Living in Asheville, NC offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Known as the 'Paris of the South,' Asheville boasts a vibrant arts scene, stunning mountain views, and a welcoming community. The city’s eclectic vibe and diverse amenities make it an attractive place to live for people of all ages.
Asheville’s downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Asheville Food and Wine Festival and the Bele Chere Festival, which celebrate local culture and foster a strong sense of community. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
The dining scene in Asheville is diverse and exciting, offering everything from farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes and international eateries. The city’s farmers markets and local events emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Asheville is also known for its vibrant music and arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and live music venues.
Asheville’s location offers convenient access to both urban amenities and natural wonders, making it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. The city is well-connected by major highways and public transportation options, ensuring easy travel. Additionally, the cost of living in Asheville is relatively affordable, providing a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.
For those considering a move to North Carolina, Asheville stands out as a top choice. Its blend of cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and strong community spirit make living in Asheville, NC a truly rewarding experience. Whether you’re drawn by its artistic opportunities, outdoor activities, or eclectic atmosphere, Asheville offers a fantastic place to call home.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Asheville, North Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 92,328 inhabitants. The majority of Asheville residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. In Asheville, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Asheville will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Asheville, North Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Asheville and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Asheville to North Carolina and the national average.
Using data and statistics Asheville has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 83rd percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Asheville has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (B-), education (B) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Asheville does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Asheville, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.34% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Asheville has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Asheville. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Asheville are affordable. Median real estate prices in Asheville come in at $291,800, which is 85.7% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Asheville, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 63.6% higher than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Asheville | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.1% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.6% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.4% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.3% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.0% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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