Embrace the Charms of Forest City, North Carolina

Forest City, North Carolina, offers a warm embrace of small-town charm blended seamlessly with modern conveniences. Known for its community spirit and picturesque surroundings, this delightful town is where hospitality meets opportunity. Forest City's downtown is a vibrant hub of locally-owned shops and unique dining spots that beckon you to explore leisurely strolls along its inviting streets.

One of the highlights of Forest City is the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS). This state-of-the-art outdoor music venue and amphitheater successfully captures the town's dedication to community and culture. Whether enjoying a local concert or soaking up the atmosphere during seasonal festivities, POPS brings residents together through a shared love of music and the arts.

Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the scenic thermal trail, or the natural beauty found at nearby Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With its lush landscapes and year-round activities, Forest City ensures that access to nature is as effortless as it is enjoyable. The town also prides itself on its excellent schools and supportive environment for families, making it an ideal place to call home.

In Forest City, you’ll find a place where genuine connection and a sense of belonging thrive, inviting you to be a part of a community that values the promise of its future just as much as the rich traditions of its past.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Forest City, located in the foothills of western North Carolina, has steadily gained attention as a strategic destination for industrial and logistics investment. Its position along US Highway 74 and proximity to I-85 and I-26 provides direct access to major Southeast markets, making it attractive for distribution, advanced manufacturing, and data center operations.

Recent years have seen significant development, including the expansion of the Facebook Data Center campus and new industrial parks like the Forest City Commerce Center. These projects highlight the area’s capacity for large-scale infrastructure and utility support, including robust electric and fiber networks.

Rutherford County Economic Development offers tailored site selection assistance and actively markets shovel-ready sites, while local government partners work to streamline permitting and approvals for new builds. Workforce development is a priority, with Isothermal Community College providing industry-focused training programs and collaborating with employers to address specific skill needs.

State and local incentives—such as North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and county-level property tax grants—help make Forest City competitive for both new and expanding businesses. The region’s focus on partnership and flexibility continues to drive interest from manufacturers, logistics providers, and technology companies alike.