Living a Biking Lifestyle in Asheville, North_Carolina

 Asheville is a prosperous small city of just over 75,000 (400,000 in the Metro) in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. The town has many beautiful streets for biking, and it is easy to go into the surrounding countryside for a great, if hilly ride. Because of its charming environment and mild weather it is a desirable resort community – from the rich and famous to ordinary people in quest of beautiful environment. The Vanderbilts built an enormous estate near here, the Biltmore Estate, which is the largest private residence in America with 250 rooms. Frederick Law Olmstead designed its famous gardens.

Walking around in downtown Asheville is a pleasure. It has a great collection of art deco architecture, antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques. Those who prefer the outdoor cafe or coffee house setting will enjoy its many cafes. The people are friendly. Asheville's people range from artists and musicians to corporate executives, merchants and entrepreneurs. It is easy to park on street or on a parking deck, then stroll through the streets.

Where to Retire in Asheville and Home Prices

There are a number of condos downtown as well as homes further out. Montford, Chesnut Hill, Grove Park, Biltmore Village, and Albemarle Park have been named historic districts.  The area is so popular that developers far from Asheville put Asheville or Biltmore in their community name. Many active communities are built around golf, lakes, or mountain settings (see link at left). Prices can be very different depending on the neighborhood. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of a home in Asheville was $420,000, during the 4th quarter of 2022, with tremendous variability within that.

What Is Special about Asheville

Asheville is a small city bursting with vitality. All ages of people are on the streets - great restaurants and shops abound in the walkable and beautiful downtown. New construction is everywhere. Wide range of upscale housing opportunities for seniors, from condos downtown to dozens of active adult communities in the area. Interesting, walkable and dynamic downtown. Mild climate year round. Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway, Biltmore Estate, tremendous cultural opportunities.

What Is Not Special about Asheville

There is lot traffic in the summer, over development is coming, and winters are cooler than in eastern North Carolina.

Climate and Physical Environment

Asheville is situated in the western part of the North Carolina. Rolling hills giving way to serious mountains to the west. The climate is mild in summer and cooler than the rest of NC in winter. The average July high temperature is 84 and the average January high is 46 (the average low is 27). The wettest month is March.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There is something to do every day in downtown Asheville. You can visit the home of Asheville's famous son, writer Thomas Wolfe, or browse through an art gallery on Biltmore Avenue. Look inside the historic St. Lawrence Basilica. Head down to the Asheville Community Theater, North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville ArtCenter, Diana Wortham Theater, or the Flatrock Theater for a play, a symphony or a modern dance performance. For old time blues or rock n' roll check out one of downtown's many clubs or bars. Good restaurants. UNC's Asheville campus has the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, an excellent resource.

Crime

The City-Data,com Crime Index in Asheville is 517, considerably higher than the U.S.average of 270 (2019). The crime tends to be property rather than violent crime, and obviously differs by neighborhood.

Medical Facilities

Memorial Mission Hospital and Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital.

Transportation

Asheville Regional Airport. The nearest big airports is in Charlotte, which is an easy drive by Interstate highway. Asheville is about average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

Helpful Links:

Amazing Asheville - Lan Sluder has written a comprehensive guide to Asheville that is available here.
Explore Asheville

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