re: Cheap land in and around the Smokies in western North Carolina

If you like the smokies I would find something similar north of there. Watauga Lake/Mountain City area of TN or between Roan Mountain and Banner Elk NC. SW Virginia around Grayson Highlands is great as well. Hot Springs NC is worth a look as well. I’ve known several people that bought on a mountain top for the view only to sell a few years later. Usually roads are steep and difficult in the winter. Homes cost more to maintain with winds and rain. More wear and tear on vehicles too. Personally I’d rather have something in a cove/valley with water access if possible.