Burke County NC Real Estate: Houses for Sale & School District Info

Burke County sits in the foothills that connect Western North Carolina to the Piedmont region. It is bordered by McDowell County to the west. While it may not have the highest mountains in Western NC, Burke County has natural wonders all its own. It’s also full of welcoming small towns, and we’re here to help you find the right one as you search for homes for sale in Burke County, NC. Keep reading to learn more about this county’s neighborhoods, schools, and things to do. Photo on the right: Table Rock in Linville Gorge – Burke County, NC.
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More About Burke County NC Real Estate
There is a lot to love about Burke County! This rural region comes with plenty of perks for homeowners. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Benefits to Choosing Real Estate in Burke County NC
- Peaceful Mountain Living | Burke County has many rural areas as well as natural attractions such as Linville Falls and Table Rock. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to call home, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, this is the county for you.
- Charming Small Towns | North Carolina charm abounds in this county’s small towns. For example, Morganton has a walkable, historic downtown filled with shops and local restaurants that are loved by residents and visitors alike.
- Convenient Location | There are no major cities in this county, but it’s situated between the Asheville area and the Charlotte and Hickory areas, making it an ideal home for those who need to travel between the larger cities frequently. The largest towns in Burke County are all easily accessible via Interstate 40.
Cities and Towns in Burke County NC

Morganton, NC
- Morganton
- Drexel
- Valdese
- Connelly Springs
- Icard
- Hildebran
- Jonas Ridge
- Eastern Lake James
Popular Neighborhoods in Burke County NC
- Morganton: Downtown, River Glen, Glen Alpine, Salem, Chesterfield
- Lake James: East Shores
- Valdese: Holly Hills
View All Burke County Neighborhoods
School Districts in Burke County NC
Burke County Public Schools
The county’s public school system has 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools. There are also a few district-wide schools: Hallyburton Academy, North Liberty School, and Burke Middle College.
Charter Schools in Burke County
New Dimensions is a public charter school in Morganton serving children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is tuition-free and operates on a lottery system once all open enrollment spaces are filled.
Private Schools in Burke County
Most private schools in this county are backed by various religious organizations. Some of these schools include:
- Christ Classical Academy (Connelly Springs)
- Morganton Day School
- Silver Creek Adventist School (Morganton)
- Reflections of Christ Christian Academy (Hildebran)
Burke County NC FAQs
What is Burke County NC known for?
Burke County is known for its natural beauty. Parts of Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, and the Blue Ridge Parkway overlap with Burke County’s borders, so there are large areas of the county dedicated to preserving rich forests full of flora, fauna, and bodies of water.
Another example of this is South Mountains State Park in Connelly Springs, which features an 80-foot waterfall and many miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. (Check the park’s status before visiting, as its trails sustained damage during Hurricane Helene).
You’ll also find plenty of small-town charm throughout Burke County. Local businesses and historic buildings make downtown Morganton a perfect place to stroll. The county’s restaurants, wineries, and breweries offer comfort food and delicious drinks – often made with produce grown right here in North Carolina.
What is the real estate tax rate in Burke County NC?
The tax rate in Burke County is $0.56 per $100 valuation.
Burke County is full of personality, and if it sounds like the perfect place for you, browse the homes for sale in Burke County, NC, today. Dreaming of building a customized home from the ground up? The land for sale in Burke County, NC, offers plenty of room to spread out along with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge. When you’re ready to experience these properties in person or have additional questions, contact the Freestone Properties team.