You may have heard that Asheville, NC, is one of the most popular cities in the Southeast, but why is it attracting so much attention? We’d love to tell you! As locals of the Asheville area, we are well acquainted with all the things that make our part of Western North Carolina unforgettable. Keep reading to learn more about living in Asheville, and if you’re ready to find your next home in the mountains, browse our featured real estate listings today.
Why Living in Asheville is a Great Choice
With so many things to love about living in Asheville, narrowing them down is tough – but here are our top eight reasons why we love living here.
1. Vibrant Culture
Art, music, theater, and comedy thrive in Asheville. From local bands performing at The Grey Eagle Music Hall to world-famous artists attracting thousands at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, there’s always a great show to catch downtown. Bluegrass has a major presence throughout Western NC, so if you love to hear the fiddle and banjo, you’ll love living here. Galleries can be found throughout the area, but the River Arts District is our number one place to stroll through the studios of local artists. Murals grace the walls of many businesses, bringing joy and color for everyone to enjoy.
2. World-Class Cuisine
Asheville’s food scene has been heralded as one of the best in the country, and for good reason. We have James Beard-awarded chefs cooking up gourmet dishes of all kinds. Flavors from around the world are represented: Indian (Chai Pani), Spanish (Cùrate), Southern American (Benne on Eagle), Filipino (Neng Jr’s), and many more. From scrumptious breakfasts at Biscuit Head to satisfying desserts at French Broad Chocolate Lounge, you’ll have delicious options for every meal here in Asheville.
3. Beer Lover’s Paradise
With one of the country’s highest resident to brewery ratios, Asheville is a town made for beer enthusiasts. Sierra Nevada and New Belgium Brewing have locations in or near Asheville, Highland Brewing has a production brewhouse and taproom in East Asheville, and there are many other craft breweries run by locals to support as well. One of the best ways to get a taste of the city’s beer culture is by booking a trip on the Pubcycle!
4. Blue Ridge Mountains
Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you’ll see the soft peaks of this gorgeous mountain range in the distance as you drive around the city. With this natural haven so close, Asheville draws outdoor adventurers of all ages who come to hike, tube or canoe on the French Broad River, swim near waterfalls, bike, and camp. Pisgah National Forest sprawls throughout the Asheville area, and the historic Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the city.
5. Walkable Neighborhoods
If you’re dreaming of a neighborhood with wide sidewalks and shady trees that’s perfect for walking or biking, you’ll have options here in Asheville! There are many family-friendly, walkable Asheville neighborhoods near shops and restaurants that can be safely accessed by foot; these include West Asheville, Montford, Biltmore Park, and more. For more information, check out our full guide to walkable neighborhoods in Asheville.
6. Green Building
Asheville is an eco-conscious city, so you’ll find ways to go green here that go far beyond recycling. Living in a Green Built home is one way to reduce your carbon footprint, whether you buy an existing house or have one built for you. These homes are created with the earth in mind, using sustainable materials and conserving as much energy as possible. You can even find entire sustainable communities that focus on green living, natural spaces, and connection as like-minded people.
7. Things to Do
In addition to concerts and performances every night of the week, Asheville has many other fun things to do for the whole family. Cheer for the home team, the Asheville Tourists, during baseball season; go ziplining or mountain biking at the Adventure Center of Asheville; or take a comedy tour of the city on the legendary LaZoom bus. You can join a yoga class, learn how to make pottery, or help clean up the riverbank as a volunteer – whatever you’re curious about, Asheville has it! And when it’s time to relax, you can play some golf at the Omni Grove Park Inn’s course or get pampered at the Asheville Salt Cave.
8. Rich History
Last but certainly not least, Asheville has a fascinating history that’s worth digging into if you move here. History lovers might want to get a season pass to the Biltmore Estate, as it never ceases to amaze. The Folk Art Center, presented by the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, has a vast collection of handmade arts, crafts, and furniture from throughout Appalachian history, from baskets and quilts to rocking chairs. Historic buildings throughout downtown Asheville hold echoes of history, especially the city’s first golden age: the turn of the century through the 1920s.
FAQs on Living in Asheville
Is Asheville good for retirement?
Yes. Retirees from all over the country have chosen Asheville as their place to settle down and enjoy retirement. There are communities for those over 55 throughout the area, as well as private communities that offer a bevy of amenities (such as a golf course, dining, pools, gardens, a fitness center, and/or walking trails, among others). If you’re contemplating retiring in Asheville, know that you’ll be in good company!
What are Asheville winters like?
In the winter, the temperature in Asheville usually sits between 30-40 degrees, though sometimes it can dip below freezing and into the 20s. It occasionally snows in the city, but snowfall is much more common up on the mountains at high altitudes. In general, you get a taste of all four seasons when living in Asheville: cold winters, lush springs, summers that are hot but not too hot, and gorgeous, colorful autumns. For more detailed weather information, check our guide on What is the Weather Like in Asheville, North Carolina?.
How did Asheville get so popular?
Asheville has seen enormous growth over the past 20 years. In addition to its natural beauty, Asheville’s blossoming food and beer scene attracted tourists (and eventually residents) from all over. Known as a city that unabashedly embraces the artsy, bold, and weird, Asheville is home to many creatives who have defined the city’s progressive art culture. Because of all of this, the city has garnered many accolades over the years, being named one of the country’s best places to live, a top town for foodies, and one of the country’s most hospitable cities.
We could say even more about what makes Asheville amazing, but we’ll end by saying that this city, and Western North Carolina overall, is a rewarding and exciting place to live. Ready to make Asheville your new home? We would love to be part of your home-buying journey, so contact us today to get started. We’ll share tips for moving to Asheville and help you pick out the right place for you and your family.
