Blended score for Banner Elk's center, calculated by INNOVATE Real Estate from two sources: the EPA's National Walkability Index (street network, transit, land-use mix) and Google Places amenity data (what's actually reachable on foot from this point). 60% EPA National Walkability Index + 40% nearby-amenity density (Google Places).

Car-dependent

out of 100

EPA National Walkability Index

8.3 / 20 -- Below average walkable

Google Places amenity density

18 / 100

Restaurants & cafes1

Grocery stores1

Parks2

Schools0

Transit stops0

Pharmacies0

Nearby schools

Within 10 miles. School directory data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), accessed via the Urban Institute Education Data API. Local Score is calculated by INNOVATE Real Estate; where a state rating is shown, it comes from that state's own official school report card.

Elementary

Banner Elk Elementary

1.67 mi away · Grades -1-5

Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)

4.0

Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating

State rating: B (2025)

Enrollment: 172
Student:teacher ratio: 12.3:1
District: Avery County Schools

Middle

Cranberry Middle

5.39 mi away · Grades 6-8

Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)

3.3

Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating

State rating: C (2025)

Enrollment: 173
Student:teacher ratio: 13.3:1
District: Avery County Schools

High

Avery County High

7.56 mi away · Grades 9-12

Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)

3.3

Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating

State rating: C (2025)

Enrollment: 580
Student:teacher ratio: 14.1:1
District: Avery County Schools

Current Weather

Live conditions in Banner Elk, from Watauga County Hospital Heliport.

50°F

Cities near Banner Elk

Bakersville · 18.9 mi Spruce Pine · 22 mi Lenoir · 24.2 mi Morganton · 31.1 mi Marion · 31.9 mi Nebo · 35.1 mi

ZIP codes in Banner Elk

28604 · 103 for sale 28504 · 101 for sale 28607 · 59 for sale 28622 · 12 for sale

Banner Elk real estate FAQ

How many homes are for sale in Banner Elk right now?+

There are currently 60 active listings in Banner Elk, North Carolina, pulled directly from the MLS.

What is the median home price in Banner Elk?+

The median list price for active listings in Banner Elk is $545,000. Homes are spending an average of 123 days on market.

Is Banner Elk's housing market up or down this year?+

Median closed-sale prices in Banner Elk have risen 21.7% year over year, based on trailing 12-month MLS sales.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in Banner Elk?+

Based on current active listings, the neighborhoods with the most homes for sale in Banner Elk are the Lodges at Eagles Nest, none, Mountain Meadows.

What schools serve Banner Elk?+

The closest public schools to Banner Elk's center are Banner Elk Elementary, Cranberry Middle, Avery County High. See the schools section above for grade levels and district details.

Is Banner Elk walkable?+

Banner Elk's center has a walkability score of 32 out of 100, blending EPA's National Walkability Index with nearby-amenity density.

Listing data provided by Canopy MLS (carolina), Triad MLS via Trestle/CoreLogic. Last sample-row update: 14 days ago. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.