Living in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a haven for outdoor adventurers. While there are lots of things to love here, hiking the mountain trails like Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Loop, Art Loeb Trail, & Linville Falls (did we mention all the waterfall hikes?) is tops on most resident and visitor lists. When you’re done with your trek, you’ll also find a great foodie scene and plenty of amazing wine and craft beer, so don’t go thinking this is a one-note city.

For these reasons, Asheville is featured in the LookyLOO Guide to the Best Main Street USA cities in the U.S..

Asheville is “nestled” in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and no matter where you live, that feeling dominates your sense of place.

The Central Business District has a lot of condo options if you favor downtown living. If a good walkscore to restaurants, shops, and art galleries is your thing, then you’ll be fine here. Outside of downtown are beautiful neighborhoods like Montford, North Asheville & Grove Park that have large historic homes or Arts & Crafts bungalows. Retirees should check out Beaverdam, while hipsters or artsy folks should look at West Asheville, which is home to the arts scene and has its downtown area with music, bars, and great restaurants. Asheville is featured in the LookyLOO Guide to the Best Art Center Cities in the U.S.

If you want to see what kind of fun and culture happens here, check out the calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Asheville and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our partnership with Expedia.

The economy of Asheville and its surrounding region is fairly diverse. Key industries that are frequently hiring include healthcare, light manufacturing, education, public administration, hospitality/tourism, and the creative arts.

Major Employers & Key Industries

Some of the largest employers and sectors in Asheville / Buncombe County are:

• Mission Health — a large regional health-care system (hospitals, outpatient services, trauma center, etc.).
• Public-education systems: Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools both employ a significant number of workers and population growth means teachers are always in high demand.
• Local government & public administration (City of Asheville, County of Buncombe) provide plenty of jobs.
• Hospitality, tourism, and arts-related businesses — given the city’s status as a cultural and travel destination.
• Manufacturing and light industrial employers — the region lists a number of mid-size manufacturers among top employers.
• Education & technical training via A-B Tech and other institutions contribute to employment and continuing education opportunities.

Asheville is also a major remote working hub with plenty of coworking spots like Hatch, Focal Point and Mojo providing great in-town infrastructure.

#

Schools in Asheville

Asheville City Schools (plus surrounding districts in Buncombe County) serve many of the public-school students in Asheville, with a mix of neighborhood elementary/middle schools, a few high schools, and other educational institutions.

What we know about Asheville City Schools

• Graduation rate for the Class of 2024 was 89.9% and it received an "A" rating on niche.com.
• The district maintains a 1:1 computer-to-student ratio (grades K–12), a legacy of remote-learning upgrades that apparently remain.
• The preschool program operated by the district currently runs 5 sites that hold a “5-star child-care facility rating” under state licensing criteria.
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) and “AVID” (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programs are active — giving students access to skills-based education and college/career preparation.

Private and Alternative School Options

• There’s at least one private school option in the area: Asheville Christian Academy (in nearby Swannanoa, roughly 12 miles from downtown Asheville). Offers K–12 education, credentials via Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
• For older students or adult learners, Asheville‑Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) offers associate-degree and certificate programs in a wide range of fields, including culinary arts, engineering, trades, and continuing education.

What this means for families/newcomers
-If you move to Asheville and enroll your children in public schools, you’ll be joining a district that maintains solid infrastructure and programs, with a high school graduation rate of nearly 90%.
-If you prefer private or specialized education, there are nearby alternatives such as Asheville Christian Academy.
-If you or a family member is considering vocational training, career switching, or post-secondary education, A-B Tech provides reasonably accessible options without leaving town.

This is primarily a point for those looking for a place to retire. They say that you’re either a Villages person or you’re not (Google The Villages in Florida to see what we’re talking about). If you think of Florida as a giant version of The Villages and you decide there is no way you can handle that, then consider Asheville. Pre and Post-Pandemic moving trends are driving growth here so if you’re considering the move we’d recommend doing so post-haste.

nojremark
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

It's my home. I could probably get by anywhere but, here I've made some roots and am part of a community. I value that. It's really nice that folks are mostly nice to each other on the street despite internet drama occasionally in the forums. I value that too. It is very pretty that's certain. The city is conducive for happiness. It's changed a lot in the decade I've lived here. But, so has everything. One unfortunate change imo is the lack of affordable housing which hurts the working classes most directly. I have faith that things will improve on that front. I don't know how. I'm not that smart. But, I bet someone is! Good luck out there ✌️

To see more reviews from locals check out: The Reviews.

Q: Is Asheville expensive?

A: Asheville is on the higher end for North Carolina. Home prices in neighborhoods like Montford, North Asheville, and Grove Park run above the city average. Daily costs are moderate, and rentals vary widely depending on proximity to downtown.

Q: Are the schools in Asheville good?

A: Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools have a highly-rated mix of elementary and high-school programs. Public Montessori, magnet, and STEM options exist, and many families consider both districts depending on zoning. As with most cities, performance varies by school.

Q: Is Asheville safe?

A: Safety depends on the neighborhood. Montford, West Asheville, and parts of North Asheville feel steady. Downtown is active but can feel different late at night. As always, it’s worth walking the area you’re considering.

Q: Is Asheville walkable?

A: Some neighborhoods are very walkable, especially downtown, West Asheville near Haywood Road, and parts of Montford also. Others are more hilly or suburban. Daily life for most is a mix of walking, short drives, and the occasional bus ride.

Q: What’s the job market like in Asheville?

A: Healthcare, education, hospitality, and small businesses make up most of the job market. Mission Health and the university system anchor many of the stable jobs. Remote workers also do well here because the cost of living is lower than in many mountain towns with similar amenities.

Q: Is Asheville a good place for remote workers?

A: Yes. Internet access is reliable, coworking spaces exist downtown and in the River Arts District, and many quiet neighborhoods make hybrid work easy. The airport is small but convenient for regional travel.

Q: How’s the weather in Asheville?

A: Winters are cool with occasional snow. Summers are warm but not as humid as cities in the Piedmont or Coastal regions. The mountain setting means temperatures run a little cooler than much of North Carolina.

Q: What outdoor activities are nearby?

A: Residents use the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bent Creek trails, and sections of Pisgah National Forest for hiking, biking, and weekend outings. Waterfall hikes are all within a short drive.

Q: Is it easy to meet people in Asheville?

A: Most newcomers connect through neighborhood events, volunteer groups, outdoor clubs, arts gatherings, or shared classes. It’s a small enough city that you see familiar faces quickly.