Hayesville, NC

Hayesville, North Carolina is located in Clay County in the far western part of North Carolina along the border with Georgia. Hayesville is a small quaint mountain town that oozes a tranquil slower pace of life while at the same time offering an abundance of activities. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest almost 2/3rd’s of the County is owned by the government and not open for private development. Approximately half of the 7,000 acre TVA Lake Chatuge is located in Clay County just a few miles outside of town. The forest and lake provide abundant outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.

Hayesville and Clay County have a long history of being a destination for retirees, second homes and vacationers looking for a slower paced yet active lifestyle. Clay County only has about 12,000 year round residents so if you are not into the crowded tourist towns, this may be your spot!

The main difference in Hayesville and Hiawassee, GA the sister town that shares Lake Chatuge is two fold. First Hayesville is located about 5 minutes from the Lake as opposed to Hiawassee being located right on the shores of Chatuge. Hayesville sports a charming Town Square complete with a Vintage storybook courthouse. Recent additions of dining and retail establishments around the Town Square have rejuvenated Hayesville and provide for great cloistered dining and nightlife experience. Hayesville also has a retail strip a mile south of town that has developed along the junction of Hwy 64 and Hwy 69. Hiawassee on the other hand is a strip of about a mile and a half with the lake shore on the western edge of the retail part of town.

The second difference is that Hayesville has more open farm land and although both towns are not very commercialized Hayesville is not quiet as developed. One is more likely to find a small acreage tract or farm around Hayesville in Clay County than in Hiawassee.

Lake Chatuge is only minutes away and close enough to be enjoyed from anywhere in the county. Property values and Lake values are pretty much the same in Hayesville/Clay County as they are in Hiawassee/Towns County and less than the Blue Ridge area to the west and the Clayton/Lakes Burton and Rabun to the east. Hayesville is home to miles of hiking trails and fishing streams as well as home to the Internationally renowned John C Campbell Folk School.

Just as Towns County Georgia has some of the lowest property tax rates in Georgia, Clay County can claim the same for North Carolina. Hayesville and Clay County NC is an absolutely fantastic community to live and visit.