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Waynesville, NC

Frequently asked questions

Waynesville, NC

Waynesville is the county seat of Haywood County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest town in North Carolina west of Asheville. Waynesville is located about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Asheville between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains.

As of the 2010 census, Waynesville had a population of 9,869. The town is located just outside the Pisgah National Forest and is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Waynesville and Haywood County are part of the four-county Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area, currently the fifth largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. It is the third largest town in the MSA behind the cities of Asheville and Hendersonville.

Waynesville is located southwest of the center of Haywood County in the valley of Richland Creek, a tributary of the Pigeon River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.9 square miles (23.1 km²), all land.

The town of Waynesville was founded in 1810 by Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier. He donated land for the courthouse, jail, and public square, and named the town after his former commander in the war, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne.

The Boone-Withers House, Citizens Bank and Trust Company Building, Former, Francis Grist Mill, Frog Level Historic District, Haywood County Courthouse, Alden and Thomasene Howell House, Masonic Hall, Charles and Annie Quinlan House, Clyde H. Ray Sr. House, Frank Smathers House, Spread Out Historic District, Waynesville Municipal Building, Dr. J. Howell Way House, and Waynesville Main Street Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Waynesville was incorporated as a town in 1871. In July 1995, the towns of Hazelwood and Waynesville merged into one community and continued to grow with a population today of over 10,000.

Waynesville was the scene of the last and perhaps most unusual skirmish in the eastern theater of the American Civil War. On May 6, 1865, Union Colonel William C. Bartlett's 2nd North Carolina (Federal) Mounted Infantry were attacked at White Sulphur Springs (east of Waynesville) by a detachment of rebels from Thomas' Legion of Highlanders, who had been summoned by locals.

East of the Mississippi, Thomas' Legion fired "The Last Shot" of the Civil War in White Sulphur Springs, North Carolina. The Legion consisted of Cherokee and White soldiers. Some of these soldiers had served under Jubal A. Early during the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns of 1864, but had been sent back to their native North Carolina mountains to engage in guerrilla warfare against the remaining Union forces.

The health and wellness of the Waynesville community are supported by the presence of the Haywood Regional Medical Center, a crucial healthcare provider offering comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department 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 SmartFit Gym, Haywood Sports and Fitness, and 2311 Community Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Waynesville, such as the Waterrock Knob Trail and Ferguson Cabin Trail Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Waynesville, NC are Folkmoot USA, Haywood Arts Regional Theater (HART), and Twigs & Leaves Gallery.

Population: 10,709 (2024). ZIP codes: 28738, 28785, 28786. Area code: 828. Elevation: 2,697 ft (822 m). Area: 8.94 sq mi (23.14 km²).

FAQs

What is Waynesville, NC, known for?

Waynesville, North Carolina, is the largest town in Western North Carolina and is a short drive from Asheville. Downtown Waynesville has a quaint, urban charm, perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and gift shops for artisan goods. For visitors interested in enjoying a unique, flavorful Appalachian experience, Waynesville offers a vibrant farm-to-table restaurant and craft beer scene. Its proximity to popular hiking trails and waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway make it a perfect vacation destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors. 

Is Waynesville, NC, a good place to live?

Living in Waynesville offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Waynesville and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Waynesville are above average.

Is Waynesville, NC expensive to live in?

Waynesville, North Carolina's cost of living is 6% lower than the national average. Waynesville's housing expenses are 19% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 9% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 2% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Waynesville

Haywood Regional Medical Center

Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department 

SmartFit Gym

Haywood Sports and Fitness 

2311 Community Fitness

Waterrock Knob Trail 

Ferguson Cabin Trail Loop

Folkmoot USA

Haywood Arts Regional Theater (HART)

Twigs & Leaves Gallery

Visitncsmokies

Niche

Payscale

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