In recent years, Asheville, North Carolina has become a very popular area for retirees. The reasons are countless, but some of the biggest draws are the beautiful weather, the incredible scenery, the opportunities for recreation, and the endless number of quality restaurants. Of course, these are reasons that nearly anyone would want to move to Asheville!
Livability.com continually ranks Asheville highly in its annual reports of “Best Places to Live” and its list of Best Places to Live in North Carolina. TopRetirements.com ranks many Asheville 55+ communities in its list of Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. So why do people move to Asheville? And what are some typical questions that clients ask us when considering a move to Asheville for retirement? Let’s get into it.
4 Reasons to Retire in Asheville
1. The Weather
Asheville offers four distinct seasons without the extremes—summers are warm but not overly hot, and winters are mild with only occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are especially stunning, with blooming mountain landscapes and vibrant foliage. Retirees love the cooler summer temps compared to other Southern states, making it a popular seasonal escape that often turns into a permanent move. Even in July, highs typically stay in the 80s, and it’s not uncommon to see 50s in the middle of winter.
2. Mountain Views and Scenery
There aren’t many places in the country that provide such breathtaking mountain views just about everywhere you look. Because the city of Asheville sits in a valley, you can look up to see mountains in several directions. And the east side of Buncombe County is one long river valley (the Swannanoa River Valley), so there are incredible vistas from two opposing ridgelines!
3. Outdoor Recreation
Asheville is consistently ranked as a top outdoor adventure destination and is now a mecca for mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails and trout streams to explore, and several National Forests and State Parks in Western North Carolina. There really is more than you can see in a lifetime!
4. Incredible Restaurants
When it comes to independent restaurants, there may be no better selection per capita than here in Asheville. The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association has over 150 members (and growing). Visitors to our area are always blown away by just how many options there are for fresh, local food! We had clients from Sarasota, Florida once that told us they had dinner at 29 different restaurants during a 1-month visit!
Best Neighborhoods in Asheville NC for Retirees
It can be hard to choose amongst the best places for retiring in Asheville, NC, but here are some worth considering. We’ve sold many homes to retirees in these towns and neighborhoods, so we’ve seen first-hand that these areas are a good fit for retirees.
Black Mountain
Best Perk for Retirees: Walkability
This small town east of Asheville has a pedestrian-friendly downtown that’s ideal for strolling. Choose a home near Main Street to enjoy Black Mountain’s coffee shops, cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and library by foot.
Biltmore Lake
Best Perk for Retirees: Amenities
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that comes with built-in amenities, check out Biltmore Lake. This community near Enka and Candler (west of Asheville) is one of many in the area that offers residents benefits such as on-site trails and sidewalks, tennis courts, a playground, a community clubhouse, and, of course, a shimmering lake.
Weaverville
Best Perk for Retirees: Small Town Charm
Similar to Black Mountain, Weaverville is another small town near Asheville that’s warm and welcoming. Walkable streets, local music and theater, and delicious food make Weaverville a fun and peaceful place to call home.
Fairview
Best Perk for Retirees: Buildable Lots with Mountain Views
Considering building your dream home for your retirement years? Fairview is a great option if you’re looking for land for sale near Asheville. Whether you want an accessible valley location or a mountain lot with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge, you can find it in a developing Fairview neighborhood like The Crossings at Cane Creek.
South Asheville
Best Perk for Retirees: Gated Communities
For the security and sophistication of a gated community, browse homes for sale in South Asheville. This area is home to a few gated communities with plentiful amenities and benefits for residents, such as The Ramble Biltmore Forest and Southcliff.
Should I Consider Retiring in Asheville?
In our real estate experience, buyers who come to Asheville to learn about the real estate market for a possible retirement home typically fall in love with everything about our area! Our real estate inventory can be tight, especially if you’re keying in on a specific neighborhood, so it pays to be patient in your home search. Working with a local team like ours at Freestone Properties is a key part of finding the right home at the right time.
Contact Us to Explore Real Estate in Asheville, NC
If you’re ready to start exploring real estate in the Asheville area, please contact us using the form below. We are experts in the local real estate market and can help you find the retirement location of your dreams.
Contact Us to Explore Real Estate Options in Asheville, NC
If you’re ready to start exploring real estate in the Asheville area, please contact us using the form below. We are experts in the local real estate market and can help you find the retirement location of your dreams.
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