High Country Real Estate Market Posts 191 Closed Sales in August, $492,000 Median Price

September 21, 2026 - 20:55

The High Country real estate market recorded 191 closed sales of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses in August 2026, generating a combined closing total of $142.9 million across Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.

The median sales price for the four-county region settled at $492,000 for the month. The figures reflect continued activity in a mountain market that draws buyers seeking second homes, retirement properties, and primary residences near outdoor recreation areas.

Inventory levels and mortgage rates remain key factors shaping buyer behavior in the region. Local agents note that well-priced properties in desirable locations continue to move, though the pace varies by county and price range. Watauga County, home to Boone and Appalachian State University, typically accounts for a large share of transactions, while Avery and Ashe counties attract buyers looking for lake access and mountain views.

The August numbers offer a snapshot of a market that has cooled from the frenzied pace of recent years but still shows steady demand. Sellers who price realistically and prepare their homes for showings are finding buyers, while overpriced listings tend to sit longer than they did during the peak.