Just eight miles from Lakes James in Burke County, Morganton is a charming small town of about 17,000 nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Burke County, North Carolina, almost midway between the major metropolitan areas of Asheville and Charlotte.

Convenient location and mild climate make Morganton a beautiful place to live. Winter temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees and summers from 70 to 90 degrees. Annual precipitation is 50.4″ with less than 8″ of snow in the winter. And the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, including Table Rock, Grandfather, Hawksbill and Shortoff Mountains are as delightful as the weather.

In the Western Piedmont of North Carolina, Morganton NC real estate nestles near Lake James in the picturesque Catawba River Valley. Residents enjoy beautiful views into the Blue Ridge Mountains from the 1,100-foot elevations. Located between the Asheville (58 miles) and Charlotte (70 miles).

Morganton is a small town of 17,000 with a charming historic downtown and scenic neighborhoods. The community beams with cultural, educational, recreational, and employment opportunities and a high-quality lifestyle for all ages.

Morganton Real Estate Options

Morganton NC real estate includes options to fit every budget and taste. Close to downtown are numerous homes and condos with prices beginning in the $100,00s. Neighborhoods in town feature classy homes in the middle price ranges. Farther towards Lake James, the waterfront real estate in spectacular forested subdivisions fulfills the dreams of many full time and seasonal residents. Prices begin in the $300,000s and exceed $1 million.

Featured Lake James Neighborhoods

The River Club
South Pointe
East Shores
Dry Creek
Cottage Park
Laurel Pointe
Holiday Shores
Mallard Cove
Mallard Pointe
Wilderness Edge

Why People Love Morganton

Morganton was chosen as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Top 10 Cities in the United States to Raise a Family, Best Place for Small Town Living, and Morganton’s Main Street was selected as a finalist for the People’s Choice in the Great Main Street Contest.
Morganton boasts a rich heritage and participates in ongoing revitalization. Walk through the courtyard-like downtown and experience the gorgeous flowers, interesting boutiques and shops, galleries, specialty stores, and inviting restaurants and coffee shops. There are plenty of free concerts and classical music streaming out from the courthouse. The community provides a definite sense of place and belonging. There is a long list of events, activities, concerts, and festivals.

Blue Ridge Parkway and American’s Most Scenic Drive provide the perfect Sunday afternoon drives around Morganton. Surrounded by state parks, national forests, rivers, and lakes, Morganton residents are accustomed to spectacular outdoor beauty. In town, the Catawba River Greenway Park provides a handicap accessible walking trail and exercise trail. Three private golf courses are open to the public. There are bike paths weaving up and down and around Lake James State Park and Stone Mountain State Park. And this is prime territory for fishing and boating.

History

The Catawba and Cherokee tribes frequented the Appalachian foothills. Settlers established a town in 1784 people settled and named it after General Daniel Morgan from the Revolutionary War. The history unfolds at the old courthouse, today’s Visitor Information Center, at the Historic Burke Foundation, and the Heritage Museum.

Schools/Employers

Burke County School District serves families living in Morganton. Also nearby are Western Piedmont Community College, special schools, and the Catawba Science Center.

The largest employers are connected to the textile, apparel, and furniture industries, government, health care, and education. If you’re a business owner, or hope to become one, get a jump start on the planning process by taking a peek at the Morganton properties available downtown. The pedestrian friendly area is a destination for visitors.

Morganton, A friendly, family town

Morganton is also a wonderful place to live and raise a family. The exceptional quality of life here is apparent from the friendliness of the town and people living here. Downtown, you’ll find charming historic buildings and a main street bustling with the activity of people going to the small shops, restaurants and new state-of-the-art movie theater. As part of the city’s revitalization program, an old hosiery mill is currently being renovated into beautiful new city offices, retail space and loft living.

Arts and entertainment

During May and June, there are Friday night outdoor concerts on the downtown square and the Historic Morganton Festival in September draws visitors from around the area. The City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (COMMA) features an array of performing arts including concerts, musicals and stage productions. In town, you can take a stroll or run on the greenway trail that follows the Catawba River and stop in one of the restaurants along the greenway and enjoy the view. Or visit one of the many craftsman and artisans who still make beautiful handcrafted doors, cabinets and ironworks the old fashioned way.

Directions

From Ashville, take Interstate 240 E to Interstate 40 E toward Statesville. Take Exit 103 and turn left on Burkemont Avenue. Turn right on W Fleming Drive. Turn left on S. Sterling Street/S Green St. Turn right on E Concord St.

Morganton NC Real Estate Brokers

For more information about Morganton NC real estate and waterfront homes, please contact the real estate brokers of Lake James Real Estate, Inc., 3053 NC Hwy 126, Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-584-9999