[nuconvert]

Granite Falls & Morganton have been areas I’ve checked out online as is Rutherfordton.
Yes, I’ll need to make a couple of trips to the area befoe buying.

[Cboldt]

Granite Falls and Morganton are a bit "gritty." Rutherfordton has small town charm.

Flood risk is variable by moving a few miles one way or the other. There is plenty of elevated real estate with zero flood risk.