Communities

By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

High-speed fiber internet and modern infrastructure connectivity have emerged as critical drivers alongside traditional land values for rural real estate, according to land development company National Land Partners.

Ahead of its Sept. 19 launch of a high-elevation Blue Ridge mountain property offering in Warne, the developer highlighted how remote-work demands and digital infrastructure have fundamentally shifted buyer priorities for recreational and residential land investments.

While price per acre previously dominated buyer interest, today’s purchasers are prioritizing high-speed fiber availability, utility access, and proximity to major metro hubs like Atlanta and Asheville alongside outdoor amenities.

“Ten years ago, one of the first questions might have been price per acre. Today we’re just as likely to hear questions about proximity to a lake and outdoor recreation, fiber internet, whether buyers can build later, or how far the property is from a major city,” said Hank Rogers, sales manager for National Land Partners.

The shift underscores a broader trend where telecommunications infrastructure enhances the practical value and long-term viability of rural real estate. The developer points to broader macroeconomic indicators supporting rural land demand, including a 5.4% year-over-year increase in North Carolina real estate land values (per USDA data) and a $696.7 billion national outdoor recreation economy.

The upcoming release features 1- to 3-plus-acre properties starting at $34,900, targeting buyers looking to balance remote connectivity with access to 1.4 million acres of surrounding national forest.

Some AI tools also assisted in the crafting of this report.

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