The town of Highlands was founded in 1875 by two developers living in Kansas who, according to legend, took a map and drew a line from New York to New Orleans. Then drew another line from Chicago to Savannah. These lines, they predicted, would become major trade routes in the future, and where they crossed would some day be a great population center. Highlands later became a resort town at more than 4,000 feet on the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian mountains and the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies. By 1883, nearly 300 immigrants from the eastern states lived in Highlands. In the early 1880's the town contained eight country stores specializing in groceries, hardware, and general merchandize, a post office, a hotel and boarding house for summer guests, a public library, four churches and a school. In the late 1920's the Cullasaja River was dammed, forming Lake Sequoyah, to provide hydroelectric power. A scenic road to Franklin was carved into the rock walls of the Cullasaja Gorge. In 1931, the town's population had increased to 500 with 2,500 to 3,000 summer guests. In the 1970's, land use plans and zoning laws were established. The town's population stands at slightly over 1,100 year round residents with 3,200 on the plateau. To learn more about Highlands History visit Highlands Historical Society website at www.highlandshistory.com
A North Carolina sales tax of 6.75% is charged on all purchases. Accommodations charge 6.75% plus 3% Occupancy Tax
North Carolina does have a state income tax. There is a graduated income tax from 6% - 8.25%.
Macon County Personal Property Tax is 0.37 per hundred. The rate in the Town of Highlands is 0.18 per hundred of evaluation. For Highlands information, contact the Town Hall, P.O. Box 460, Highlands, NC 28741, or phone (828) 526-2118. There is no state property tax.
Highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River at 4,118 feet
One of the few temperate rain forests in North America
Year round population on Highlands Plateau 3,200 that grows to over 18,000 in the summer
Salamander capital of the world
Median home price in 2005 was $662,000
Average age of home is 17.4 years
Population has grown 32% since 1990
Median age is 47.4
Average people per household is 2.17
31.8% of population have a four hear degree or higher
Median income $41,940**
Forbes magazines 499th most expensive zip code
Profile of new home buyer is mid 40's professional within a 6 hour drive radius of Highlands who tends to come 12-18 weekends a year.
Elephant's Foot: (828) 526-5451 Shiraz Oriental Rugs: (828) 526-5759
All Seasons Salon: (828) 526-0349 Creative Concepts: (828) 526-3939 Images Spa: (828) 526-8832 Mountain Magic: (828) 526-4049 Old Edwards Inn & Spa: (828) 526-8008 Pro Nails: (828) 526-8777 Taylor Barns Salon: (828) 526-4192 The Very Thing: (828) 526-2333
Adventure Depot: (828) 743-2052 (Cashiers) Dillsboro River Company: (866) 586-3797 (Dillsboro) Family Float Trip: (888) 593-5050 (Dillsboro)
Bryant Art Glass: (828) 526-4095 Hubert Shuptrine: (828) 787-1123 John Collette: (828) 526-0339 Mill Creek: (828) 787-2021 Robert Tino: (828) 526-0667 The Very Thing: (828) 526-2333 Tin Roof: (828) 526-3900
Acorns: (828) 787-1877 AnnaWear: (828) 526-4660 Bear Mountain Outfitters: (828) 526-5784 Bungalow Boutique: (828) 526-8555 Cabin Casuals: (828) 526-3320 Coolcats Hotdogs: (828) 526-9990 McCulley's: (828) 526-4407 Nancy's Fancys: (828) 526-5029 The Exchange: (828) 526-1029 Village Kids: (828) 526-5799 Vivace: (828) 526-1880 Wits End: (828) 526-3160
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