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
True Southerners Beware! - 10/3/2006
I moved to Asheville in 2004 and lived there untill August 2006. It's a beautiful place, but the people are horrible. It ha been overwhelmed by yankees and Florida trash. No one speaks to you nor smiles. No one cares what he or she looks like when going out to dinner. it's the most depressing and revolting place I have ever lived in. It's like living in the Twilight Zone. The people also remind me of "Invasion of The Body Snatcher" because everyone walks around like zombies. No one posses a personality, any style, nor ettiquette. it's like living in New Jersey except you are in the south, sort of like Florida. The real estate is through the roof and for what? To live in a beautiful place surrounded by arrogant and rude people. This is a perfect place for hermits to live and where everyone blends in and doesn't notice each other. This is a perfect breeding ground for serial killers because no one knows anyone and doesn't want to especially the native mountain
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I lived in Asheville for a year - 9/5/2006
People give up good paying jobs to live here. Quality of life can be good, feels small town safe. You won't make much $. If you're a Yankee the stigma's always going to be there- you'll be welcomed but not really included to some extent. If you're a single guy forget it- lots of man hating women here. I accidently bumped into a girl on the street, her girlfriend took great offense to this.
But if you're married, gay, or really into kayaking/mountain biking, it's
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I keep hearing how good the weather is but I think - 8/11/2006
I see a bunch of comments and postings about how good the weather is in Asheville. Makes me wonder where the people come from?? I moved here in April of this year. We had done a complete statistical analysis of the area and knew before coming that the average rainfall is one of the highest in the country. We thought we could deal with it but are finding the humidity, heat, daily rain and thunderstorms a bit too much. We come from a dry Colorado climate. I suppose if you grew up with the rain and heat of Florida and then moved here you would think it was great. But coming from a land of low humidity and no rain, this place is
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Asheville quality of life is deteriorating rapidly - 7/30/2006
Asheville boosters never mention the lousy employment scene and relatively high home costs in relation to wages. Most musicians working in downtown Asheville venues are foolishly working for peanuts entertaining relatively wealthy tourists. The entire arts community is controlled by a couple of cliques which are best avoided. Mediocre homeboy musician rock stars who appeal to the dumbed down masses are revered in Asheville. So many people are moving here that natives of the area are being locked out of home ownership. Congestion, sprawl, and pollution are eroding what used to be a very pleasant quality of life. Xenophobia and provincial bigotry are encountered often in daily life here. Appalachian culture is an oxymoron.
The climate is nice and so is the scenery. Certain subtropical plants will winter over outside here (such as Trachycarpus Fortunei aka Windmill
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Vibrant and Beautiful - 7/22/2006
Progressive, artsy city, with feeling of small community. People of all ages, persuasions, genders get along, appreciate each other's differences thereby making this city one of the friendliest cities in the country. You never feel like a stranger
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general ramblings from a new comer - 7/7/2006
I moved here in January, not from Florida, but from northern NH. Marriage was over & I was tired of being COLD! I did slightly more than point to a map & say...this place looks good, and On Jaunary 5, I pulled into Asheville, pulling my SUV &driving a UHaul. On most days I will say that my worst days here are better than my best days up north, but do have some concerns about Asheville...for me and perhaps to share with others. Housing is very expensive, for most folks. As a Realtor, I know first hand how difficult it can be to find not just suitable housing, but a property that you can go home at night and feel you got a fair deal. The other things here is thatr the job market is not nearly as diverse as the population. Like northern NE, it is very tourist driven and retiree' sensitive...unless you are in the medical field or are self employeed, be aware, it's tough.
But my real question here is...are there single straight men, fincially
secure in the area? I didn't
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Diversity - great place - 7/3/2006
Diverse. Something for everyone. Retirees. Rednecks. World citizens. Hippies of all ages. Great golf courses. And the restaurants are getting better every
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such perfect weather - 6/28/2006
if you're looking for mild, Asheville is the place to live. the winters are cold, but not wicked. summer is toasty, though never very hot. the humidity is sometimes an issue, all year round, however. in winter, even if it's in the 40s, it feels cold because of the dampness. often it will rain in January. it's humid in summer as well, but not so bad as being in Atlanta, or anywhere in Florida.
the fog is really lovely too, in the mornings. it's usually quite cool at night during summer.
it's nice.
check it
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