By Dwain Ammons, Large Land Broker | Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®
Polk County, North Carolina, is a place where natural beauty meets opportunity. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and strategically located between Asheville and Charlotte—with easy access to Greenville-Spartanburg—Polk County has become one of western North Carolina’s most desirable locations for land buyers and developers. For those seeking unrestricted land, Polk County offers tremendous potential.
Whether you’re looking to build a private mountain estate, start a family homestead, invest in a short-term rental retreat, or develop for resale, unrestricted or “open use” land provides freedom—and with that freedom comes responsibility and the need for local insight.
As a Large Land Broker with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, I’ve dedicated myself to helping buyers and sellers make smart, informed decisions about rural land across western North Carolina. And Polk County, with its rare balance of freedom, accessibility, and scenic value, is one of the best places I help my clients navigate.
“Unrestricted land” typically refers to land that has no local zoning restrictions or is zoned in a way that allows for a broad range of uses. In Polk County, this includes areas that fall outside municipal limits or are zoned for multiple uses (like agricultural/residential) and have no HOA, POA, or deed restrictions.
Common uses for unrestricted land include:
Residential homes (site-built, modular, or manufactured)
Tiny homes and off-grid living
Farms, equestrian centers, and vineyards
Vacation rentals or glamping cabins
RV living or seasonal getaways
Recreational land for hiking, hunting, or private retreats
Subdivision development or land banking
This flexibility has led to strong demand, especially as more people seek out rural or semi-rural land where they can live freely, build creatively, and invest wisely.
Polk County offers one of the most appealing land ownership experiences in the Carolinas. The area is known for its:
Mild climate and four distinct seasons
Proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC)
Access to I-26 and US 74 for easy travel
Horse country culture and rural charm
Small towns like Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus with local flavor
Panoramic views, rolling hills, and wooded privacy
Unrestricted land in Polk County is particularly sought after by equestrian enthusiasts, homesteaders, vacation home investors, and developers due to the balance of natural beauty and freedom to build.
If you’re considering buying or selling large unrestricted acreage, it’s important to have a local land expert who understands the terrain, access, permitting, and long-term value of the property.
As a seasoned large land broker, I take a boots-on-the-ground approach to land evaluation. Here’s how I help my clients:
1. In-Depth Property Evaluation
Topography and soil analysis for buildability and septic suitability
Mapping property lines and confirming access via state-maintained roads or recorded easements
Reviewing flood zones, conservation overlays, and land history
Confirming well, septic, and electric availability or feasibility
Identifying timber value, water features, or development constraints
2. Zoning and Development Consultation
Even on unrestricted land, it’s important to understand:
Polk County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Subdivision rules and density restrictions if you plan to divide the land
Driveway permits, erosion control, and grading
Short-term rental regulations (especially near town limits)
I help clients avoid costly surprises and make informed development decisions based on current use, potential use, and resale value.
3. Trusted Professional Network
I have long-standing relationships with:
Surveyors
General contractors and site prep teams
Well drillers and septic installers
Engineers and soil scientists
Closing attorneys and 1031 exchange facilitators
My clients benefit from having a ready team of experts to move their land purchase or development forward.
Marketing and Selling Unrestricted Land with Me
If you own land in Polk County and are considering selling, I offer more than just an MLS listing—I offer a complete marketing strategy, tailored to land buyers.
Drone aerial videos and high-resolution photography
Polk County GIS overlays, topographic maps, and downloadable brochures
Targeted buyer advertising on Land.com, Realtor.com, Zillow, and Homes.com
Syndicated exposure through Allen Tate, LeadingRE, and Luxury Portfolio International®
Global reach with local support
Every property is unique, and I treat it that way. Whether it’s 15 acres near Columbus or 200+ acres in Mill Spring with mountain views, I craft a strategic, high-visibility campaign to attract the right buyers—locally and nationally.
Why Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks is the Right Firm for Your Polk County Land
Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks is the leading land and luxury real estate firm in western North Carolina. With deep roots in the area, we offer a platform that combines local knowledge with national strength.
Offices throughout WNC, including Rutherfordton, Hendersonville, Asheville, and Lake Lure and many other locations locate below
Unmatched exposure for large land listings and rural estates
Decades of experience navigating county regulations and land use matters
A culture of professionalism, transparency, and client advocacy
When you list your Polk County land with me and Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks, you get more than a sign in the ground—you get a partner who understands land, who knows how to speak the language of buyers, and who will represent your best interests from start to close.
Important Considerations for Buyers and Developers
Before you move forward with an unrestricted land purchase, make sure you:
Confirm deed access: Legal access is essential, especially in mountain areas with shared roads.
Order a recent survey: Many older deeds are based on old metes and bounds with imprecise borders.
Test for septic: Don’t assume a perc site exists—test it.
Assess development costs: Sloped land, gravel roads, and utility extension can all impact your budget.
Get professional representation: Unrestricted doesn’t mean simple. You need someone who’s walked the land and knows the terrain.
Let’s Talk Land—And How We Can Make It Work for You
Polk County is one of western North Carolina’s true hidden gems, and its unrestricted land offers some of the best values and possibilities anywhere in the region.
Whether you’re buying your first tract, planning a legacy retreat, or selling family land that’s ready for a new chapter, I’m here to help.
Click here to view large acreage parcels for sale in Polk County North Carolina.
Here is the always constantly updated land stats in Polk County, North Carolina.
My name is Dwain Ammons, and I specialize in large land sales in western North Carolina, with a special focus on Polk 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.
