91,560
Population
Sunny Days: 212
47100 Affordability
95100 Schools
36100 Diversity
47100 Safety
Asheville, North Carolina
Land Of The Sky
Asheville, Credit: Gardner-Webb
River Arts District, Credit: Kyle Glenn
Biltmore Village, Asheville, Credit: Paige Laine Elmer
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, Credit: This is Raleigh
The Best Thing About Asheville?
Mountain Living
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.
Note from local about the best thing about Asheville: Best: The scenery. I love how you can be on the interstate (and elsewhere, of course) and have an incredible view of the mountains appear out of nowhere. I also love how the scenery changes with the seasons and position of the sun throughout the year. Oh, and when the clouds partially block the sun, so one patch or ridge of mountains is in shadow, while the next ridge over is lit up and bright.
The Worst Thing About Asheville?
When It Rains, It Floods
The surrounding mountains act as a giant funnel delivering water into Asheville and causing river and creek banks to overflow. Streets tend to flood and if your home is in a lower valley you can expect some water damage. One word of caution: pick a home that isn’t amidst the low lying land.
Local note about the impact on her home: got flooded out of my home in 2017 thanks to the heavier than normal rainfalls during a hurricane and told it was now to be expected as the new normal. home not in a flood zone now and never was - but will be when they redraw the maps.
To see more reviews from locals check out: The Reviews.
Lifestyle of Asheville
Nestled
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 own downtown area with music, bars and great restaurants.
If you want to see what kind of fun and culture happens here check out the calendar of events: https://www.exploreasheville.com/all-asheville-events/
Why You Should Move Here Now?
It Ain’t The Villages (or Florida for that matter)
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.
Living in Asheville
Neighborhoods in Asheville
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Black Mountain/Weaverville/Biltmore Park
Retirees
Asheville is kind of the anti-Florida for retirees. More people retire here and choose to live in traditional neighborhoods than in more 55+ exclusive communities. Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Biltmore Park are popular choices for those who want to live independently and be a walk from Downtown.
Biltmore Lake is a more structured community among these with some of the subdivisions gated but most open. All are served by the incredible amenities that surround the actual lake including a community clubhouse where activity groups meet to socialize and presumably play a lot of pickleball.
Downtown/West Asheville
Young Professionals/DINKs/SINKs
As with most smaller cities Downtown is the center of action for Young Professionals. It has the highest concentration of bars, breweries, restaurants, theaters, music venues and community events all within walking distance of the apartment and condo living options in the neighborhood. What makes Asheville unique isn't just bars and restaurants though, it's the artisan shops in the Grove Arcade, the local art studios/galleries, the amazing Asheville Pinball Museum and a number of other truly one-of-a-kind spots that make this city standout.
West Asheville also gets a fair share of Young Professionals/DINKs/SINKs looking for a more laid-back neighborhood but still want a walkable social experience. Filled with small shops selling vintage clothing, books, and records as well cool music spots, and Carrier and French Broad River Parks, which are perfect for picnics and hikes.
West Asheville
LGBTQ+
West Asheville is the groovy/hipster neighborhood in Asheville. Filled with boutique shopping, eclectic restaurants/cafes and a big arts district. It’s also the center of the LGBTQ+ community in the city with owned and supportive businesses throughout.
Montford
Families
Montford is a historic district in Asheville filled with beautiful homes that sits alongside downtown. It’s perfect for families who want big homes, yards, and outdoor play but also want to be close to the commercial district for social and cultural experiences. North Asheville is another great option if you want to be out a bit farther from downtown and get more of the amazing outdoor experiences Asheville offers. It also has its own commercial district amidst beautiful old Tudor-style homes.
- Montford
- North Asheville
- South Asheville