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
Requesting Information - 10/6/2010
I am planning on moving to Asheville NC and will need to use the public bus system to get to work and shopping. I am a single older lady. What part of town would be best to look for rental property in? Thank
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BEST Public Elementary School In Asheville area? - 8/1/2010
I am interested in obtaining some much needed relocation information. I am desperately trying to find out where the better suited areas are within a 20 mile/30 minute commute radius of Asheville for a young family with a Kindergartner. Our son's quality of education is our number one priority, followed by our safety from crime, both violent crime and property crime. Everything else, we feel we can pretty much flex with for the most part. We are both Ivy League educated medical professionals and would like to initially lease a 3 bedroom single family home with a yard in a nice community for under $2000/month. I am not sure if it matters in the Asheville area, (and I actually hope not), but we are white, agnostic and politically somewhere between Democrat and Independent. We enjoy the arts, volunteering in our community, maintaining our lawn and home appearance to very high standards, and believe in reusing and recycling. Without sounding "snooty", we'd prefer to live in a cultured,
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Requesting advise on moving to Asheville - 11/9/2009
My husband, son (12 yrs) and I are considering relocating to the Asheville area. The area is beautiful but I am a little concerned about my commute. I cover the U.S. and Canada and travel almost weekly. How difficult will it be for me to get flights? Thank
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AMAZING PLACE TO LIVE!! - 9/1/2009
Personally, Im not sure why so many people are down on Asheville. I loved living there for the three years I was there and would not have changed anything about it. The people are wonderful, the food is amazing, and the culture is hands down 100% unique. I never felt like an "outsider" when I moved there from he midwest and I would give anything now to leave the New England area to go back to the welcoming and loving spirits of the Asheville area. I recommend living outside the city for any families...like Black Mountain, Montreat, Hendersonville, Fayetville, Lake Lure, and chimney Rock simply because the crime rates are lower but still have the conveniences of the amazing city not too far down the road. All in all, Asheville is a wonderful place to
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Expensive - 4/8/2009
This is a very high cost of living area. The cost for housing is through the roof and that is including renting as well as buying. Also not much for job opportunities unless its medical, retail, restaurant or tourism industries, and then the pay is low. The good thing is that it is a laid back, nice area
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Urbanization - 3/24/2009
We moved to Arden, NC. 28704 in 1977 to get away from all the city madness. We love our little part of the state with it's forests and mountains around us and the rural feeling. Too much mordernizing and road construction is happening all around us and we are losing our lay-back atmosphere. But,I still love our little town. Live on
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seeing Asheville from both sides - 3/6/2009
I've read thru many of the entries, live here but have considered a change. I feel I have a unique vantage point that explains a lot of the dichotomy I see between entries, if you care to read. I'm 47, grew up on a 40 acre farm 15 miles to the north in what would I would consider rural appalachia. Milk cow, work horses, hunting and fishing for about 50% of what we ate; the whole gambit. Was fortunate to get into an Ivy League school the attend professional school at UNC. After 10 yrs in Raleigh I decided on the "simple life" again and came back. Major change! Land w/in 15 miles of town that sold for 1-2K an acre in the mid 80's is largely in building lots that (w/ good views and accesability)go for the 100's to 3-4 million. Except for the few locals that held on to their land the place has soared above the abilities of most to live here except under the worst conditions. There is a lot of bitterness. The trend is to live outside of the city (5-20 mi) for newcomers. In my
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Asheville - the city in the mountains voted among - 10/17/2008
Okay -I'm biased, I live here! However, after leaving the UK many years ago, I have also lived in Washington DC, LA, Miami Beach and now in Black Mountain NC just outside of Asheville. This is a fabulous place to live if you enjoy Southern Hospitality in a City that has a creative 'edge' and a cosmopolitan yet spiritual feel. It's hard to drive anywhere without breathtaking views of the mountains. Great food abounds. The climate is mild - we are a city that many escape to in the summer. Winters are relatively mild which I appreciate after years in Florida. As a Realtor, I meet many people re-locating here and their 'wants' for an area often boil down to great places to eat, views, mild climate, and great people and we have it all! To read more about the area, visit
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