Dreaming of a mountain home?

Swain County, North Carolina has an agreeable climate, excellent schools, close-knit communities that emphasize family life, abundant recreational opportunities and beautiful surroundings. The location is unique because it allows residents quick access to some of the largest expanses of wilderness in the eastern United States, with urban areas such as Asheville, Knoxville, and Atlanta within easy driving distance.

If you're considering a move to Swain County, the following information may be helpful:  

Automobile Tags

Within 30 days of establishing North Carolina residency, you must

obtain a NC automobile tag.  The tag office is in the Swain County Administration Building, 101 Mitchell Street, Bryson City. 828-488-9273.

Beverages

In Bryson City, liquors are sold at the ABC Store on Veterans Boulevard (9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday).  Beer and wine is sold only at grocery stores, convenience stores and package stores within the city limits. Hours vary from store to store, but may be from 6 am to midnight, except on Sunday, when sales are only permitted from Noon to 6pm. Some Bryson City and Swain County restaurants offer alcoholic beverage.

Burning Permits

Inside the town limits, permits to burn yard waste are issued at Town of Bryson City office, 45 Everett Street. Outside the town limits, permits are issued at “Old” Clampitt Hardware, 129 Main Street, and Kings Grocery in Lauada on Highway 74 West.

Business License

A Privilege License to do business in the Town of Bryson City can be obtained at the Town Hall, 45 Everett Street, 828-488-3335. No license is required if your business is outside town boundaries.

Bus Services

Commercial bus service is available in Maggie Valley, 40 miles from Bryson City. The Cherokee Boys Club offers a charter bus service for the area. Residents can use transportation services from Swain Transit by calling 828-488-3213.

Churches

Denominations represented in Swain County include Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Church of the Nazarene, Episcopal, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist and United Methodist. Two Jewish Synagogues are located in Asheville and Jewish services are held regularly in Franklin, 40 minutes south of Bryson City.

Climate

Swain County has four distinct seasons. January has an average high of 51 and low of 28. July’s average high is 84 and the low is 61. Winter usually brings some snow to the mountains with an average of 11.9 inches yearly. Annual precipitation averages approximately 47 inches. The average relative humidity is around 70 percent in the summer and 66 percent during winter. More about Swain County's climate.

Civic Organizations

Local civic groups take an active and critical role in a variety of public service activities. A complete list of civic organizations is here.

Commercial Airports

The closest airport is in Asheville, NC. Other options are Knoxville, TN, Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA.

County Map

A detailed map of Swain County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is available. Mail your check for $6 to Swain County Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 509, Bryson City, NC 28713.

Education

The county takes great pride in the academic and athletic achievements of its students. Swain County Schools are administered by a five-member board of education elected by county voters. It employs a superintendent who carries out policies adopted by the board.

      The system consists of a Head Start program, Bright Adventures Pre-K, two K-5 elementary schools, a 6-8 grade middle school and a 9-12 high school. The public school population was 1,850 in 2005-2006. In 2003-2004 Swain was 14th out of 115 NC school systems with a per pupil expenditure of $8,604.

      Mountain Discovery Charter School is a public, tuition-free school for K-8. Admission is on a space-available basis. It uses a teaching approach that addresses individual learning styles while adhering to the NC standard course of study.

      Grace Christian Academy offers a Pre-K program and K-8 instruction. The school uses the A Beka Curriculum which provides a Christ-centered education. It also has a before and after school program.

      Southwestern Community College is located in nearby Sylva and offers specialized learning at its Almond Center in Swain County. Western Carolina University, part of the University of North Carolina system, is about a 45-minute drive from Bryson City.

Electric Service

Duke Power provides electric service, 828-488-2116. You can pay your bill at Video Connection in the Valley View Shopping Center, Old US 19.

Fire, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services

The Swain Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Bryson City Police, Swain County Sheriff, Swain County Rescue Squad and four volunteer fire departments are reached by calling 911. The Swain EMS provides ambulance services. The Swain County Rescue Squad is a volunteer organization that provides wilderness search and rescue operations, river rescue and traffic control for special events. The squad has eight certified emergency medical technicians.

Health Care

Swain County Hospital, which is part of the WestCare Health System, is a fully-accredited acute care hospital. Six family practice physicians along with an internist, obstetrician, two pediatricians and a physician’s assistant staff the hospital full-time. Other specialties that are available on a weekly basis are orthopedics, cardiology, radiology, pulmonology, pathology, general surgery, pain management and podiatry. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day, 828-488-2155.

      Additional medical facilities include eye care, dentists, rest home, skilled nursing facility, public health provider and mental health center.

Housing

The most current information on rentals, homes for sale and land for sale can be found in The Smoky Mountain Times. For a list of Real Estate offices, click here.

Garbage Collection

The Town of Bryson City 828-488-3335 provides garbage pickup. County residents can take garbage and recycled items to the main recycling center on Old US 19 that accepts paper, colored and clear glass, plastic, tin and cardboard.

Government, County

Swain County has a Board of Commissioners and County Manager. The board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the County Administration Building. 828-488-9273. website

Government, Town

Bryson City has a Mayor, Board of Aldermen and Town Manager. The board meets on the first Monday every month, unless it falls on a holiday, at 6 pm at the Town Office. 828-488-3335.

Library

The Marianna Black Library is part of the Fontana Regional Library System. You may access the card catalogue at www.fontanalib.org. 828-488-3030.

Marriage License & Wedding Information

Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds at the Swain County Administration Building, 101 Mitchell Street, Bryson City. 828-488-9273. Monday - Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information on requirements as well as ministers and florists, click here for a downloadable Wedding PDF.

Media

Newspapers serving Swain County include the daily Asheville Citizen-Times and weeklies The Smoky Mountain Times, Cherokee One Feather and Smoky Mountain News. The local radio station is WBHN (1590 am).

Post Office

The main post office is located on Slope Street in Bryson City. 828-488-3481. Almond, Cherokee and Whittier also have post offices.

Population

The 2000 census reports 1,411 residents in Bryson City and 12,968 in Swain County. Updated statistics show the county population at 13,600. Out of 100 counties, Swain ranks 89th in population density. Much of the county’s land is owned by the National Park Service and Tennessee Valley Authority.

Taxes

North Carolina has an income tax on personal and business income. It does not levy a property tax. Sales tax is collected at the rate of 7 % on all goods with some exceptions. Swain County levies an ad-valorem tax on 100 % assessment at the rate of $0.3300 per $100 property value. The Town of Bryson City has an ad-valorem tax within its corporate limits, using the county assessment. The current rate for Bryson City is 0.3100 per $100.

Telephone, Cable & Internet

Verizon provides telephone service. The number for new residents is 800-483-4000 and new businesses — 800-483-5000. Cable TV is offered by Rapid Communicationsin a limited area — 800-409-1203. There are several cell phone and local Internet service providers.

Voter Registration

In be eligible to vote in Swain County, you must be a citizen of the US, at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of Swain County. You must be registered at least 21 working days prior to any election to be able to vote in that election. Registered voters always vote in the precinct where they live. Board of Elections 828-488-6177.