10 Wealthiest Neighborhoods in North Carolina
5) Lake Santeetlah
The town of Lake Santeetlah is an outdoor lover’s dream. Fifteen miles from the Great Smoky Mountains, the town is surrounded by the lake itself as well as the Nantahala National Forest. Although there are more than 200 homes, as of 2010, there were only 45 full-time residents. The majority of homes are vacation homes for Georgia and Florida residents. The lake has excellent fishing and a full-service marina. There are 200 miles of hiking trails, including a connection to the Appalachian Trail. The famous Tail of the Dragon, US 129, also runs by the town, packing 318 curves into 11 miles and drawing motorcycle and car enthusiasts much of the year. The town was called Thunderbird Mountain until 1989 when land owner, Executive National Life Insurance, began to transfer the water and road systems to the newly incorporated town. The small 1960s cottages fell from favor in the 1990s as homes began to be built on a grander scale. It is located in Graham County, the only dry county in the state. Average income is $53,491.
