Since the mid-1800s, people from around the world have been moving to Asheville for the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains and the incomparable lifestyle they impart. But as the city has evolved, it has developed a score of other characteristics that see it consistently receiving quality-of-life awards from national and international media outlets.
Asheville’s accolades have included being named among the “Best Places to live in the U.S.” by Outside, “America’s Best Mountain Towns” by Travel + Leisure, “The Best Cities in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler and the “Top 100 Places to Live” by livability.com.
One of the biggest draws to Western North Carolina is the availability of Asheville homes for sale to suit any taste. Within and immediately around downtown you’ll find luxury condominiums, new single-family homes, classic remodels and everything in between. In historic neighborhoods such as Montford and the Grove Park area, homeowners are buying three-story Victorians and arts-and-crafts bungalows from the early 20th century, restoring them, and receiving honors from the local preservation society.
Drive a few minutes in any direction and you’ll discover a number of Western North Carolina communities where homes can still be bought at a bargain. For example, nearby towns like Weaverville, Hot Springs, Hendersonville and Black Mountain are known as much for their Main Street feel as they are for their real estate opportunities, including in-town homes, sprawling country farms, and luxury primary and secondary homes.
But perhaps the greatest reason that people want to live in Asheville is that life here is, well, better. For all the big-city amenities offered – from fine dining to art galleries to boutique shopping – things still move at an easier pace, with the city retaining an easy average commute time of 21.6 minutes, more than five minutes less than the national average.
The weather here is also enviable. Temperatures are relatively mild year round, ranging from daily highs in the 40s in the middle of winter to the mid 80s in the height of summer. Add to that the fact that the city averages 212 days per year with full or partial sun, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the great outdoors during any season.
Still, you’re guaranteed four distinct seasons. The gentle, fragrant buds of spring trees give way to the buzz of summer music festivals, which fade into an explosion of fall color and the majesty of winter mountain sunsets.
For those times you need to get away for pleasure or for business, Asheville is convenient to anywhere you want to go. Interstates 26 and 40 run right through town, with 85 nearby, providing easy access to cities such as Charlotte, Knoxville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charleston, Nashville and more. Additionally, Asheville Regional Airport offers direct flights to major cities throughout the country, or easy international connections via Charlotte and Atlanta.
With all of these factors taken into consideration, Asheville and all of Western North Carolina have an ideal blend of mountain living, from the easy-going to the exciting. So let the Southern hospitality and urban flair draw you in, and you, too, will realize why this is such a remarkable place to live.
