Asheville - A Progressive Southern City

Progressive Southern City

Located at the confluence of the Swannanoa River and the French Broad River, Asheville, North Carolina is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. This vibrant city is rapidly growing (72,231 Census Bureau 2005) as it attracts a creative young hip crowd of artist, sculptors and musicians along with a 

progressive group of baby boomers. Listed in both Rolling Stone magazine and Modern Maturity magazine as a desirable destination for visitors and homebuyers alike, Asheville offers a diverse lifestyle with an open accepting character. Named the most vegetarian-friendly small city in America, Asheville is a great place for young and old alike to call home. Asheville’s real estate market is quoted by Unique Homes Magazine in its January 2007 issue that it expects the Asheville, N.C. area to rank number 2 out of 25 cities in the luxury market division ranking ahead of Aspen, CO in number 3 position. They credit this to Asheville’s wonderful laid back ambiance in the city that will draw the upscale to its outdoorsy, low-key lifestyle. This speaks well for western North Carolina real estate. The surrounding mountain communities of Highlands-Cashiers have been a popular place to have a vacation or retirement home for decades.

Cool Location

Asheville's weather resembles most of the Southeastern United States, but with somewhat cooler temperatures and lower humidity due its mountain elevation. Winter temperatures occasional fall into the teens, and Asheville receives a few snow showers and some freezing rain a few times each year. The summers are glorious offering cool evenings and mild daytime temperatures. Attracting visitors from all over the U.S., Asheville is strategically located along Interstate highways 40, 240 and 26. View current local weather forecasts for Western North Carolina areas.

A Lavish Estate and Notable Authors

Often called “Land of the Sky”, Asheville has numerous attractions including the lavishly constructed Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt, this impressive home’s floor space covers over 4 acres. This opulent edifice contains 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.

If visiting this area, plan ahead to take in the glorious estate. Anther notable attraction is the birthplace of renowned American author Thomas Wolfe. Luminary author F. Scott Fitzgerald briefly called Asheville home up until the late 1940’s. Other equally impressive local landmarks include Chimney Rock Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway that dissects the city of Asheville. During the leaf season this is one of the most popular drives in the United States.

World-Class Communities

If your plans include relocation to the western North Carolina Mountains, there are several outstanding communities you must preview. Offering amenities galore is the Cliffs at Walnut Cove. To the east Grey Rock at Lake Lure is a baby boomers gated oasis replete with hiking trails, clubhouse and pool, natural waterfalls and helipad. Also located in Lake Lure is the breathtaking Queens Gap on the Mountain community. Homeowners enjoy playing on the signature 18-hole golf course, walking and hiking trails, onsite equestrian facilities and a world-class tennis complex.

If you are interested in relocating to Asheville or any of the local towns including Brevard and Hendersonville as well as the Highlands-Cashiers, contact NC Mountain Life for all your western North Carolina real estate needs.