Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scaly Mountain, NC
Thinking about moving to Scaly Mountain, NC? This peaceful mountain community of about 400 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $295,000 and average rents at $1,200. Enjoy a low violent crime rate, scenic weather with cool summers, and a relaxed pace; most residents own their homes and commutes average just under 30 minutes. With access to quality healthcare in nearby Highlands, solid schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation, Scaly Mountain is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Demographics - Scaly Mountain, NC
Demographics - Scaly Mountain, NC
Scaly Mountain is a close-knit community of around 400 residents, with a median age of 56.7, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and low density, fostering a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
400
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scaly Mountain, NC?
Living in Scaly Mountain is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and a median home value of $295,000. Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are manageable, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
100.3
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
91.4
Crime
Is Scaly Mountain, NC a safe place to live?
Scaly Mountain boasts a low violent crime rate, with just 130 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind to families and retirees. Property crime is also relatively low, supporting a safe and welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
130
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,230
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 770
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Scaly Mountain, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cool summers averaging highs around 81°F and mild winters with lows near 27°F. The area receives generous rainfall, about 65 inches annually, and sees sunny days about half the year, providing a lush and scenic mountain landscape.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
65 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $53,600 and a poverty rate just above 12%, reflecting a modest yet stable local economy. Most neighbors are well-educated and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with low unemployment and typical commute times of around 28 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$53,600
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Scaly Mountain, NC?
Families in Scaly Mountain have access to quality education, with local schools like Highlands School offering a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.5. Private options and higher education, such as Western Carolina University within 41 miles, provide additional opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Highlands School
Street:
545 Pierson Dr
Phone:
828-526-2147
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Private Schools
Name:
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
Street:
339 Nacoochee Dr, Rabun Gap, GA
Phone:
706-746-7720
Students:
680

Colleges
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
41 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with Highlands-Cashiers Hospital nearby offering emergency and general services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable medical care close at hand.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital
Address:
190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone:
(828) 526-1200
Type:
General & Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scaly Mountain, NC?
The housing market in Scaly Mountain is stable, with a median home price of $295,000 and high owner-occupancy at 78.5%. Home appreciation remains healthy, and rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents of $1,200.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Department of Motor Vehicles services for Scaly Mountain residents are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The main office is located in Raleigh, and residents can handle most vehicle and licensing needs online or by phone.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
225 North McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.