ABOUT HENDERSONVILLE
Hendersonville has a population of about 12,000. The city is located on an intermountain plateau and is surrounded by mountain ranges, isolated peaks, rolling plateaus and level valley areas. The county borders the Blue Ridge Mountains and South Carolina on the South, Buncombe County on the North side, Rutherford and Polk County on the East and Transylvania County to the West.
HENDERSONVILLE HISTORY
Hendersonville has a rich history. The area was a Cherokee hunting ground. In the 1780’s, Revolutionary War soldier William Mills received one of the first land grants West of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The early settlers grew corn, wheat, rye and potatoes. William Mills and those first settlers planted hundreds of fruit trees and Henderson County now leads the State of North Carolina in apple production.
Hendersonville and Henderson County’s namesake was the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Judge Leonard Henderson. The village received its charter from the General Assembly in 1847. The original charter stated that five commissioners were to be elected at once as the town’s governing body. Soon the commission appointed a town constable who was also responsible for collecting the city taxes. The First Baptist Church was the first organized church within the city limits and first held services at the courthouse until 1848 when the city deeded a lot to the church.
Hendersonville quickly became a popular summer vacation destination because its elevation provides a cool escape from the sweltering heat of the lowlands. This created a tourism based economy that has held up throughout the years. Today’s the economy is based also on manufacturing, agriculture and retirement.
REAL ESTATE
Average housing costs are from $130’s for a 2 bedroom house up to the $330’s for a 4 bedroom home. The average 2 bedroom condo is in the $160 range.
SCHOOLS
Henderson County is home to 12 elementary, 4 public middle, 4 public high schools and numerous private schools for more information about schools visit our Hendersonville Schools page.
ATTRACTIONS & RECREATION
There is so much to see and do in the area! The Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nearby Biltmore Estate, DuPont State Forest, Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, the Mineral Museum, Hands On Children's Gallery and so much more!
Downtown Hendersonville is on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district is the heart of the cultural community and offers traditional southern hometown charm. Downtown is home to specialty shops, antique stores and restaurants and hosts many activities including the NC Apple Festival, art shows, an antique show, car shows, and parades throughout the year. |