1. Central Location - Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and only 150 miles from Atlanta. It's also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte.

2. A River Runs Through It - The picturesque Tuckasegee River flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County. A moderate current makes it one of the best white-water rivers for beginners and families, and it is considered Western North Carolina's best stream for trout fishing.

3. Booming Business - With a 22 percent increase in population over the past decade, economic growth abounds. According to the 2010 Census, Jackson County now has a population of 40,271. The county is also a popular tourist destination, which has fueled growth in the townships of Sylva, Cullowhee, Dillsboro and Cashiers.

4. Lovely Landscape - The county's 491 square miles encompass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The landscape is highlighted by waterfalls, rocky peaks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5. Quality Educational and Cultural Opportunities:  Western Carolina University (www.wcu.edu) and Southwestern Community College (www.southwesterncc.edu) offer an unbeatable combination of academic excellence, innovative programs, first class performing arts center, and small class sizes in a beautiful mountain setting. Both campuses are absolutely beautiful and provide quality programs in academics and athletics.