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What BestPlaces Users Say about Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina has gained a reputation as a charming and unique city, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful natural surroundings, and eclectic community. Located in the western part of the state, it has become a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live for many people. However, as with any city, there are varying opinions on what it's like to actually reside there. Below are excerpts from four different user reviews on Best Places, offering insight into their experiences living in Asheville.
- "Asheville is a magical place that has something for everyone. Whether you're into hiking, craft beer, or live music, this city has it all. I love the friendly and accepting community here, and the beautiful mountain views never get old. The only downside is the cost of living can be high, but for me, it's worth it." - Sarah S.
- "I moved to Asheville for the art scene and was not disappointed. There are galleries and studios everywhere, and the street performers add to the creative vibe. The downside is the increase in tourism has driven up housing prices, making it difficult for artists like myself to afford to live here." - Jake P.
- "Having lived in Asheville for 10 years, I've seen a lot of changes. The good: great food, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. The bad: traffic and overcrowding. It's definitely not the small, quaint town it used to be, but it's still a great place to call home." - Emily M.
- "I've lived in Asheville my whole life and while I love it, it's not perfect. The job market can be tough, especially for young people. And the local government seems more focused on catering to tourists than improving the city for its residents. But I can't imagine living anywhere else." - Michael T.
based on 117 ReviewsGet to know Asheville with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Asheville
Not what I was hoping for. - 5/13/2015
In moving to Asheville from a Los Angeles beach community where I'd lived all my life, I was hoping for some-
thing considerably different. I had previously visited the city in 2002 and found it pleasant and slow-paced. I
thought that it would be a nice place to retire to. Since then, development and revitalization have created a bustling city like so many others. People here are astonished when I tell them that the vibe is now very much like
Los Angeles except, of course, on a much smaller scale. People here are intolerably rude when rushing around in their vehicles--many talking on their cell phones which North Carolina law allows them to do. Traffic is terrible in the afternoon and early evening. In essence, the stress of getting from one place to another is similar to that in L.A. When out and about, it's hard to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Naturally, many are attracted to
Asheville because of the amenities it now offers--many restaurants and
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Asheville is incredibly overrated - 4/27/2015
I have lived here since 2004 and watched what was once a nice place go down the proverbial toilet. It has always been over priced and pretentious regarding the cultural offerings however now we have gangs, meth, rape, murder and home invasions along with unemployment and yet people continue to move here? Why? The cost of living is
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Asheville definitely over-rated - 2/13/2015
I have lived here for six months now. At first I thought it was beautiful. All kinds of people here told me I would not have a problem at all with seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Well, there are more grey days and mornings here than I thought possible. The whole town looks pretty dumpy and depressing in this low light and you just feel boxed in if you are from places that you can see horizons and really large mountains and wide open areas. It also rains a lot. I knew this, thought I could handle it coming from Colorado, but I could not. It is often cold and rainy or temperate and rainy.
Health care is hard to find, especially if you find you need a psychiatrist because you got so depressed. Pisgah Institute is the worst, but they will find room for you.
An odd mix of people here mixed in with the locals who have been here much longer is surreal at times to me. Hippies that don't bathe, hipsters, local people in dirty clothes, bible-thumpers, new agers,
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Living in the Asheville area - 9/27/2014
Hello all,
Regular family with a nine yr old here looking to get away from the overcrowded and steamy S Fla. We've visited Asheville and really loved downtown, Biltmore, and the mountains; however, we don't know the area. We'd really appreciate any objective input from people in the know within a 20 mile radius. We highly value safe/healthy living, great schools, friendly people, and mountain views.
Thanks for your
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Relocation to Asheville? - 6/22/2014
We were thinking of relocating to the Asheville area (actually, to a town within 10-12 miles of Asheville as housing in the city is over our budget). Concerned about how people receive others coming from a different state. Ran into major problems when we relocated to a small town and were told our accents weren't 'southern charming' enough. Looking for some honest feedback. We are middle aged looking to buy a home and settle down. Need to be within a 20 minute commute for work, and looking for a town with good people who are willing to welcome us into the community. Looking for the best towns near Asheville for quality of life. Thanks for your comments.
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Supposedly a spiritual mecca.... - 2/5/2014
And people do seem to be very accepting. BUT for a spiritual mecca they sure don't like outsiders to actually move here and are very quick to judge using
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Why Asheville? - 12/27/2013
It's beautiful, the people are great, friendly, diverse. But...the economy is not so great. High cost of living with low median income, not a great
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Over-rated - 11/11/2013
I just spent some time in Asheville, and thought it was just "ok", but is one of the most over-rated cities I've been too. They really work hard to promote it as a progressive city. I guess since I was coming from the pacific northwest, it just doesn't compare to the beauty and forward-thinking of the west. I was hoping to love it, due to the climate and smaller size. So I'll continue my search (west of the rockies)!
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WNC Drivers - 4/29/2013
Asheville: Slowest moving "city" in America. Driving through Western NC on either I-40, I-26 or I-240 can be absolutely maddening. If you are a typical driver from elsewhere, this experience could cause your blood to boil. Never have a I seen more drivers - and these are LOCAL drivers with NC plates - dilly dally around in the passing lane. Do the majority of WNC's citizens not realize that the LEFT lane is for faster, passing traffic? And by the way, to the middle aged and older women in Subarus (never have a I seen so many of these things) who think it is their responsibility or right to block the left lane to "teach other drivers a lesson:" Move the hell over! If I get a speeding ticket, that's my responsibility, not yours.
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great city life - 2/20/2013
We moved to Asheville four years ago. Have lived in NY City, Philadelphia, St Louis, Rochester NY and Princeton, NJ - so can provide comparisons of culture and recreation with sophisticated areas. Asheville, for its size, has more to offer than the previously mentioned sites! Wonderful arts - including top-notch galleries, over 150 private studios in the River Arts District and in mountain retreats, fine symphony with members from all over the world, many good local bands (jazz, symphonic, etc.), many talented woodworkers,potters, musicians, etc. The arts are part of everyday life here. In addition, fantastic mountains, streams, lakes - fine fishing, hiking, biking, boating, golfing, birding, professional baseball, college sports. Good liberal arts colleges as well as strong community college system with over 20,000 students. Wonderful food - much of it grown or raised locally. The small, local breweries are something to behold - with a fine range of good beer, food and music.
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