Asheville, North Carolina has wide appeal for people who are looking for a change of pace and small-town feel without sacrificing access to larger city amenities and resources. The mountain city is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels and interests—not to mention the heavy influence of art, food, music, and (of course) beer.
With a population of around 100,000 residents, the small-town vibes also tend to translate into shorter commutes for those who are accustomed to big-city rush hours. From 2010 to 2020, Asheville experienced over 13% increase in population growth—an understandable increase when one considers all the city has to offer.
Asheville Weather
In terms of weather patterns, Asheville boasts four seasons with mild summers that often don’t exceed 85 degrees for average temperatures and cooler temperatures at night. Winters can draw the occasional snow event, but more frequently, the temperatures with average highs in the 50s, allow for outdoor hobbies to continue as usual on a year-round basis. Asheville also draws leaf-lookers from near and far during the city’s fall foliage season. While the color show gradually showcases across the region from late September to early November, widespread and sought-after “peak” fall color typically arrives during October.
Asheville’s Economy
Like many cities rooted in art and culture, the local economy is bolstered by tourism as visitors embark on outdoor excursions, visits to the Biltmore Estate, and art crawls. Visitors also frequent the region's award-winning restaurants, wineries, and breweries. A four-time winner of the annual Beer City USA poll, Asheville’s reputation as a craft beer mecca accounts for a sizeable piece of the economic pie. Careers in the medical and education fields are also a primary source of income for many in the Asheville economy.
America’s largest private home, The Biltmore Estate, employs nearly 2,500 people to maintain its 8,000+ acres of property and staff its hotel, restaurants, gardens, farm, winery, tours, and shops.
Relocation to Asheville + Cost of Living
The Asheville market trends slightly higher than the national median housing cost—a trend that largely reflects the region’s demand outpacing inventory levels. While inventory has shown signs of improved balance in recent times, the area has seen numbers that have exceeded national averages for a few consecutive years. By 2024, Asheville’s median price has grown to $475,000, compared to the nation's median price which is around $412,000.
Asheville Neighborhood Guide
The Asheville real estate search, when centralized to the heart of Asheville, includes a variety of choices that range from historic restored homes in Montford to neighborhoods like Lakeview Park at Beaver Lake, Grove Park, and Biltmore Forest, to trendy and walkable bungalows in West Asheville and the River Arts District.
Montford
Known by many as Asheville’s most historic neighborhood, Montford consists of 300 acres of homes, a section of which were built between 1890 and the 1920s. The historic Riverside Cemetery, the resting grounds of the famous authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sidney Porter, is located within the Montford neighborhood. Many of the historic Victorian and Colonial Revival-style homes in Montford are on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood has several bed and breakfasts and homes with sprawling wrap-around porches.
Grove Park
The Grove Park – Sunset Mountain neighborhood, a planned community designed by E.W. Grove, is located just north of downtown Asheville. The neighborhood is also home to the historic Grove Park Inn, built in 1913. Grove worked with Chauncy Beadle on the Grove Park community. Beadle is known as the landscape architect and superintendent at the Biltmore Estate. Grove also had fingerprints on other ventures such as the Grove Arcade and Battery Park Hotel. The home styles in Grove Park vary from Tudor and Colonial Revival to Craftsman bungalows to English cottage and shingle style homes.
Biltmore Forest
Once owned by the historic Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Forest was established in 1923 when 1500 acres of land in Biltmore Village and land adjoining Hendersonville Road were sold. Biltmore Forest’s population is around 1,500 and it’s the second wealthiest town in North Carolina. The town of around 600 homes offers 24/7 police and fire services, the private Biltmore Forest Country Club, a golf club, a fitness center, and more.
The Ramble at Biltmore Forest
The Ramble at Biltmore Forest, a gated community located off Hendersonville Road, offers access to Asheville’s many attractions in addition to private amenities. The Ramble at Biltmore Forest’s Longmeadow Park includes an open-air pavilion and features English formal gardens, a playground, a fire pit, and a multi-purpose field as a central gathering spot. The community also offers a 9,000 square-foot “Living Well Center” with a fitness center, 7+ miles of walking trails, Overlook Park with its small waterfall, and a scenic pond at Crescent Park. The community has a variety of homesites and beautiful homes that are listed for sale.
Beaver Lake & Lake View Park
Situated north of Asheville, Beaver Lake’s waters are encircled by a walking path, stunning scenery, and the 10-acre Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Beaver Lake is a great spot to hop in a canoe and paddle around the serene waters, stroll through the park, or visit the 18-hole community golf course. Bordering the recreation area, the Lake View Park neighborhood consists of a little over 500 homes and was planned by landscape architect and urban planner John Nolen, who also collaborated with Fredrick Law Olmstead.
West Asheville & River Arts District
Located across from the French Broad River, West Asheville neighbors the hip and colorful River Arts District. West Asheville is often known for its charming craftsman bungalows and easy walking access to eateries and coffee shops that remain accessible and less crowded than central Asheville. The River Arts District itself is home to over 180 local artist studios. French Broad River Park and Carrier Park are also mainstays of West Asheville neighborhoods.
Learn More with GreyBeard Realty
Asheville’s list of accolades as a foodie town, brewery town, outdoor town, and arts town makes it a town in high demand for many people looking to make a move to the mountains. If you’re planning to start your search for Asheville real estate soon, GreyBeard Realty’s Asheville real estate team members are competent guides for the real estate process and can help you find your perfect home in Western North Carolina.