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.
1/2
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
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Shane Peters,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Black Mountain, NC sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Black Mountain, NC over the last 12 months is $515,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the perfect harmony of artisan craftsmanship and mountain serenity at 29 Crockett Ridge Road. Nestled within The Settings, Black Mountain’s most coveted gated enclave, this exquisite Arts and Crafts masterpiece was crafted by the region’s most celebrated builder, LivingStone Construction. The thoughtful floor plan invites you in with vaulted ceilings and a flickering gas fireplace,
Scott RussellHoward Hanna Beverly-Hanks Freestone Properties
Completely renovated from top to bottom! This move-in ready, one-level home with basement home, offers the rare combination of new finishes, thoughtful upgrades and a peaceful setting just minutes from town. Nearly every surface has been touched, creating the feel of a brand new home while preserving its original Black Mountain charm. Set on just under half an acre, the property features an
OPEN HOUSE 6/21/26. Location, space, and endless potential await! This well-maintained brick ranch overlooks the iconic 17th hole of the historic Black Mountain Golf Course and offers more than 3,000 square feet of opportunity. Enjoy the convenience of one-level living with bedrooms, laundry, and an attached garage all on the main floor, while the spacious basement provides plenty of room for
Successful short-term rental property in downtown Black Mountain! The original home has been converted into five distinct units, each with its own private entrance & dedicated parking. This property has the charm and character of a historic home, with many modern updates. Every space you enter is comfortable & inviting, with good natural light. Guests enjoy relaxing in the rocking chairs on the
SPECTACULAR MOUNT MITCHELL VIEWS from this nearly new 2 bedroom, 2 bath, mountain cabin outside Black Mountain, NC.If privacy and solitude is what you are searching for, this mountain getaway may be just the right place for you. Great Airbnb or investment property! You'll love the open-air floor plan with vaulted ceilings and nature out of every window. If the power goes out, there's no worries
Rare multi-family investment opportunity in popular Black Mountain! Easy access to all the nearby amenities: historic downtown district with local restaurants, shops, and breweries, Lake Tomahawk Park, Black Mountain Golf Club, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Plus, just a short 20-minute drive to neighboring Asheville. This offering consists of four total units in two buildings,
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
Completely renovated down to the studs, this turnkey home in Black Mountain, NC offers the perfect combination of modern design, quality craftsmanship, and breathtaking long-range mountain views. Located at 68 Lakey Gap Heights, just minutes from downtown Black Mountain and less than 8 minutes to Ingles, this fully updated home features a brand new well, all-new systems, and the peace of mind
Experience the pinnacle of low-maintenance luxury in this immaculate 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home, built in 2019. Situated in one of the area's most coveted communities, Tudor Croft, this residence offers a rare turnkey opportunity for those seeking a sophisticated primary residence, a serene second home, or an investment property. The interior is absolute perfection—immaculate, light-filled, and
Welcome to this charming downtown Black Mountain cottage! Perfectly situated just a stone’s throw from Lake Tomahawk and the heart of downtown, this lovingly maintained home offers the ideal blend of convenience, comfort, and low-maintenance living. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The thoughtfully designed floor plan allows the living room,
Come fall in love with this desirable townhome in Mountainbrook Village! This home features single level living at it's finest, featuring 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, comfortable kitchen and living room, and a charming enclosed patio space. Take a stroll down the greenway and enjoy the sounds of the creek bordering the development. Sitting just a few minutes to downtown Black Mountain, this home
Discover the possibilities with this exceptional 9.19-acre property in the heart of Black Mountain, NC. Zoned Open Use, this versatile tract offers endless potential for a private mountain estate, family compound, vacation retreat, or commercial development opportunity. Enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and convenience with easy access to Downtown Black Mountain, Interstate 40, and the Asheville
Move in with built-in equity. This custom-built 4-bedroom, 4-bath home in the Timber Park subdivision offers exceptional flexibility just minutes from downtown Black Mountain and a short drive to Asheville. With three distinct levels of living, including a fully equipped lower-level apartment, the home is well suited for multi-generational living, guest accommodations, or buyers seeking
Tremendous opportunity to own a beautiful property in a gorgeous neighborhood very close to downtown Black Mountain! Here is an almost 5 acre tract of mountain land in a peaceful neighborhood of beautiful homes. This parcel has several building sites and there's a beautiful stream as well. The road through the neighborhood is very well maintained and this is a neighborhood where parcels rarely
Located in the beautiful The Settings of Black Mountain. This mostly Flat and slightly sloping lot is an excellent place to build your next home. This gated community offers a Beautiful Clubhouse, sidewalks underground utilities and much more. There is also an approved site plane and home plan and an approved builder, so you are pretty much ready to build. Approved site plan and Approved House
Two bedroom, one bath apartment in family oriented neighborhood. Washer and dryer located in unit. No pets. Deposit $1350, monthly rent $1350, utilities not included. Application fee of $50, background and credit check applicable.
FULLY furnished! This property at 1208 Seven Sisters Ln features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 1,500 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations. The bathrooms include a tub/shower combination for convenience. Key amenities include cable readiness, heating, ceiling fans, and an in-unit
2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with washer and dryer in family neighborhood. Deposit $1350, monthly rent $1350, utilities not included. Application fee, background and credit check applicable. No pets.
2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with washer and dryer in family neighborhood. Deposit $1350, monthly rent $1350, utilities not included. Application fee, background and credit check applicable. No pets.
$2,595 per month
Charming Brand-New Contemporary Home in Black Mountain
This beautiful, newly constructed single-family residence offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and serene living. Nestled on a private road, this home is less than five minutes from all the conveniences and attractions of Black Mountain from the Main Street to Lake Tomahawk. Access to the highway is also no more than five minutes.Key Features:Spacious Layout: This two-level
Check out this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch in Black Mountain! Sitting on over half an acre, this home has plenty of space inside and out.You’ll love the remodeled kitchen and updated main bathroom, along with fresh paint and brand-new carpet that give the home a clean, move-in-ready feel. There’s also a large pantry for extra storage and central heat and air to keep you
88 Atkins Drive – Black Mountain, NC-Available Now!Newer construction home less than 1 mile from downtown Black Mountain, with access to shops, restaurants, and local amenities.This one-level home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open living area and kitchen layout that creates an easy, functional flow. The kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances,
Welcome to this tucked-away 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home in the desirable Cheshire Village neighborhood of Black Mountain. Spanning 2,895 square feet, this spacious residence features a private saltwater pool, beautiful natural light, and a cozy gas fireplace. Available now, this property offers incredible living space just moments from town. Property is offered furnished. Home
This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is located in the picturesque town of Black Mountain, NC. The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main level for easy access. Stay comfortable year-round with mini splits providing efficient heating and cooling. Enjoy the convenience of having a washer and dryer in the house for your laundry needs. With its ideal location and practical
Experience modern mountain living in this newly built 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Black Mountain. Available August 1, 2026, this 820-square-foot property features new 2024 construction, an included washer and dryer, and an unbeatable location just three minutes from downtown.Home Features--> Layout: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 820 sq. ft.--> Rent: $1,700 per month--> Condition:
Secluded Mountain Home! Discover a comfortable 2-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Black Mountain, NC featuring central heating and air for year-round comfort. The main level includes a walk-in shower and a separate soaking tub for relaxing baths. A convenient washer/dryer is provided, and a large bonus room. Tucked into a secluded setting, this home combines practical amenities with a peaceful
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
