West Jefferson

If you’re on the hunt for a quiet mountain community with a relaxed pace of life, you’ll find your perfect match in West Jefferson. Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, sits the quiet community of West Jefferson. Best known for its eclectic arts district, art lovers can easily get lost in West Jefferson’s numerous art events and festivals.

Real Estate in West Jefferson, NC

Many find West Jefferson to be the perfect destination for a second home or retirement spot. Positioned in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, residents and tourists find the mix of outdoor recreation, coupled with a lively arts scene and bustling downtown to be a perfect mix. The median home value in West Jefferson, NC is $162,100.

Lifestyle and Attractions

Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven in West Jefferson, where you can hike, bike and drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway until your heart’s content. Take a break from hiking to explore the charming downtown where you’ll be met with a vibrant arts scene, quaint shops and plenty of yummy eateries.

Don’t forget to explore Ashe County Cheese, where visitors can tour the facility and even watch cheese being made. Today, Ashe County Cheese remains one of the biggest tourist attractions in North Carolina.

Residents and tourists alike claim the Farmers’ Market and Boonedocks Brewing as town favorites.

Nearby Schools and Higher Education

Many West Jefferson school-aged children attend Ashe County Public Schools.

The opportunities for higher education close to West Jefferson are endless— from the Ashe Campus Wilkes Community College, to Appalachian State University, there’s something for all personalities and learning preferences.

Lees-McRae College and East Tennessee State University are also wonderful options, boasting beautiful campuses. For West Jefferson residents looking for a higher education experience a little farther from home, Emory & Henry is an excellent choice, as well.

History

Located in Ashe County, West Jefferson was established in 1915. Over time, the town grew in size, thanks in part, to the Northwest Railroad making West Jefferson one of its major stops. Later in the 1930’s, Kraft Cheese was established in Ashe County, which further helped to advance growth in the quiet community.

The Northwest Railroad, otherwise known as the Virginia Creeper made its last run to the town in 1977, and as a result, the town experienced a brief downturn.

In the early 1990s, business leaders banded together, determined to save the town. Community leaders and volunteers worked hard to develop a rich art scene to help promote West Jefferson as a tourist destination, making it quite the travel destination today.