Why Macon County?

CLIMATE

The County's climate features four distinct seasons. Typically December and January are the coldest months with July and August the hottest. Our mean annual temperature is 55F and varies from a mean low of 38F in January to a mean high of 71F in July.The County is located in one of the highest rainfall zones in the Eastern U.S. with a mean annual rainfall of 70 inches. Snow represents 2 to 10% of the annual precipitation.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Macon County's "green factor" is unparalleled in the region. Almost one-half of the county is comprised of the Nantahala National Forest the largest in North Carolina. We have a variety of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, rafting, hiking on the Appalachian and Bartram Trails, boating, skiing and more. The diversity of plants and animals in the county are among the highest in the United States. Macon County also has one of the lowest crime rates in the Southeastern U.S.

OUR PEOPLE

While Macon County is rich in natural resources our defining attribute is our people. Macon's citizens are deeply involved in community activities including a variety of civic organizations, governmental boards & commissions and faith-based activities.

EDUCATION

We have an educated workforce with 61% of our citizens over 25 years old having completed high school, some college or an associate degree. 10% have bachelor degrees and almost 6% have a graduate or professional degree. We have a university nearby, major community college, exceptional secondary public education and private education resources in the community.

HEALTHCARE

Two hospitals serve Macon County as well as a locally based Air Ambulance service that supports regional medical facilities. Specialists covering all medical disciplines are available in the county. A full range of supporting medical and dental practices are located throughout Macon County including an Urgent Care Center.

About Macon County

HISTORY

The county was formed in 1828 and was named for Nathaniel Macon, who represented North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives from 1791 to 1815 (serving as Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807), and in the United States Senate from 1815 to 1828. In 1839 the western part of Macon County became Cherokee County. In 1851 parts of Macon County and Haywood County were combined to form Jackson County.

County Makeup

Franklin is the County Seat and is surrounded by beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, hills and valleys. The people are friendly and organize lots of activities, including festivals and arts & crafts shows. There are plenty of trails for hiking including the Little Tennessee River Greenway and the views are breathtaking. There is also plenty of fishing, hunting, rafting and kayaking available. Franklin is home to approximately 3,600 citizens, but the population nearly doubles during the spring, summer and fall seasons due to our temperate climate and beautiful scenery. Franklin's geographical position enables us to enjoy cool summer nights and mild winters. With a healthy tourism industry and lots of local people taking an active roll in the community, there is always exciting activities and places to go. Visit the Franklin Main Street Program for more information.

Highlands is the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River at 4,118 feet and is located in one of the few temperate rain forests in North America. Population ranges from 3,200 year round residents and swells to over 18,000 during the summer and early autumn. Highlands is well known for its cooler climate year round and magnificent golf courses. Natural wonders also abound including waterfalls and scenic vistas. Highlands is listed as the 499th most expensive zip code in the United States in Forbes Magazine.

Nantahala

The name in Cherokee means "Noon Day Sun". This virtually unspoiled paradise west of Franklin features lake and mountain living at its finest. The Nantahala area features superb fly fishing waters, waterfalls and whitewater river rafting. This community offers a great way to truly enjoy the four seasons from the wildflowers in the spring to magnificent color in the fall.