c.1903 Five Bedroom North Carolina Handyman Special on 1.69 Acres $185K

c.1903 Five Bedroom North Carolina Handyman Special on 1.69 Acres. This home needs some TLC and updating. There are mountain views from the home.

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Pros

1. Low cost of living & affordable housing

   • The cost-of-living index in Andrews is about 79, meaning it’s roughly 21% below the U.S. average.

   • Housing costs are significantly lower: in 2023 the median property value was about $97,600.

   • In short: you’ll likely pay less for housing and basic living expenses than many other places.

2. Scenic, mountain & outdoor-oriented setting

   • Andrews is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and near rivers, trails, and nature.

   • Things like hiking, fishing, and enjoying a more relaxed pace are more accessible than in big cities. For example: “Sitting between mountains, Andrews offers access to several hiking trails” in one report.

   • For nature lovers or folks wanting a slower pace, this is a plus.

3. Small-town and community feel

   • With a population around ~1,600–1,800 people (2020 census 1,667) Andrews is small enough that it could offer a stronger sense of local community, less hustle and bustle than larger cities.

   • Some resident feedback indicates friendly locals and a quieter lifestyle.

4. Reasonable commute & less congestion

   • Data show the average commute time is modest (~16.3 minutes).

   • With fewer traffic issues than major metro areas, may be appealing if you value simpler commuting.

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Cons

1. Lower median income & higher poverty rate

   • The median household income is fairly low (about $34,879 in recent data).

   • The poverty rate is high: ~23.7% of residents below poverty line.

   • This means economic opportunities may be more limited, and local wages may not be as high as many suburbs or metro areas.

2. Limited amenities & smaller economy

   • As a small town, Andrews doesn’t have the breadth of services, entertainment, dining, or big-city infrastructure. One site flags “Amenities” and “Employment” as weaker scores.

   • If you’re accustomed to extensive shopping, high-end dining, multiple specialized services, you might find fewer options.

3. Population size and growth are modest

   • Population is quite small and growth is slow (~5.7% over 5 years in one report).

   • Smaller population means fewer businesses, fewer large employers, and possibly fewer job opportunities locally than in a larger metro area.

4. Healthcare/transport/commute trade-offs

   • In more rural or mountain settings, access to specialized healthcare, large hospitals, or public transit may be more constrained. For example, the nearest major trauma center could be far.

   • If you value major infrastructure and quick access to large‐scale services, this might be a drawback.

5. Housing market & availability nuances

   • While housing is affordable, the market may have fewer options, older stock, or less rapid turnover. Some homes may need more maintenance.

   • Also, as more folks move to picturesque mountain areas, prices may gradually increase (though still lower than many places). For example, the median list price in June 2025 was ~$322,350 in the broader area.

   • So while entry cost is lower, “cheap” may not mean “no cost.”

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