Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sylva, NC
Thinking of moving to Sylva, NC? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of about 2,730, Sylva offers affordable living—median home prices are just $241,000 and average rents around $875. Residents enjoy short commutes (just under 17 minutes), scenic mountain weather with 59% sunny days, and easy access to top schools and Western Carolina University. While property crime rates are a bit higher than average, Sylva’s welcoming community, low cost of living, and beautiful natural setting make it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in western North Carolina.
Demographics - Sylva, NC
Sylva is a small town of about 2,730 residents, with a median age of 34.4 and a community that is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic backgrounds. The town maintains a balanced gender ratio and about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, making for a diverse yet close-knit environment.
Population:
2,730
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.4
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
3.8%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
11.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sylva, NC?
Sylva offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $241,000 and average rent around $875 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing, groceries, and utilities.
Median House Value:
$241,000
Gross Rent:
$875
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
74.2
Utilities:
94.4
Transportation:
85.3
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Sylva, NC a safe place to live?
Sylva experiences a higher property crime rate, with a chance of 1 in 38 for property-related incidents, while violent crime is less common at 1 in 345. Prospective residents should be aware of these rates but may find peace of mind in the overall low incidence of violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,600
Crime Index:
2,890
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Sylva, NC year-round?
Residents of Sylva enjoy four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers peaking at 84°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 59% sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities in a scenic mountain setting.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The community in Sylva is friendly and diverse, with a median household income of $38,600 and a poverty rate of 25%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, averaging just under 17 minutes, adding to the town’s relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$38,600
Family Income:
$47,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$25,600
Poverty Rate:
25.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$875
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
26.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sylva, NC?
Sylva offers quality public and private education options, including Scotts Creek Elementary and Smoky Mountain High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is also just seven miles from Western Carolina University, providing easy access to higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Scotts Creek Elementary School
Street:
1008 Haywood Rd
Phone:
828-586-2311
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Smoky Mountain High School
Street:
100 Smoky Mountain Dr
Phone:
828-586-2177
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Summit Charter School
Street:
370 Mitten Ln, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone:
828-743-5755
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
12,200
Healthcare
Sylva is served by Harris Regional Hospital, providing general and emergency care, and has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 84% of the population has health insurance, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Harris Regional Hospital
Address:
68 Hospital Rd, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone:
(828) 586-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sylva, NC?
The housing market in Sylva is appealing, with a median home price of $241,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $900. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, indicating a stable and growing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$241,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access motor vehicle services locally at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office on Skyland Drive. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and other essential services, making it easy for newcomers to get settled.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
876 Skyland Dr, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone:
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.