Murphy NC is a growing community with small town charm

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By johndilbeck


Murphy, NC is a great place to live, visit, or raise a family

Murphy, NC 28906 is a small town that is conveniently located about 100 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia; about 100 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina; and about 100 miles east of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

We enjoy the scenic splendor of the southern Appalachian mountains along with convenient access to the shopping, attractions, and events in the cities that surround us.

There are numerous rivers and lakes in our area and you can find many types of outdoor recreation opportunities that include hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, hunting, river sports, or just relaxing in a rental cabin, motel, or bed and breakfast as you destress from your city life.

If you want to be left alone to read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or just enjoy the sounds of nature, there are many places to do just that.

For those with more active interests, the Nantahala River is a few miles to our east and is one of the more popular places to canoe, kayak, and raft. Many thousands of people from surrounding communities and cities enjoy the Nantahala every summer, and some of the dedicated "River Rats" can be found on the river just about every day.

To our west, just over the state line in Tennessee, you'll find the Ocoee River. This river is more of a challenge than the Nantahala, and was the whitewater venue for the Atlanta Olympics a few years ago.

Prices for land and homes are still relatively low, although they have climbed quite a bit over the last couple of decades. For those of us who have lived here a long time, the prices seem outrageously high. For folks moving into the area, they often seem rather inexpensive. Everything is relative.

Murphy, NC, is the county seat of Cherokee County, North Carolina. The other town in the county is Andrews, NC. There are numerous communities located throughout our area.

If you want big city adventure all the time, Murphy is not for you.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, good neighbors, a friendly atmosphere, and a more laid-back lifestyle, you should be able to find what you're seeking.

It can be difficult to earn a living in the area, however. If you are retired, already have a pension, are independently wealthy, or have other ways to earn a living rather than working on a job, this can be a great place to live.

A few years ago, Murphy, NC, was named as one of the top 10 places in the United States to have a second home.

All isn't perfect, however. As more people move into our area, we are seeing some increase in crime, but it is still far below what you'll find in many areas. Some of our neighbors still don't feel the need to lock their doors or cars.

In the 23 years I've lived here, I've encountered no crime at all. That's more than I can say for the other places I've lived.

You won't learn all there is to know about Murphy and Cherokee County from this hub, but maybe it will pique your interest and encourage you to learn more about our beautiful little corner of the Earth.

I wasn't born here, but I got here as soon as I could.


Local news from the Cherokee Scout

  • State OKs sex ed options

        When classes begin on Tuesday Aug. 25, Cherokee County students will be given explicit information about contraception that was previously banned from sexual education courses in North Carolina. - 2 days ago

  • Fun on the Fourth

        Kids chased peanuts dropped from an airplane. Young people tried to grab and capture a slick pig. Families sat in the shade under large trees next to the Valley River as the smell of barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs wafted through the air. - 2 days ago

  • County opposes state’s transfer of child support

        Murphy  – Cherokee County commissioners are trying to prevent the state from transferring up to a million dollars a year in costs to the county. - 2 days ago

  • Bear wanders onto Riverwalk

        Murphy – A black bear that likes to relax with a cup of coffee apparently also likes to exercise on the Murphy Riverwalk - 2 days ago

  • Town approves $582,000 in upgrades

        Murphy – The town council unanimously approved the awarding of a $582,000 project for wastewater pump station upgrades Monday. - 2 days ago

Information about Murphy, NC businesses

  • Customer appreciation day at Brothers Landing - June 27, 2009

    On Saturday, June 27, 2009, from Noon until 4:00 pm, several of the businesses located at Brothers Landing will celebrate customer appreciation day. There will be a car and truck show, bounce houses for the kids, and a live classic rock band. Rumors Clothing, owned by Heather Rice, will host a fashion show at 2:00 pm. Courtnie [...] - 2 weeks ago

  • Ninth Annual Heritage Walk and Festival - Arts and Crafts Show Now Taking Applications

    On Saturday, September 5, 2009, Heritage Partners of Cherokee County will host the Ninth Annual Heritage Walk and Festival in Konehete Part, Murphy, NC. Local area artists and crafters are invited to visit the Heritage Walk and Festival website and download an application form in PDF format. (See the left column right next to “Arts & [...] - 3 weeks ago

  • Murphy NC social networking site is now MurphyConnections.com

    I created a social networking site for Murphy, NC on ning.com a few weeks ago at MurphyNC28906.ning.com. You can still reach it at that address, but now it has a new name: Murphy Connections. Along with a new name, it has a new domain: MurphyConnections.com. If you have bookmarked the site, please update your bookmarks to [...] - 6 weeks ago

  • How to improve our Murphy, NC social networking site?

    Good morning! I don’t think it’s been much of a secret that I’ve been feeling pretty awful for the last month or so, but I’m happy to tell you that I’m feeling much better this week. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how we can work together to share our experiences of living in Murphy [...] - 6 weeks ago

  • Spring Sidewalk Sale - Saturday, April 25, 2009

    I received an email from Theresa Victa, owner of Mountain Spirit Essentials, about the upcoming Spring Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds from each merchant will support Relay For Life. The following downtown merchants will be participating: Antiquities Appalachian Outfitters Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop Bella Blue Blue Moon Elise Chevelles Consider [...] - 3 months ago

  • Images By Courtnie offers new coupon for photography in Murphy, NC

    Images By Courtnie has posted a new coupon on their Merchant Circle page. Details are posted on MurphyNCCoupons.com: Images by Courtnie - Easter Portrait Package $19.99 - Expires 03-21-2009 - 4 months ago

  • New features added to Murphy, NC Online Community

    Our Murphy, NC Social Networking Community is less than a month old and already we’re attracting visitors from four countries, including the United States, Canada, China, and Australia. Over 17% of the visitors to the site are coming from the search engines, so that indicates that we’re getting indexed and found for both local and general [...] - 4 months ago

  • New coupons available for Murphy, NC

    Cafe Bella Luna and Mountain Spirit Essentials have each posted a new coupon on their Merchant Circle pages. Details are posted on MurphyNCCoupons.com: Cafe’ Bella Luna and Enchantment Inn - Stay one night, get your second night for 1/2 price! - Expires 05-30-2009 Mountain Spirit Essentials - Go for the 3 Pots of Gold in Murphy - Expires [...] - 4 months ago

Photos of Murphy NC

Looking east along Valley River Avenue from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. That's the Methodist Church in the background. Continue driving on this street and you'll eventually end up on the four-lane highway that leads to Andrews, NC,
Looking east along Valley River Avenue from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. That's the Methodist Church in the background. Continue driving on this street and you'll eventually end up on the four-lane highway that leads to Andrews, NC,
Looking north along Tennessee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. Continuing up this road will take you into the mountains and eventually the road turns into a gravel road that goes into Tennessee.
Looking north along Tennessee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. Continuing up this road will take you into the mountains and eventually the road turns into a gravel road that goes into Tennessee.
Looking south along Peachtree Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. In the background, you can see the Cherokee County courthouse. Continue down this street a few miles and you'll find the Murphy Medical Center and Tri-County Comm
Looking south along Peachtree Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. In the background, you can see the Cherokee County courthouse. Continue down this street a few miles and you'll find the Murphy Medical Center and Tri-County Comm
Looking west along Hiwassee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. At the bottom of the hill, the street crosses the Hiwassee River. If you continue to the west, you'll take the four-lane highway that leads to Tennessee. Chattanoog
Looking west along Hiwassee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. At the bottom of the hill, the street crosses the Hiwassee River. If you continue to the west, you'll take the four-lane highway that leads to Tennessee. Chattanoog

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johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck  says:
18 months ago

I enjoy telling others about Murphy, NC, and the surrounding area. When I was younger, I travelled this area with a canoe on my truck and spent many happy days hiking, camping, and canoeing.

Now that I'm a full-time caretaker for Mom, I stay home all the time and the Internet is my window on the world.

When I lived in Atlanta over 30 years ago, I dreamed of living in western North Carolina and now I'm living that dream.

It's not for everyone, but it's perfect for me.

Act on your dream!

JD

Marian  says:
16 months ago

Our cabin rentals are 35 minutes from Murphy. We stay at our Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals for sometimes a month at a time. With 2 of my 3 sons with me, I have to keep them busy. We take turns going to the Ellijay Walmart or Murphy NC Walmart. When we visit Murphy, we have to stop at the Downtown Pizza Company, which serves absolutely delicious pizza and desserts. I was amazed our trip in March 2008, to see that there was an Exercise Building that has an indoor pool. I wish we could have dropped in for a swim. It may be open just to the local residents though. Murphy NC is a beautiful, small, quaint little town with gorgeous mountain views all around. There are many, many different types of stores and shopping to do along 64 East or is it 68 East? I know how to get there by memory, and sometimes I get the highway numbers mixed up, but no matter how you get to Murphy NC, you won't be disappointed.

johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck  says:
16 months ago

Hi Marian,

I agree with you about Downtown Pizza. I love eating there.

The new pool is open to everyone and I believe they have day rates, but don't know for sure. It has been a great addition to our community.

You're right about the stores and shopping on US 64 East.

I'm happy to hear that you enjoy visiting our community.

All the best,

JD

julieannevanzyl profile image

julieannevanzyl  says:
15 months ago

What a beautiful story about Murphy. I'll drop by if I'm ever in the area. Although, it's a long way from me, over here in Australia:-)

johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck  says:
15 months ago

Hi Julieanne,

I'm sure you'd enjoy it here. I know of your love of nature, but you probably would be disappointed in the scuba diving prospects.

You never know where you'll go!

I'm still thinking about visiting Australia one day.

It's great hearing from you.

JD

robert owens .  says:
6 months ago

looking for christy merrell last known address was yellow pine drive murphy .

DonnaCSmith profile image

DonnaCSmith  says:
6 months ago

I love finding fellow North Carolinians here at hubpages. Enjoyed your description of Murphy. I haven't been to the mountains in a long time, this makes me want to take a vaction;

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