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.

Greybeard Realty tries to convey the special qualities of Asheville and its environs. In our blogs we talk about art, food, and outdoor activities. If you want to hear more of the same message from a variety of people, check out this YouTube video we ran across.

Asheville Drum Circle

The video, first aired in 2009, shows the drum circle, a few local galleries and the gorgeous scenery around town. More than that, however, it also has the people of Asheville speaking for themselves about what makes this city so great. We can talk about Asheville's unique flavors, but there's nothing like hearing it from the people who live here.

If you've been thinking about making Asheville home, this video might just be what cinches it for you. And if you're not that familiar with Asheville and want to know more, consider renting an Asheville area rental to try out living here. Or perhaps you've been vacationing here and know it's where you want to settle. Please see our listings for western NC homes for sale. Isn't it time to get into the Asheville spirit?

If you've just spent an incredible week in a Black Mountain rental cabin and can't fathom the idea of leaving, why not buy? A charming mountain cottage has just come onto the Black Mountain sales market. With its convenient location and quality construction, 29 Rhododendron easily could become the home of your dreams.

Whimsical features give Black Mountain home charm.

While the 2 bedroom home is less than five minutes from town, it sits on a 1.03 acre lot in a quiet, private setting. It has an apartment/in-law suite downstairs and the potential for expansion by finishing the large second story area. Built in 2010, this beautiful house has special details that add whimsical charm, making it a unique home with high-end finishes. From the special railings on the entryway to the arched front doorway, this mountain cottage has character and charm.

As anyone who's visited knows, Black Mountain offers arts, culture, and a small-town community feel. Long known as the Front Porch of Western North Carolina, Black Mountain provides access to mountain hiking and numerous outdoor activities. To see more of Greybeard's Black Mountain listings or to learn more about 29 Rhododendron, please contact Greybeard Realty. Isn't it time to find a Black Mountain cottage where you have your own front porch?

The mid-year real estate sales numbers for Buncombe County are in and reflect solid growth for 2014. The housing market in the Asheville area continues to show steady gains with healthy increases across the board, and indications are that this positive trend should follow through the rest of the [...]

Fourth of July means fireworks, cookouts, and parades. In keeping with our tradition of celebrating the occasion, Greybeard Realty again will host a parade of Montreat homes for sale. On Sunday July 6, a listing of varied homes will be open for touring, providing potential buyers with a chance to check out a great selection of what's [...]

Greybeard has just listed a charming 3-bedroom bungalow in the community of Ridgecrest. Situated on a landscaped corner lot, this well-maintained home has a covered front porch and a back patio, enabling homeowners to sit outside and enjoy the quiet [...]

Greybeard Realty's new listing, 15 Harrison Hill in Swannanoa, is a wonderful option for anyone wanting a bright, sunny home in a small mountain community. This 3-bedroom, 3 bath home has easy access to Asheville and Black Mountain. And as an added bonus, the home features a lower-level 1 bedroom apartment with a separate entrance.

Enjoy the quiet backyard of this Swannanoa home.

Built in 1996, the spacious home has main-level living and plenty of natural lighting. With front and back porches and a 2-car garage, this home also has mature landscaping and a secluded backyard. The lower-level apartment is also bright and has a kitchen/dining/living area with a private laundry. In addition, the apartment has rental income potential.

Swannanoa, located in eastern Buncombe County between Asheville and Black Mountain, provides residents with easy accessibility to I-40. Nearby Warren Wilson College offers numerous arts and music programs as well. Check out Greybeard's Swannanoa listings for other local options. If you're getting ready to enter the buyer's market, you might want to look at Greybeard's Homebuyers' ABC webpage as well as the Market Trends which tracks local real estate statistics. For more information on this home or any other listings, please contact Greybeard Realty.

Greybeard Realty has added a special Black Mountain home for sale to its listings. The 4-bedroom home, 36 Lynx Drive, has mountain views and privacy along with a great location with easy accessibility to Black Mountain.

Mountain views from 36 Lynx Dr. home.

The main floor of this home has two master suites as well as a formal dining room and a family room with a gas fireplace. With lots of windows and high ceilings, this home is bright and open. In addition to the main floor, the home also has a lower level with two bedrooms and a large bonus room/den which can become the family hangout or the family workout space. The home also has a one car garage and a workshop.

As home to Greybeard Realty, Black Mountain always has had a special place in our hearts. And Black Mountain has received some great national attention recently for its easy accessibility to outdoor activities, among other pluses. Please contact us for more information about this home for sale and check out Greybeard Realty's complete Black Mountain listings.

Forbes recently recognized the growing flavors of Asheville in its list of top five secret foodie cities. In its blog, Forbes highlights the interesting and widely varied types of cuisine and presents a list of festive restaurants sure to please the palate.

Asheville menu sample

In addition to Curate, a restaurant featuring Spanish tapas, the blog mentions the French Broad Chocolate Lounge which serves liquid truffles and Looking Glass Creamery that pairs fresh cheese with wines. Just reading through the listings should be enough to make you head out for a nosh.

The Forbes top five list preceded the recent USA Today Travel listing of "6 Small Cities with Big Tastes." That list of top six also mentions Curate as well as Rhubarb and Seven Sows Bourbon Larder. One of our Facebook followers suggested Strada Italiano and Zambra should be added to this list as well. About a year ago, Greybeard Realtors and staffers suggested their favorite family restaurants as well. Regardless of what list you choose, it should be apparent that Asheville has an incredible palate for cuisine choices.

With its cultural offerings and natural beauty, Asheville doesn't really need another reason to be the place to live. A look at these recent lists, however, may have you salivating for your own home. If you're ready to make the move, look over Greybeard's Asheville homes for sale listings and contact us. And in the meantime, let us know about your favorite dining spot.

Imagine yourself lakeside in the western NC mountains with gorgeous mountain peaks in the distance. If that picture fits your dreams, you'll want to see Greybeard's listing on Bear Cliff Village Drive. This well-maintained townhome on Lake James is a short walk from the Bear Creek Marina and will go a long way toward meeting your aspirations of owning a mountain escape.

A western NC mountain home with a cool lake and blue mountains.

This 4-bedroom, 3 bath townhome has a gas fireplace and cathedral ceilings, creating a warm open area for gathering. The master suite is located on the main level with 3 large bedrooms and 2 full baths on the lower level. From the covered porch, you can enjoy lake views.  With the meticulous upkeep on this home, it is move-in ready. And with no yard to maintain, you really can make this the ultimate vacation home.

Lake James, located in McDowell County, has more than 150 miles of shoreline. The lake is the focal point of Lake James State Park, nestled between Marion and Morganton.  This state park is one of the youngest in the state, established in 1987 by NC general assembly. With its boating and fishing, its abundant wildflowers, and its forest creatures, this mountain lake area makes the ultimate backyard without the required upkeep.

For more information on this restful townhome or to see our other listings, please visit the Greybeard Realty website. Or contact Greybeard for more information. It's a good time to make your dream of owning a lakeside mountain home a reality.