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Murphy, North Carolina, was listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 10 places in the US to buy a second home. It is the only location (other than beach resort Venice, Fla.) in the whole southeast United States on the list of top ten developing markets for second homes.

Murphy is a charming small town (population 1,568 in the 2000 census,) nestled at the most western tip of North Carolina, on the quiet side of the Great Smoky Mountains, just a one and a half to two hour drive from Asheville, Atlanta and Chattanooga. Murphy is the county seat of Cherokee County with the distinction of being known as both the first and last town in North Carolina, depending on which way you’re going – the Georgia and Tennessee borders are close by.

This is a land of rolling terrain, mountain peaks and quiet valleys, sparkling lakes and cool clear streams flowing gently down the ridges. There are farms and forests – nearly a third of the county is U.S. Forest Service land with another 6,000 acres Indian land. The mountains meet the sky in Cherokee County at elevations ranging from 5,149 feet (near Tusquitee Bald at Fires Creek) to 1,170 feet, (where Appalachia Lake crosses into Tennessee.) Beautiful mountain roadways ascend into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby.

Ten miles from Murphy, Majestic Mountain offers a private enclave of rural home sites. Owning a vacation retreat here opens up a whole new world of serene surroundings, a leisurely pace of life and a multitude of outdoor pursuits. A short drive takes you to inviting small towns where you can stroll unspoiled main streets, browse antique shops and hunt for treasures at craft shows and flea markets. There are historical museums and gardens to visit, regional fairs and festivals to enjoy and the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee Indians to experience. Dining out is a favorite with a range of casual restaurants to tempt the appetite with regional and ethnic food.