Highlands, North Carolina, is one of the Southeast’s most sought-after destinations for second homes and vacation retreats. Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town offers a rare combination of natural beauty, luxury living, and small-town charm. From its cool summer climate to its vibrant arts scene and upscale dining, Highlands draws both seasonal visitors and long-term residents seeking relaxation and refinement. For anyone considering purchasing a vacation home in this picturesque area, it’s important to understand what makes Highlands unique—and what factors can influence your investment and enjoyment.
1. Location and Accessibility
One of the first considerations when purchasing a vacation home in Highlands is location. The town’s elevated setting, at more than 4,000 feet above sea level, provides cool mountain air and sweeping views—but also means winding roads and limited access routes. Buyers should consider how often they plan to visit and how comfortable they are navigating the region’s terrain, especially during winter months.
Proximity to downtown Highlands can make a significant difference in convenience. Homes close to Main Street offer easy access to shops, galleries, and restaurants, while properties further out provide more privacy and seclusion. For some, a short drive to hiking trails, waterfalls, and golf courses outweighs the appeal of in-town amenities. The right location ultimately depends on your lifestyle—whether you envision peaceful weekends surrounded by nature or vibrant evenings out on the town.
Proximity to downtown Highlands can make a significant difference in convenience. Homes close to Main Street offer easy access to shops, galleries, and restaurants, while properties further out provide more privacy and seclusion. For some, a short drive to hiking trails, waterfalls, and golf courses outweighs the appeal of in-town amenities. The right location ultimately depends on your lifestyle—whether you envision peaceful weekends surrounded by nature or vibrant evenings out on the town.
2. Property Type and Style
Highlands offers an impressive range of real estate options, from cozy mountain cabins to expansive luxury estates. Each comes with its own appeal and set of maintenance considerations.
Rustic log cabins and chalets blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape, offering warmth and character, while modern mountain homes with large windows and open layouts emphasize natural light and panoramic views. Some buyers prefer properties within private communities, which often include access to golf courses, clubhouses, and concierge services. Others opt for standalone homes that prioritize privacy and direct connection to the outdoors.
When choosing your vacation home, it’s helpful to think about long-term goals. Is this a seasonal escape, a family gathering place, or an eventual retirement residence? Your plans for the property will influence the size, design, and level of investment that make sense for you.
Rustic log cabins and chalets blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape, offering warmth and character, while modern mountain homes with large windows and open layouts emphasize natural light and panoramic views. Some buyers prefer properties within private communities, which often include access to golf courses, clubhouses, and concierge services. Others opt for standalone homes that prioritize privacy and direct connection to the outdoors.
When choosing your vacation home, it’s helpful to think about long-term goals. Is this a seasonal escape, a family gathering place, or an eventual retirement residence? Your plans for the property will influence the size, design, and level of investment that make sense for you.
3. Year-Round Climate and Maintenance
One of the biggest draws of Highlands is its moderate summer weather—refreshing temperatures that rarely exceed the low 80s, making it a popular refuge from southern heat. However, the same elevation that provides cool summers can also bring colder winters, complete with snow and ice.
Vacation homeowners should plan accordingly. Properties at higher elevations may require more maintenance, such as winterizing water lines, managing heating systems, or arranging for snow removal. Investing in a local property manager or caretaker can help ensure your home stays in pristine condition, especially if you don’t visit year-round.
Many modern Highlands homes are designed with seasonal durability in mind, featuring energy-efficient insulation, weather-resistant materials, and smart home systems that allow remote monitoring of temperature and security.
Vacation homeowners should plan accordingly. Properties at higher elevations may require more maintenance, such as winterizing water lines, managing heating systems, or arranging for snow removal. Investing in a local property manager or caretaker can help ensure your home stays in pristine condition, especially if you don’t visit year-round.
Many modern Highlands homes are designed with seasonal durability in mind, featuring energy-efficient insulation, weather-resistant materials, and smart home systems that allow remote monitoring of temperature and security.
4. Short-Term Rental Potential
For those interested in offsetting costs or generating income, Highlands presents opportunities for short-term vacation rentals. The town’s reputation as a luxury destination attracts visitors year-round, from summer hikers and golfers to fall leaf-peepers and holiday travelers.
However, rental regulations vary depending on location and zoning. Before purchasing, it’s important to verify whether short-term rentals are permitted in your chosen neighborhood or community. Homes within resort-style developments or gated communities may have stricter rules, while standalone properties may offer more flexibility.
Proximity to downtown, scenic views, and high-end finishes can all increase rental desirability. If managed well, a Highlands vacation property can provide both personal enjoyment and strong financial returns.
However, rental regulations vary depending on location and zoning. Before purchasing, it’s important to verify whether short-term rentals are permitted in your chosen neighborhood or community. Homes within resort-style developments or gated communities may have stricter rules, while standalone properties may offer more flexibility.
Proximity to downtown, scenic views, and high-end finishes can all increase rental desirability. If managed well, a Highlands vacation property can provide both personal enjoyment and strong financial returns.
5. Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price
When dreaming of a second home, it’s easy to focus on the sale price—but true ownership costs extend beyond the initial purchase. Buyers should account for property taxes, insurance, utilities, and regular upkeep. In mountain regions like Highlands, specialized maintenance—such as roof inspections, landscape care, and pest control—can be especially important.
If you plan to rent your home seasonally, there are additional considerations such as furnishing, marketing, and cleaning services. On the other hand, if your vacation home is purely for personal use, you may prioritize custom design and comfort features like outdoor kitchens, decks, or fire pits.
Setting a comprehensive budget ensures your mountain retreat remains a source of joy rather than unexpected expense.
If you plan to rent your home seasonally, there are additional considerations such as furnishing, marketing, and cleaning services. On the other hand, if your vacation home is purely for personal use, you may prioritize custom design and comfort features like outdoor kitchens, decks, or fire pits.
Setting a comprehensive budget ensures your mountain retreat remains a source of joy rather than unexpected expense.
6. Local Lifestyle and Community
Highlands is more than a scenic destination—it’s a thriving community with a year-round population that values both tradition and sophistication. The town is home to world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, and a strong arts presence anchored by The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to hiking, fly-fishing, and waterfalls, while golfers appreciate prestigious clubs such as Highlands Country Club and Old Edwards Club.
When choosing where to buy, consider how connected you want to be to these amenities. Living within a few minutes of Main Street provides convenient access to community events, while more remote locations deliver privacy and immersion in nature. The beauty of Highlands real estate lies in the fact that you can enjoy both tranquility and vibrant culture within a short drive.
When choosing where to buy, consider how connected you want to be to these amenities. Living within a few minutes of Main Street provides convenient access to community events, while more remote locations deliver privacy and immersion in nature. The beauty of Highlands real estate lies in the fact that you can enjoy both tranquility and vibrant culture within a short drive.
7. Partnering with a Knowledgeable Realtor
Perhaps the most important step in purchasing a vacation home in Highlands is working with an experienced real estate professional who understands the market’s nuances. Local agents can provide invaluable guidance on neighborhoods, property values, and seasonal trends—ensuring that buyers make informed decisions that align with their goals.
Because Highlands attracts both permanent residents and second-home buyers, competition for well-located properties can be strong. A knowledgeable agent can help identify opportunities early and negotiate effectively in a dynamic market.
Because Highlands attracts both permanent residents and second-home buyers, competition for well-located properties can be strong. A knowledgeable agent can help identify opportunities early and negotiate effectively in a dynamic market.
Making the Most of Your Highlands Retreat
Owning a vacation home in Highlands, NC, is about more than real estate—it’s about embracing a lifestyle defined by beauty, balance, and connection to nature. Whether you’re drawn by the cool mountain air, the vibrant social scene, or the peace of a private retreat, careful planning ensures that your investment brings lasting enjoyment. From selecting the right location to understanding maintenance and rental potential, a thoughtful approach helps transform your Highlands dream into reality.
Find Expert Real Estate Guidance with The Nth Degree Team
Whether purchasing a mountain retreat in Highlands or investing in property closer to home, expert advice makes all the difference. The professionals at The Nth Degree Team combine deep market knowledge with a commitment to exceptional client service, helping buyers make confident, informed decisions. With their experience in Gahanna and beyond, they provide valuable insights into homeownership, design, and long-term investment strategy. Reach out today to learn more about real estate opportunities and start planning your next move with confidence.
