Arden & Skyland Deep Dive
The 28803 zip code encompasses luxury communities such as Biltmore Park, Biltmore Forest, and The Ramble. To its southernmost point, the zip code also extends to the unincorporated Skyland area before crossing into neighboring Arden, NC. Skyland is situated south of downtown, nearly adjacent to Biltmore Park Town Square off Hendersonville Road and bordered by Lake Julian Park. Arden, itself, is also unincorporated but home to over 23,000 residents and features neighborhood communities of Avery Creek, Royal Pines, and Oak Park.
The Skyland and Arden areas are desirable hometowns for those who want proximity to downtown Asheville without having to settle for smaller lot sizes. Spanning 37 miles, Arden is also notably close to the Asheville Regional Airport, situated in neighboring Fletcher, along with Henderson County and Hendersonville.
Understanding the Arden and Skyland districts is essential for any buyer; see the breakdown in our Ultimate Guide to South Asheville.
The Commercial Spine of Arden
While there is no formal or historic downtown, sections of Hendersonville Road, Brevard Road, and Airport Road all comprise the commercial region of Arden. This area of South Asheville is a notable economic engine of the Asheville region. One of the most popular shopping destinations in this area is the Tanger Outlets, which are home to numerous brand-name stores like J. Crew, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Nike, West Elm, and more.
There are also several shopping centers featuring big hitter stores like Target, Walmart, PetSmart, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Old Navy, Marshalls, World Market, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and OfficeMax. Unsurprisingly, these sections of highway breed heavier traffic thanks to the plentiful big-box and department stores.
While bordering the line between Arden and Asheville, Biltmore Park Town Square is a more curated, upscale shopping option for residents, with REI, Orvis, Athleta, LOFT, Warby Parker, and Barnes & Noble being some of the most notable spots. For those who enjoy shopping and hunting for the best deals, South Asheville will be a match made in heaven for you!
Luxury Neighborhoods in Arden NC
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is an easy first for notable luxury neighborhoods in Arden, NC. It attracts with its title of Asheville’s only gated golf community, and its golf course—designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus—is renowned. The par-71 course is spread over 1,000 acres of land that are situated at elevations of 2,100 to 2,250 feet by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The grounds include a golf clubhouse, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Tavern, an 18,000-square-foot Wellness Center with exercise spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and spa treatment rooms.
With such desirable amenities, proximity to Asheville, and stunning home builds, home prices in Walnut Cove begin around $1.2 million and list as high as $10 million. Square footage is sprawling in this luxury community, with some homes boasting a staggering 9,000 square feet. The community is organized into enclaves, including The Meadow, Fairway Commons, Creekside Farms, Somerset, Village Townhomes, The Millstream, Cove Park, Meadowview, Wildwood, and Southridge. Many of Walnut Cove’s luxury housing stock includes European-inspired and French Country-style residences along with “Mountain Modern” styles.
Arabella Heights at Waightstill Mountain is another notable and new gated community in Arden, alongside Pinnacle at Arabella. The community features a community pool and year-round mountain views from each home and lot. Square footage ranges from just under 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet in these 2-to 5-bedroom homes with two-car garages. Other features include walking trails, a clubhouse with a fitness center, and a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen.
Notable Communities in Arden
Homes in Arden’s housing stock tend to feature subdivisions established from the 1960s to the 2000s alongside new construction—notably, over 30% of Arden’s housing stock was built since 2000, reflecting the area's steady growth as one of the Asheville metro's most active residential corridors. Ranch and traditional style single-family homes dominate the older style of homes in this region, whereas newer subdivisions are prevalent with Craftsman and Arts &Crafts-style homes. Arden has seen a lot of housing stock growth in recent years due to its flatter terrain and location in the valley.
Official “sub-communities” and pocket neighborhoods within Arden, NC include:
Royal Pines - An older, more established neighborhood in Arden with homes dating back to the 1950s (including your classic ranch-style homes), its suburban roots make it an appealing family-oriented community.
Avery Creek - Situated in the same region as The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, it has a more serene, peaceful setting that’s tucked away from the commercial bustle of other neighborhoods in Arden.
Oak Forest - Features a range of 1950s-1960s ranch-style homes and renovated two-story homes. As one of the older communities in Arden, Oak Forest features mature trees and decent-sized lots.
Ashley Woods - Includes an active POA that was established in 2000 and 138 homes with a public open green space, BBQ grills, a fire pit, and a kids' playground.
Brookwood - Located further away from Arden’s commercial area, and like many other older pockets of Arden, features ranch-style homes.
With Arden’s growing housing stock comes a variety of newer subdivisions, including Balsam Ridge, Drakes Meadow, Clayton Crossing, Arbor Woods, Avery Park, Heywood Crossing, Baldwin Commons, Ellis Place, and Fox Glen Woods.
Arden + Skyland: Where Sophisticated Living + Suburban Comfort Converge
With unbeatable convenience, established neighborhoods, and continual growth, it’s easy to see why Arden and Skyland are such sought-after places to live. Residents score an easy commute to downtown Asheville, Asheville Regional Airport, and Hendersonville—all while enjoying a sprawling suburban setting without compromising on smaller lot sizes.
Dive into neighborhood and school insights on the T.C. Roberson District and market trends with our trusted team of local real estate experts. Don’t go it alone—we’re here to guide you, not just through the Arden and Skyland districts, but all of South Asheville’s premier communities. Reach out today to begin your home-buying journey with the utmost confidence and clarity!