Murphy, NC
If you live in Murphy, NC and need health insurance The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store can help. Our agents are well versed in the health insurance changes under the Affordable Care Act, and we are here to help residents of Murphy, NC find the health insurance plan that best fits their lifestyle. If you need health insurance in Murphy, NC, simply click on the free rate quote button above for a no obligation health insurance quote or give us a call at: 828.348.2583.
Murphy, NC is situated in Cherokee County in the southwestern part of North Carolina. The city was originally founded in 1835, however it wasn’t until 1839 that the Cherokee County was founded, which took a section of the neighboring Macon County during its formation. The newly created Cherokee County was named in honor of the Cherokee Indians, who once laid claim to much of the land. There are four different townships that make up Cherokee County, one of which is Murphy.
Healthcare in Murphy, NC
Resident health has room for improvement in Murphy, as Cherokee County ranked just 81 out of 100 for overall resident health in 2012. In a 2012 self-reported community health survey, approximately 20% of residents reported being in excellent health, 28% in very good health and good health, 16% in fair health, and 6% reported being in poor health. Approximately 30% of residents in Cherokee County are limited in activity in some way due to physical, mental or emotional health issues, such as: arthritis, back or neck pain, difficulty walking, bone or joint injuries, heart problems, lung problems, and mental depression.
The main health priority areas for residents living in Murphy and other towns in Cherokee County include chronic diseases, such as heart disease, and cancer. Strokes, mental health issues and obesity are other top priority health concerns for the residents of Murphy.
Although the majority of residents in Murphy, NC have access to medical care and treatment, not all residents have been able to afford the costs, and therefore have foregone getting the medical care they need. If left unchecked, many illnesses can continue to lie undetected or worsen.
According to a 2012 survey, approximately 9.1% of residents in Cherokee County were unable to get the medical care they needed in 2011. The primary reason cited for the lack of access to care was cost, and a lack of health insurance. While the percentage of uninsured adults in Cherokee County decreased from 25% in 2006 to 19.5% in 2010, the total number of uninsured residents in the county increased from 2009-2010 by 6.5%.
Having access to health care is important for a person’s health and overall well-being. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a Healthcare Reform Law that passed in 2010, residents in Murphy, North Carolina who previously found health insurance plans unaffordable, may now be able to receive assistance from the government in paying for coverage!
The ACA allows the government to offer subsidized insurance (help paying for insurance premiums) to qualifying individuals and families with incomes below 400% of the poverty level.
Residents of Murphy, NC and Cherokee County that do not currently have health insurance can receive personalized, affordable health insurance quotes from The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store. The knowledgeable staff at The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store can help you apply for subsidies and select the best coverage plan for you and your family.
Murphy residents who previously received unaffordable, high health insurance quotes under pre-ACA health insurance plans may now find insurance under the Healthcare Reform Law to be much more affordable, and coverage to be much more comprehensive. Simply contact one of the knowledgeable personal reform advisors at The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store for free assistance in selecting a Murphy, NC health insurance plan and applying for health insurance subsidies!
Life in Murphy, NC
Murphy, North Carolina really is the epitome of historic meets rural. The native Cherokee were actually hunting in North Carolina in the sixteenth century, and during the American Revolutionary War, the Cherokee actually helped the British fight against the Colonists. In fact, it was in 1776, when General Griffith Rutherford led his army of people to fight against the Cherokee that the town of Murphy formed its roots. Of course it wasn’t known as Murphy at that time; however it does serve as a reminder of the history to be found here.
With an elevation of around 1,600 feet above sea level, Murphy has an estimated population of 2,400 people. Around 45% of the population are males and around 55% are females. The average age of a resident in Murphy, NC is 41 years. Over 80% of the residents in Murphy are white with the rest made up of African American, Asian, Native American, and Latino or Hispanic ethnicity.
Murphy is a lovely little historic and rural town that enjoys a fairly mild climate throughout the year, although its enviable position in the mountains and its elevation do sometimes provide for weather that is cooler than other parts of North Carolina. Murphy can get quite warm during the summer months, and it can also experience heavy and often significant amounts of rainfall.
Blessed with stunning surroundings, the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers meet and only serve to complement and enhance the beauty of this gorgeous town. Naturally this offers the perfect opportunity for leisurely walks and other recreational pursuits. In fact, Murphy, NC is the perfect place for living the outdoor lifestyle that so many of us want to enjoy, particularly during the finer days of spring and summer.
The Murphy River Walk is a popular walk amongst those visiting the town and is a favorite place for residents to walk and jog during their free time. The picnic areas along this modest walking route, which include barbeque grills, make this even more attractive and provide all the ingredients for family and friends to get together and relax under the shade of the beautiful trees that are dotted along the way.
There are plenty of fishing opportunities in Murphy too, and fishing enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the activities available in Cherokee County. There is also a fantastic array of other adventures one can partake in in Murphy, NC including horseback riding, white water rafting and hiking. Boating is particularly enjoyable in such gorgeous surroundings.
For those who prefer peace and calm, there are plenty of lovely lakes and streams to enjoy whilst reveling in the sounds of nature. The Hiwassee Lake is definitely worthy of a visit, particularly for those boating and fishing lovers. There is a camp ground here too and everything you need for the ultimate boating or fishing adventure, or to simply relax and marvel in the spectacular scenery.
Visitors should take note that Murphy is in the heart of ‘bear country’ and there are warning signs dotted all around. However this should not make one hesitant about exploring the surroundings of Murphy. The hiking trails range from moderate to difficult (for the more experienced amongst us) and this area is one of the ultimate outdoor destinations.
Koneheta Park is a short drive from Murphy and is the perfect place to both indulge in relaxation and enjoy some more intensive activities – with the added benefit of having soccer fields, tennis fields, baseball and even a swimming pool and gym. This park is also ideal for the younger ones, thanks to a designated children’s park and picnic facilities. You will find the well-known Murphy River Walk in Koneheta Park.
Another particularly unique and more unusual sight in Murphy, NC is the “Murphy Pyramid.” A man named ARS Hunter who traded with the Cherokee was known as the first white settler in the area, and is remembered through this rather unique memorial, which was initiated by his granddaughter.
The shops in this lovely historic town reflect and demonstrate its history throughout the streets. Indeed, the town of Murphy is a perfect example of the sort of old world charm that can be found in North Carolina. Antiques are particularly popular here too, and help add to the historic ambience that is exuded as soon as you start to explore Murphy.
The farmers’ markets in Murphy give possibilities of delicious and locally sourced food, completely organic and representative of the rich agriculture. There are flea markets within the area that sell a vibrant mix of goods and which are particularly popular with antique lovers.
Perfectly situated to see sights such as Cades Cove, which is a particularly popular feature of the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, Murphy, NC is adorned with wildlife and a rich history.
Overall, Murphy is a beautiful historic town with a rural ambience that makes it the perfect retreat. Those that enjoy relaxing can marvel in the beautiful surroundings, take in some of the quirky and more unusual shops in the downtown area, and try out some of the restaurants. Indeed, the opportunities for picnics and BBQ’s with excellent facilities allowing you to do just that, and make this an ideal family destination. There is something for the young and old alike in Murphy, and with hiking trails that are suitable for youngsters, it is a great place for families as well. The wildlife found in Murphy is an added bonus and really does give you that sense of being in the wilderness. With the beautiful mountains surrounding you, you certainly are on the periphery of some of the most spectacular scenery to be found in North Carolina.
