The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 28692 sells for about $649,500, or $265 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $958 a month.
ZIP 28692 — Vilas
The market in 28692 is characterized by low inventory and high demand for mountain properties, driving prices upward. While sales volume remains modest due to limited supply, the area continues to attract buyers seeking lifestyle changes, keeping the market stable despite broader economic headwinds.
This area is best suited for nature enthusiasts, retirees seeking a mountain lifestyle, and those who prefer a rural, scenic environment over urban density.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 9.1 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 6.1% · poverty 13.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 12.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 28692, Watauga County NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Schools serving the area are primarily part of the Watauga County Schools system, which generally maintains a positive reputation within the region.
The area is subject to mountainous terrain risks, including potential for flash flooding in low-lying areas and wildfire risks common to the Appalachian region.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Appalachian State University in nearby Boone.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level by Watauga County, with additional municipal or fire district levies depending on specific parcel location.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling toward Boone for employment, education, and essential services.
The area offers extensive access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and scenic mountain landscapes.
The rental market is influenced by seasonal tourism and demand from university students, leading to limited long-term inventory.
The local economy is heavily anchored by tourism, hospitality, and the educational sector centered in nearby Boone.
Development is largely constrained by mountainous topography and local zoning aimed at preserving rural character.
Parcels are subject to Watauga County property taxes and various rural fire protection district levies.
Insurance premiums are impacted by wildfire risk and the mountainous terrain, requiring specialized coverage in some areas.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides world-class hiking and scenic driving access.
A popular local park featuring walking paths and river access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.