McDowell County Real Estate

McDowell County Real Estate

McDowell County, located in the state of North Carolina, is a beautiful region with a rich history and diverse natural beauty. Nestled in the western part of the state, McDowell County offers residents and visitors a peaceful and scenic environment to call home.

One of the notable features of McDowell County is its stunning landscapes. From the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene Lake James, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping are just a few of the activities that residents can enjoy in this breathtaking natural setting.

In addition to its natural beauty, McDowell County also boasts a vibrant community with a strong sense of pride and heritage. The county is home to several charming towns, including Marion, the county seat, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Historic Carson House and the McDowell Arts Council are just a couple of the many places that showcase the county's rich history and commitment to the arts.

For those seeking a slower pace of life, McDowell County provides a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. The cost of living in this region is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking to settle down in a tight-knit community.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to raise a family, McDowell County offers a little something for everyone. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly community, it's no wonder that this area is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a slice of North Carolina's natural beauty.

Newest Listings in McDowell County

$225,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4407928 MLS ⋅ 960 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Calling all investors, renovators, and DIY enthusiasts! This mountain property offers an incredible opportunity to create your dream home or investment in the highly desirable Little Switzerland area. Situated on 5 beautiful acres, the home features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an attached garage, and an open-concept living area designed to take advantage of the stunning long-range mountain views. With solid bones and endless potential, this two-story home is ready for your vision and personal touch. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or investment property, this is your chance to transform a diamond in the rough into something truly special. Opportunities to own acreage with views in the Little Switzerland area are becoming increasingly rare—don't miss this one!

4897 Hwy 226 N Highway, Little Switzerland

Listing courtesy of High Ridge Realty. david@highridgerealtync.com
$69,000
4386743 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Diamond in the Rough! Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a private lot within the city limits of Marion, just minutes from everything downtown has to offer. Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this property offers endless potential for the right buyer looking to build, invest, or create something special. Several existing structures are located on the property but are of no value. This property is being sold as-is, and only cash offers will be considered. Bring your vision and discover the possibilities this unique property has to offer. Schedule your showing today and see the potential for yourself. Contact the listing agent for more information.

V/L Woodland Drive, Marion

Listing courtesy of Realty Group 1 LLC. 828homesales@gmail.com
$305,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4408802 MLS ⋅ 1,434 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Completely renovated and move-in ready, this charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and timeless character. The beautifully updated kitchen features brand new cabinets and appliances, while new light fixtures throughout add a fresh, contemporary feel. Original Ceilitex ceilings and some original interior doorknobs have been thoughtfully preserved, adding unique character and charm. In addition to the 3 bedrooms, a versatile bonus room provides endless possibilities as a fourth bedroom, family room, home office, or playroom. The home also features a separate dining room and a dedicated laundry room. Relax on the inviting front porch and enjoy beautiful mountain views. The unfinished, concreted, walk-out basement offers great storage. Situated on .52 acres, this property offers plenty of outdoor space, including a designated space for an RV, tiny home, garage or shed. The property is conveniently located near I-40, shopping, medical office and the hospital. This beautifully renovated home is ready for its new owners! Schedule your showing today.

299 Us 221 S Highway, Marion

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty LLC. donnak.jhr@gmail.com
$245,000
4408670 MLS ⋅ COMING SOON Status
If you've been searching for the perfect piece of Western North Carolina land, this is everything you've been waiting for. This beautiful 15.62-acre unrestricted property offers the ideal combination of privacy, convenience, and breathtaking natural beauty. A partially cleared homesite is already in place, providing an excellent starting point for your dream home, mountain retreat, or weekend getaway. Surrounded by mature hardwoods and featuring stunning long-range mountain views, this property offers a peaceful setting with endless possibilities. Whether you're looking to build your permanent residence, create a private escape, or invest in unrestricted acreage, you'll appreciate the flexibility this property provides. Enjoy the tranquility of country living while still benefiting from easy access to nearby amenities. With plenty of room to explore, build, and enjoy the outdoors, this exceptional property is ready for your vision to become a reality. Come experience the beauty, privacy, and potential of this one-of-a-kind 15.62-acre property on East Payne Road—your mountain dream starts here.

V/L E Payne Road, Marion

Listing courtesy of J. Peterson Realty & Associate. 828-442-8695
$299,000
4408615 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Come see one of the last opportunities to build your dream lakefront retreat on Lake James with this exceptional, dockable waterfront lot in Waterglyn. Ideally located just minutes from I-40 and downtown Marion, Waterglyn is a welcoming community of beautifully crafted homes with low HOA fees and sensible building standards. A natural trail from the road offers a glimpse of where your future driveway could lead, gently descending toward the water. Picture relaxing on your back deck or screened porch, taking in peaceful lake views and the surrounding natural beauty. Continue along the gentle path to the shoreline, where your private dock can become the gateway to life on the lake. Perfectly positioned just outside a quiet cove, this homesite enjoys expansive open-water views, creating an ideal setting for peaceful mornings, unforgettable sunsets, and endless days on the lake.

178 Lentz Landing Lane, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Unified. fletcher@lakejames.com
$575,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4408423 MLS ⋅ 2,696 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Nestled on just under 3 private acres in the sought-after Forest Heights community, this handcrafted mountain cabin offers nearly 3000 square feet of warm, inviting living space surrounded by nature, wildlife and seasonal mountain views. Designed for gathering with family and friends, the stunning great room is anchored by a dramatic floor to ceiling stone fireplace, creating an unforgettable space filled with rustic elegance. A spacious chef's kitchen, private primary suite, and incredible outdoor spaces blend comfort with mountain charm. Enjoy peaceful mornings and spectacular sunsets from the wraparound porch, while the welcoming stone walkway adds to the storybook appeal. Full semi-finished basement with roughed in bath offers room to grow, store or create. This is a rare opportunity to own a mountain sanctuary where craftsmanship and natural beauty join at an incredible value. Minutes to Lake James, easy commute to Asheville and quick ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This gorgeous home is priced well below neighborhood comps for a quick sale. Early showings recommended!

698 Heartwood Drive, Marion

Listing courtesy of Looking Glass Realty AVL LLC. amymcrowder@yahoo.com
$295,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4408323 MLS ⋅ 1,300 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Welcome home to this beautiful, new 3BD/2BA property in a prime Marion location. Bright open concept living, a well appointed kitchen with an island, a dedicated laundry room, and an ensuite primary bedroom with a warm, modern feel. It is completely move in ready! Smart appliances are featured throughout the home, and the LG front load washer and dryer are also included in the sale. Designed with energy efficient features, this low maintenance home sits near the end of a quiet, established neighborhood and offers comfortable, easy living. Recent upgrades include a premium storage shed and full grading and landscaping that add exceptional value. The property is a full one half acre, located just 2 minutes to I-40 and Walmart and less than 5 minutes to downtown Marion and Mission Hospital, offering unmatched convenience while maintaining a peaceful residential setting. Call today for your showing!

55 Cypress Road, Marion

Listing courtesy of Higher Ground Properties. hgpropertiesnc@gmail.com
$849,900
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4405959 MLS ⋅ 2,611 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Welcome to your private mountain retreat in the heart of Western North Carolina. Nestled on 9.7 picturesque acres within the prestigious gated community of Grandview Peaks, this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 3-bath Craftsman-style home combines timeless architecture with modern comfort and natural beauty. The open-concept floor plan features spacious living areas, abundant natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor flow - ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing while taking in the peaceful surroundings. The warm architectural details are designed to embrace mountain living at its best. The bright, open entryway leads to the first of 3 en-suite bedroom/bathrooms. The vast laundry room has lots of cabinets for storage and a convenient mop sink. From there, the luxury vinyl plank flooring leads to the great room with high-ceilings and wood beam accents. Take in long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the windows of the kitchen where you’ll find gorgeous granite counters, an eat-in island, stainless appliances include a gas cooktop with an exhaust hood and tons of storage in the walk-in pantry. Enjoy family dinners out on the deck or in the open dining area just off the kitchen. The family room is centered around the floor to ceiling stacked stone gas fireplace. The spacious primary en-suite bedroom, a double-vanity bathroom w/ custom tile shower, and roomy walk-in closet. Downstairs you’ll find a versatile family room that makes the perfect game room, workout gym, craft room, or home theater. The 3rd en-suite bedroom offers guests complete comfort and privacy. Step outside onto the patio to roast s’mores over a campfire at night while you stare up at the stars. Feel like exploring? The expansive property provides exceptional privacy to hike, garden or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Below the home, you’ll find a gentle, private hiking trail that leads to a beautiful year-round mountain stream and borders the community hiking trail system with over 5 miles of nature trails and a gorgeous cascading waterfall picnic area. Hidden beside the stream is a heavy-timber pole barn - the perfect spot to store off-road vehicles, kayaks, or gold-panning equipment. Experience the serenity of mountain living with the convenience of nearby charming towns, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, wineries, golf courses, fishing and year-round outdoor adventure - all just a short drive away. Whether you’re searching for your forever home, a luxurious weekend escape, or an investment opportunity, this home offers the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

47 Pleasant Ridge Trail, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. Cory.coady@evrealestate.com
$399,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4407828 MLS ⋅ 1,800 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
At the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this well-kept brick ranch sits on a level 0.70 acre with paved frontage on US 221 in the Woodlawn community. Three bedrooms, two full baths, and 1,800 square feet all on one level, with hardwood floors running through the living and sleeping areas. The kitchen has been freshly updated with stainless appliances and paint, countertops and opens to a light-filled dining area. A stone fireplace with gas logs anchors the living room, and there's a second fireplace in one of the bedrooms. The owner added a laundry closet in one bedroom for main-level convenience, and hookups remain in the basement. Major systems are done: roof replaced in 2025, HVAC in 2018, electrical in 2017, water heater in 2026, plumbing updated to PVC, and thermal-pane windows. A natural gas generator conveys, along with the owned propane tank that fuels the gas logs; natural gas is available at the property for a buyer who prefers to convert. Spectrum internet service is in place. The full basement adds roughly 1,800 square feet of workshop and storage beneath the home — with a woodstove and a fireplace to take the chill off. Interior stairs plus walk-out and walk-up access make it easy to move equipment in and out. Outside, a one-car attached carport opens onto a covered side porch, while a detached tandem carport and detached garage/workshop give you room for vehicles, equipment, and projects. Plus an additional outbuilding. Public water, septic system, heat pump with central air, insulated windows, walk-in attic with fixed stairs, and built-in features throughout. No HOA, no restrictions. Minutes from North Cove School and a short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Caverns, Little Switzerland, and the hiking, fishing, and waterfalls of the western North Carolina mountains.

8647 Us 221 N Highway, Marion

Listing courtesy of ERA Live Moore. tami_newman@yahoo.com
$850,000
4407244 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Commercial property featuring a convenience store, fuel station, and a 2BR/1BA home on the same tract. High visibility location along a busy commuter corridor with an average daily traffic count of approx. 15,500. Just 1/2 mile from I-40 Exit 86 and roughly 2 miles from downtown Marion. Zoned C2 General Business. Corner parcel with multiple access points, including frontage on Three Point Road. Close by commercial activity includes national brands such as Burger King, Loves Truck Stop, Waffle House, Hardee’s, Exxon, KFC, Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn. Versatile site offering existing infrastructure and strong positioning for continued commercial use or future redevelopment.

2700 226 S Highway, Marion

Listing courtesy of Higher Ground Properties. hgpropertiesnc@gmail.com
$949,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4404869 MLS ⋅ 2,224 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Experience unparalleled luxury in this fully furnished, turn-key estate offering some of the most breathtaking, unobstructed lake and mountain views at Lake James. Thoughtfully designed to maximize its surrounding scenery, the home frames majestic views of Grandfather Mountain and Shortoff Mountain from nearly every room, as well as from the expansive back patio and screened-in porch. Offered completely move-in ready, this versatile property lends itself beautifully to use as a primary residence, private vacation retreat, or high-potential short-term rental investment. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the added convenience of a deeded, single boat slip — #14 — located at the newly constructed Waters Edge Drive docks. Both the residence and its professionally designed landscaping have been meticulously maintained, showcasing thoughtful care and attention to detail at every turn. Situated within The Arbor, this home offers the ideal balance of secluded serenity and everyday convenience, standing as one of the closest Lake James communities to downtown Marion's shopping, dining, and amenities. Residents can fully embrace an active mountain lifestyle with immediate access to community hiking and biking trails, premier lake activities, and the historic charm of downtown Marion.

362 Captains Drive, Nebo

Listing courtesy of GreyBeard Realty. dave@greybeardrealty.com
$399,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4404651 MLS ⋅ 1,631 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Welcome to easy living in the highly desirable Plantation Point community at beautiful Lake James! Nestled on a beautifully landscaped 0.67± acre lot, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect balance of privacy, low-maintenance living, and an unbeatable location. New Furnace installed July 2026 Inside, you'll find warm hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace and custom built-ins, and a main-level primary suite complete with a walk-in closet for everyday convenience. A two-car garage provide ample space for vehicles, recreational gear, or workshop needs. Step outside and enjoy your morning coffee on the expansive covered front porch or entertain family and friends on the back deck while surrounded by mature landscaping and peaceful surroundings. Best of all, you're just a short stroll from Lake James, making it easy to launch your kayaks, spend the day on the water, or simply soak in the beauty of one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after lakes. Whether you're searching for a full-time residence or a weekend retreat, this home offers the opportunity to enjoy the Lake James lifestyle at an exceptional value. As the seller says, one of the things they'll miss most is the incredible location—once you're here, you'll understand why.

34 Lakeside Drive, Marion

Listing courtesy of ERA Live Moore. jacquerealestate@yahoo.com
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