Murphy NC is a growing community with small town charm

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By johndilbeck

Murphy, NC is a great place to live, visit, or raise a family

Murphy, NC 28906 is a small town that is conveniently located about 100 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia; about 100 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina; and about 100 miles east of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

We enjoy the scenic splendor of the southern Appalachian mountains along with convenient access to the shopping, attractions, and events in the cities that surround us.

There are numerous rivers and lakes in our area and you can find many types of outdoor recreation opportunities that include hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, hunting, river sports, or just relaxing in a rental cabin, motel, or bed and breakfast as you destress from your city life.

If you want to be left alone to read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or just enjoy the sounds of nature, there are many places to do just that.

For those with more active interests, the Nantahala River is a few miles to our east and is one of the more popular places to canoe, kayak, and raft. Many thousands of people from surrounding communities and cities enjoy the Nantahala every summer, and some of the dedicated "River Rats" can be found on the river just about every day.

To our west, just over the state line in Tennessee, you'll find the Ocoee River. This river is more of a challenge than the Nantahala, and was the whitewater venue for the Atlanta Olympics a few years ago.

Prices for land and homes are still relatively low, although they have climbed quite a bit over the last couple of decades. For those of us who have lived here a long time, the prices seem outrageously high. For folks moving into the area, they often seem rather inexpensive. Everything is relative.

Murphy, NC, is the county seat of Cherokee County, North Carolina. The other town in the county is Andrews, NC. There are numerous communities located throughout our area.

If you want big city adventure all the time, Murphy is not for you.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, good neighbors, a friendly atmosphere, and a more laid-back lifestyle, you should be able to find what you're seeking.

It can be difficult to earn a living in the area, however. If you are retired, already have a pension, are independently wealthy, or have other ways to earn a living rather than working on a job, this can be a great place to live.

A few years ago, Murphy, NC, was named as one of the top 10 places in the United States to have a second home.

All isn't perfect, however. As more people move into our area, we are seeing some increase in crime, but it is still far below what you'll find in many areas. Some of our neighbors still don't feel the need to lock their doors or cars.

In the 23 years I've lived here, I've encountered no crime at all. That's more than I can say for the other places I've lived.

You won't learn all there is to know about Murphy and Cherokee County from this hub, but maybe it will pique your interest and encourage you to learn more about our beautiful little corner of the Earth.

I wasn't born here, but I got here as soon as I could.

Local news from the Cherokee Scout

  • Top grads making graduation lot cooler

        Hiwassee Dam – The honors students at Hiwassee Dam High School – valedictorian Emily Figueroa, salutatorian Drew Fowler and vocational honors student Fabi Jimenez – will find time to savor their last days as seniors and put the finishing touches on their speeches, but their first priority is making sure their friends and family are comfortable at commencement exercises. - 30 hours ago

  • County wants to fix river polluters

        Murphy – Cherokee County is seeking grants to correct the 39 worst septic systems that are polluting the Valley River. - 30 hours ago

  • Commissioners funding half of community center projects

        Murphy – The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners is setting a precedent of funding about half of the capital needs of the county’s community centers. - 30 hours ago

  • Crosses memorialize war dead

        Murphy  –  A silent crowd of about 200 people stood in the hot, late morning sun Monday facing 117 crosses and a memorial to those from Cherokee County who have died in the nation’s wars. - 30 hours ago

  • Newspapers in classrooms inform, entertain students

        The Generation Z demographic is absorbing more local news through the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal now that the Newspapers In Education program is supplying free weekly access to what’s happening across Cherokee County. - 30 hours ago

Information about Murphy, NC businesses

  • Announcing the Murphy Nuggets newsletter

    The first issue of our new monthly Murphy Nuggets newsletter was published this morning and sent to our subscribers. I talked about it a bit more on Murphy Connections… The first issue of Murphy Nuggets is online I hope you will take look and subscribe. We intend to make Murphy Nuggets informative, entertaining, and useful. And, it’s [...] - 6 weeks ago

  • Free Movie at the Henn Theatre, Valentines Day only!

    Bill Grove, the owner of the Henn Theatre, has announced a - 3 months ago

  • Parker’s Drug Store is new at Murphy Gold

    While Parker’s Drug Store is the newest business to be added to MurphyGold.com, it is not a new business in Murphy, NC. I was talking to Tony Godfrey about this a couple of days ago, and he showed me two photos that are posted near the pharmacy in the downtown store. One shows Parker’s Drugs in [...] - 3 months ago

  • WKRK Radio is newest member at MurphyGold.com

    Welcome to Tim Radford and WKRK Radio, the newest members of Murphy Gold. WKRK provides a valuable service to our community. Where do we turn when we want the latest information about severe weather, hazardous road conditions, school and business closings and delays, news, sports, and more? WKRK Radio, that’s where. In addition to providing a great [...] - 4 months ago

  • New at Images By Courtnie - Stacy S. Howard

    Dena Howard, owner and lead photographer at Images By Courtnie Photography, in downtown Murphy, NC, has announced that she has selected Stacy S. Howard as the new portrait design consultant. You can see the full announcement on Murphy Connections. Stacy will be the new contact for all viewing, purchasing, and reordering of prints, images, décor, and [...] - 8 months ago

  • Images By Courtnie Photography has moved

    Dena Howard, owner of Images By Courtnie Photography, announced that she has moved to a new location. Her new studio is located in the heart of downtown Murphy, NC above Parker’s Drug Store. The new address is 13 Peachtree Street, and you can get to her studio by going to the pocket park to the [...] - 12 months ago

  • John Poltrock recommends Joanna Kraus

    Joanna Kraus - Stucco House Coffee Roasters If you’re looking for a good cup’o'joe in Murphy, NC, there’s no better place than the Stucco House. Every time you arrive, you’re cheerfully greeted and handed a wonderful cup of coffee - or anything else you care to order up. Their coffee is delicious and more welcoming than [...] - 12 months ago

  • Sherri Warren recommends Karen Hopple

    Karen Hopple - Bless My Stitches Karen and her staff are great with teaching quilting and she also has good quality inventory to make sure your quilts turn out wonderful. If you like quilting or would like to give it a try, Bless My Stitches is the place to go. They are located at 43 Tennessee [...] - 2 years ago

We recommend these Murphy Gold Businesses

  • May 30, Penny Johnson Interview 2012

    Penny Johnson was interviewed by Murphy Gold in May, 2012. Penny shared some of her thoughts about the Murphy Art Walk, arts in the Murphy, NC area, and some of the things she enjoys doing, including - 14 hours ago

  • May 18, ShoeBooties Cafe - Lobster Bisque special offer for May 18, 2012

    It's simple. The first three people to walk up to Nancy (the beautiful hostess at the entrance of ShoeBooties Cafe) and say, "John Dilbeck says that lobster bisque is super yummy!" will get a free cup of lobster bisque. Today only. If you get there after it sells out, then you miss the offer. There are no rain checks. If you snooze, you lose. (ShoeBooties Cafe is a Murphy Gold business. You get more for your money at MurphyGold.com.) - 12 days ago

  • May 9, Poltrock Team - Real Estate in Murphy NC

    The Poltrock Team - John and Jessica Poltrock have over ten years of experience helping people like you buy and sell real estate in, and around, Murphy, NC. - 3 weeks ago

  • May 3, Images By Courtnie {Our Art, Your Home} Contest

    Win a FREE 11x14 Wall Portrait in the new {Our Art, Your Home} Contest! All you need to do is upload (on your Facebook profile page) an image of one of our Wall Portraits hanging or displayed in your home or business and tag @Images By Courtnie in it. Then come to our page and click on the Win an 11x14 Wall Portrait tab at the top of our page to record your entry. Easy Peasy and good luck! We will choose one winner and one runner-up (who will win a free gift print) per quarter Please read contest rules ~ This contest is open only to clients of Images By Courtnie Photography who purchased from us in the past. The winner may choose an image from a previous session or a new session. - 3 weeks ago

  • Apr 12, WKRK Radio - Classic Country in Murphy, NC at 1320 AM

    WKRK (1320 AM) is a radio station broadcasting a Classic Country format in addition to Southern Gospel music in Murphy, NC. - 6 weeks ago

  • Apr 10, Images By Courtnie Photography introduces {COUTURE BABY} Smash the Cake Sessions!

    Images By Courtnie Photography, in downtown Murphy, NC, has announced their new {COUTURE BABY} Smash the Cake Sessions! featuring cakes by Sweet T's Cakery. $100 per session, and includes: Your choice of boy or girl cake (custom color), 1 hour portrait session, 20-35 digital proofs, and one gift print of your choice of poses. Contact Dena Howard at 828-361-3877 for more information or to schedule your session. - 7 weeks ago

  • Apr 10, Top Tips

    Top Tips - Useful tips, hints, and suggestions that can save you time, trouble, hassles, and money. These tips are provided by local people in Murphy, NC. - 7 weeks ago

  • Apr 9, Laser Printer Cleaning - Top Tips

    Laser Printer Cleaning - Here are some useful tips on things that you should not do when cleaning your laser printer or toner-based copier. - 7 weeks ago

Photos of Murphy NC

Looking east along Valley River Avenue from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. That's the Methodist Church in the background. Continue driving on this street and you'll eventually end up on the four-lane highway that leads to Andrews, NC,
Looking east along Valley River Avenue from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. That's the Methodist Church in the background. Continue driving on this street and you'll eventually end up on the four-lane highway that leads to Andrews, NC,
Looking north along Tennessee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. Continuing up this road will take you into the mountains and eventually the road turns into a gravel road that goes into Tennessee.
Looking north along Tennessee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. Continuing up this road will take you into the mountains and eventually the road turns into a gravel road that goes into Tennessee.
Looking south along Peachtree Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. In the background, you can see the Cherokee County courthouse. Continue down this street a few miles and you'll find the Murphy Medical Center and Tri-County Comm
Looking south along Peachtree Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. In the background, you can see the Cherokee County courthouse. Continue down this street a few miles and you'll find the Murphy Medical Center and Tri-County Comm
Looking west along Hiwassee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. At the bottom of the hill, the street crosses the Hiwassee River. If you continue to the west, you'll take the four-lane highway that leads to Tennessee. Chattanoog
Looking west along Hiwassee Street from the main intersection in downtown Murphy, NC. At the bottom of the hill, the street crosses the Hiwassee River. If you continue to the west, you'll take the four-lane highway that leads to Tennessee. Chattanoog

Comments

johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck Hub Author 4 years ago

I enjoy telling others about Murphy, NC, and the surrounding area. When I was younger, I travelled this area with a canoe on my truck and spent many happy days hiking, camping, and canoeing.

Now that I'm a full-time caretaker for Mom, I stay home all the time and the Internet is my window on the world.

When I lived in Atlanta over 30 years ago, I dreamed of living in western North Carolina and now I'm living that dream.

It's not for everyone, but it's perfect for me.

Act on your dream!

JD

Marian 4 years ago

Our cabin rentals are 35 minutes from Murphy. We stay at our Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals for sometimes a month at a time. With 2 of my 3 sons with me, I have to keep them busy. We take turns going to the Ellijay Walmart or Murphy NC Walmart. When we visit Murphy, we have to stop at the Downtown Pizza Company, which serves absolutely delicious pizza and desserts. I was amazed our trip in March 2008, to see that there was an Exercise Building that has an indoor pool. I wish we could have dropped in for a swim. It may be open just to the local residents though. Murphy NC is a beautiful, small, quaint little town with gorgeous mountain views all around. There are many, many different types of stores and shopping to do along 64 East or is it 68 East? I know how to get there by memory, and sometimes I get the highway numbers mixed up, but no matter how you get to Murphy NC, you won't be disappointed.

johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck Hub Author 4 years ago

Hi Marian,

I agree with you about Downtown Pizza. I love eating there.

The new pool is open to everyone and I believe they have day rates, but don't know for sure. It has been a great addition to our community.

You're right about the stores and shopping on US 64 East.

I'm happy to hear that you enjoy visiting our community.

All the best,

JD

julieannevanzyl profile image

julieannevanzyl 4 years ago

What a beautiful story about Murphy. I'll drop by if I'm ever in the area. Although, it's a long way from me, over here in Australia:-)

johndilbeck profile image

johndilbeck Hub Author 4 years ago

Hi Julieanne,

I'm sure you'd enjoy it here. I know of your love of nature, but you probably would be disappointed in the scuba diving prospects.

You never know where you'll go!

I'm still thinking about visiting Australia one day.

It's great hearing from you.

JD

robert owens . 3 years ago

looking for christy merrell last known address was yellow pine drive murphy .

DonnaCSmith profile image

DonnaCSmith Level 1 Commenter 3 years ago

I love finding fellow North Carolinians here at hubpages. Enjoyed your description of Murphy. I haven't been to the mountains in a long time, this makes me want to take a vaction;

Putz Ballard profile image

Putz Ballard 2 years ago

Murphy is a nice town, my son and I came over and played some music for a retrired car salesman who was in a convalscent facility. We had a great time. We have friends down the road in Andrews, James Bryan, a school teacher and Kenneth Morgan, his ex fathr-in-law. Kennth became interseted in building fiddles and I have one of his earlier one.

Robert Ballard

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