Have you heard of Ashe, North Carolina?
Most people haven’t. It’s one of those small towns you don’t really stumble upon unless you’re really trying. Nestled right on the border of Brunswick and Columbus counties, Ashe is what some folks like to call “the sticks.” It’s so remote that if you take a drive out there today, there’s a good chance your cell service will vanish somewhere along the way.
But things are starting to change.
Brunswick County is booming—literally the fastest-growing county in North Carolina and one of the top ten in the entire country. And as that growth continues to stretch its arms, even quiet little Ashe is beginning to feel the ripple effects. New neighborhoods with thousands of homes are already in the pipeline, and the land that once felt untouched is suddenly catching the eyes of developers and investors.
One example? A 33.6-acre property in Ashe just sold for $495,000.
The land sits at the corner of N.C. 130 and Waccamaw School Road NW, and it drew a lot of attention before it was even officially listed. According to Wilmington-based Sun Coast Partners Commercial, this was the first time the land hit the market—and thanks to its prime location, flexible zoning, and potential for future development, it didn’t stay available for long.
The property was sold by members of the Lewis family to buyer Wayne J. Smith. Broker David Summerlin III, who represented the buyer, says there are no immediate plans to develop the land, but the potential is there.
“With everything going on in Brunswick County, properties like this are looking better and better to investors, developers, and folks thinking long-term,” Summerlin said.
And it’s easy to see why. The site could be used for anything from light commercial to residential or even recreational space. Oh, and here’s a fun twist—the property includes a dirt airstrip that’s currently being leased month to month.
On the seller’s side, Hansen Matthews from Maus, Warwick, Matthews & Co. said the listing got attention fast. “That area is definitely growing,” he noted. “It’ll have sewer service right out front within the next year.” In fact, Matthews had an offer in hand within a week of listing the property.
So while Ashe might still feel like the middle of nowhere, it may not stay that way for long.