Burke County, North Carolina is more than a great place to do business. It’s a delightfully wonderful place to live, with a comfortable pace, scenic surroundings, friendly people, and plenty to do. That’s why companies and workers alike are drawn to our county’s communities and why they choose to stay.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE
Our area’s low cost of living, easy-going lifestyle, and outstanding K-12 and postsecondary schools attract families to local communities. Residents also have the peace of mind that comes with having high-quality healthcare in every stage of life. UNC Health Blue Ridge, our largest healthcare provider, delivers a wide range of patient-centered care in two hospitals and multiple locations throughout the county.
SO MUCH TO DO
Life in Burke County may be relaxing, but it’s never dull. Local residents enjoy our vibrant downtown areas, where they’ll find the kind of dining, craft breweries and distilleries, and unique local shops you’d normally see in large cities. Our communities proudly host a variety of festivals and other events that draw attendees from far and wide. Looking for big-city experiences like Broadway tours, professional sports, and auto racing? Charlotte is just 60 minutes away — and Asheville’s storied Biltmore estate is within an hour’s drive.
SPECTACULAR SCENERY
Burke County has come to be known as Nature’s Playground for good reason. We’re surrounded by natural beauty in every season and have so many opportunities to spend time enjoying it. For example, there’s Morganton’s Catawba River Greenway, with nearly four miles of paved trail winding along the river’s course through lush woods and open fields. Whether you want to walk, fish, or launch a kayak, you’re in the right place.
Enjoy open water? Lake James offers 6,812 acres of it, along with more than 25 miles of beautiful trails. South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs in Burke County, is North Carolina’s largest state park, spread across more than 20,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains and crisscrossed by 17 different hiking trails, including a path to stunning High Shoals Falls. You’ll also find hundreds of miles of trails, whitewater rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest. We’re also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.
THOUGHTFUL COMMUNITIES
Local officials have planned carefully to enhance nature’s beauty and the enjoyment of residents with projects that bring even more quality to life. For example, the new Valdese Park will offer a variety of amenities for outdoor enthusiasts including a walking trail with a wildlife viewing platform, a kayak launch, a dog park, and picnic area. Our county is also working with the state to develop the Fonta Flora State Trail, which will eventually connect downtown Morganton with Asheville.
