Asheville, North Carolina is a vibrant and eclectic mountain town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich arts and culture scene, and friendly community, it is a popular destination for both visitors and residents alike.
Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or historical architecture, this charming mountain city offers something for everyone! If you are considering living in the Carolina mountains, there’s no better place than Asheville.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons this city should be your first choice for mountain living.
1. Sense of Community
If you’re looking for a welcoming community, you’ve come to the right place. With just under 100,000 residents, Asheville is the perfect size to get to know the members of your community and develop strong relationships with your neighbors. Whether you want to try new restaurants in the city or explore a hiking trail in the woods, several social clubs and meet-up groups make it easy to connect with people in this vibrant city.
2. Temperate Climate
Asheville is known for having a moderate and comfortable climate overall, making it the perfect city to enjoy all of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Temperatures rarely exceed 90º F, with July being the warmest of the summer months. Winters are generally mild, with occasional snowfall that covers the mountain tops.
3. Outdoor Activities
The temperate climate of Asheville lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities. From evening walks through the eclectic streets of downtown to picnics in forest meadows, living in Asheville provides residents the chance to explore natural beauty on a regular basis — something that is not always possible in other mountain towns.
Thanks to the Appalachian Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will never tire when exploring the natural wonders along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, you can find two of the region’s greatest parks, the Pisgah National Forest and Mount Mitchell State Park. Both parks have miles of the area’s best hiking trails to explore either by foot or on a mountain bike. For overnight adventures, these parks also offer campgrounds and scenic picnic areas.
In the spring and summer months, you can go for a dip in one of the many local lakes. One of the closest to Asheville is Lake Powhatan in Pisgah National Forest. Located about 10 minutes from downtown, you can swim in the lake, enjoy the park’s campgrounds, take your family white water rafting, or canoe down the French Broad River. The possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring the great outdoors in Asheville.
4. Breathtaking Views
Another reason to consider living in Asheville is the views! With miles of scenic vistas, it’s clear why this mountain town is named “The Land of The Sky” by locals. While each season offers its own charm, one of the most spectacular is during the autumn months, when the mountains take on a life of their own with vibrant colors dotting the horizon.
Read More: 10 Best Viewpoints in the Blue Ridge Mountains
5. Thriving Art Scene
Another reason you should consider living in Asheville is its active art scene. This mountain town is home to hundreds of local artists who are constantly creating works of art to share with the community.
While you walk through the city streets, you will be able to admire local art and see the community from a more eclectic point of view. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more traditional way to view art, Asheville has over a dozen museums to explore, most notably the Asheville Art Museum.
One of the most visited areas in the city for local art is the River Arts District. Here, you can support local artists and visit their studios to marvel first-hand at their original work. However, Asheville’s most popular art form is its live music. Home to a handful of popular venues, like the Orange Peel, this city opens its doors to local artists and encourages them to perform. In downtown, Pritchard Park has become a stage for public performers, offering a weekly drum circle from April until October.
6. Fine Dining
Without a doubt, living in Asheville will be a treat for your tastebuds with its extensive variety of fine dining options. Known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, Asheville offers various dining options, from casual, farm-to-table eateries to fine-dining restaurants. The downtown area is particularly known for its many independent restaurants and breweries, as well as its food trucks. Many of the restaurants in Asheville source their ingredients from local farms and producers, so you can expect to find fresh, seasonal, and high-quality food.
Read More: Top Farm-to-Table Restaurants to Visit in Asheville
7. Biltmore Estate
Perhaps one of the most iconic places in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned home in the United States. With over 8,000 acres of grounds to roam and gardens filled with thriving plants of all types, visitors can enjoy this attraction year-round.
The Biltmore Estate boasts six restaurants, from casual to fine dining, and trust us — you will be tempted to try them all. They are even home to the most visited winery in the country. Here you can take a tour of the winery and go behind the scenes to discover how these exquisite wines are made.
Living in Asheville, you can easily attend the various events held at the Biltmore Estate, such as summer concerts on the terrace or a Winter Wonderland event during the holiday season.
Living in Asheville
Though Asheville may be a small city, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its rich culture. With its mild climate, scenic views, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities, it’s a great place to live for those who love nature and outdoor activities. Regardless of your lifestyle, you can be sure to find things to do in this charming city tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains.
If you are looking to call this lovely city home, our community, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, is just minutes from downtown Asheville and all of its many attractions. One of our seven private luxury communities, this community makes it possible for you to be a part of everything that makes living in Asheville so extraordinary.
We invite you to discover available homesites where you can build your dream home or view move-in-ready estates, townhomes, or cottages in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or, click below to contact a member of our team about how you can call The Cliffs home.
This piece was originally written in June 2020 and refreshed in February 2023.
