Living in Asheville, North Carolina, offers a vibrant blend of arts, music, and natural beauty. This city serves as a hub for artists and creatives, bustling with galleries, street performances, and artistic expressions. Music lovers can revel in the diversity at live music venues that cater to various genres, enriching the already thriving music scene. Additionally, the surrounding mountain ranges provide not only breathtaking views but also ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a haven for those who cherish natural scenery.
The community-oriented spirit here is palpable, enhanced by a welcoming culinary scene where restaurants meet all tastes and preferences, complemented by numerous breweries catering to craft beer enthusiasts. However, the cost of living is relatively high, especially in terms of housing and general expenses. Tourist crowds can make attractions feel overcrowded during peak tourist seasons.
The weather’s variability may bring sudden changes and occasionally severe weather. Economic challenges include a limited job market mainly focused on the arts and hospitality sectors, lacking wider professional opportunities. Traffic concerns have grown as the city has developed, particularly during busy times.
Overall, Asheville’s welcoming nature, stunning natural beauty, and thriving music scene make it a great arts scene and a craft beer haven, despite the challenges of weather variability and traffic during peak tourist seasons.
Pros & Cons of Living in Asheville North Carolina
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Pros of Living in Asheville
#1. Access to Nature
Living in Asheville offers unparalleled access to nature, making it a dream for those who cherish an active lifestyle and outdoor activities.
Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, this mountain town provides not just breathtaking and panoramic views but also countless opportunities for hiking, playing outside, and embracing the great outdoors.
The perks of everyday life in Asheville include the ability to join like-minded people for a hike and still make it back in time for brunch.
For residents who thrive outdoors, Asheville embodies a perfect blend of scenic beauty and community engagement, enhancing the quality of life through continuous interaction with nature.
#2. Mild Weather Year-Round
Living in Asheville means enjoying mild weather year-round, a luxury not found in cities where extreme temperatures make daily life challenging.
Unlike the Midwest, where brutal winters can feel like a freeze straight out of Dante’s inferno, or the summer humidity that turns cities into swamps,
Asheville finds itself in the sweet spot. Mild winters with average winter temperatures hovering around 50°F eliminate the dread of bone-chilling winters, while summers stay pleasant at an average of 85°F, courtesy of the higher elevation which spares residents from oppressive humidity and overbearing heat.
This climate makes it feasible to plan around the season, whether for planting gardens or planning outdoor adventures, ensuring that life here remains blissful without the weather extremes experienced in many neighboring cities.
#3. The Lively Music Scene
One of the standout charms of living in Asheville is its lively music scene, which offers a pleasant surprise to those perhaps naive to its reputation as one of the best music cities.
Every weekend, especially on a Saturday night, the city comes alive with the sound of live shows, featuring both well-known bands and street-performers who quickly become local favorites.
The bustling downtown venues buzz with energy, although this popularity means you might face long lines to embrace the full experience.
Whether you’re an avid music fan or just enjoy the occasional concert, securing tickets to see live acts is essential to make the most of Asheville’s vibrant live music scene.
#4. Top-Notch Breweries
Asheville proudly stands as one of America’s top brewery cities, boasting the second most breweries per capita in any metro area. The city’s reputation for quality craft beer is more than just hype; it’s a testament to the vibrant local brewing scene that includes celebrated names like Asheville Brewing Co., Burial Beer Co., and Lookout Brewery.
These breweries have become top spots not only for visitors but also for coworkers and friends to gather and enjoy a unique blend of traditional and innovative brews. The thriving beer culture here reflects Asheville’s broader commitment to community and craftsmanship, making it a significant draw for those considering the move to or visit this dynamic city.
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#5. The Friendly Community Feeling
In Asheville, the friendly community feel is palpable, a rare quality fostered by the city’s modest population of less than 100,000 people.
Whether you’re grabbing coffee at a local cafe or spending a weekend browsing through town, it’s common to be greeted by name—a testament to the genuine hospitality that defines North Carolina.
This community feeling makes adjusting from large cities feel less daunting as the effort to learn about you makes each interaction more personal and meaningful. It’s these moments,
whether being welcomed into a new circle or feeling safe knowing your neighbors, that stand out as some of my personal favorite perks of living here. Such a warm environment not only enhances daily life but also deepens the bonds within the community, making Asheville a truly special place to call home.
#6. Proximity to Everything You Need
Living in Asheville means enjoying proximity to everything you need, with all the amenities of larger cities but in a more accessible and intimate setting.
From your local grocery store to the favorite brunch spot, cafe, and music venue, everything is just a short drive or even a walk away. Hospitals, supermarkets, and convenience stores like Whole Foods are readily available, making daily necessities easily manageable.
Beyond the urban conveniences, Asheville’s access to nearby attractions like national parks, scenic trails, and charming mountain towns invites endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring new surroundings or planning a relaxing weekend away, the city’s strategic location ensures you’re never far from both essential services and leisure activities, offering a blend of local boutiques, charming shops, and retail centers with a diverse selection of goods to enhance your living experience.
#7. Asheville is a Foodie’s Paradise
Asheville truly stands as a foodie paradise, bustling with a dynamic food scene that is among the top foodie cities in the nation. Whether you’re seeking cheap eats or celebration-worthy meals, the city caters to every palate.
The local cuisine emphasizes seasonal cuisine, served up in incredible restaurants that draw both residents and visitors alike. The brunch scene here is particularly vibrant, with places like Early Girl Eatery often having a notable hour wait on weekends, but it’s a fuss worth enduring.
Living in Asheville means that these culinary perks are part of your everyday experience, making the city alive and well with flavors that keep the dining landscape exciting and deeply embedded in the community’s fabric.
#8. The Relaxed and Quirky Vibe
Asheville’s relaxed vibe and quirky vibe make it a unique tapestry of fun personalities and intriguing aspects of daily life. Here, artists, foodies, coffee aficionados, and brew aficionados thrive amidst a backdrop of Keep Asheville Weird signs, an ethos that attracts creatives with unique personalities.
Whether you’re moving through the bustling streets or strolling downtown on a Friday evening, you might stumble upon the iconic drum circle, an organized event where locals gather to bang drums and sway with the music.
This odd, interesting, and admittedly weird ritual encapsulates the spirit of the city, making every walk through town a potential adventure, and firmly embedding Asheville’s charm into the hearts of those who choose to embrace its distinctive vibe.
#9. Access to Wine Country
Asheville’s access to wine country is a delightful perk for residents and visitors alike, with a dozen wineries within an hour’s drive of the city. The region is celebrated for its mountain air and climate, which create fertile soil ideal for grape cultivation. Among these,
The Biltmore stands out, but numerous family-owned estates also offer a diverse selection of tasting experiences that showcase a rich mix of varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. These wines capture the local flavors and the essence of the area, making each visit a comprehensive experience.
Whether you’re savoring a red wine while admiring the mountain vistas or sipping a crisp, light white under the Carolina blue sky, Asheville’s proximity to wine country sets it apart as a top destination for those who cherish unique culinary and sensory experiences.
Fun Fact: The Biltmore, known as the largest home in America, is certainly worth exploring. If you’re considering relocating to Asheville, I recommend opting for an annual membership, as it will surely be well-utilized!
Cons of Moving to Asheville, NC
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#1. The High Cost of Housing
The high cost of housing in Asheville can cause quite the sticker shock, especially for those looking to buy a home in a city often celebrated for its affordability. In areas like the south and west of Asheville, the average price of a home hovers around $427K, a figure that looms large over the average salary of about $45K.
This price surge has made it increasingly challenging for homes to remain affordable, particularly for young couples who are moving to the area with dreams of starting a family. Many find themselves surprised by the steep costs, as housing prices continue to rise, complicating the financial aspects of settling in this otherwise idyllic city.
#2. Small City Salaries
One of the notable disadvantages of living in Asheville is the lack of high-paying job opportunities, which can be a deterrent for those considering moving to the area. Despite exhaustive searches on the internet for jobs that could justify a move, many find that the potential pay does not align with the disproportionate cost of housing.
Fortunately, those who secure a remote gig have the opportunity to enjoy the city’s quality of life without compromising their financial stability. However, for those needing to apply for local jobs, be prepared to brace yourself for potential disappointment as the economic reality can be hard to beat, especially when compared to larger urban centers.
#3. The Airport Leaves Much to Be Desired
While Asheville boasts many charms, its airport often leaves much to be desired, especially for frequent travelers. The Asheville Regional Airport offers only a handful of non-stop destinations, mostly to large cities in surrounding states like Florida and Georgia, with a layover almost guaranteed for more distant travels.
Exceptions include direct flights to hubs like Washington DC, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City; however, for those heading to the west coast, a 2+ hour layover in places like Atlanta is inevitable and can be a real bear to manage.
This limitation is a notable con for those who travel frequently for work and rely on more accessible air travel. Despite this, the presence of an airport is still a luxury in a town of Asheville’s size, providing essential connectivity despite its limitations.
#4. Homelessness
During my initial visit to Asheville before I committed to moving there, I was struck by the visible homeless population in the city. While meeting friends at a local brewery, I couldn’t help but notice large crowds of homeless folks congregating in city parks after dark.
This sight didn’t make me feel threatened, but it did raise concerns about the comfort of having my wife walking downtown at night. It’s important to mention that while homelessness is not unique to Asheville and the population here is smaller than in many other cities I’ve lived in, its presence is still noticeable and a poignant reminder of the urban challenges that persist even in smaller communities.
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#5. Asheville is Going Through Growing Pains
As Asheville continues to draw 90,000 folks who now call it home, the city is experiencing growing pains associated with its recent interest and rapid expansion. This surge has led to an increase in housing prices and traffic congestion, particularly in the downtown area, placing a significant strain on the city’s infrastructure.
The challenge for Asheville lies in maintaining its unique charm and close-knit community feel while managing the pressures that come with becoming one of those wonderful cities where new folks are moving in daily. While public transportation and alternative means of travel are being encouraged to ease some of this pressure, existing roadways are still overwhelmed.
Additionally, cherished local businesses are finding it tough to compete with national chains and high-end retailers, making it a delicate balancing act to sustain economic growth and cater to a new demographic without losing the essence that makes Asheville special.
Despite these challenges, the community’s warmth remains, and while I’ve overheard conversations where locals gripe about the changes, this sentiment is inevitable and best taken with a grain of salt, as it happens everywhere.
#6. Lack of Public Transportation
In Asheville, the lack of public transportation is a significant concern for many residents. The city offers a bus system, but it doesn’t operate on Sundays, and routes are reduced on Saturdays, making it difficult for those who rely on public transit throughout the weekend.
The bus routes are also quite limited and do not adequately cover neighborhoods that are further out, leaving many areas poorly serviced. Service schedules can be confusing and often unreliable, with services ending early in the evening, which doubles the travel time for many trying to navigate living in Asheville.
This has led me to keep my car, despite initially considering giving up driving upon moving here. The city is too spread out to rely solely on walking, especially outside of the downtown core, necessitating a vehicle for efficient transit.
FAQ – Living in Asheville
Is Asheville a good place to live?
Asheville is an ideal home for nature lovers, music enthusiasts, craft beer aficionados, and those who appreciate a welcoming community vibe.
Why are people moving to Asheville, North Carolina?
Asheville attracts individuals with its plentiful natural surroundings, consistently pleasant weather, dynamic music environment, exceptional breweries, and a warm community atmosphere. Moreover, its status as a haven for food lovers, its laid-back and eccentric character, and its closeness to wine regions further enhance its charm as a destination for those looking for a distinctive and fulfilling way of life.
Comparison of the Pros & Cons of Living in Asheville
| Pros of Living in Asheville | Cons of Moving to Asheville, NC |
| Access to Nature | High Cost of Housing |
| Mild Weather Year-Round | Small City Salaries |
| The Lively Music Scene | The Airport Leaves Much to Be Desired |
| Top-Notch Breweries | Homelessness |
| The Friendly Community Feeling | Asheville is Going Through Growing Pains |
| Proximity to Everything You Need | Lack of Public Transportation |
| Asheville is a Foodie’s Paradise | |
| The Relaxed and Quirky Vibe | |
| Access to Wine Country |
