Country land in North Carolina
How much good country North Carolina has, where it is, and what to know before you buy: growing season, homeschool rules, internet and prices. "Good country" here means land past the suburbs and their buffer, off the busiest roads, scored by the Land Finder.
The best counties for country living
Ranked by how much of each county scores as good country (fast-growing counties ranked a little lower).
| County (towns) | Good country | Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham County Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah | 99% | +0.4%/yr | Score a spot |
| Mitchell County Bakersville, Spruce Pine | 99% | +0.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Gates County Gatesville, Sunbury | 100% | -0.4%/yr | Score a spot |
| Bertie County Windsor, Askewville | 99% | -1.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Bladen County Elizabethtown, White Lake | 99% | +0.1%/yr | Score a spot |
| Swain County Bryson City, Fontana Dam | 97% | -0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Yancey County Burnsville, Bakersville | 96% | +0.7%/yr | Score a spot |
| Madison County Marshall, Mars Hill | 96% | +1.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Alleghany County Sparta, Hays | 96% | +1.1%/yr | Score a spot |
| Hertford County Murfreesboro, Winton | 96% | -2.7%/yr | Score a spot |
Growing fast (2.5%+ a year since 2020; today's country can become tomorrow's suburb): Pender County, Franklin County, Brunswick County, Lincoln County, Johnston County, Currituck County.
Homeschool rules
One-time Notice of Intent to the Division of Non-Public Education; the parent needs a high school diploma or equivalent. A nationally standardized test every year (English grammar, reading, spelling, math), results kept at home for at least a year. Keep attendance and immunization records.
Not legal advice; laws change. Verify with the state and your school district. Source
City guides
Get a free introduction to a local agent who works with country land and homesteads. Introduce me to a local agent
A shortlisting guide from public data (Census, USGS, USDA, NOAA, FCC, FEMA) and our principles. Visit the land and verify water, septic, zoning and access with the county.