
37,620 |
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| Unemployment Rate (8/02) |
3.6% |
| Number of County Employees (10/02) |
646 |
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| Population: |
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| Hendersonville |
11,256 |
| Laurel Park |
2,061 |
| Fletcher |
4,339 |
| Flat Rock |
2,653 |
| Saluda (Part in Henderson County) |
4 |
| Unincorporated |
71,231 |
| Henderson County Total (2001) |
91,544 |
| Projected County Population (2010) |
108,029 |
| Projected County Population (2020) |
126,523 |
| Median Age (2002) |
42.94 yrs. |
| Projected Median Age (2010) |
44.38 yrs. |
The above figures are estimates from the NC Office of State Planning as of 10/02 |
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| Estimated 2001 "Seasonal" (June - Aug.) County Population |
119,007 |
2005 Average Homes Sales Price
(per NCAR) |
$233,340 |
| Housing Units (2001) |
44,296 |
| Households (2001) |
38,545 |
| Average Persons per Household (2001) |
2.10 |
| Average Persons per Family (2001) |
2.86 |
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