North Asheville

Homebuyers aren't moving to this north Asheville community just to brush shoulders with the college students at the lovely University of North Carolina Asheville campus. The Five Points area lodges a rich variety of sturdy older homes in a prime city-centric location with lots of character.

Shallow midcentury ranch styles with hipped roofs and brick exteriors meet shingled Craftsman with stout, square columns on narrow roads that climb the neighborhood's sloping terrain. Five Points residences settle on roomy lots hedged with azaleas and flowering dogwoods. Prices start at $450,000 for a condo or modest bungalow, and reach over $2 million for a sprawling historical stunner. "There isn't much inventory in Five Points, and homes don't spend much time on the market," notes Kelsey Crowder, Realtor at The Redbud Group.

Five Points is a walking neighborhood. Locals traverse the town's quiet streets or head to campus to stretch out on its windswept, grassy hills. "The UNC Campus is really beautiful," says Realtor Crowder. "It doesn't have a wild college atmosphere." An extensive network of trails also branches off the school in the south. "In the Five Points area, you're getting the perks of greenways and other school amenities you can piggyback on," adds Realtor Crowder. Five Points is zoned for the Buncombe County Schools, and residents with children will have their pick of several private and public facilities that closely surround the neighborhood – many within walking distance. Students can begin their studies at Claxton Elementary before continuing to Asheville Middle and HIgh. Niche awards the local high school with a prestigious A score, and students enjoy the school's eclectic, city-centric atmosphere with creative field trips to local businesses.

While surrounding towns look to alpine trails for gorgeous views, the Botanical Gardens fills that role in Five Points. The grounds spread over 10 acres of land with a narrow trail winding through the lush native flora that spill into the narrow footpath. The garden's 600 species of vibrant Appalachian plants are a sight to be seen. The Reed Creek Greenway is steps away, winding through Mullen Park, and connects to historic Montford in the south. The paved drive is a popular stop for relaxing waterside hikes.

On Saturday mornings, crowds pour into the North Asheville Tailgate Market to shop for produce, flowers and other unique goods sourced by local vendors. "Five Points is very convenient to downtown and very walkable," adds Crowder. Most residents travel south on Merimon Avenue to grocery shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Harris Teeter. There's also a Fresh Market on the main corridor convenient to the community's northern residents.

Five Points residents have heaps of in-town dining options. Unwind with a cold waterside brew at Zillicoah Beer Company from its sprawling industrial grounds on the French Broad River. Rye Knot is on the other side of town, well known for its American bar food classics and housemade microbrews. HomeGrown is a must-visit local spot, serving farm-to-table fare from its charming outpost on Merrimon Avenue. A bevy of homegrown eateries and creative retail are just steps away in historic Montford and edgy downtown Asheville.

I-26 and Merrimon Avenue run parallel on either side of the Five Points community, making commutes a breeze. Centrally located on top of downtown Asheville, many will opt for a bike ride or walk around town. Locals can also hop on the Asheville Redefines Transit, ART, buses with stops along all the area's main thoroughfares. City amenities and culture are always within reach for Five Points residents. Buyers who are seeking charm and walkability could find their new home in this quiet, academic town.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Viktor Zagorevskiy

Video By

Ellie Brown