Sylva : North carolina

Tucked between Plott Balsam Mountain Range and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sylva, North Carolina, is a small but quaint town lined with cafes, galleries, bookstores, breweries, and antique shops. It is known for its outdoor recreation, especially fishing, and has been recognized as the state's premier trout fishing destination. With a population of just 2,700, Sylva is the county seat and social center of Jackson County, and is about 50 miles southwest of Asheville. The town celebrates several festivals and events, and is home to Southwestern  Community College.  The movie "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing" was filmed here. Photo of Dr. D. D. Hooper House (1906), and photo of Main Street, courtesy of Wikipedia and Warren LeMay (public domain).

Sylva is made up of several neighborhoods and has very low property taxes.  Zillow reports the median home value to be $213,324 in early 2021.

Unlike some small mountain towns you don't have to be an outdoors person to enjoy living here.  Although Sylva is a fishermans haven, and does offer much outdoor recreation, the town also has antique shops, book stores, a library, a historical district, and hosts many events and festivals.

Sylva is a little isolated with the nearest big town (Asheville) about an hour away, and the nearest large airport is in Atlanta, about 160 miles away; the crime rate is high.

Retirees who want a small, mountain town with a low cost of living and a walkable and vibrant downtown would enjoy living here. Sylva has galleries, restaurants, three bookstores, breweries, a hospital, great fishing, and is close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 

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The average January temperature is about 40 degrees, and July's average is 73 degrees. The town gets a little over 50 inches of rain each year, but under 10 inches of snow.

The Courthouse is a historical site and home to the towns library; there are several parks that offer outdoor activities and summer concerts;  Greening Up the Mountain celebrates the arrival of spring with a downtown street Festival, and Sylva is considered one of the top Christmas towns to see in western North Carolina; Sylva does not have museums or many cultural venues, but you can head to Asheville for events, entertainment and many restaurants.