Waynesville, NC was the scene of the last battle in the eastern theater of the Civil War. In 1865, Union soldiers were attacked by rebels summoned for help by locals. The Union soldiers retreated into Waynesville, and were surrounded by rebel soldiers, who lit bonfires around the town in an effort to intimidate them. The following day the Confederate commanders surrendered, having learned that the Confederacy had surrendered to the North.
Maybe it was the mountain air that gave the rebels the confidence they needed for such a bold move. Since the Civil War, life in the Appalachians has changed quite a bit. There is something special about living in the mountains. The people are nicer, the air seems cleaner, and everywhere you look, you're surrounded by beauty. Waynesville is nestled 2,700 feet above sea level, in a valley of 6,000-feet tall mountains. It's hard to escape the mountains when you're sitting at the base of them. The 9,869 people who live in the town would probably agree. From any rental house, there's a tremendous view.
Moving to Waynesville
When to Rent
If you're planning to find rental properties in Waynesville, the best time to look is when spring is blooming, since many people from the north own homes here for the winter months. When spring hits, the snowbirds generally go back to their northern climate, and rent their winter homes to full-time Southerners. April is the perfect month to find condo rentals to call home.
What You Need
Landlords, management agencies and sub-letters generally require the first and last months' rent up front, and some will also ask for a security deposit. Waynesville is a dog-friendly town, and where pets are allowed, leasing agents almost always add an additional fee to each month's rent. Renters will need to provide proof of employment to move in to most rental houses.
Neighborhoods
Waynesville boasts a very low crime rate, and was named one of Sperling's safest cities to live in. Most of its neighborhoods center around historical areas and subdivisions.
Downtown: The most walkable section of the city, and the hub of activity. Downtown is an ideal place to find housing for rent when it's available, since living there puts you in the heart of the action. Easily walk or drive to numerous restaurants, stores, galleries and cafes.
Frog Level: A creek flooded in this section of town, hence this portion was mostly at frog level. Although it was once considered an unsavory part of town, recent efforts to revitalize the historical district have improved things.
Lake Junaluska: Condominiums, cottages and homes mix in this neighborhood along the lake. One Love Japanese Restaurant and Underwood's Family Restaurant is in this area.
Hazelwood: A former town that Waynesville annexed in 1995, long-time residents still call the area Hazelwood in its honor.
Laurel Ridge: The upscale homes here are close to the Laurel Ridge Country Club, and have access to the golf course, pool and tennis courts.
Top Communities in Waynesville
Smoky Mountain Sanctuary: A gated community that features a recreation area, a pond, tennis courts and underground utilities. Chef's Table, The Sweet Onion and Bogarts Restaurant & Tavern are nearby.
Junaluska Highlands: Another gated community that sits up high in the mountains. Great views of the lake and mountains are highlights of the large lots in this subdivision.
Life in Waynesville
Like many towns in western North Carolina, Waynesville has a classically quaint Main Street downtown that is home to independent stores and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to search for apartments with character and history. Any time of the year, it's host to events and festivals, most notably the Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration and Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's international music and dance festival.
The Outdoors Rule
For a small town (although it is the third biggest in western North Carolina), Waynesville has a lot to offer its residents. If outdoor adventures are what you're after, you really don't need to look any farther. The town is in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, parts of it are in Pisgah National Forest, and it can be found off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, ziplining and backpacking.
The sights to see are numerous, as well. Some of the country's most impressive views can be found from the tops of several mountains, and some of the largest waterfalls on the eastern side of the U.S. are within the woods.
The Annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration features demonstrations, traditional crafts, displays about life in the mountains, authors, artists and musicians who make their living in the mountains. Food vendors serve traditional Appalachian food, and clog dancing, blacksmithing, weaving, leatherworking, butter churning and other traditional activities are on display. If you're not originally from this part of the mountains, you'll sure feel like a native after a few hours at the festival.
Every spring, the Haywood Historic Farmers Market opens for business in downtown Waynesville. It features fresh products and produce from Appalachian farmers and local producers of just about any food you can think of. The farm-to-table movement is very big in western North Carolina.
The Great Indoors
If you're more interested in staying on level land, Waynesville features many shops and restaurants. The Haywood Arts Regional Theater features fabulous plays and musicals. Bed and breakfasts and inns are plentiful in the town, as well. A unique movie going experience can be had at The Strand Theatre, an old-timey movie theater experience with a lounge area, locally made sodas, organic popcorn and natural and vegan ice cream available from a local ice cream shop. Live music is featured on the weekends. Enjoy wine tastings at the Classic Wineseller, a wine and craft beer shop that also has a small plate restaurant. Live music is also on tap. The Waynesville Inn Golf and Resort Spa features a 27-hole championship golf course to satisfy your less-adventurous outdoor needs.
Another bonus to finding an apartment to rent in Waynesville is that it is close to other destinations in the region. Cherokee, NC is home to a Cherokee Indian Reservation and a Harrah's Casino. A 30-minute drive will take you to the artsy, mid-sized city of Asheville, NC Waynesville's location also puts you close to Western Carolina University, as well as the University of North Carolina Asheville campus.
