Thinking about moving to Asheville?
- Asheville At-A-Glance
- What it’s like to live in Asheville
- Economy and job outlook in Asheville
- Real estate in Asheville
- The top neighborhoods in Asheville
- How to get around in Asheville
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Asheville
- 10 can’t miss things to do in Asheville
Asheville At-A-Glance
You’ll be in good company. Between 2010 and 2020, Asheville grew more than 13 percent, from 83,393 to 94,589 residents. New residents are attracted to Asheville’s weather, live music scene, breathtaking views and friendliness.
Vibrant. Eclectic. Mild climate. And it’s nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains which means Asheville offers stunning natural beauty and expansive views along miles of scenic vistas. It’s no wonder why this mountain town is often called “The Land of the Sky” by locals.
According to The Cliffs, “Though Asheville may be a small city, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its rich culture. With its mild climate, scenic views, and abundance of recreational activities, it’s a great place to live for those who love nature and outdoor fun. Regardless of your lifestyle, you’ll find things to do in this charming city tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains.”
It’s Easy to See Why Asheville is a Desirable Place to Call Home
Asheville has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and other creatives after the railroad transformed the area into a thriving resort destination. The abundant natural beauty also made Asheville a hotspot for therapeutic health.
Philanthropist George Vanderbilt started building the sprawling Biltmore estate in 1889, a 250-room French Renaissance château that was an architectural marvel for that time period. Elegance and charm is the style of “America’s Largest Home” which is also an appropriate way to describe Asheville in general. You’ll experience a strong sense of community in Asheville, where people are welcoming and friendly while exuding warm Southern hospitality.
There’s no doubt about it, Asheville has so much to offer residents. Uphomes says it best, “From the historic homes and Art Deco buildings that line Asheville’s streets, to miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, to a booming culinary and craft beer scene that’s attracted national attention, it’s not hard to understand why Asheville is such a desirable place to call home.”
The Asheville Job Market is Healthy and Strong
The Asheville region is a diverse $24 billion economy. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains helps the local economy stay consistent with plenty of tourism and hospitality jobs available year-round. And if you’re a creative type, Asheville is home to hundreds of local artists who are constantly sharing their works of art with the community, especially in the River Arts District.
Other major employers in the area are The Mission Health System, The University of North Carolina Asheville, Buncombe County Public Schools, Eaton Corporation, and Ingles Markets. In 2022, Asheville was one of the Top 50 Small Cities to Start a Business by WalletHub, and the 7th fastest growing tech hub in the nation.
Unemployment rate: 3.0% (as of February 2023)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,113 (as of February 2023)
You’ll Find Steep Housing Prices and a High Local Cost of Living
One of the drawbacks of all of Asheville’s growth and livability are its relatively high housing costs. A recent influx of population has led to rising home prices. The median home value in Asheville is $500,000, trending up 4 percent year-over-year, according to Realtor.com. The median price per square foot in Asheville is $307. And the current home prices in Asheville are 28 percent higher than the national average.
Renters in Asheville will also have a hard time finding affordable housing. The median rent in Asheville is $1,712 per month, which is high even compared to larger cities. In fact, from 2021 to 2022, rent increased by more than 25 percent in Asheville making it the most expensive of all North Carolina’s major cities.
When compared with the national average Asheville is a relatively affordable place to reside with a stable cost of living. The local cost of living, however, is astronomical as Asheville is the most expensive place in the state to live. One of the things contributing to the affordability? The average pay lags behind other metro areas in North Carolina.
