Greater Asheville Area Communities

BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Finding the right community is the first step in finding a new home.
Things to consider: Proximity, Character, Terrain.

PROXIMITY TO ASHEVILLE:
While most of the communities in the greater Asheville area have ample shopping and professional services within the community, proximity to Asheville for cultural events, fine dining, medical care etc… may be a consideration. Also Proximity to regular activities and recreation: gyms, classes, tennis, walking, worship.Proximity to airport, I-26, I-40, work. Proximity to preferred school systems.

CHARACTER:
What kind of community do you envision?
Urban setting, suburban feel, small town, community feel, rural, country setting

TERRAIN:
What topography do you prefer?
Mountain terrain, pastoral rolling hills

COMMUNITY OVERVIEWS:

ASHEVILLE:
Population: 72,231
Asheville has many great established neighborhoods such as: Grove Park, Lake View, Montford, Haw Creek, Beverly Hills, West Asheville. These neighborhoods offer many different types of homes, old and new in every price range. Downtown condo living is an option for those that want the low maintenance lifestyle combined with the amenities the city has to offer. Things to consider: Is there parking? Is there grocery shopping close by and would I want to walk or drive? City noise factor, higher taxes.

OTHER COMMUNITIES:

ARDEN: South of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 10-15 minutes
Easy access from I-26 Exit 37
Population: 16,905
Fastest growing area in WNC. Many lovely new subdivisions. Convenient to the airport, Park Ridge Hospital in Fletcher. Top rated public and private schools.
Shopping: Extensive shopping and restaurants including Biltmore Park Town Square.
Recreation and Activities: Lake Julian, Blue Ridge Parkway, Mills River, Biltmore Park YMCA
Things to consider: Higher home prices, more traffic and congestion, more of a suburban feel.

FAIRVIEW: Southeast of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 10-20 minutes
Easy access from 240 Exit 9 or from I-40
Population: 8121
Depending on the location within Fairview, you can truly “ live in the mountains” or find flatter terrain in a lovely pastoral setting. Fantastic mountain views abound in Fairview. Also known for excellent school system.
Shopping: ample shopping and restaurants either locally or a short drive to the River Ridge or Tunnel Road shopping areas in Asheville.
Recreation and activities: Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, biking, horse riding, Municipal golf course.

BLACK MOUNTAIN: East of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 20 minutes
Easy Access from I-40 exit 64
Population: 7600
Beautiful mountain scenery and a friendly “hometown feel” make Black Mountain a popular community choice.
Shopping: Black Mountain has a quaint downtown shopping area featuring an extensive collection of upscale gift shops, galleries, craft shops and restaurants.
Recreation and Activities: 18-hole golf course, hiking, biking, Lake Tomahawk and Cheshire Fitness Center. Black Mountain is home to several annual festivals.

SWANNANOA: East (between Asheville and Black Mountain)
Drive to Asheville: 10-15 minutes
Easy access from I-40 exits 55 and 59
Population: 4,132
Beautiful scenery and proximity to Asheville make Swannanoa a great community choice.
Shopping: Local grocery store and within a few minutes drive to Tunnel Road and River Ridge shopping areas.
Recreation and Activities: Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, biking. Easy access to the wonderful Folk Art Center on parkway. Soon to come: Cliff’s Carolina Preserve with Tiger Woods first signature golf course. Home value appreciation is sure to follow.
WEAVERVILLE: North of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 10-20 minutes
Easy access from 19-23 (future I-26)
Population: 2600
Rolling pastures and beautiful valleys distinguish the Weaverville landscape.
Shopping: “Hometown feel” with quaint downtown Main Street galleries, shops, restaurants and library. Walmart and Lowes coming 2009
Recreation and Activities: Lake Louise offers walking trails and fishing. Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, biking, Reems Creek Golf Course. The Art Safari, a self-guided art studio tour, happens two weekends per year.

LEICESTER: West of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 10-30 minutes
Access from Patton Ave. to Leicester Highway
Population: 15,703
Pastoral, open land with fantastic mountain views. There are many nice communities in Leicester. Leicester highway has a large grocery store and conveniences. Close in areas of Leicester are convenient to shopping and Asheville. Outlying areas are great for those that want real country living.
Things to consider: Not the most accessible community even close in Leicester Highway and Patton Ave. can be a “hassle” to commute on a regular basis.

ENKA/CANDLER: West of Asheville
Drive to Asheville: 10-20 minutes
Easy access from I-26 or I-40
Rolling farmland and views of Pisgah distinguish Enka/Candler. This area is super- convenient to everything.
Shopping: highlights are the Biltmore Square Mall, soon to become an upscale outlet mall and the WNC Farmers Market. Several restaurants are located close by on 191. Recreation and Activities: Many choices including the Arboretum, Blue Ridge Parkway and Bent Creek Experimental Forest, rafting, biking, and hiking. Lake Powatan offers camping and swimming.

Each of these communities has a special ambience, all its own! If you are considering a move to the Asheville area, take the time to explore and find the community that captures your imagination and fits your lifestyle! Happy exploring!