Quality of Life

A sense of community that makes
sense for your family.

Whether you want to be close to the action of a bustling metropolitan area, or prefer a serene rural setting, Rutherford County has it all within reach. Take a look at the diversity of our quality of life.

EDUCATION

Public & Private Education:

From pre-school through college, being a Rutherford County and North Carolina resident offers you and your family a variety of educational opportunities for both public and private schooling. Millions of dollars have been invested in the area's 18 public schools over the past several years. This investment has helped make the learning environments for Rutherford County's 10,000 public school students among the best in the state.

Community College:

Isothermal Community College is a learning-based college with over 3,000 students attending classes at its two campuses. The school is recognized as one of the nation's top community colleges and is proving itself to be a valuable stepping-stone for students in the new knowledge-based economy.

For training and re-training opportunities of employees and new hires and adult continuing education, Isothermal is a great partner for business and the community.

Universities:

North Carolina is also home to more than fifty colleges and universities, including five state universities. Universities serving the Rutherford County area include Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Gardner Webb University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Elementary & Secondary

Rutherford County Public Schools: www.rcsnc.org
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy - A Challenge Foundation Academy: www.tjca.teamcfa.org
Lake Lure Classical Academy - A Challenge Foundation Academy: www.llca.teamcfa.org
Trinity School: www.trinityschoolnc.com

Colleges & Universities

Isothermal Community College: http://www.isothermal.edu
Western Carolina University: www.wcu.edu
Appalachian State University: www.appstate.edu
Gardner Webb University: www.gardner-webb.edu/
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: www.uncc.edu
Montreat College: www.montreat.edu
Warren Wilson College: www.warren-wilson.edu

HEALTH CARE

Rutherford Regional Health System offers excellent hospital and outpatient care, a large network of excellent physicians, and many programs to support and educate the community. Rutherford Hospital has recently been named "One of the Top 100 Hospitals" in the US. The County Health Department also provides a myriad of programs to assist, educate and support the community, ensuring total well-being. Numerous independent health facilities, including a new local VA Clinic, complete the circle, ensuring head-to-toe care for all Rutherford County citizens.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Raising a family and running a business where one feels safe and protected should be a critical decision point. In Rutherford County, you can rest easy that crime is not as major a concern as it is in other parts of the country. The county's comprehensive Fire, Sheriff and Emergency Response services offer citizens superior levels of protection and prompt service.

HOUSING

Enjoying the scenery of Rutherford County is one thing. Being able to live in it and experience the pastoral living the area offers is something completely different. The area offers a fine array of land and housing, from traditional to contemporary. With a median value of owner-occupied homes of around $90,200, the area is not only desirable, but affordable, which is not an easy to balance to find.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Performing arts, museums and quaint villages offer everything from antiques to fine local crafts. Whatever your desire, it's all right in here or near Rutherford County. Here's just a sample of what you'll find:

For more, log onto www.rutherfordtourism.com for a comprehensive view of the cultural and entertainment amenities the area has to offer.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Nature is the foremost attraction in the county. Walking and hiking trails abound, especially in the shadow of Chimney Rock Park. Camping, kayaking, boating, fishing world-class trout streams, gem mining, or picnicking near a rushing waterfall are all great pastimes for residents and visitors alike. Be sure to check out the Rutherford County Outdoor Coalition for more information.

Is golf your game? Rutherford County features seven challenging courses for you to go swinging. Maybe you and your family would prefer a pleasant horseback ride along a meandering trail...There are resorts and stables ready to accommodate your wish!

Shopping ranges from modern malls to quaint antique shops and hidden treasure collectible and crafts shops. And the dining experiences that await you vary from local and regional fare, to international cuisine.

Still looking for more? Night life and casinos on the Cherokee Indian reservation west of Asheville is just a couple of hours away. And of course there is the nearby Biltmore Estate, recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the nation's top destinations for its splendor, art and antiques, and its incredible winery.

Speaking of wine...The area is quickly expanding to become a popular destination for wineries, many of which are open for tours and tastings

Got a need for speed? An hour's drive east will take to you NASCAR's Lowe's Motor Speedway and the Nascar Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Twice a year, fans from all over the country flock to this speedway to cheer for their favorite drivers.

The US National Whitewater Center, is located just an hour away. The center is the world's premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center offering activities such as rafting, maountain biking, running trails, rock climbing, and a zip line.

There are endless recreational opportunities in Rutherford County. Go to www.rutherfordtourism.com for a comprehensive view of the recreational amenities the area has to offer.

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