When you first enter the historic Montford neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina, the elegant homes, gentle shade of the trees above, and relaxing atmosphere will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. Montford is one of Asheville’s most desirable neighborhoods, and in this post, we’ll cover what makes Montford so unique and how you can make it your home.
Where is the Montford neighborhood?
Montford is located slightly northwest of the Asheville city center and contains residential homes as well as some businesses and offices. The central Montford Avenue exits off of Interstate 240, making the rest of Asheville easily accessible to residents of the neighborhood.
Historic Montford Neighborhood in Asheville, NC
A portion of Montford is a National Register Historic District, and additionally, Montford was designated as a Local Historic District in 1981 by the Asheville City Council. The 600+ houses in the National Register Historic District were mostly built between 1890 and 1920 and feature Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne styles.
Montford houses beautifully illustrate what life was like in Asheville during the turn of the twentieth century, as the city rose to prominence as one of the Southeast’s most popular destinations. Also located in the neighborhood is Riverside Cemetery, which dates back to 1885 and is the final resting place of authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry, along with other prominent Asheville citizens. Download a map and take a self-guided walking tour of the cemetery to learn about its history and see its striking monuments and mausoleums.
The historic Montford neighborhood features Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne style homes.
Accommodations, Dining, and More in the Montford Neighborhood
Montford is a beautiful place to get away from it all, while still being within walking distance of bustling downtown Asheville. Here are our recommendations for places to stay, eat, and have fun in Montford.
Accommodations
To get the full Montford experience, we recommend staying in one of the neighborhood’s many bed & breakfasts. Often located in historic homes, B&Bs offer comfortable rooms, delicious meals, and authentic glimpses into Asheville history. Check out our recommendations below.
- The 1900 Inn on Montford is a luxury bed & breakfast that offers high-quality amenities in an Arts & Crafts-style home. The inn shines in its thoughtful details, from locally-sourced breakfast treats to traditional music performances on the front porch.
- Built in 1897 and then restored as an inn, Bed of Roses Bed & Breakfast is surrounded by lush, peaceful gardens, set back from the road in the heart of Montford. This B&B is decorated with antiques while still offering modern amenities such as Jacuzzi-style tubs. Enjoy two-course breakfasts and delicious afternoon tea as well.
- The 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House is a family-owned B&B in an authentically restored Victorian mansion. Just eight-tenths of a mile from downtown Asheville, it’s easy to walk to the city and then return to the inn’s elegant decor and relaxing suites.
Bars and Restaurants
If you’re staying in one of Montford’s many B&Bs, you can easily skip the drive and walk to dinner in one of downtown Asheville’s award-winning restaurants. However, there are also a few can’t-miss restaurants and bars in the neighborhood itself:
- The Montford Rooftop Bar is located in the Hyatt Hotel, and it offers craft cocktails, small plates, and gorgeous mountain views. It’s a great stop for a relaxing drink and bite to eat at the end of the day.
- Home of Asheville’s most authentic Carribean cuisine, Nine Mile has its flagship location in the heart of Montford. Nine Mile serves flavorful pasta, seafood, and meat dishes, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
- Chiesa serves Italian cuisine made from family recipes with local ingredients. Serving “food for the soul,” the restaurant is housed in a historic Montford church (“chiesa” means “church” in Italian) and has a quaint, cozy atmosphere. Choose from handmade ravioli, sausages, Sicilian sauces, and much more (including vegan and vegetarian options).
The Montford Rooftop Lounge (Photo credit Chelsea Lane Photography)
Chiesa serves up authentic Italian dishes in the heart of Montford.
Outdoors in Montford, Asheville
Montford is a great place to get outside. The neighborhood streets are safe for walking with your family or jogging before work, or head to Montford Park to enjoy even more green space, including a basketball court, a picnic area, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, and a playground for kids.
For those with a love for fly fishing, you can get well equipped for your next day on the water at Hunter Banks, a locally owned fly fishing shop conveniently located on the corner of Montford Avenue and the I-40 off-ramp. With top notch customer service and a large selection of gear and flies, Hunter Banks has stayed true to its mission for over 35 years to foster the fly fishing community in Asheville and the surrounding mountains of Western North Carolina.
Hunter Banks, a locally owned fly fishing shop, is well-positioned for anglers, and offers a striking mural for all in the neighborhood to enjoy.
Nearby Attractions
- First time in Asheville? Visit the Asheville Visitor Center at 36 Montford Avenue to learn about the city, pick up guides and maps, and talk to the knowledgeable volunteers. You can also find brochures and coupons at the center that will help you save money in shopping, dining, and accommodations all over town.
- Founded in 1973, the Montford Park Players is Asheville’s longest-running Shakespeare theater company, beloved by locals and visitors alike. The group holds free summer performances outdoors at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in Montford Park, as well as winter shows in the downtown Masonic Temple. If you’re in the mood for high-quality community theater, grab some lawn chairs and a picnic and head to a performance. Many shows are family-friendly and free, with an optional donation at intermissions. Beverages and light snacks are available for sale. One of our real estate clients who is a huge Shakespeare buff and has seen plays all over the world, once told us that Montford Park Players is the best Shakespeare production he has ever seen!
- The Montford Community Center and Recreation Complex contains a gym and climbing wall, and it’s adjacent to the many amenities at Montford Park. This is a great place to take the kids, get some exercise, and enjoy the community.
- Every year, the Montford Music and Arts Festival sprawls along Montford Avenue, continuing its reign as Asheville’s longest-running single-day festival. With musicians, local artists, vendors, and delicious food, it’s an event that attracts visitors year after year.
- Also, don’t miss the annual Greek Festival, held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Asheville in Montford. This festival has free entry and features traditional delicacies such as lamb, gyros, and spanakopita, Greek folk dancing, jewelry and craft displays, and festive Greek music.
The Montford Park Players, Asheville’s longest-running Shakespeare theater company, holds free summer performances outdoors at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in Montford Park. It’s a fantastic community theatre experience that can’t be missed.
Nearby Schools
Schools near Montford include Montford North Star Academy, a magnet school focused on STEM and the arts, and Isaac Dickson Elementary. Both of these schools are part of the Asheville City School system.
The Tempie Avery Center offers a number of amenities, including a brand-new playground.
Real Estate in Montford
Homes for sale in Montford include newly-built, modern houses as well as historic houses that have either been restored or need some love. Many houses listed on the National Registry of Historic Places have been painstakingly renovated to preserve original details. Montford homes often have beautiful lawns and gardens and four or more bedrooms, making them perfect for larger families or those who often entertain guests. Click here to view the current inventory of Montford real estate listings.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to build your dream home in Montford, you can also purchase land for sale in the neighborhood. Plots of land in Montford are usually somewhat wooded, giving you a bit of privacy, while also being convenient to shopping, dining, and schools near downtown Asheville.
The Montford neighborhood provides a variety of real estate options, from new construction to homes listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of a home in Montford?
Home prices vary widely in Montford, and as a general rule they range from $325K to $2M, depending on square footage, amenities, and whether the home is new, renovated, or a “fixer upper.”
What are the taxes?
Montford is part of the Asheville City tax district. Click here to read our post about how taxes are calculated, and look up current tax rates.
Can I make changes to a historic Montford house?
As previously mentioned, Montford includes both a Local Historic District and a National Register District. Owners of Montford homes located within the Local Historic District must submit proposed design modifications before making major changes to their historic homes. If structures are considered to be “contributing” as part of a National Register Historic District, they may potentially qualify for Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Click here to learn more.
Moving to Montford
We’d love to help you buy a home in Montford. As you begin to learn about the real estate market in Montford, you can view the current listings in the neighborhood and sign up for new listing alerts to stay in the loop. And of course, please contact us to let us know you’re considering Montford, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about this beautiful, historic Asheville community!
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