Mount Airy, NC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Mount Airy, NC: What You Need to Know

If Mount Airy looks a lot like Mayberry, it’s because the city in western North Carolina inspired the idyllic fictional town in “The Andy Griffith Show.” 

Local Culture

Andy Griffith was born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy. He was an actor and singer best known for his eponymous television show and “Matlock,” a courtroom TV drama. Griffith’s lasting impact on his hometown includes the annual Mayberry Days held every September. The celebration includes activities and performances geared toward fans of “The Andy Griffith Show” and anybody who loves simple but gracious living.

Things to Do in Mount Airy, NC

The Andy Griffith Museum devotes 2,500 square feet of space to a vast collection of the actor’s memorabilia. Exhibits include pieces from the sets of “The Andy Griffith Show,” which aired on television from 1960-1968, and “Matlock” (1986-1992). Griffith’s lifelong friend Emmett Forrest founded the museum in 2009. Mountain biking is a popular activity at Westwood Park, which has six miles of biking trails that takes riders through steep climbs and descents, as well as log and creek crossings. The park also features a wooded site with nature trails, disc golf course, ball fields, a playground, and a community-fishing reservoir. 

Cost of Living in Mount Airy, NC

Mount Airy, located in Surry County, is home to 10,208 people. It’s a budget-friendly town with a cost of living rate and housing rate that are 6.8% and 37.8% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $612. However, food cost is 4.4% higher than the national average. The Tar Heel State has simplified its tax structure by introducing a flat-rate income tax of 5.25%. The state collects 4.75% in sales tax, and counties charge their own sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Mount Airy lives up to its reputation as the alter ego of Mayberry. It’s a small town with an easygoing attitude and lots of friendly folks. Retirees love everything about Mount Airy, but young people want more entertainment and social activities. Those who are looking for topnotch schools should check out Pilot Township and Pilot Mountain.

Shopping Local

Locally owned shops in Mount Airy offer a unique shopping experience, from the delightful Bear Creek Gifts and Fudge Factory to the popular Mayberry Flea Market. The city teems with old treasures at antique shops such as Memories on Main, Mount Pilot Antiques, and Shoppers Paradise. Elkin Antiques and Collectibles Mall features more than 60 vendors, including a Christmas store that’s open year-round.