Here’s an article I wrote for the Cherokee Scout (Murphy NC’s local newspaper) and is scheduled to be published in their next edition of their magazine, Country Roads. I hope you enjoy! 🙂

No matter where you look, it seems as though there is constant bad news… a new prospect of disaster throughout the World. Whether it is the Greek debt crisis, the threat of rising fuel costs, Iranian nuclear testing, US debt, you name it.  There’s something on every horizon that leads to an uncertain future that seems to grow at an almost exponential rate.

It seems that no matter what news makes you most uncomfortable, one thing is certainly true: human nature generally seeks stability and reliability. When I look through the news to find out what is happening in other areas even just within the United States, there are natural disasters that decimate entire towns – hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, and so many other events that quite simply are scary. Destruction of property, loss of life, and years to rebuild are imminent. Combined with crime that plagues other areas, I must say we are blessed to live in one of the greatest areas of the United States.

Every day I drive through the streets of Murphy and count blessings. We generally don’t have major natural disasters – and you can usually tell that on your home insurance! Instead of thousands of dollars that many from other areas pay, it’s generally in the hundreds range. On every corner you see someone you know… a neighbor, a friend, a family member. When you park your car, you can rest easy knowing it won’t be on blocks when you come back. We truly live in a wonderful place!

It’s a blessing to be able to help share our area with folks. People come from far and wide to vacation, retire, get away, camp, and celebrate here with us. It’s always amazing to be showing homes to someone not from here and learn the reason of what brings them to Murphy in the first place. Over the years, I’ve heard many different reasons.  So here are couple stories I’ll share with you showing that things remain constant in Murphy.

I’ve talked to many folks who would come up over the summer to Bear Paw as a kid with their parents. They would fish on the lake, swim at the pool, play tennis, and surely chase the long lost summer love. A couple decades later, they return here to keep those memories alive with their spouse and give the opportunity for their kids to create their own memories.

Weather is a constant hot topic. Being in the Westernmost corner of North Carolina certainly has its advantages. Folks who want to be able to enjoy the four seasons without major heat or cold extremes find Murphy to be the best spot. Not only do we have great seasons and temperatures, the Western mountains bypass many heavy storms to the North and South of us. I even spoke with a gentleman who told me they settled here simply because those mountains not only diverted storms, but air pollution too. He said that gave us far better air quality than many other places.

One of the most unique and medically interesting reasons I have heard is some doctors are apparently saying that Murphy is a great place for those diagnosed with MS (Multiple Schleoris). I have spoken with a couple people now who have been diagnosed with it who swear that moving to Murphy was one of the best things they ever did. The combination of a variety of factors we have has even caused their disease to reverse and made them get better. I certainly cannot explain it, yet it apparently is a huge reason for those with the disease to come to the area.

Water – yes water is always a favorite in the mountains. Creeks, rivers, Lake Hiwassee, or the fishing and sports that come from them, water is a constant favorite. There’s nothing like water crashing over a rocky creek bed, a boat on the lake, or a kayak on a river to soothe your soul.

Being a Realtor, one aspect of Murphy that makes me proud is the fact that we have the greatest real estate values in the mountains. I’ve worked with many people that have chosen to buy a home in Murphy as opposed to other mountain towns simply because they feel they can buy a better home for their dollar. Perhaps they want a larger home for the same amount of money, more features, or simply save some money for a similar property, it comes down to the fact Murphy has a little bit of everything to offer.

So when you look around in the newspaper and it reads, “Imminent fear around the corner” or “so-and-so did such-and-such,” rest assured there is a place where there is a getaway from the incessant bad news. There’s a place where great weather, gorgeous views at every turn, or the best people you could ask for are all around. Yes, Murphy is the greatest place in the world to hang your hat and call your home away from home.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team