By Dwain Ammons, Large Land Broker with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®
In the mountains of western North Carolina, McDowell County continues to gain traction among land buyers, builders, and investors who seek freedom, space, and opportunity. With its blend of natural beauty, affordability, and convenient location near Asheville, Marion, and Morganton, the county offers something truly unique—especially when it comes to unrestricted land.
Whether you’re dreaming of an off-grid homestead, planning a private mountain estate, or looking to subdivide acreage for resale, unrestricted land in McDowell County gives you the flexibility to turn vision into reality. But along with that freedom comes the need for expert guidance. As a seasoned Large Land Broker with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, I help buyers and sellers navigate this exciting, sometimes complex landscape with professionalism, local knowledge, and results-driven strategies.
Unrestricted land refers to property that is not bound by zoning ordinances or restrictive covenants imposed by local government or homeowner associations. In McDowell County, much of the rural land outside of municipal areas falls under this category—allowing a wide variety of uses. It may also be referred to as “Open Use” zoning or “non-restricted land.”
That means owners can typically:
Build any type of home (site-built, manufactured, modular, tiny home, or even yurts and barndominiums)
Use the land for agriculture or homesteading
Develop recreational spaces such as hunting cabins, campgrounds, or ATV trails
Operate short-term vacation rentals or glamping sites
Install RV pads or live off-grid
Subdivide and sell off smaller parcels
Of course, unrestricted doesn’t mean “no rules.” Building codes, environmental protections, septic permits, and road access still apply. But unrestricted land allows much more freedom and fewer layers of red tape than properties within subdivisions or municipal limits.
McDowell County offers a rare combination of value and location. Located just east of Asheville and neighboring Burke and Rutherford counties, McDowell boasts:
Affordable acreage compared to Buncombe and Henderson counties
Easy access to I-40, US 221, and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
Proximity to Lake James, Catawba River, and Pisgah National Forest
A welcoming rural community with growing interest in sustainable living and outdoor recreation
Buyers are increasingly drawn to this area for its unspoiled mountain terrain, investment potential, and flexible zoning. The demand is growing, especially among:
Retirees and families relocating from urban areas
Homesteaders looking to farm or live off-grid
Developers creating RV parks, tiny home communities, or rental cabins
Investors seeking to buy large tracts now and subdivide later
Unrestricted land gives you the flexibility to meet changing needs over time—something that restricted lots or HOA communities simply cannot match.
As a licensed Large Land Broker with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, I bring years of experience and boots-on-the-ground dedication to every transaction. I work with both buyers and sellers of unrestricted land throughout McDowell County and across the western North Carolina region.
Here’s how I help:
1. Site Evaluation and Feasibility
Not all land is equal. I personally walk the land with my clients and assess:
Road access, including recorded easements
Septic suitability and availability of utilities
Topography and slope for future development
Potential for subdividing or future resale
Deed history, timber value, and boundaries
My goal is to help you understand exactly what you’re buying or selling—and how to maximize its value.
2. Professional Marketing for Sellers
If you’re selling unrestricted land, you need more than just a sign in the ground. I create custom marketing plans that include:
High-quality drone and ground-level photography
Topographic and GIS mapping
Online exposure via Land.com, Homes.com, Realtor.com, and MLS
Premium syndication through Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International®
Buyer outreach to both local and out-of-state prospects
Large acreage and unrestricted tracts require a specialized approach. I know how to tell the story of your land—and how to reach the right buyers.
3. Guidance for Buyers and Developers
For those looking to build or invest, I provide guidance on:
Local permitting and development regulations
Septic evaluations and well installation
Financing options for raw land
Land use consulting and subdivision strategy
Connecting with surveyors, engineers, and builders
From the first showing to the final closing, I’m here to make the process smooth, efficient, and successful.
Click here to view large acreage parcels for sale in McDowell County North Carolina.
Here is the always constantly updated land stats in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Partnering with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS® gives you a major advantage. We are the undisputed leader in western North Carolina real estate, offering:
A trusted local presence in all major counties across the region
National and international exposure through LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio International®
Unmatched local data, pricing insights, and negotiation tools
A dedicated marketing team, legal experts, and closing coordinators
A proven track record of selling large land tracts, mountain properties, farms, and estates
Whether you’re buying a mountain hideaway or marketing hundreds of acres of investment land, our firm has the tools and relationships to get the job done right.
What to Know Before Buying or Selling Unrestricted Land in McDowell County
While unrestricted land is flexible, it still requires careful planning. Here are key considerations:
Verify deeded access: Never assume access unless it’s legally recorded.
Order a survey: Old tracts may have poorly defined boundaries or encroachments.
Test for septic: Land must have suitable soil for a septic system.
Know the terrain: Sloped land can affect driveway, water runoff, and construction costs.
Evaluate resale value: If subdividing is your goal, ensure you can legally do so.
Work with a local expert: A land specialist understands regional trends, pricing, and buyer psychology.
With professional guidance, these steps can help you protect your investment—and uncover opportunities that others may overlook.
Let’s Walk the Land Together
Unrestricted land in McDowell County represents one of the best real estate opportunities in western North Carolina today. It offers unmatched flexibility, long-term value, and the chance to create something truly personal. Whether you’re buying your first tract, building a retreat, or selling family land, you need a broker who understands both the market and the mountain.
Let’s walk your land. Let’s talk about your goals. And let’s build a plan that brings your vision to life in McDowell County.
My name is Dwain Ammons, and I specialize in large land sales in western North Carolina, with a special focus on McDowell County and the surrounding areas. I offer the tools, market insight, and connections you need to make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re at the kitchen table, on the trail, or walking a ridgeline with a view.
Contact Dwain Ammons, Realtor®, C2EX, ePro, PSA, SFR® Today. Contact form is here
📞 (828) 447-0036
📧 dwain.ammons@allentate.com
🌐 largelandbroker.com
💼 Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®
Let’s walk your land. Let’s talk about your goals. And let’s get you moving forward with a trusted local professional by your side.
