Asheville

The following was written before a natural disaster affected the region and will be revised soon. <br><br>Meet Biltmore Park residents at the intersection of tradition and luxury. Homes here adapt classic architectural designs from Craftsman, Tudor and Colonial styles into contemporary formats with open, spacious floor plans. “Most Biltmore Park homes were built in the 2000s, and the atmosphere reflects that type of architecture. You have a modern feel and a very clean look with landscaping that gives it a lot of charm and showcases the beautiful views,” says Kyle Manderscheid, Realtor at The Redbud Group. Properties start around $950,000 for a move-in ready four-bedroom with dormers and shuttered windows. A $1.5 million budget will secure more living space, while $2.5 million will afford something grander, likely at a higher elevation with mountain views. <br><br>Kids living in Biltmore Park can attend William W. Estes Elementary before continuing to Valley Springs Middle, which consistently achieves above-average performance ratings. T. C. Roberson High is the last stop on the public school track, touting an A- score on Niche. Each neighborhood school is conveniently located within a 5-minute drive for Biltmore Park residents. The Skyland/South Buncombe Library is also nearby for after-school learning and activities. <br><br>Lake Julian Park is less than a mile south, where Biltmore Park locals can rent a paddle boat for a day on the water or visit for its annual events, including a kid’s fishing tournament, horseshoe tournaments for locals of all ages and the coveted Festival of Lights display at the end of the year. Also equipped with picnic areas, a large playground and a beach volleyball court, the energy at this scenic spot is always high. For long walks and bike rides, find the Biltmore Park Greenway entrances on either side of town. The paved trail extends over 4 miles of quiet wooded landscapes, connecting the east and west sides of the neighborhood.<br><br>One of this area’s primary draws is its thriving, in-town retail hub. “Biltmore Park is a neighborhood where you can walk to dinner, the movies, and to get a drink. It’s a really convenient place to live,” says Kelsey Crowder, Realtor at The Redbud Group. Local boutiques meet national chains in South Asheville’s favorite shopping destination. Biltmore Park Town Square’s robust selection of diverse dining experiences is reflective of Asheville’s prominent standing in the food and beverage scene. The Redbud Group team recommends a stop at the Thirsty Monk for a cold brew on its cozy patio. The square also lodges a number of retail hot spots, many with an outdoor focus that serves you well in this active, mountainous town. Residents meet here for seasonal events to keep the community connected, including a group yoga class and a book club, among larger holiday celebrations. <br><br>Biltmore Park is in the lush French Broad River valley, conveniently positioned between major interstate systems and less than 10 miles from downtown Asheville. Interstate 26 runs north to south and provides a direct 4-mile route to Asheville Regional Airport, where you can also find a shopping park of big box stores like Target and Lowe’s Home Improvement. “There aren’t a lot of chains in Asheville, so this is where locals go to shop at those brand names,” Crowder adds. For regular grocery shops, Biltmore Park locals have a Publix nearby. Hendersonville is a major corridor connecting to the downtown area, a popular spot for errands as you head south toward the city.<br><br>With pastoral mountain landscapes, spacious, modern homes and heaps of in-town amenities, Biltmore Park seems to have it all.

Asheville, North Carolina first became known for its location in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on the western side of the state. Popular as a healthful retreat for its fresh mountain air and mineral springs, Asheville also served as a gateway for Native American tribes passing through the mountains or farmers from the Tennessee Valley area traveling into the Carolinas to sell their cattle. Today, Asheville has grown into a city of more than 90,000, known for its dynamic sports, trendy arts, lively music and historic architecture. Tourists travel to Downtown Asheville to see galleries and museums, then scour the nearby River Arts District for eclectic treasures to take home. <br>A surprising blend of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles make up Downtown Asheville’s beautifully preserved architectural legacy, which gives it an urban feel even though the city is surrounded by miles of natural countryside and pristine mountain views. Those looking to find a destination for an active lifestyle with one-of-a-kind local shops and art galleries, innovative restaurants and bustling live entertainment venues love this unique community.<br><br>Downtown Asheville offers many newer condominium buildings for those looking to live in the heart of all the activity in the Paris of the South. There are also historic Art Deco buildings that have been redesigned into trendy loft apartments and condos sitting above street-level galleries, shops and cafes that place residents right in the middle of city life. Residents love the convenience of living in a bustling city just minutes from the mountainous countryside. Prices range from modest to a million, depending on the amenities. <br>New builders and revisors are becoming more mindful of green architecture, methods and materials. Some are including enclosed parking and landscaped plazas as well as private recreation space for their residents. Taller buildings have commanding views of the mountainous vistas surrounding Asheville and often include balconies or rooftop lounges for their enjoyment. <br>Detached homes in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding downtown can be found in a swiftly moving market where demand is high. Outlying parks such as Buncomb, Malvern and Carrier and the French River paths and river walks are closer to these areas, along with community schools.<br><br>George W. Vanderbilt brought in hundreds of workers from 1890-1895 to complete his 255-room, French Renaissance style chateau. The Biltmore mansion reposes on 125,000 acres and is known as America's largest private residence. Grounds and home open their doors for visitors to tour and enjoy holiday events throughout the year.<br>Outdoor adventure awaits in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville. Residents and visitors drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, boat and fish the French Broad River and hike and bike miles of trails of all levels on over a million acres of gorgeous wilderness. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, calls to mountain lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.<br><br>Downtown Asheville celebrates its Appalachian past and culture with annual events such as Shindig on the Green. GRINDFest is a free, four-day festival that celebrates Black freedom, as well as the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville. Holidays and seasonal events are well attended in Downtown Asheville as shops and restaurants celebrate the changing of seasons with changing decorations and offerings for patrons.<br>Asheville is also a college town. The University of North Carolina hosts educational conferences and classes along with major sports on its campus. A congenial relationship between the university and the town resulted in it being voted 9th on a list of the 50 best small college communities to live and study in this country. Students appreciate the scenic campus, surrounded by the impressive Blue Ridge Mountains and lovely natural environment joined with a lively downtown and stimulating arts community.<br><br>Pack Square, Roger McGuire Green, Pritchard and Triangle Park are situated in the center of Downtown Asheville. All of these parks offer green spaces in the middle of the city proper, along with events such as live music and even an interactive drum circle open to all. Park benches, shade trees and outdoor sculpture draw residents away from the bustle of city life to relax and reconnect. <br>Pack Square Park is a favorite stop just outside the Asheville Art Museum to rest or eat a snack or lunch. It hosts festivals like the VeganFest and Art in the Park and open-air concerts. Visitors enjoy water splash pads, fountains, a concert stage, outdoor sculptures and street art. Visitors can also follow the Urban Trail markers that begin here and tell the history of Asheville. <br>Triangle Park hosts vibrant murals painted by over 100 volunteers that illustrate the history of The Block, Asheville’s first African American business district. <br>Pritchard Park’s walkways pass large boulders and charming landscaping on the way to its amphitheater with generous seating that hosts a assorted arts events. The best-known activity may be the weekly drum circle. Visitors and observers find themselves actively drawn in by the music and musicians. <br>Roger McGuire Green is a large sod lawn in front of the Courthouse and performance stage that hosts many music and arts festivals and events. <br>Farther outside the downtown area residents find parks along the French Broad River with swimming, hiking paths, fishing and paddle sports. Carrier Park, just a short drive from downtown, has almost any outdoor activity imaginable plus a unique sports field: enthusiasts can play Lawn Bowling there on a regulation field.<br><br>Asheville Middle School is the only city school located in Downtown Asheville and serves almost 700 students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Their school reports average achievement on state tests. Their program for Excellence with Equity was enacted to create a level learning environment for all students regardless of ethnicity and city schools are working on making changes that will meet its goals. The school has a gifted and talented program and an innovative media center. They support an active band and music program and have several arts enrichment opportunities. Their athletic program includes a full roster of seasonal sports. They have an affordable after school program to enhance safety and learning as part of Asheville city schools.<br><br>Downtown Asheville's Harrah’s Event Center hosts basketball, ballet, the Asheville symphony, conventions, music, New Year’s Eve Celebrations and other entertainment. It offers 7,700 seats for sports and performing arts fans.<br><br>The Basilica of St. Lawrence draws the faithful and artists to marvel at one of Downtown Asheville's architectural and spiritual wonders. Completed in 1909 and designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith, famed architects of the Biltmore Mansion, this Catholic church inspires visitors and parishioners with its beautiful artwork and the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the U.S.<br><br>Shoppers, foodies, music lovers and art collectors spend time wandering through Downtown Asheville. They delve into art galleries, live music venues, 100 innovative restaurants and 200 locally owned stores and boutiques. Every kind of art treasure can be found downtown with artists creating new items on site, from glass blowing to quilting and wood carving. Grove Arcade next to the Asheville Art Museum is a favorite indoor mall for treasure hunting and dining. There is also a street market for eclectic finds and fresh produce in season.<br><br>Downtown Asheville residents live within walking distance to the central business area, so may be able to walk to work. There is also bus transportation to most Asheville city areas. The city includes over 90,000 residents, so some traffic congestion may occur during rush hours, but roads inside the city were well-planned and are maintained. Locals judge Asheville traffic as not as difficult as other major cities in the U.S.

It's hard to beat the lofty elegance of Grove Park's diverse collection of historic mansions and long-nurtured natural landscapes. This north Asheville neighborhood is anchored by a one-of-a-kind hotel and is brimming with homegrown restaurants, arts attractions and beautiful views. Grove Park's meandering streets resemble estuaries, feeding into each other in continuous routes that wrap around the local resort. Twisted laurel, dense dogwood and rose-hued azaleas hedge this charming neighborhood's winding storybook drives. Gardens of evergreens cascade over landscaped yards and cloak the floor of its verdant woods. Some homes cling to Sunset Mountain's uneven terrain, while others overlook neat, grassy estates. <br><br>Omni Grove Park Inn, the neighborhood's most significant historical landmark, is famed for its mountain views and prestigious past. Guests have been staying at the hotel atop Sunset Mountain for over 100 years. The Omni Grove Park Inn has hosted several prominent historical figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller and 10 Unites States presidents. The hotel's iconic red clay tile roof, textured stone exterior and Roycroft furnishings finesse a unique aesthetic tone. The original structure's silver-flecked granite stones were excavated from the mountain where the hotel stands today. Crowds visit from all over the country to experience this local treasure. <br><br>The Grove Park historic district has been nationally recognized for its boundless architectural diversity. Tudor Revivals with sloping frameworks mingle with rustic cottages, broad Bungalows and sleek Prairie-style homes. Median listing prices here typically land around $2 million and locals report that homes don't stay on the market long. "Homes here have an old charm. The neighborhood is walkable and beautiful with mature trees," says Nikki Freeman, local Realtor at The Redbud Group. Buyers can find angular mid-century modern homes built in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright on private wooded lots for $1 million and up to $3 million, with values gradually increasing as you make your way up the mountain. Below, you'll find a more compact layout of homes representing classic Tudor Revival and bungalow-style dwellings ranging from $800,000 to $3 million. Asheville buyers also have the opportunity to invest in a Grove Park lot starting at around $350,000. "There are plenty of new construction opportunities in this area," adds Kelsey Crowder, Redbud Realtor. <br><br>Many locals like to head to the inn's golf greens on sunny weekends. Golfweek Magazine has consistently acknowledged the Grove Park Country Club course as one of the Top Resort Golf Courses in North Carolina. Several PGA stars and President Obama have played the 6,000-yard fairways with striking mountain views. Weaver Park's paved pathways, rolling hillsides and views of blue-misted mountain ranges are another great natural pocket where residents like to get some fresh air and walk along its wooded waterside trails. Continue north to Grovewood Village's craft studios, art galleries modern sculpture gardens for a deep dive into the area's history. A walk along narrow Grovewood Road's cottages with stucco exteriors will transport you a century back in time. <br><br>For Grove Park students, Ira B. Jones Elementary is nearby, off Kimberly Avenue. The school's lovely stone-clad building holds almost 400 students who have shown notable academic progress in recent years. The school recently sponsored a career fair where kids met with representatives from local businesses. The administration here emphasizes staying connected with the community. <br><br>Grove Park residents are convenient to the shopping and dining peppered along Merrimon Avenue, downtown Asheville's connecting corridor. Locals rave about Luella's Bar-B-Que, a Merrimon hotspot serving large helpings of Grandma Lue's classic Southern recipes. You won't miss the casual outpost's glowing red BBQ sign while driving along the main thoroughfare. Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian, a neighborhood staple for almost 15 years, was established by a Brooklyn native who wanted to bring old-school New York Italian eats to Asheville. The cozy trattoria is a popular local haunt for cozy dinners out. Sunset Terrace is among the Omni Grove Park Inn's impressive restaurant collection, a must-visit for its stunning views overlooking the grounds.<br><br>Most Grove Park locals shop at the Fresh Market on Merrimon for weekly groceries and stay on the main road for other errands and shopping. Residents are a leisurely 2-mile ride from Asheville's flourishing city center, and Charlotte Street provides a direct route into town. Asheville Rides Transit, ART, buses have stops along Macon Avenue for Grove Park residents who prefer public transportation. You're close enough to downtown to pop over any time, but far enough away to retreat back to peace and quiet," Realtor Freeman adds. It's no wonder so many Asheville buyers are drawn to this secluded respite, minutes from the bustle of downtown with unmatched long-range views of sprawling Blue Ridge Mountain ranges.

Haw Creek, a neighborhood on the east side of Asheville, is full of exceptional schools, flourishing parks and scenic mountain views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Despite its proximity to the heart of Asheville, this neighborhood has preserved its rural charm. Named after the rushing creek that flows through the neighborhood, this North Carolina community has a 300-year-old history with agricultural roots. The meandering parkway roads wind through the forest in this mountain valley. Only 4 miles from a trendy and bustling downtown, Haw Creek is an ideal suburb, combining all the benefits of small-town living with the excitement of Asheville’s downtown scene. <br> <br>This neighborhood includes a vast selection of parks and trailheads that draw hikers and nature lovers from all over. Masters Park is a simple trail that carries residents from a trail in the city into the pines of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents start at Mile marker 381 and begin hiking the uphill trail at Bull Mountain. Walking a 2.6-mile, round-trip, through lush forests, hikers rest at the Haw Creek Valley overlook, an intermission with one of the most breathtaking sights in the area. <br><br>Haw Creek is home to a wide array of excellent schools. Haw Creek Elementary School is within walking distance of a large part of the neighborhood. It receives a B-plus rating from Niche, and is known for having involved and organized teachers. A.C. Reynolds Middle School has a B-plus rating and is known for the diversity of its courses. A.C. Reynolds High School has an A-minus and is known for its top-tier sports programs and superb academic success rates. The education in Haw Creek is a massive benefit of living in this neighborhood. It is also the location of Evergreen Community Charter School, a K-8 private school with a focus on holistic learning. A family oriented community, Haw Creek provides many advantages to its residents.<br><br>“This is not your typical neighborhood,” says Elizabeth Putnam, a real estate broker at Mosaic Realty and a Haw Creek resident. “It’s a small community, but it’s in a busy part of Asheville where you still get the Mountain views and access to the downtown.” Much of Haw Creek has classic American architecture, including 1920s colonial-style bungalows or the ranch-style homes of the 1980s. In this area, a 2-bedroom home can be listed for $390,000, and a 4-bedroom home with a mountain view can be listed for as high as $830,000. <br><br>The valley has a quaint dining scene. For a boost in the morning, residents grab a cup at PennyCup Coffee, one of three premier locations of this independent Asheville coffee shop. When locals are looking for a romantic or upscale atmosphere, they go to the local French Bistro, Rendezvous. This small restaurant has outdoor seating, French wine, escargot and authentic dishes guaranteed to make guests feel like they’re on vacation in Paris. For a more local feel, residents visit Creekside Taphouse, a locally owned pub with various local draft brews. <br><br>To reach the trendy downtown of Asheville, residents take a short 4-mile drive on Interstate 240. For groceries, Aldi, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market are just two miles south. For public transportation, the bus system, Asheville Rides Transit, provides a smooth commute to other parts of the city. <br><br>The Haw Creek Heritage Festival celebrates the valley’s past and current community spirit with live music, food trucks and plenty of activities for kids. The Haw Creek Community Association is an active homeowners' association that hosts events for residents, like community service projects, a chili cookoff or info sessions about area wildlife. This organization has also been involved in legislation for installing sidewalks in the valley, which residents hope will be enacted in the next several years.

Asheville’s Montford area was once the home to some of the country’s most famous creative minds from Nina Simone, Thomas Wolfe to Zelda Fitzgerald. This trendy North Carolina community of creatives and entrepreneurs isn’t just for history buffs. Montford’s cultural identity is formed by its wealth of walking paths, sophisticated architectural development and a strong sense of community. Mostly made up of single-family residential homes, the thriving neighborhood is connected by its history dating back to the late 1800s with part of the neighborhood being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Anchored from its cosmopolitan development, Montford continues to move with a solid collection of shops and restaurants.<br><br>Prose by some of Asheville’s greatest storytellers echoes through the streets of Montford. The character of the community maintains its Victorian, turn-of-the-century appeal anchored by its strong collection of historic homes. “It’s the oldest neighborhood in Asheville,” says Kyle Manderscheide, Realtor with The Redbud Group noting the area’s historic integrity. Elaborate Queen Anne’s, low-lying Craftsman and stately Colonial Revivals adorn Montford’s cobblestone streetscapes. However, architects and builders drew influence from Asheville’s cosmopolitan character at the turn of the 20th century, with new progressive designs from architectural innovators like Frank Lloyd Wright. Most of the 600 or so homes in the neighborhood were built between 1890 and 1920 and are currently ranging from $400,000 to over $2 million. As Asheville continues to grow, demand is on the rise. "There's not a lot of inventory here. It's very rare when a home in good condition becomes available,” says Nikki Freeman, a Realtor with Asheville Realty Group. <br><br>While strolling through Riverside Cemetery some of Asheville’s most prominent citizens are in their resting place. The 3.5-mile trail has walking tours and the 87-acre site has the grave of writer William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry. A half-mile north locals amble along the brick walking paths with views of old architecture, or head down to the courts for a game of pickleball with friends. A couple of blocks east is the entrance to Reed Creek Greenway, a two-mile footpath connecting downtown Asheville to the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville. The Asheville Botanical Gardens on the north side is home to a large number of native plants and bird species that add color to the neighborhood. Also nearby is the cozy Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, where the local performing arts group, Montford Park Players, puts on the community’s popular outdoor Shakespeare festival. <br><br>Nine Mile is an unassuming local dining hotspot on Montford Avenue that specializes in vegetarian-friendly Caribbean-inspired fare. Farther south, All Day Darling, a quaint neighborhood mainstay serving — you guessed it — all-day breakfast from its intimate-but-airy interior. Continue east to discover even more neighborhood fixtures along Broadway Street, one of the city’s busiest corridors. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter are also convenient to Montford residents for weekly grocery shops on the east side, off Merrimon Avenue, allowing residents to stay close by to get what they need. <br><br>Montford students are served by Asheville City with Isaac Dickson Elementary School and Claxton Elementary School, rated A-minus and B-plus on Niche.com respectively, continuing on to Montford North Star Academy. The relatively new school is known for its high academic performance standards and fosters an active, engaged community through regular gatherings, events and social media engagement. Asheville High School has a robust engineering and robotics program offering students the chance to solve problems in and out of the classroom. The band program supports and develops the Marching Cougars while theater and dance students can take classes in their state-of-the-art performing arts center, finding their own voices on the stage. <br> <br>Centrally located near downtown Asheville, Montford is known for walkability and is well served by public transit. Many residents will opt for a bike ride or walk around town. Locals can also hop on the Asheville Redefines Transit buses with stops along all the area’s main thoroughfares.

Before 1923, the Lakeview Park area of Asheville was known as Baird Bottom, a meadow used by farmland as grazing grounds. After construction by engineering firm Charles E & Waddell Company, the terrain was transformed by architect John Nolen into the scenic neighborhood that it's known as today. Residents now enjoy views of the blue-ridge mountains and expansive Beaker Lake, the neighborhood's Centerpiece. Kelsey Crowder, a local Realtor of 8 years, says "The lake is the draw here. It's beautiful. There's nothing like this anywhere else in Asheville." Another component of the lake is Beaver Park, privately owned and maintained by residents, but open to visitors willing to abide by its rules. Residents and non-residents fish on the docks or venture into the water on paddleboards. Starting in the 1920s, home construction here persisted over the decades, resulting in various architectural styles. Prices range from $550,000 to $3 million. Aside from businesses within the neighborhood, 15 miles away is Biltmore Park Town Square, a bustling shopping center in downtown Asheville. Lakeview Park's desirability is reflected in its pricing. "I tell my clients, if you're lucky enough to find something here, you're going to stay a while," says Realtor Elisa Miyares of the Redbud Group / Keller Williams. The neighborhood consists of winding roads, well-maintained lawns, and greenery. Houses can start at $550,000 and go up to as high as $3 million for homes by the lake or mountains. Tudor and Craftsman-style homes can be found around the valley, while Cape Cods and Colonial-Revival homes line the roads. While the streets here don't have sidewalks, the neighborhood is still very accessible— residents can expect to see their neighbors out and about. Nikki Freeman, a Realtor from the Redbud Group, puts it simply: "This is a very desirable and walkable neighborhood." Local children can start their education at Claxton Elementary, a K-5 offering clubs and a Student Lighthouse, an early version of the Student Council. Students can then continue to Asheville Middle School and Asheville High. Asheville High holds AP classes and extracurriculars, with a strong emphasis on school spirit for sports. Claxton Elementary and Asheville Middle School receive a B plus rating from Niche, and Asheville High School an A minus. The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary is an 8-acre stretch of wetland acquired in 1988. Half of this park is owned and managed by Blue Ridge Audubon, a non-profit committed to conservation. Because of the acquisition made in 1988, the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary is protected from any future commercial development. The other half is owned and managed by the Lakeview Park community. Open 365 days a year, the sanctuary includes a boardwalk that loops through the entire area, accessible to walkers, joggers and those needing extra mobility assistance. Other than scenery, visitors can observe a variety of wildlife. The park also offers outdoor gathering spaces for groups and bird outings on the first Saturday of every month. La Carreta, a regional chain serving authentic Mexican food, is located south of the neighborhood. Residents can head here to pick up takeout for the whole family or a fun date night. West of Lakeview Park are nearby plazas with several local restaurants, notably Greek & Italian eatery the Bellagio Bistro and family-owned buffet The Fireplace. Blue Ridge Market, a farmers market, is a go-to for fresh produce year-round. About 15 miles out of Lakeview Park is Biltmore Park Town Square, a popular shopping plaza in downtown Asheville. Residents can walk around to enjoy the various businesses offered-such as the movie theater, cozy bookshops, restaurants and hotels.