Burke County has a total area of 515 square miles, of which, 507 square miles of it is land and 8 square miles of it is water. There is 154 miles of shore line on Lake James (which borders McDowell County) and 90 miles of shore line on Lake Rhodhiss (which borders Catawba County).  Lying in the Catawba Valley River Basin, Burke County is where the rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains on the west side of the county and the South Mountains on the south side. With two state parks, Lake James and South Mountain, and the wild, scenic wilderness of Linville Gorge, the mysteries of the Brown Mountain Lights, and the panoramic views from the top of Table Rock, Short Off and the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is never a shortage of places to go and things to see and do. The Burke County Board of REALTORS® was founded on January 12, 1968, chartered on May 7, 1968 and incorporated on March 16, 1981. Today, the Burke County Board of REALTORS® has 110 members, with 10 of them being affiliates. The Burke County Multiple Listing Service, Inc. was founded on September 4, 1975 by 5 real estate agents, and was incorporated on December 15, 1982, with the belief that the MLS is "A Positive Program of Real Estate Merchandising that Produces Results" and the motto of "We're doing it together professionally".  By 1984, there were 8 real estate offices perticipating in the Burke County MLS and today, there are 53 real estate offices with 136 members. Whether you're starting a family or raising one, maybe you're retired or looking to retire, either working or playing, with a four season climate and mild temperatures throughout the year, Burke County is the Perfect place to live. Please contact one of Burke County's finest REALTORS® to help with your home buying and/or selling experience. Burke County Board of REALTORS® & Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Kathy Olsen, Association Executive 305 East Union St., Suite B 115 Morganton, NC 28655