Asheville, North Carolina has become one of the South’s most desirable vacation spots, with many visitors flocking to this small city in Western North Carolina each year. While it is undoubtedly popular with tourists, you may be wondering, “Is Asheville, NC a good place to live?” Keep reading to learn about this city’s population, cost of living and culture in Asheville, as well as reasons we think you should consider moving to Asheville.
Table of Contents
What is it like to live in Asheville NC?
Should I Move to Asheville? 7 Reasons Why Living in Asheville is A Good Decision
What are the pros and cons of Asheville NC?
Is Asheville good for retirement?
What is the cost of living in Asheville?
What is it like to live in Asheville NC?
Asheville is a truly unique place to live. The city is nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means wherever you go, distant or not-so-distant, mountain ridges surround you on all sides. You can live in the serene countryside while still being a short drive from all that Asheville has to offer. Whether you want a cottage, a cabin, or a condo, you’re likely to find the perfect fit here in Western North Carolina.
Should I Move to Asheville? 7 Reasons Why Living In Asheville is A Good Decision
Why move to Asheville? There are many reasons, but here are some of our favorites.
1. Asheville NC Culture
Asheville plays an important part in carrying on Appalachian cultural traditions through places like the Folk Art Center (located at milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway), which contains a wide variety of contemporary and traditional craft pieces. The Folk Art Center is presented by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, an organization of creators who practice these traditional forms of art and craft today (and whose pieces are on sale in the Center’s shop).
2. Asheville’s Art Scene
Overall, if you make (or just appreciate) art, this is the city for you. Colorful murals brighten the walls of businesses, and street performers play to crowds of listeners. The drum circle happens every Friday night in downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park; this collaborative jam session features locals playing djembe drums, bongos and more. If you prefer visual art, head to the River Arts District to stroll through artists’ studios. You’ll also want to check out the Asheville Art Museum, located in Pack Square.
3. Live Music in Asheville
Music lovers will find plenty of opportunities to see live concerts in Asheville, thanks to the bevy of venues throughout the city. From small bars where local musicians get their start, to The Orange Peel, a local legend, to the giant Harrah’s Cherokee Center (where popular artists like Bon Iver, the Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan have played), you’ll have your pick of opportunities to see amazing live music. (Want an even deeper dive into concerts and festivals in Asheville? Check out our guide).
4. The Outdoors in Western NC
Looking for community outside the art and music scene? For those who love to get outdoors, there are hiking clubs (for instance, the Carolina Mountain Club), biking groups, public tennis courts, waterfalls to explore nearby and much, much more. Nature lovers can find homes for sale in neighborhoods near parks (such as Beaver Lake Heights or Amboy Heights) in towns near Pisgah National Forest (such as Barnardsville, Marion, or Old Fort).
5. Asheville’s Strong-Knit Community
You can also find community through volunteering in Asheville. Our city is filled with people passionate about giving back, so there are always chances to serve others in need. Look for opportunities at Manna Food Bank, the Asheville Humane Society, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and many more.
6. Asheville’s Restaurants and Breweries
Asheville’s restaurant and brewery scene is thriving, and you’ll never run out of delicious food and craft beer to enjoy as a resident here. No matter which area you choose, you’ll have great options. South Slope is an ideal place for beer lovers, as it’s considered Asheville’s brewing district. West Asheville restaurants serve food from a variety of backgrounds, plus you’ll find plenty of breweries, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops. Black Mountain has a thriving food and drink scene of its own. And, of course, downtown Asheville has nationally recognized cuisine that never ceases to amaze.
7. Asheville Sports
More of a sports fan? You’ll have opportunities to both watch and play sports here in Asheville. The city’s minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, plays their rivals each season with plenty of adoring local fans in the stands. You can cheer for UNC Asheville throughout the school year, and the Asheville City Soccer Club plays at the UNCA campus as well. You can play soccer yourself at Buncombe Sports Park, along with sand volleyball, disc golf, and bocce. For a more upscale experience, book a court at Asheville Sports Club. Located in South Slope, this club serves coffee and cocktails and has courts for pickleball and basketball that you can rent.
FAQs on Living in Asheville NC
Near Asheville, Dupont State Forest is full of trails and waterfalls.
What are the pros and cons of Asheville NC?
PROS TO LIVING IN ASHEVILLE NC
- Beautiful natural setting
- Thriving restaurant scene
- Breweries galore
- Extremely dog-friendly downtown
- Family-friendly things to do
- Plentiful art and culture
- Tons of ways to get outdoors
- Safe place to live
- History around every corner
- Many school options for families
CONS TO LIVING IN ASHEVILLE NC
- Higher cost of living than comparable cities
- Influx of new residents can cause traffic
Is Asheville good for retirement?
Yes! Retiring in Asheville has many benefits. There are a handful of prestigious 55+ communities in the area, and the city has a vibrant community of retirees enjoying all the art, music, and culture Asheville offers. If you’re considering retiring in Asheville, please reach out to us.
What is the cost of living in Asheville?
Asheville received an overall score of 102.7 on the 2024 cost of living index prepared by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Western Carolina University. While Asheville is far less expensive to live in than a city like NYC or Los Angeles, there is still a higher cost of living in Asheville than there is in North Carolina’s other major cities (Raleigh and Charlotte).
In Asheville in 2024, the average home sale price is $483,304 (per Zillow), and the average estimated rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,719/month (per Apartments.com). Learn more in our Asheville Real Estate Market Quarterly Update.
Moving to Asheville
Asheville isn’t just a tourist destination — it’s a hometown that many hold dear. If you want to become one of these people, consider moving to Asheville. Whether you pick out a downtown condo, a mountain cabin or a home in one of the small towns nearby, you’ll quickly realize why so many people have fallen in love with this quirky, friendly city. To learn more about moving to Asheville, please contact us! We can help you determine the best time to buy a home and assist you in finding the perfect property for you. Browse our featured listings and explore MLS listings in the various neighborhoods, and let us know of any properties that you like.
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