LAND SEARCH – GOING UP! – September 2003

Land Value Rises With Elevation!

“Mountains In North Carolina – Why Elevation Matters”

Long-range views are the #1 most requested feature by our land buyers. If that’s one of your priorities, this edition of Land Rush may help you with your land purchase decision.

The first thing that comes to mind when asking for great views is that the property must be as high as possible to get those views. There is, however, another consideration.

If you are in the highest of the northern mountains, say at 4,000’, and are looking at 3,000’ mountains in the distance, your long-range views will be terrific. What creates the “long-range” view is the 1,000’ difference in elevations between the property and the mountains in the distance.

The same holds true when you are at 3,000’ looking at 2,000’ mountains in the distance. And again, at 2,000’ looking at 1,000’ elevations in the distance, you have the same “long-range” views. In other words, it is the elevation “difference” that creates the view.

The next question becomes, “Do you like lots of snow, bitter cold, and strong north winds?” There are many properties in Wilkes County at 2,000’- 2,400’ elevations with great views. These properties are on the south side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and thus are protected from some of the more harsh winter weather that occurs at higher elevations. Nevertheless, summer temperatures still run 10-12 degrees cooler than nearby Charlotte or Winston-Salem. Many summer mornings are at a pleasant 60-64 degrees and occasionally in the 50’s.

On the other hand, Ashe and Watauga counties contain mostly elevations over 3,000’. When winter temperatures are at 42 degrees in the 2,000’ elevations, Ashe and Watauga may be at 25 degrees with blowing snow. Incidentally, these counties also offer some very beautiful mountain land.

Beyond views and climate, price may also be a factor, as it relates to elevations. Prices for land at the 1,500’ – 2,500’ level may be in the $1,500-$3,000 per acre range while above 3,000’ prices range upwards to $4,000 – $7,000 per acre. Supply and demand is the cause with higher elevations being in greater demand.

When you are ready to begin your land search, consider all the factors mentioned above. You will have many choices, and are sure to locate just the right parcel.

 

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