The small city of Cullowhee is a secluded, heavily-wooded community in the heart of North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The rolling hills and beautiful forests form the backdrop to a charming college town, anchored by Western Carolina University; serving over 11,000 students and employing hundreds of locals as faculty and staff, the university is the main economic and cultural driver for the community.

The local rental market includes a number of options to suit any budget, from apartments near campus to single-family homes just outside the city limits. While Cullowhee itself hosts a few popular hangouts like Tuck’s Tap & Grille, a much wider selection of shopping, dining, and nightlife options can be found just a few minutes up the road in Sylvia and Dillsboro.