Waynesville is the largest city in Haywood County and serves as the county seat.  It is Haywood County's oldest town, framed by mountain vistas, vast national forest lands and clear, rushing streams.  For many years visitors have traveled to Waynesville to enjoy the cool clean air, clean water, outstanding scenery and an opportunity to escape the crowded cities.

With a great climate, diverse employment opportunities, attractive housing, expanding cultural environment, modern health care services, extensive recreation areas and educational opportunities for all ages, Waynesville rates very high on economic and quality of life issues.

Waynesville's current population is 9, 972.  Although it is a small town, it is filled with entertainment and culture.  The award-winning Haywood Arts Regional Theater features a full schedule of performances.  Folkmoot U.S.A. attracts entertainers from all over the world.  Main Street hosts several events during the year, including street dances, block parties, outdoor movies, an arts and craft festival, apple festival and various holiday events.

With careful attention to planning, operations, and administration of new projects and expansions of existing facilities to meeting future needs and enrich the lives of current and future residents, Waynesville hopes to be viewed as a model for twenty-first century development.