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
Asheville native moved away to make some progress - 6/18/2007
Well , I was born and raised in Asheville. There is much I miss about Asheville, and much I do not miss. I'll start with the positives. All of the school systems are good (Reynolds and TC Districts I believe are rated the highest). There is a thriving artsy culture, a liberal attitude, very gay friendly city, beautiful architecture, very little traffic (except for Tunnel Road on Saturdays). Lots of natural beauty surrounding the city, a hoppin' downtown night life. Some great restaurants (Tupelo Honey and Jerusalem Garden). Now for the reasons I moved to Atlanta Metro, Very, very, very low wages compared to the average home price. Business professionals are not valued here, no matter what your qualifications are. People are very anti-social and liberally belligerent towards people who do not share their personal view points. Service in most places is substandard. Most shop keepers act as if you are bothering them if you ask them a question. Many of the snowbirds of Florida
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what economy? - 6/10/2007
the last fella is spot on with his comments of asheville being the land of social divide. that said, the economy is terrible too.. try finding the middle class here. it's non existant. the houses are the most expensive in the state while having the highest cost of living and very few job oportunities outside of healthcare and raping the land, oops i mean development... the developers are destroying the place faster than the "locals" can be paid off.. like the development just north where they literally dynamited the top of the mountain off so they could put in a private airstrip for a million dollar housing community.. (think south florida in the 80's with a southern accent). in just a few more years the "views" will be of nothing but all the other mountains covered with houses also... as if this isn't enough, look up the crime data, it speeks for itself... look, it's a great place to visit, or better yet, visit cullowhee or dillsboro or cahsiers or highlands or any of the other more
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I'm moving from Texas...Asheville can't be THAT hu - 6/5/2007
Hello - After 4 years of constant heat, we are leaving Houston, TX!
We are leaving the Backed-UP highways which are treacherous..., roaches, mosquitoes, and an over-abundance of Cultures that prefers to camp out on their front lawns barbecuing, parking their 1/2 dozen trucks on the Front Lawn, speeding at 85 in a 65 mph zone, blaring their music on boom boxes with words I don't understand, cutting you off because they don't understand turn signals, and being told that I NEED to learn the language if I want to survive!
Summer begins in April and ends in November - Winter is about a month long and dreary (but the only repreive from hot weather so it's a welcome sight.
There is nothing to do in Houston but shop, eat out, and it's 5th on the scale of most obese state in the country.
So - tell me how Asheville can beat that - I'm sure there are some good things to say from all the complaints I've read.
Thank you,
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Too expensive, getting too crowded - 4/23/2007
When I moved my family to Asheville 2 yrs ago, I thought it would be the last move I'd ever make. I was so wrong! Within the last 2 yrs, the population has increased by 20% and the beautiful mountains surrounding A'ville are scarred with outrageously priced condos and million $ (+) homes, so you don't get the great views once promised by realtors (and purchased when you paid top $ for homes/land). Asheville is over-run by out of state developers and the local community seems not to care about what was once a gem in these mountains.
As far as climate goes - it's hot here too! High temps in the 90's aren't unusual in July/August -- but my biggest gripe is it is very expensive to live here! Wages are below average (state and nationally), and for me, there's just not enough to stay here (we've recently purchased a home in Greenville, SC). For us (retired military, who still need to work for a living), Asheville just has lost it's charm with the influx of the "half-backs"
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Reality doesn't always live up to reality - 4/7/2007
Asheville has a great public relations department and it tends to exaggerate many things about this city. I have been living here for a year and I feel a bit deceived. Asheville is in a beautiful location and you can hike for miles outside the city. The people are friendly and it has a energized downtown. However, it's "liberal" image is overly touted. It is liberal compared to the rest of the state and compared to all the little towns that surround it- mainly due to the influx of outsiders. But it is in the Bible Belt and there is a big redneck contingent here in attitude and action. You tend to have to be careful of expressing your opinion on any subject. There is a small gay population that is mostly closeted during the working day out of safety. The only "out" people are ones who have money and don't need to rely on working with the civilian population. The job situation here is miserable and the property values outrageous. I wil be leaving this summer to return to the
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I Love Asheville Enough To Move There! - 3/16/2007
I have spent some time in Asheville the past two falls and I Love Asheville I currently live and work in Vail Colorado and oh yes, Vail so I know good places. But from my combined 3 weeks being in Asheville I have decided to pack up my family and move there after the winter is over in Vail. So to Anyone who knows beautiful fun places I say to you if you havent spent some time in Asheville North Carolina you dont know
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Asheville - 3/14/2007
Asheville is a once charming city that is rapidly being ruined by out of state developers and a huge influx of wealthy newcomers and their gated communities who drive the already high cost of living even higher. The mountains that surround the city are gorgeous when you can seen them, but they are covered up by the deteriorating air quality in the summer than covers them in a thick haze of ozone and when that is gone in the cooler months the haze gives way so that you can see all the $800,000+ condos that have been built in the interim.
Wages are lower than the NC average (which are in turn lower than the national average) yet the cost of living is higher than both the state or national average and Asheville has the most expensive housing in NC.
The city may seem friendly at first blush but it is notoriously cliquish and more than a few observers used the term "Balkanization" to describe the social climate here with few people actually having much of any
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Nice Place - 1/30/2007
I have lived in several cities across the U.S. from the west coast to the east, and I lived around Asheville for about three years. Asheville is a very beautiful city with a small town feel, although real estate in the area seemed to be a bit pricey. It's not to good for fishing beings that most of the good lakes are a about a couple hours drive. Lake Fontana, (wich is west of Asheville and close to the Smokeys) is one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen, but you need a boat to get a good view of it scince it's preety much surrounded by mountains wich makes the lake even more beautiful in my opinion. Oh, and you really got to visit Chimney, Nc. and Bat Cave, the views are just breathtaking. Asheville isn't a perfect city by far, but I really enjoyed the time that I got live there and definitely hope to visit again one
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Magical - 1/18/2007
Over the past 2 years I have travelled across the country and lived in many different states, but I have never been in a city like Asheville. It overwhelmed me with an emotion that I have never felt and I can't describe, but it made me feel. I walked down the street and people eating inside of the restaurants would see me through the window and wave hello. I've never met such friendly people in my life. Some strangers even offered me a place to stay. The mountains are in the back yard and the city is full of outdoorsy people. This is a very "hippie" town. I was shocked when one day I saw some guys walking around in suits. They did not fit in. The town is full of life at night as well. For a small town of about 100 thousand, they enjoy their nightlife. Asheville is a city that holds a special place in my heart and I will never forget my week
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air travel from Asheville, N.C. - 12/20/2006
I find air travel from Asheville to be inconvenient. We have a small regional airport. There is almost no place you can fly without connecting in another city. Flights to a major hub (especially Atlanta) are often cancelled for no discernable reason, playing havoc with travel plans. Flying through Atlanta is pretty much a nightmare. On the up side we do have non-stop service to New York
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