The accolades just keep coming for Asheville, North Carolina. It’s consistently recognized by publications as being among the best cities for everyone’s favorite things, including food, music, outdoor adventure, beer and vacations. For these reasons and many more, living in Asheville, quite simply, ticks all the right boxes.
Progressive Industries
Ranked by Forbes in the top 100 best places for business and careers, Asheville’s progressive vibe keeps industry moving forward. At its core, are creative endeavors ranging from quirky offerings via entrepreneurs to original stores and cutting-edge entertainment.
Local artists have certainly made their mark in the city’s River Arts District. The area is dedicated to working studios and galleries, where you can shop and watch demonstrations of everything from pottery to painting and glass blowing.
The unemployment rate is comparatively low and job growth is strong, with major employers including The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, The Biltmore Co. Museums and Buncombe County Government.
Ease of Living in Asheville
What makes living easy? Mild weather is at the top of the list for many people living in Asheville. The average yearly temperature is a pleasant 56°F, rising to 73°F in time for water-based summer activities. Fall brings colorful foliage to the mountains and snowfall allows ski resorts to open around November, though temperatures remain in the 40s and 50s.
With less than 90, 000 residents, Asheville retains the relaxed atmosphere of a small town, despite access to a wealth of facilities. These include several colleges, public and private schools, health-care at the Mission Health Systems and alternative healing practitioners. That’s all without mentioning the world-class entertainment, shopping and dining of downtown, which you can explore on foot or by bus.
Commuting adds to an easy lifestyle and the average drive-time in Asheville is approximately 20 minutes. For businesses and travel, the city has easy access to Interstates 26, 40 and 240. Asheville Regional Airport is serviced by major airlines, with flights to New York, Chicago, Atlanta and more.
Eco-Friendly Communities
Asheville’s popularity is most certainly on the rise, but housing remains affordable. Better yet, the focus is on green building in eco-friendly communities, to enhance quality of life. Therefore, it’s possible to build your dream custom home, with expert, green building services to lower the cost of living.
Area communities, including The Cliffs, Sovereign Oaks and Olivette encourage backyard farming and community gardens. Then, there are home communities like Grove Park Cove that offer secluded home sites in the heart of nature and fresh, mountain air.
Outdoor Adventures
Along with beer and food, Asheville’s outdoor adventures are the city’s top claim to fame, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists every year. The incredible scenery and active lifestyle is also responsible for many people relocating to live in Asheville.
Breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, forests and park lands are everywhere you look. Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, golfing – you name the outdoor adventure and Asheville delivers in a spectacular fashion.
Exciting Entertainment
From the majestic Biltmore Estate to seasonal festivals, craft beer and iconic music venues, exciting entertainment is always just around the corner, in Asheville. The city is home to the Asheville Lyric Opera and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, plus popular concert venues like the Orange Peel and the Grey Eagle. Jazz, blues and dance clubs add to the eclectic mix of late night options.
However, it’s the famous food scene that captures the hearts of visitors and locals alike. “Foodtopia” is what the locals call it, with more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, farm-to-table restaurants, gorgeous vineyards and farmer’s markets galore.
Food, along with easy living, community spirit, entertainment, progressiveness and natural wonders combine, to answer why living in Asheville ticks all the right boxes.
