Welcome to Highlands, north carolina
Macon County • Highlands Plateau • Western North Carolina
Highlands, North Carolina
A refined mountain town known for its upscale downtown, cool summers, luxury real estate, award-winning dining, art galleries, and breathtaking waterfalls—an iconic “summer on the Plateau” destination.
Why people choose Highlands
- Luxury mountain lifestyle: Upscale homes, private clubs, and summer tradition
- Downtown charm: Walkable boutiques, galleries, and top-tier dining
- Cool summers: High-elevation Plateau climate and crisp evenings
- Waterfall country: Scenic drives to iconic falls and trailheads
What it’s like living here
- Seasonal energy: Peak vibrancy spring–fall with quieter winters
- Outdoor elegance: Hikes, trout streams, golf, and lake days nearby
- Refined community: Strong second-home presence + beautiful neighborhoods
- Easy day trips: Cashiers, Lake Glenville, Franklin, Clayton (GA)
The Highlands signature
Highlands is where mountain beauty meets polish—an elegant Plateau town with a walkable downtown, luxury homes, and some of the best waterfall scenery in the Southeast.
Where is Highlands, NC?
Located in southern Macon County on the Highlands Plateau near Cashiers.
Highlands at a glance
Key numbers people ask about when relocating.
Top areas to live in & around Highlands
Click any area to open Google Maps.
Downtown Highlands
Walkable boutiques, dining, galleries, and year-round charm.
Old Edwards Area
Iconic Highlands core with luxury vibe and easy town access.
Highlands Country Club Area
Golf-forward pockets and classic Plateau estates.
GlenCove
Gated community setting with mountain views and privacy.
Highlands Falls Area
Golf lifestyle near town with established neighborhoods.
Mirror Lake Area
Near-lake living with a quiet, tucked-away feel.
Satulah Mountain
High-elevation pockets with views and classic Highlands character.
Whiteside Cove
Scenic corridor with privacy and quick access to hikes.
Horse Cove
Green space, gentle valleys, and mountain neighborhoods.
Scaly Mountain (Nearby)
Higher, cooler corridor between Highlands and Franklin.
Cashiers (Nearby)
Plateau village with golf, lakes, and luxury communities.
Lake Glenville (Nearby)
Lakefront and near-lake options with big water recreation.
Waterfall Corridor
Homes tucked near trails and scenic waterfall drives.
Franklin (Nearby)
More year-round services and shopping, close to Highlands.
Clayton, GA (Day Trip)
Great dining, lakes, and mountain drives just over the state line.
Blue Valley
Rural beauty, streams, and quiet country roads nearby.
Cullasaja Gorge Area
Scenic gorge corridor with dramatic terrain and waterfalls.
Ridgeline Roads
Higher elevations with view potential and privacy.
Top things to do in & around Highlands
Click any card to visit the official website.
Highlands Chamber
Events, visitor info, and local guides for the Plateau.
Highlands Biological Station
Nature center, gardens, and trails in town.
Nantahala National Forest
Hikes, waterfalls, trout streams, and scenic drives.
Trail Finder
Search hikes around Highlands and the Plateau.
Town of Highlands
Town services, parks, and community info.
Visit North Carolina
Travel inspiration and seasonal guides across the state.
Old Edwards Hospitality
Iconic Highlands experience—spa, dining, and luxury lodging.
Whiteside Mountain (Nearby)
One of the region’s best hikes with panoramic views.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Day Trip)
Iconic overlooks and trails within a scenic drive.
Weather Planning
Check forecasts before waterfall hikes and scenic drives.
Macon County Resources
County services, utilities, and community information.
Cashiers/Plateau Nearby
More Plateau events and guides nearby (short drive).
Thinking about living in Highlands, NC?
If you have questions or want more information—neighborhood feel, private club options, seasonal living vs. year-round, or what to expect by elevation—reach out anytime and I’ll help you get clarity fast.