Section Image

Oakley

Oakley

$406,781 Average Value
$307 Average Price per Sq Ft
34 Homes For Sale

Sought-after community near the “Paris of the South”

Originally founded a century ago as a series of pastures for dairy farmers, Oakley has grown into a neighborhood with a relaxed, blue-collar sensibility that serves as a foundation for its community and overall charm. Set 5 miles east of downtown Asheville, Oakley represents a quieter, more suburban entry point into the high energy of Asheville's "Paris of the South.” “Oakley is the most affordable area in East Asheville with a very hip vibe,” says Jody Whitehurst, a Realtor with Town and Mountain Realty who’s lived in Asheville for more than two decades. The "more bang for your buck" value of the area is shifting as home builders fill empty lots with brand-new homes. “It has a sidewalk that leads all the way into Biltmore Village with shops, coffee shops and breweries.” Various faith communities call the neighborhood home, including Oakley Baptist Church and the Islamic Center of Asheville.

Classic and quirky homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Oakley’s narrow, hilly streets feature an eclectic mix of architecture with classic homes neighboring the modern, the rustic and the flat-out eccentric. "You'll go on a walk and pass a beautiful centennial home, then pass something up the block that looks straight out of The Jetsons,” says Michael Stratton, co-founder of the Oakley Neighborhood Association. Level ground is hard to find here, with driveways often climbing steep slopes. Yards tend to be small and decorated with flowering shrubs, ornamental trees and personal touches. Prices start in the $200,000s for smaller ranch-style homes and 1920s bungalows, but most homes cost between $300,000 and $550,000. Newly constructed Arts and Crafts-style homes are at the upper end of the market, ranging from $425,000 to more than $800,000. Mountain-view homes are sometimes available, though these have been known to sell in as little as three days.

Cape Cods can often be found in the Oakley neighborhood in Asheville.
Cape Cods can often be found in the Oakley neighborhood in Asheville.
Ranch style homes can be found throughout the neighborhood of Oakley.
Ranch style homes can be found throughout the neighborhood of Oakley.
Those looking for modest ranch and bungalow style homes will have options to choose from in Oakley.
Those looking for modest ranch and bungalow style homes will have options to choose from in Oakley.
Lots in Oakley tend to be about a quarter of an acre.
Lots in Oakley tend to be about a quarter of an acre.
Early 1900s two homes can be found beneath the shade of tall trees in Oakley.
Early 1900s two homes can be found beneath the shade of tall trees in Oakley.
1/5

Highly rated Buncombe County Schools

Oakley Elementary, which receives a B rating from Niche, sits in the center of the neighborhood and features a dual language program. Mountain views are the backdrop at A.C. Reynolds Middle and A.C. Reynolds High, which have adjacent campuses on Rocket Drive. The B-plus-rated middle school offers nutrition and wellness classes. The high school, which earns an A-minus, takes pride in its multilayered approach to education. “We push academics, sports, arts: the whole thing,” says Marvin Masters, head secretary to the principal at A.C. Reynolds High. “We’ve got a great reputation, and we’re highly involved in the community.” Nearby private options include the unrated Asheville Waldorf School and the A-rated Carolina Day School.

Oakley Elementary School right in the heart of town is where most kids start their public school education.
Oakley Elementary School right in the heart of town is where most kids start their public school education.
A.C. Reynolds High School, part of the Buncombe County School District, serves high schoolers in Oakley.
A.C. Reynolds High School, part of the Buncombe County School District, serves high schoolers in Oakley.
1/2

A new playground at Murphy-Oakley Park

Murphy-Oakley Park is a nearly 8-acre green space often hosting Little League baseball games and tennis matches. The park’s recently renovated playground is now an inclusive space for all ages and abilities. It features a “serenity spot,” an accessible pathway and elevated equipment to make accessing the slides and musical instruments easier. A 7 ½-mile extension of Asheville's Greenway will start construction at the end of 2024, following the peaceful greenery of the Swannanoa River to downtown. Asheville Recreation Park, which features an outdoor pool and an extensive soccer complex, is a short drive away. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is next door, offering visitors a chance to see mountain wildlife up close. West of the nature center, Asheville Municipal Golf Course features 18 holes with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which hug Oakley’s west side. “The neighborhood has quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway with lots of hiking and mountain biking trails,” Whitehurst says.

Murphy Oakley Park is where kids in Oakley play baseball or take a dip in the pool in the summer.
Murphy Oakley Park is where kids in Oakley play baseball or take a dip in the pool in the summer.
Oakley have easy access to the many parks and trails outside the city of Asheville, such as Lakeview Park, 20 minutes north.
Oakley have easy access to the many parks and trails outside the city of Asheville, such as Lakeview Park, 20 minutes north.
1/2

Saving Oakley/South Asheville Library

Oakley residents are active and involved in their neighborhood. "We recently had the opportunity to rally the neighborhood together to save the library," Stratton says. "The city was considering downsizing, and we were able to put the word out and stop that plan. The Oakley Library is a local institution, and I was proud of what we could do." Aside from its collection of books, CDs and DVDs, the library, which dates to the 1970s, provides weekly storytimes and a bimonthly Lego club for children.

Boutique shopping in Biltmore Village

With more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, Asheville takes pride in its beer scene. Oakley is no different, with brewery Cursus Keme offering a complete biergarten experience in the neighborhood's northwest corner. Asheville's culinary scene is sampled less than 2 miles west at the nearby Biltmore Village, a neighborhood featuring stucco Victorian cottages initially built for workers at the esteemed Biltmore Estate. The Well-Bred Bakery & Café is a popular stop for pastries, coffee and croissant sandwiches, while the farm-to-table Corner Kitchen serves contemporary twists on American classics. The red-brick sidewalks lead to various boutiques, such as Dogwood Darlings Children's Boutique and Origami Ink, a stationary store. Dozens of national retailers, from Target and Walmart Supercenter to Whole Foods Market and Aldi, are close by. Asheville Mall is about 2 ½ miles north.

Lowes and large shopping options are only a five minute drive for most residents of Oakley.
Lowes and large shopping options are only a five minute drive for most residents of Oakley.
Oakley locals browse boutique shops and name-brand stores at Asheville Mall, less than a ten minute drive for most residents.
Oakley locals browse boutique shops and name-brand stores at Asheville Mall, less than a ten minute drive for most residents.
Biltmore Village eateries, shops, and music venues are only 2 miles from Oakley residents.
Biltmore Village eateries, shops, and music venues are only 2 miles from Oakley residents.
Quirky small shops and restaurants are prevelant in Asheville and are a short drive from Oakley homes.
Quirky small shops and restaurants are prevelant in Asheville and are a short drive from Oakley homes.
1/4

Culture and events just up I-40

Bordered by interstates, including I-240 and I-40, Oakley has a straight shot into the heart of downtown Asheville, some five miles away. "You're never stuck in traffic in Oakley," Stratton says. Oakley's proximity to downtown provides quick access to annual city events and festivals, including Asheville Art in the Park, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and the Goombay Festival, a yearly celebration of the African diaspora. Asheville Rides Transit buses stop along Fairview Road, but Whitehurst says it’s not popular with commuters. “I explored taking public transportation when I had a job downtown at one point. It was going to make my 4-minute commute a 50-minute commute.” Asheville Regional Airport is about 10 miles south.

Oakley residents have easy access to the Asheville Rides Transit bus lines throughout the neighborhood.
Oakley residents have easy access to the Asheville Rides Transit bus lines throughout the neighborhood.
Oakley residents are minutes away from Downtown Asheville's festivals and events like Pritchard Park's drum circle.
Oakley residents are minutes away from Downtown Asheville's festivals and events like Pritchard Park's drum circle.
1/2
DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Steven Bollman
Photography Contributed By
Steven Bollman
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Asheville Regional

21 min drive

Bus

Wood Ave & Cheerio Ln

Bus

Cedar St & Fairview Rd

Bus

Fairview Rd & Ridge Ave

Bus

Fairview Rd & Shannon Dr

Bus

Fairview Rd & East St

Bus

Fairview Rd & I-240

Bus

Wood Ave & Future Dr

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Oakley neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Oakley US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Oakley Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$470,000
Median Sale Price
$407,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$421,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$175,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
80
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,883
Number of Homes for Sale
34
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
5.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,309
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,078
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
890
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Dec 27
    12 - 2pm

    41 Acona Ln, Asheville, NC 28803

    $650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,942 Sq Ft
    • 41 Acona Ln

    This sustainable, high-end Green Built 2022 home is the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertaining. The open floor plan has a spacious living area with gas fireplace and a chef’s kitchen featuring custom cabinets and a breakfast bar. The upstairs has a separate laundry room and primary suite with full bath and walk-in closet. Artisan-made cabinetry and trim, solid oak floors, and quartz

    Pablo Souza Souza Realty LLC

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Dec 27
    1 - 4pm

    98 Brooklyn Rd Unit 1, Asheville, NC 28803

    $475,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,644 Sq Ft
    • 98 Brooklyn Rd
    • Unit 1
    • New 1 hour ago

    High quality ONE LEVEL new construction for less than $300/SF and convenient to all things Asheville! This one flows nicely with an open concept living/dining/kitchen area, sensible split bedroom plan, high end finishes, and a bright, open feeling. This floor plan is great for entertaining! Luxury Vinyl floors in the common areas, beautiful quartz counters/bar in kitchen, and relaxing

    Brad Whitesell Whitesell Real Estate Group

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,015
Median Age
40
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,263
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$72,428

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.3%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
30.6%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.1%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

6 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

17 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Oakley
Zach Penland
NextHome Partners
Section Image