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 [...]

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.

If you'd like to tryout a Montreat home before you buy it, Greybeard Realty has just the home for you. Sabbath Rest sleeps eight and its convenient location an easy walking distance from Lake Susan allows its guests to really get a feel for Montreat and what's it's like to be a part of this small mountain community.

Special Montreat rental home for sale.

Sabbath Rest, recently listed for sale at Greybeard Realty, offers a unique opportunity for potential buyers. In this case, you really can try and then buy this home. With several outdoor spaces, a nearby creek, and a fully-equipped kitchen, this home is move-in ready. As mentioned in a Greybeard sales blog, trying out a town by renting a home there is a great way to get to know the character and feel of the community. And in this case, not only can you get to know the community, you can get to know the actual home!

The town of Montreat, just east of Asheville, is centrally located in the western NC mountains. Known by some as the front porch of the NC mountain area, Montreat has bike/walking paths, no traffic lights, and some of the finest walking trails in the area. With its proximity to Asheville, Montreat provides quiet, peaceful living with easy access to larger city life just 15 miles away.

If you want a chance to stay at Sabbath Rest for a week or so to see what it would feel like to be a Montreat homeowner, why not try this rental. If you've already been to Montreat and want a home that is ready to move into and has a rental history already, then contact Greybeard Realty. How often do you get a chance to try and then buy a Montreat home?

2014 First Quarter Statistics

For the past few quarters, western NC real estate numbers generally have been positive. The first quarter numbers of 2014 continue to show that positive trend. As a matter of fact, for the first time, average home prices in both markets have ticked [...]

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.