Well, the votes are in, and Asheville has again risen to number one on another top ten list. This time, it's Travel+Leisure readers who have ranked hundreds of towns for their main streets, coffee bars and eco-friendliness, among other things. And, yes, Asheville won the title of Quirkiest Town in the US.

Quirky or cool, Asheville is our number one pick.

In their assessment, voters approved of the Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park as well as the numerous local beers. Mentioned in the article are the beer/moonshine "hoptails" from the Grove Park Inn's Great Hall Bar as well as the BROO shampoo from Earth Fare. Of note, Asheville also ranked in the top 10 for great bakeries.

All of this ranking and rating got us to thinking. Exactly what is it about Asheville that makes it so special? Is it the so-called quirkiness? Or is it more about the coexisting diversity within this comfortable community? For those of you who live here or visit here, what do you consider to be its real appeal? Let Greybeard Realty hear from you. We would love to compile our own list of the top ten best qualities of Asheville that makes it number one in our hearts.

Admit it. Being in Asheville just brings a smile to your face. Apparently, you aren't alone. Results of Conde Nast's Annual Readers' Choice survey announced this month indicates that Asheville is a top ten choice as the happiest city in the US.

Asheville recognized as special happy place.

In addition to citing the friendly people and incredible beauty of the city, the blurb announcing the award also notes the arts, farm-to-table fare and the local beer scene. In receiving the recognition, Asheville joins some other great cities including New Orleans, Telluride, and Charleston. This survey only confirms the data collected in a research study reported in Greybeard's blog that Asheville is a happy place. For those of us who call the Asheville area home, it brings great pride to get some national attention for the special small-town feel that exists here.

For anyone considering Asheville as a relocation spot, we encourage you to come have a look around. See our recent blog on the Asheville spirit and view the video link. For an additional overview, we have a brief description of Asheville on our website. But probably the best way to truly experience the happy phenomenon that is Asheville is to plan an Asheville vacation to see for yourself. Visit Greybeard Rentals to choose an Asheville area rental cabin. If you're ready to consider a move, browse through Greybeard Realty's Asheville listings. We're willing to be that just seeing the possibilities will bring a smile to your face.

Rumors have begun to surface that the Obama Family have purchased an Asheville home for use after the President's second term ends. While the White House has not confirmed the news, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to those people who have followed the President's recent visits to Asheville.

Obama speaking during one of his Asheville visits.

When Obama visited Asheville in 2013, he hinted then that he and Michelle thought Asheville might be their next stop. As noted in Greybeard's blog post about that visit, he was partial to the people and the food in the area. And that wasn't his only trip to the NC mountains. In his 2011 campaign visit to Asheville, he spoke fondly of Asheville, as noted in another Greybeard blog. The most recent talk about the Obamas relocating to the area indicates a home already has been purchased, though again this hasn't been confirmed. Another point of discussion is whether the home would be a permanent home or a getaway vacation home. While some pundits favor a larger city like Chicago or New York for their permanent home, others point out the peace and solitude the whole family would find in the area.

Regardless of whether it's true, it's great to see the fine words about Asheville. While it's news that Obama might be becoming our neighbor, it isn't news that the western NC mountains make a great retirement location. Greybeard Realty has known about the good value of an Asheville retirement for a long time. As to the veracity of the latest rumors, we will keep an ear to the news and keep you posted when it's confirmed as true. And if you've been considering retiring up this way, it may be time to follow through. After all, chances are that an Asheville retirement has just received a Presidential endorsement.

The Asheville area has made another "best of" list, making it as one of the top six best winter drives in North America. While often recognized for its spectacular autumn colors, the Blue Ridge Parkway receives less attention for its winter splendor. An article by Terry Ward on Centurion's online site highlights this local splendor.

Idyllic Snowy Views from the Blue Ridge

In making her recommendation, Ward points to Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, as a particularly scenic spot in the snow. She rightfully notes that the Parkway is closed when conditions merit. The Parkway updates its road closings regularly on the Blue Ridge Parkway website. While driving during the snow may not be possible, the snow always lingers on the mountain tops long after the snow has stopped falling, so there's always time to take in the snow-capped scenes.

For locals, it is often easy to overlook the uniqueness of where we live. In the bustle to get where we are going to work or to shop, for example, we don't always take the time to appreciate the natural beauty around us. And for those of you who wonder what it's like to live here year-round, we highly recommend a trial run. As Ward points out in her brief piece, there are abundant mountain rental cabins in the Asheville area that will let you give living here a try. Why not make a reservation now to see our idyllic views first hand.

The Asheville Real Estate 2012 mid-year statistics have been released, and both Buncombe County and Black Mountain markets show positive signs of growth.  While still not to the peak market numbers from 2006-2008 in most categories, the 2012 Asheville Real Estate Sales Market report gives reason for [...]

Western North Carolina homes have long been valued for retirement. Now, the area is receiving national recognition from Forbes which recently named Asheville as one of the 25 best places to retire in 2012. The list cites Asheville's abundant physicians and good climate as just two of the reasons to choose our area.

Retire to Asheville

There is an excellent variety of homes for sale in Asheville that would be perfect for anyone considering retiring to the area. Greybeard has several long term rentals which can give potential home buyers a chance to sample our communities before making a commitment to purchase a piece of Asheville real estate.  In addition, long term rentals or vacationers can enroll in a retirement workshop and get some professional advisement on what to consider before retiring.

If retiring to Western North Carolina is on your bucket list but not on the immediate horizon, why not purchase an Asheville rental home.  Greybeard Rentals, an award-winning property management firm, can manage all aspects of renting your new home until you are ready to move here yourself.

While the Forbes article focused on Asheville, several other local communities offer a more low-key, small town flavor while still providing access to Asheville's amenities such as the Biltmore Estate and the Asheville Art Scene.  Why not take a look at Black Mountain real estate or a Montreat  property which each have a flavor of their own. Our real estate agents know the area well and are happy to answer your questions about retiring to Western North Carolina.  Contact us today!

Anyone considering relocating to Asheville NC should consider the River Arts District, a very eclectic, arts-oriented neighborhood in Asheville.  An industrial center in the late 1800s, this historically significant area along the French Broad River is one reason that Asheville made American Style Magazine's list for the [...]

Greybeard's Asheville real estate listings include numerous Asheville homes that offer buyers the chance to be right in the city action.  If you want to enjoy a slower-paced existence while still within easy reach of Asheville, Greybeard Realty suggests considering Weaverville as a quiet alternative. With the small-town charm reminiscent of Mayberry, Weaverville provides the close knit community that many people prefer in these busy times.

Weaverville charms year round.

While peaceful and slower-paced, Weaverville is not without activities.  From April to November, local Weaverville businesses stay open late the first Thursday of each month in an event known as the Downtown Go-Around.  In addition to offering late night shopping, patrons can enjoy live local music as well as touring art galleries. Why not check out a Thursday night this summer and see what Weaverville has to offer. In May and June, local artists display themed larger than life ceramic animals.  This year features ducks. In October, local artists throughout the area open their studios for the Weaverville Art Safari, a self-guided studio tour. While Weaverville life is quiet, Weaverville's offerings are numerous.

Please check our real estate websites to see current homes for sale in Weaverville. For more information about Weaverville real estate, please contact Greybeard Realty.

For the first time in several years, Asheville Real Estate statistics indicate that residential building permits are on the rise.  Greybeard Realty tracks several market indicators to gauge the Asheville area real estate market, and our company sees the present statistics as a positive [...]

The Asheville Real Estate market has not experienced the large number of foreclosure properties  that other areas across the nation have. Despite that, Greybeard's Asheville foreclosure properties listings offer a wide range of homes, and our Realtors understand the special considerations a buyer needs when purchasing a distressed property.

In the last few weeks, several articles have discussed the impact foreclosed properties has had on the national real estate market. As more people lose their homes and move into rental properties, the number of rental properties available has diminished which in turn has increased rental rates.  Also, mortgage rates continue to hover at record low rates, making becoming a home owner more affordable.

Asheville Foreclosures Benefit From Rising Rents

More people are finding that, if they have solid employment and an excellent credit rating, they actually can lower their housing costs by buying a home. In many instance, particularly if they can find a foreclosed property that appeals to them, buyers can spend less money monthly if they own their home rather than renting.

Again, while there are financial benefits, buyers need to understand the complexities that can accompany buying a distressed home. For more information on Asheville foreclosure properties or to get more information about the process of buying a distressed property, please contact Greybeard Realty.