What to Consider When Shopping for Homes in the Mountains

As you look for mountain homes for sale in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, there are a few things you should consider. Most land is in the boonies is rural or — at best — a small neighborhood. This is different than land in an urban area. There are more things to consider. Here are a few to help you get started:

Higher elevations are great for ariel views of the High Country and mountains. These views, however, come with a price. Temperatures are much cooler — as much as 10 to 15 degrees — than lower elevations. The temperature could be 60 degrees at elevation 3,000 feet, but be 45 degrees at 4,500 feet.

You’ll also have to consider the amount of snow and ice you’ll face at that elevation. Precipitation is must more likely to accumulate at that altitude. Rain at a lower altitude will be freezing rain at higher elevations if the temperature is cold enough. Consider if land at high elevations is best for you.

Unlike urban areas, homes on mountain land require that you drive on private, and often unpaved, roads. A road may dead-end into a gravel road that will take you the rest of the way. In addition, these roads are not maintained like those in the city limits. Mud, water, snow, or ice may cover the roads which can make it hard to drive on. If you plan to drive on private roads on mountain land, be prepared with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

There are no parking lots in rural mountain land. Fields, trees, creeks, and brush cover most mountain landscapes. If you plan to drive in these areas, it’s best to have a car that can handle these rough terrains. You will have dust and/or mud on your car.

Shared wells are common in the mountain region. Wells are expensive to drill and the higher up the mountain you go, the further down a well driller may have to go to get water. Understand that water pressure may vary depending on your neighbors’ use.

Shared septic systems are less common than shared wells, but they still matter if you’re a home owner. Who will fix it if something goes wrong? Are you allowed to maintenance it? These are good questions to ask.

Rugged terrain and sparse populations mean lower demand for internet and cable. You may have spotty cell service, at best. Understand your internet and cable options before purchasing a home in the mountains.

Click below to see North Carolina homes with mountain views.