Asheville Communities
Asheville is home to a diverse collection of vibrant neighborhoods, and we’re excited to help you find your perfect place in the mountains. Each area has its own highlights, quirks, and hidden gems waiting to be found. Explore descriptions of some of our favorite areas below to get a feel for what life is like in our community.
East Asheville
Head into the mountains without leaving the convenience of city living behind. Homes in East Asheville offer a more rural, peaceful mountain setting while still offering easy access to Asheville’s stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway to escape to beautiful lookouts and world-class hiking, or take a quick drive towards the city to visit big retail stores and local businesses. Communities here have a small-town feel inspired by Asheville’s lively culture, truly giving you the best of both worlds.
Neighborhoods such as Haw Creek and Oakley offer families, renovators, and retirees opportunities to find their perfect home. Consisting of both newly built houses and older homes perfect for do-it-yourselfers, this diverse community serves both long-time Western North Carolina residents and newcomers ready to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
West Asheville
Love the outdoors and want to create a community garden? Can’t wait to learn a new craft? Looking for something a little out-of-the-ordinary? West Asheville may be perfect for you. This side of town is known for its quirky, funky residents who love to support its growing restaurant, art, and retail scene. Here you’ll find creative folks who have transformed this neighborhood into an eclectic community that embraces and celebrates passionate people.
Historic bungalows and newer, green-focused homes fill most of this area’s neighborhoods. Easy access to both public and private schools makes West Asheville popular with families, as well as young professionals and creative entrepreneurs. Boasting its own growing “Downtown,” you won’t need to go far for organic eats, unique shops, and popular bars that are all about serving locals and building community.
South Asheville
The Vanderbilt family first developed South Asheville as a small town for the families working at America’s largest private home, the expansive Biltmore Estate. Over the last century, it has evolved into a charming community consisting of world-class restaurants, boutiques, and (of course) unparalleled access to the estate itself. Neighborhoods such as Biltmore Forest and Biltmore Village are known for their beautiful homes and are only a stone’s throw away from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Inspired by the Vanderbilts’ vision for the Biltmore Estate, South Asheville mixes quaint, old-style shops and cafes with modern conveniences such as outdoor malls, movie theaters, and fitness centers. With homes ranging from secluded, larger properties to affordable options located close to highly-rated schools, you’ll find diverse neighbors enjoying South Asheville’s many amenities.
North Asheville
For distinctive architecture and neighborhoods designed by renowned landscape architects, head to North Asheville. Preserved by caring homeowners for more than a century, communities such as Beaver Lake, Lakeview Park, and Grove Park hark back to an earlier time in Asheville’s history. Curving streets highlight green yards and trees, mountain views, and the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll.
A diverse mix of architectural and home styles make North Asheville inviting to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Grab a drink at the famous Omni Grove Park Inn, see what’s happening on the UNC-Asheville campus down the road, or enjoy a peaceful walk around one of the small lakes that dot the neighborhood’s landscape. Only a few miles from lively Downtown activities and entertainment, this neighborhood provides a balance between peaceful seclusion and city life.
Central Asheville
In Central Asheville, you’ll find bustling city shops, restaurants, and nightlife nestled against the backdrop of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. Distinctive Art Deco architecture has been preserved to give the city center a unique, historic vibe and inspire a happy blend of the new with the old. World-renowned eateries, celebrated local retailers, and a lively music scene give this vibrant city with storied mountain roots an energy you can’t find anywhere else.
Near Downtown, explore stylish condos and apartments in recently renovated buildings, all within walking distance of Central Asheville’s biggest attractions. Head a few blocks north and wander into the Montford Historic District, home to beautifully restored Victorian-style houses and peaceful tree-lined streets. The River Arts District just west of Downtown boasts quirky art galleries and locally-loved breweries with views of the French Broad River that can’t be beat.