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Welcome To Saluda, NC
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About
Where The Foothills End & The Blue Ridge Mountains Begin
Saluda, NC, is a picturesque small town in the front range of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its historic charm and vibrant arts community, Saluda features a quaint downtown with locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining, thanks to its proximity to the Green River Gorge and numerous trails. Saluda's rich history is evident in its preserved architecture and cultural heritage, making it a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors seeking a serene mountain lifestyle.
Saluda’s distinctive history begins with the location of the downtown district which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The historic town sits atop of the Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad in the country. You can learn more about the Saluda Grade at the Saluda Historic Depot museum, or embark on your own adventure on one of the many hiking trails surrounding the town.
With an abundance of restaurants, unique locally-owned shops, active community, and a lively art and music scene, there's always something enjoyable to experience here.
Location & Details
Saluda Size: 1.6 Square Miles/ 650 – 770 Residents within the city limits. Saluda spans both Polk County and Henderson County. There are approximately 3,000 residents living within the Saluda township with a large percentage being second homes.
Community Amenities
Amenities:
• Outdoor Recreation – Hiking, fishing, kayaking, zip-lining, and camping at Green River Gorge & Game Lands.
• Historic Charm – National Historic District, Saluda Historic Depot Museum, preserved architecture.
• Arts & Culture – Artisan shops, galleries, local music, and community events.
• Festivals & Events – Saluda Arts Festival (May), Top of The Grade Concert Series (Summer).
• Water Activities – Lake Sheila & Lake Summit for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Dining & Shopping – Locally-owned restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops.
• Convenient Location – Close to Hendersonville, Asheville, and major highways.
Community Location
Hendersonville — 12 miles
Asheville Regional Airport — 25 miles
Greenville-Spartanburg Int'l Airport — 46 miles
Asheville — 35 miles
Charlotte-Douglas Int'l Airport — 87 miles
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL Int'l Airport — 193 miles
Saluda Community Details
Saluda Price Range: $110,000 - $1,500,000,000
Saluda Price Range: $110,000 - $1,500,000,000
Saluda City: Saluda, NC
Saluda Information
Saluda Homes Price Range:
$110,000-$1,500,000,000 (Past 12 months)
Median Price Home:
$375,000 (Past 12 months)
Average price per square foot:
$312 (Past 12 months)
Neighborhoods and Developments
Mountain Vista: A scenic neighborhood known for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community features a mix of traditional and modern homes, offering a peaceful mountain lifestyle with easy access to hiking and outdoor activities.
Whites Lake: A quiet, established community centered around a small private lake and stunning view overlooking the Green River Gamelands. Homes here offer residents a serene environment with lake access to a small lake park for simply enjoying nature.
Winfield Cove: A charming, wooded community with spacious lots and a variety of home styles. Winfield Cove is known for its quiet atmosphere, privacy, and proximity to downtown Saluda, making it a desirable spot for families and retirees alike.
Forest Green: A smaller community with a lush, wooded setting, offering homes nestled among mature trees. Residents enjoy a secluded feel with the convenience of being close to Saluda’s amenities.
Lake Hose: A quaint lake community with a mix of cabins and cottages, perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful, lakefront lifestyle. It’s an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
Lake Sheila: A beautiful private lake community known for its quiet and relaxed environment. Homes here are surrounded by wooded lots, and residents have access to the pristine lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Lake Summit: A larger, historic lake community that straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina border. It features beautiful homes with lake access, docks, and plenty of opportunities for water sports and lakeside living.
Rixhaven: A gated community offering larger lots and custom-built homes in a serene, wooded setting. Known for its upscale atmosphere, Rixhaven provides a peaceful retreat with plenty of privacy and natural beauty.
Miller Mountain: A rural community adjacent to Rixhaven with stunning views and a mix of modern and rustic homes. Miller Mountain is ideal for those looking for a private, mountain retreat with easy access to I-26.
The Woods on Howard Gap: A quiet neighborhood tucked away in a heavily wooded area, offering a secluded feel with a range of home styles. This community is perfect for those seeking tranquility and privacy.
Macedonia Woods: A peaceful, wooded community with large lots and a variety of home styles. Residents enjoy a rural setting while still being close to Saluda’s shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
The Meadows: A small community with gently rolling terrain, open spaces, and a range of home designs. Known for its quiet, country feel, The Meadows is ideal for those looking for a rural lifestyle with the convenience of nearby amenities.
Piney Mountain: A scenic community offering homes with mountain views and wooded lots. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate a peaceful, natural setting with easy access to hiking and outdoor adventures.
Bear Creek: A secluded community featuring homes nestled among mature trees, creeks, and natural beauty. Bear Creek is perfect for those who desire privacy and a connection to nature.
Laurel Mountain: A community with a mix of homes set on large, wooded lots with stunning mountain views. Laurel Mountain offers a tranquil setting with easy access to Saluda’s downtown attractions.
Ridge View: A picturesque neighborhood with homes offering beautiful ridge-line views. Ridge View is known for its peaceful environment and is ideal for those who enjoy mountain living with scenic vistas.
These communities offer a variety of living experiences, from tranquil lakefront settings to secluded mountain retreats, each reflecting the unique charm and natural beauty of Saluda, NC.
Local Amenities
Like many western North Carolina towns and cities, Saluda is a hub for outdoor recreation. Located right where the Foothills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains, and only 20 minutes from the Green River Game Lands, Saluda has much to offer wilderness enthusiasts of all ages and adventuring abilities. Take a walking tour of the land, hike a trail for picturesque vistas or visit the Green River Gorge for swimming, fishing, camping, zip lining, and other whitewater adventures. Click here for monthly walking tours guided by members of the Saluda Community Land Trust.
Recognized as a National Historic District, Saluda’s downtown continues to attract those looking for a peaceful lifestyle reminiscent of America’s past. Although it has grown and modernized a bit over the years, its single Main Street, and vintage buildings, which now house general stores, artisan shops, art galleries, and eateries, downtown Saluda still has that nostalgic feel of the original rustic mountain town founded in 1881.
Festivals & Community Events
Saluda’s annual events are looked forward to each year by residents and visitors.
The Saluda Arts Festival is the third Saturday in May and 100 artists and artisans exhibit each year. This annual festival kicks off spring and showcases the charm and beauty of downtown Saluda.
For music lovers, the Top of The Grade Summer Concert Series is an outdoor event in July and August and highlights local and regional music. The concert is funded and organized by the Saluda Downtown Foundation and free and open to the public. This festival takes place at the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in McCreery Park, in downtown Saluda.
Coon Dog Day is a beloved annual event in the small town of Saluda, NC drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the town’s rich history and love for coon dogs. This charming festival, held on the first Saturday after July, has been a staple and a homecoming in Saluda’s community for over sixty years. The day starts with a Fun 5K followed by a parade, music, children’s activities, food, and other events. It wraps up in the evening with a square dance.
Hometown Christmas is an annual event where Saluda businesses extend hours into the evening a Friday before Christmas. The businesses provide refreshments and music to the community as folks stroll up and down Main St. It serves as a token of gratitude to the community for their support during the year.
Other community events happen annually throughout the year.
Saluda Tailgate Market is June through October and held at the West End Public Parking Lot in Saluda. It is open every Friday evening from 4:30-6:30pm. Local producers offer the best of regional fresh food.
Saluda Pop-Up Pantry partners with MANNA food bank and local farmers and businesses to fill the shelves, refrigerators, and freezers each week. Open every Tuesday from 1-6 at 54 Carolina St, behind the library.
The Saluda Community Table provides an opportunity for neighbors and friends to gather for a home-cooked meal prepared by volunteers. It takes place twice a month at the Saluda Senior Center. Everything at the dinners is done by the many volunteers who are split into various teams handling different aspects of the dinner, including setup, cooking, and clean up.
Saluda Sister City Saluda, NC and Carunchio, Italy officially joined as Sister Cities in 2015. The towns have amazing similarities; approximately the same population numbers and dynamics, same altitude, and same latitude. Both cities have elementary schools, and the schools and children have connected in ways that enhance the understanding of different cultures, introduce new foods, foster friendships, and offer opportunities for art and creative expression.
Other Places of Interest
Saluda Visitors Center
Saluda Police Department
Saluda Senior Center
Saluda Fire Department
US Post Office
Media Resources
“So Saluda” Monthly Newsletter – monthly online newsletter describing what’s happening in Saluda.
Eat, Stay, Play Brochure
Photo Credit: Ralph Mayer, Saluda, NC