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Hendersonville, NC

Frequently asked questions

Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville is a city in and the county seat of Henderson County, North Carolina, United States, located 22 miles (35 km) south of Asheville. Like the county, the city is named for 19th-century North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson. The population was 13,137 at the 2010 census and was estimated in 2019 to be 14,157.

Hendersonville is located at the center of Henderson County, in the southern mountains of western North Carolina near the Eastern Escarpment.

Interstate 26 runs through the eastern side of the city, with access from Exit 49. U.S. Routes 25 and 74 run concurrently with I-26. The freeway leads north 22 miles (35 km) to Asheville and southeast 46 miles (74 km) to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Interstate 26 also provides direct access to the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which features scheduled passenger airline service operated by several major air carriers. U.S. Route 25 Business passes through the center of Hendersonville on King Street northbound and Church Street southbound. U.S. Route 64 (6th Avenue) also passes through the center of Hendersonville, leading northeast 14 miles (23 km) to Bat Cave and west 20 miles (32 km) to Brevard. U.S. Route 176 (Spartanburg Highway) leads southeast 10 miles (16 km) to Saluda.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Hendersonville has a total area of 6.9 square miles (18.0 km²), of which 0.03 square miles (0.07 km²), or 0.40%, is water. Mud Creek, a north-flowing tributary of the French Broad River and part of the Tennessee River watershed is the watercourse through the city, passing east of downtown.

Before the Treaty of Hopewell, the land that now is occupied by Hendersonville was settled by Cherokee tribes. Following this treaty, white settlers entered the region, eventually taking the land of what is now Henderson County in full from the original inhabitants. Poor trade links still restricted economic and demographic growth in the region, until the development of the Buncombe Turnpike, completed in 1827. Wealthy low-country planters started to migrate to the area, building summer homes and bringing lots of money with them. In response to this population growth, Henderson County was split off from Buncombe County and founded in 1838.

Judge Mitchell King owned 1,000 acres (4.0 km²), of which he donated 50 acres for the establishment of the town of Hendersonville. He used some of the enslaved African Americans he owned as workers to lay out its 100-foot-wide (30 m) Main Street.

Formed in 1838 and chartered in 1847 as the county seat of Henderson County, Hendersonville is traditionally known as "The City of Four Seasons". The town has a well-preserved Main Street and adjoining downtown areas with many restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques in buildings that housed key local businesses until the mid-1980s. At that point, some businesses moved to suburban or highway locations or were put out of business by big-box competition. The town's architecture reflects the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much downtown revitalization has occurred since the early 1990s.

Hendersonville prioritizes the well-being of its community, evident in its commitment to health and wellness. The Pardee UNC Health Care system serves as a cornerstone for healthcare services in the area, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Henderson County Parks & Recreation offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Pump House Fitness Center, EFitness Studio, and All About Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Hendersonville, such as the Triple Falls Trail and Four Waterfalls Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Hendersonville, NC are Hands On! Children's Museum, Mineral & Lapidary Museum, and Henderson County Heritage Museum.

Population: 15,656 (2024). ZIP codes: 28739, 28791–28792. Area code: 828. Elevation: 2,100 ft (600 m). Area: 7.44 sq mi (19.28 km²).

FAQs

Why is Hendersonville, NC famous?

Hendersonville stands out with a pedestrian-friendly downtown, distinctive hiking trails, outdoor adventure, family activities, a thriving culinary scene, and a collection of wineries, breweries, and cideries that comprise the popular Cheers! Trail. The arts are celebrated at studios and galleries on three Blue Ridge Crafts Trails and with Broadway-style shows at the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse. Agritourism plays a key role, especially from early August through the middle of October when dozens of apple orchards invite visitors to pick apples, sample fresh cider and baked goods, and enjoy activities like wagon rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple cannons. Fall is a popular time to visit Hendersonville, but in this “City of 4 Seasons,” you are sure to find activities to fill your day in winter and even on rainy days.

Is Hendersonville, NC a nice place to live?

Living in Hendersonville offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Hendersonville, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Hendersonville and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Hendersonville are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in Hendersonville, NC?

With a crime rate of 41 per one thousand residents, Hendersonville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 24. Within North Carolina, more than 90% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Hendersonville.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hendersonville

Pardee UNC Health Care 

Henderson County Parks & Recreation 

Pump House Fitness Center

EFitness Studio 

All About Fitness Center

Triple Falls Trail 

Four Waterfalls Trail

Hands On! Children's Museum

Mineral & Lapidary Museum

Henderson County Heritage Museum

Visit Hendersonville

Niche

NeighborhoodScout

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