After decades as a quiet mill town, Canton, NC has undergone a number of changes in recent years, thanks in part to new businesses and changing demographics. Visitors are drawn to the town’s historic downtown and recent business development, while new residents are attracted to the area’s affordability and quality of life.
Here are just a handful of great reasons why locals love living in Canton, NC.
Canton offers a great quality of life
Canton offers the best combination of a small-town quality of life with 21st century amenities. The town’s lower cost of living and proximity to Interstate 40 make it an affordable alternative to nearby Asheville and Waynesville. In addition, the town has invested in many recent improvements, from streetscaping to the general dynamic and look of the town. The result is a spirited community that has attracted many visitors and new residents in recent years.
Canton supports a wide range of local small businesses and dining options
As the town’s tagline states, “Canton’s open for business”! Downtown Canton is centrally located and very walkable to local shops, restaurants, and breweries. Its crown jewel is arguably the Imperial Hotel. Built in 1876, the Queen Anne building began its life as a private home and now operates as The Southern Porch restaurant. Patrons can enjoy quality service and diverse Southern fare, from fried green tomatoes to shrimp and grits.
Canton’s growing foodie scene also attracts visitors and new residents alike. BearWaters Brewery is located a quick walk from the heart of downtown along the Pigeon River. Beer aficionados and families hang out on the patio overlooking the water. Many stay for trivia, live music, or other events.
Canton is a gateway to the outdoors
Haywood County, NC, boasts the highest average elevation of any county east of the Rockies. Within the county are 18 mountains topping 6,000 feet or higher. These ridges bring snow in the winter and cooler temperatures in the summer, attracting tourists and residents for generations. The result is an extremely active outdoor recreation community that ranges from fly fishing to mountain biking to casual walks through nature. You can also access the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby, a sightseer’s and cyclist’s haven, as well as Pisgah National Forest.
The Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail connects downtown Canton to the scenic Pigeon River. Benches line the 1.5-mile trail for those looking to relax and take in the native flora or feed local wildlife. A boat ramp is available for fishing and canoeing. The park also includes tennis courts, a huge outdoor pool and a picnic area with grills.
Canton hosts many local and annual events
On Friday nights throughout the summer, the City of Canton hosts Pickin’ in the Park. Grab a lawn chair and picnic blanket. And head to the Canton Recreational Park to listen to live bluegrass and old-time bands. The Canton Labor Day Festival, which has attracted record crowds from across the region since 1906, is the oldest festival of its kind in the Southeast! Don’t miss the town during the holidays, when they stage the Canton Festival of Lights. You’ll be awed by the glow of thousands of holiday lights in celebration of the season.
Canton balances history with modern development
Canton is a snapshot of a classic mill town evolving with the 21st century. The town’s charming downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but offers a fresh face to small-town living. Historic murals dot the downtown landscape, offering interesting viewing for a stroll down Main Street. A quick stop into one of the street’s barber shops or cafes will give you a chance to rub elbows with the locals.
In 2023, Pactiv Evergreen, one of the area’s largest employers and the mill at the heart of town, announced its closure. In true Canton fashion, plans are already underway to transform the property into new development. Paired with several major flooding events since 2021, including damage from Hurricane Helene, Canton continues to rebuild and reshape itself while retaining the spirit at the core of the town.
Find your dream home in Canton, NC
Whether just visiting for the weekend or staying for life, the evolving town of Canton offers a number of culinary delights, attractions, and outdoor adventures.
Even with its many recent updates, many of the unique and beautiful bungalows once built for mill workers are still intact. Homes were built around an older style of development, with larger lots and more frontage between the streets and homes. Canton’s neighborhood sidewalk system allows people to get from their houses to downtown on foot, adding to the town’s quality of life.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home today in Canton, NC.
