Watauga County, North Carolina
Where Mountains Meet Innovation
The High Country's modern mountain community: Outdoor adventure. Academic excellence. Economic opportunity.
Watauga County By the Numbers
A snapshot of what makes the High Country special.
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University Students
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Elevation
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Miles of Trails
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Air Quality Rating
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To Charlotte
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Breweries & Distilleries
A place where you can build a life, not just a career.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Watauga County offers something rare: a thriving economy surrounded by world-class natural beauty. Home to Appalachian State University, a growing tech and outdoor industry ecosystem, and communities that welcome newcomers with open arms.
56,000+
County residents
20,000+
University students
100+
Miles of trails
#1
NC mountain county
Explore & Visit
Discover the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture.
Plan Your VisitLive & Work
Experience mountain living with modern amenities and tight-knit community.
Learn About Living HereGrow & Invest
Access talented workforce, business resources, and economic incentives.
Explore OpportunitiesIndustries That Thrive Here
Watauga County's unique combination of natural assets, university talent, and quality of life supports diverse industries.
Outdoor Industry & Recreation
A natural hub for outdoor brands, gear companies, and recreation businesses. Access to trails, rivers, and ski resorts right outside your door.
Learn moreTechnology & Remote Work
High-speed broadband, an educated workforce from App State, and a quality of life that attracts top talent. The perfect remote work destination.
Learn moreEducation & Research
Appalachian State University drives innovation with 20,000+ students, cutting-edge research centers, and a pipeline of skilled graduates.
Learn moreTourism & Hospitality
Year-round tourism fueled by the Blue Ridge Parkway, ski resorts, fall foliage, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Learn moreArts & Craft Manufacturing
Deep Appalachian craft heritage meets contemporary creativity. A thriving community of artisans, makers, and creative businesses.
Learn moreHealth & Wellness
Clean mountain air, active outdoor lifestyle, and growing healthcare infrastructure. An ideal environment for wellness-focused businesses.
Learn moreWhy Businesses Choose the High Country
What local business leaders say about growing their companies in Watauga County.
Moving our company to Boone gave us direct access to App State graduates, proximity to the outdoor spaces that inspire our products, and a business community that genuinely supports growth.
— Outdoor Industry CEO
Outdoor Recreation
As a distributed tech team, we needed a place where talent actually wants to live. The broadband infrastructure and quality of life here have made recruiting easier than it ever was in a metro area.
— Tech Startup Founder
Technology
The EDC connected us with site selection resources, workforce training programs, and local partnerships. Three years in, we've doubled our team and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
— Manufacturing Operations Director
Advanced Manufacturing
Explore Watauga County
From the university town of Boone to the ski slopes of Sugar Mountain, discover what each community has to offer.
Boone
Home to Appalachian State University and the cultural heart of the High Country. A walkable downtown with restaurants, galleries, and live music.
20,000+ university students
Blowing Rock
A charming resort village with upscale shopping, fine dining, and sweeping views from the Blowing Rock attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway gateway
Valle Crucis
A pastoral valley known for the historic Mast General Store, organic farms, fly fishing on the Watauga River, and a deep Appalachian heritage.
Historic Mast General Store
Sugar Mountain
Eastern America's largest ski resort area with year-round recreation including skiing, ice skating, golf, and mountain biking trails.
Largest ski area in the Southeast
Seven Devils
A quiet mountain community at 4,000+ feet elevation with stunning views, hiking access, and proximity to Grandfather Mountain and Hawksbill.
4,000+ feet elevation
Ready to Discover Watauga County?
Whether you're looking to grow your business, find your next home, or plan an unforgettable mountain adventure — we're here to help.