This Western North Carolina town turns vacationers into homebuyers
Named after its location, the small Buncombe County town of Black Mountain is a place where a morning cup of coffee is often paired with the sight of fog lifting over the Blue Ridge. This popular day-trip spot for Asheville tourists, home to roughly 8,500 people, is growing as a destination for retirement and second homes. “We have a lot of people that we call half-backs,” says Tim Johnson, a Realtor and team lead at Black Bear Realty WNC. “We see a lot of people who grew up or spent most of their lives in the mid-Atlantic or the Northeast. They move to Florida to escape the cold, but after 10 to 15 years, they decide they want something different, so they go halfway back home to the Carolinas.” Johnson describes the people of Black Mountain as outdoorsy and very community-centric.
Two oversized rocking chairs in the town square nod to Black Mountain’s identity as the Front Porch of Western North Carolina. Year-round tourism and manufacturing are key pillars of the economy. The town also hosts the headquarters of Ingles Markets, Inc. Its vibrant downtown, spared from the flooding and landslides caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, is where small business thrives.
The iconic oversized rockers are a well known feature of Black Mountain's square.
Black Mountain is the home of the headquarters of Ingles Grocery.
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Custom Craftsman builds, cottages and cabins with sweeping views
Single-family homes in Black Mountain often rest on hilly lots with scenic views. The median price is around $560,000, above the national median of roughly $400,000. However, properties in high-end communities like the Village of Cheshire start at around $1 million. Custom Craftsman homes, along with ranch-style homes and cottages, dominate the architectural landscape, with A-frames and cabins dotting the area.
Along with short-term rentals and second homes, Johnson says it’s common for buyers to purchase land with their families in mind. “We get a lot of buyers who want a property that they can build on and have family build on eventually or right away.” He adds that the mild climate is often a selling point. “I tell people who move here we literally live outside 9 to 10 months out of the year,” Johnson says.
Many of the homes in Black Mountain are of the craftsman style.
Ranch homes as one of the 2 main types of homes in Black Mountain
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Outdoor adventures in the Appalachian Mountains
Whether enjoying the sights and sounds of Catawba Falls or climbing to the Lookout Mountain Overlook, outdoor recreation is a way of life, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are at the center of many adventures. “There are about 15 good hikes within 5 to 10 minutes of town,” Johnson says. Pisgah National Forest, which stretches more than 500,000 acres, surrounds nearby Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains.
Town parks like Lake Tomahawk Park provide escapes to nature close to home. It’s centered around Lake Tomahawk, which features a walking path that offers views of the lake and the mountains in the distance, as well as a seasonal public pool. Other public green spaces range from community gardens to sports-focused spots, such as Cragmont Park, where residents like to play pickleball.
Catawba Falls is not currently accessible after the hurricane but will soon be reopened to tourism.
Black Mountain families can walk around Tomahawk Lake, or play in the playground.
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Scenic shopping and a vibrant art scene in downtown Black Mountain
Mountain peaks rise over the top of red brick buildings in the Black Mountain Downtown Historic District, where art galleries and boutique businesses sit between microbreweries and taverns. The town’s diverse food scene includes German and Thai restaurants, along with pizzerias and brewpubs. A few national retailers dot the town, but most name-brand shopping takes place in Asheville.
Downtown hosts the town’s biggest annual event: The Sourwood Festival. The street fair-style event, celebrating the native sourwood tree and its honey since the 1970s, draws tens of thousands of visitors every August. This town’s well-established art scene, known for its artisan crafts, traces back to Black Mountain College in the early 1900s. The private, experimental liberal arts college produced prominent artists like Cy Twombly Jr. and Ruth Asawa before closing in 1957.
Art galleries, like the one in the converted train depot feature local Black Mountain artisans.
Black Mountain has many murals including the memorial to Roberta Flack on the brewery wall.
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Short commutes to Asheville
Interstate 40, North Carolina’s mountain-to-sea route, passes through Black Mountain. It’s often used for the 15-mile commute into Asheville for work, hospital visits and catching flights at Asheville Regional Airport. Asheville Rides Transit provides bus rides to and from the city. The hilly nature of the town is a welcomed challenge for road cyclists and mountain bikers who can use various bike-friendly routes to get around. The winding Blue Ridge Parkway, offering scenic drives and vistas, is in various stages of repair following Helene.
Buncombe County Schools and several small colleges
Buncombe County Schools serves Back Mountain and gets an A-minus overall rating from Niche. As the largest school district on this side of the state, it has nearly 25,000 students and 45 schools. It’s also one of the top employers in the county, with about 4,000 employees. Three small private colleges are nearby, including Warren Wilson College.
Warren Wilson College is one of several small colleges located near Black Mountain.
Black Mountain Elementary is a well rated school serving the local area.
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Black Mountain Police report decrease in property crimes
The Black Mountain Police Department shared data with the town council indicating that property crime steadily dropped from 2021 to 2023, while violent crime declined between 2021 and 2022, with no change in 2023.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
William Neary
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Toni Ewing,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Black Mountain, NC sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Black Mountain, NC over the last 12 months is $489,562, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cute as a button and close to ~1400sqft of usable space with its basement apartment! Come see this updated ranch within walking distance of the shops of Black Mountain and the trails of Montreat. The current owner has put so much effort toward making this house into a home, and it shows. Recent owner-completed upgrades include mini-splits for heating and cooling, flooring, roof, kitchen
Located in the peaceful beauty of Black Mountain, well-maintained 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers comfort, flexibility, and scenic winter views. The home features a low-maintenance exterior and thoughtful landscaping that allows you to enjoy more and maintain less. Inside, find a spacious and versatile layout ideal for entertaining, working from home or relaxing in peace. The main level includes
Discover the perfect place to build your mountain retreat on this beautiful 2.58-acre lot located in Creston—one of Black Mountain’s most sought-after gated communities. Known for its conservation-minded design, serene natural beauty, and high-end custom homes, Creston offers privacy, security, and a true connection to nature.This gently sloping, wooded lot provides multiple potential
Discover 23 acres tucked in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to town and interstate travel. Crooked Creek forms the southern boundary, adding a natural water feature and a great spot to relax or explore. The land has a blend of flat, rolling, and steeper terrainperfect for a private homesite, recreational use, or simply enjoying the
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the picturesque locale of Black Mountain. This newly renovated gem boasts a sleek, modern interior with LVP flooring and stainless steel appliances, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality. The primary bathroom features a dual vanity, adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine. The home is situated on a large grassy
For rent – cozy garage apartment just a short walk from all the attractions of downtown Black Mountain, Lake Tomahawk Park, greenways, and the public golf course. Fully furnished with all utilities included. No pets or smoking allowed. Washer and dryer are conveniently located downstairs in the garage/workshop. Three-month lease required.
Enjoy this new 3/2.5 wonderfully adorned, modern home with complementary rustic, farmhouse and industrial décor. Enjoy Glen's whimsical original art throughout the house. This home will be especially appealing to those people who can appreciate the many hours that we dedicated to designing a warm, artistic enchanting home. We are now proud to announce that we've recently installed a universal
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