$473,100Average Value$280Average Price per Sq Ft75Homes For Sale
Space and a slower pace draw homebuyers to Leicester
While the pronunciation of Leicester is a heated debate, with some saying “Les-ter” and others saying “Lei-ses-ter,” many agree on the community’s main draws. The Buncombe County enclave offers country living and mountain views in the rolling hills northwest of Asheville. “There are lots of farmers out there,” says Alexandra Schrank, a Realtor with Re/Max Executive who’s lived in Asheville for 15 years. “I have a friend who bought 40 acres in Leicester. They have a hemp farm. They love it out there. It’s so gorgeous.” Leicester’s residents are close-knit, with children often attending the same schools and a vibrant community center at its heart. The enclave puts residents in reach of parks and trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the culture and cuisine of Asheville, which is only about 11 miles away.
In Leicester, this weathered birdhouse tells a small, honest story of seasons passing, hands that built it, and life that keeps returning.
A sweeping view of the rolling hills and mountain ridgelines surrounding Leicester, where winding roads, scattered homes, and open land define the rural Appalachian landscape.
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A variety of single-family homes in the countryside near Asheville
Whether looking for a secluded single-family home in the woods, a farm with several acres or a bucolic subdivision, homebuyers have options in Leicester. Architecture is diverse, ranging from ranch-style homes and farmhouses to neotraditional designs and new construction. The Ridge, a gated community off Bear Creek Road, is sought-after for its custom luxury homes on one-acre lots, while the Craftsman homes in the private Mountain View Acres community have views of mountains in the distance. The median price for a single-family home in Leicester is around $390,000, slightly below the national median. Most homes fall between $300,000 and $875,000. However, particularly large custom homes and farmsteads start around $1 million and can exceed $2 million.
This custom French Country–inspired home in Leicester, boasts elegant old world charm, without being too flashy.
A modern farmhouse–inspired home in Leicester is proof that you can respect tradition without living in the past.
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Buncombe County's education options from prekindergarten to university
Buncombe County Schools receives an A-minus overall rating from Niche and has 45 schools serving more than 22,000 students. Most homes in Leicester are zoned for Leicester Elementary, Joe P. Eblen Intermediate, Clyde A. Erwin Middle and Clyde A. Erwin High, which all earn B-minus ratings. The high school offers a career academy, which features a week-long job shadowing experience. Asheville offers private schools, such as the A-plus-rated French Broad River Academy, and higher education. The University of North Carolina Asheville and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College are about 10 miles away.
Students in Leicester can attend Clyde A. Erwin Middle School, which is a part of Buncombe County Schools.
Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School, built to serve grades 5–6, bridges the gap between elementary and middle school.
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Events, classes and markets at Leicester Community Center
The Leicester Community Center has been a focal point of community and youth programming for generations. In addition to having rentable meeting space and recreational amenities, it offers a packed calendar that includes monthly Community Art Nights, where residents can participate in various craft projects, and weekly adult movement classes, which welcome dancers of all skill levels. More than 30 vendors set up tents at the Leicester Farmers Market, held at the community center every Wednesday evening from May through October.
The playground at Leicester Community Center offers plenty of after school fun.
Strength through community is a Leicester neighborhood commitment at the Leicester Library's Giving Garden.
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Exploring the great outdoors in Buncombe County and beyond
The Asheville region is known for its outdoor activities, from scenic hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains to whitewater rafting along the French Broad River. The Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area, which is part of Pisgah National Forest, is fewer than 30 miles from Leicester and offers horseback riding trails and campsites. Ledges River Park provides kayakers with an access point for the French Broad River. The park is one of the few riverside green spaces to reopen after Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The grounds of Leicester Community Center feature a playground, basketball court, baseball field and walking path. Nearby, the Leicester Branch Library is home to the Leicester Library Giving Garden, where volunteers tend to a garden, a pollinator habitat and an orchard. In 2023, the garden cultivated more than 1,100 pounds of produce for the community.
The French Broad River is a great place to go kayaking near Leicester.
You can challenge some friends to a game of HORSE at the Recreation Park.
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There are a few stores, but most shopping is done in Asheville
Shops and restaurants dot state Route 63, also known as New Leicester Highway, between Leicester and Asheville. The family-owned Grateful Roots Market & Deli is a popular stop for lunch and groceries. “You can go there and get locally grown food and local soap – all types of stuff, including hemp and CBD,” Schrank says. Restaurants include Salty Goat Grill, a relaxed spot for American fare, and Shorties Drive-thru BBQ, which offers walk-up and drive-through service for brisket sandwiches and barbecue plates. Asheville offers boutique shopping downtown and name-brand shopping around the Asheville Mall, Western North Carolina’s largest indoor shopping mall with more than 100 stores. Ingles Markets is the closest grocery chain, about 5 ½ miles from the center of Leicester. The nearest full-service hospital, Mission Hospital, is about 13 miles away.
Leicester residents head to Asheville Mall for name brand stores.
Casual, confident, and community-loved, the Salty Goat Grill is the kind of spot that doesn’t need a view when the food does the talking.
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Leicester is a car-dependent community
Commuters in Leicester take two-lane country roads to reach state Route 63, also called New Leicester Highway, which heads east into Asheville and west into the mountains. Two major North Carolina highways meet in Asheville, Interstates 40 and 26. I-40 crosses the state west to east, while I-26 goes north towards the Virginia border and south into South Carolina. The closest bus stops for Asheville Rides Transit are near the Ingles Markets off New Leicester Highway. Asheville Regional Airport is a little over 20 miles from Leicester.
Two major highways cross Leicester, connecting to Virginia and South Carolina.
Leicester residents are within 10 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport.
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Important to know
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Buncombe County’s risk for hurricanes is relatively low. However, the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating landslides and flooding throughout Western North Carolina in 2024. Schrank notes that Leicester fared well in the storm and did not experience nearly as much damage as hard-hit communities like Asheville. Many creeks flow through Leicester, and FEMA flood maps indicate that some properties along these waterways face a flood risk.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
David Strayer
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Leicester, NC sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Leicester, NC over the last 12 months is $442,250, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional opportunity at 40 Mountain Shadows Drive. Set on more than an acre of usable land with year-round mountain views, this refined mountain residence offers a rare combination of privacy, sophistication, and convenience just minutes from downtown Asheville. Privately tucked within an established enclave, the property provides the ideal balance of quiet seclusion and quick access to
Escape to the beauty and tranquility of Leicester with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, where comfort meets mountain serenity. Offering 1,606 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this home features a bright, open floor plan that feels both spacious and inviting—perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The heart of the home is the stylishly updated kitchen, complete with
Experience elevated mountain living in this stunning new construction home nestled within the private, gated community of Blue Mist Farms. Spanning over 2,600 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence is thoughtfully designed to capture breathtaking long-range mountain views from nearly every room, offering a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. The main level showcases an
Some houses you tour and forget. This isn't one of them. Built in the Arts & Crafts tradition and finished like a showroom, this mountain home delivers year-round views, indoor-outdoor flow, and the kind of craftsmanship that's genuinely hard to find at any price point. The wraparound covered deck and custom lower patio make the mountains feel like your backyard — because they are. Inside,
Rare opportunity to build your dream mountain retreat on this stunning 4.69-acre parcel located in a gated community spanning both Haywood and Buncombe counties. Protectively restricted to preserve long-term value and natural beauty, this ready-to-build homesite already has a well and approved 2-bedroom septic system in place — saving time, money, and hassle. The property offers breathtaking,
Welcome to this stunning, nearly new modern farmhouse set on 3/4 acres lot with Breathtaking Mountain views.Thoughtfully designed with custom construction, this 1+ year old home offers the perfect blend of style, comfort and functionality. Inside you'll find beautiful laminate floors throughout, creating a seamless and low-maintenance living space. Three full bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, a
Escape to 48 Merrell Road, a serene home offering comfort and convenience in picturesque Leicester. This inviting property features three bedrooms and 3.5 baths, with bright, open living spaces and a large modern kitchen for entertaining. The primary bedroom is on the main floor. Large windows invite scenic nature into the kitchen with you. The expansive, large back deck is ideal for
Tucked away on approximately 4 private acres, this enchanting 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage offers the perfect blend of peace, privacy, and natural beauty. Surrounded by towering trees and serenaded by the sounds of nature, this hidden retreat feels worlds away while still offering the convenience of high-speed internet for remote work, creative pursuits, or streaming your favorite shows. Wake each
A rare offering in the heart of Western North Carolina, this distinguished custom residence was featured in the 2023 WNC Parade of Homes and represents the pinnacle of modern luxury living. Crafted by Dwelling Place Homes and aptly named "The Ridge," the home commands its setting with effortless authority — where masterful architecture, impeccable craftsmanship, and an idyllic natural backdrop
Mountain Retreat with Incredible Views! Enjoy modern comfort, scenic beauty, and endless possibilities with this exceptional mountain property. Set on terraced land with sweeping Blue Ridge views year round it is a perfect private retreat.Updated 3BR/2.5BA contemporary ranch with 2 bonus rooms used as bedrooms, stylishly remodeled tile baths, and a luxurious primary suite with soaking tub &
Tucked into a peaceful rural valley with sweeping mountain views, this one-of-a-kind equestrian property on Dix Creek has been a cherished home for horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and the people who love them for over 30 years. The 4-stall barn is well-appointed with a tack room and hay loft, while a riding ring with new fencing gives you a dedicated space to ride and train — all set against a
**Per seller it is a possibility to assume their current mortgage with an incredible interest rate through Rocket mortgage. Please reach out for further details!***This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath contemporary home offers stunning year-round mountain views and timeless charm. Only 20 mins from downtown Asheville. HOA Fee: $350/month covers lawn care services, private community well & waste water
This custom 2020 home with a modern farmhouse feel offers over 5,000 square feet of living space on 1.83 private acres with year-round long-distance views, and only 25 minutes from Asheville. The main level features two kitchens, a spacious primary kitchen with marble countertops, custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, subway tile and a large eat in island, plus a fully equipped prep kitchen.
Experience the sunrise enveloping your home from the comfort of your kitchen table in this stunning modern farmhouse. Situated on nearly three quarters of an acre with gorgeous mountain views, this beautifully updated property features new appliances, new hardwood floors, and soaring high ceilings that enhance the home's open and airy feel. Abundant natural light fills every room, creating a warm
BACK ON MARKET DUE TO FINANCING! -Mountain Retreat with Incredible Views! Enjoy modern comfort, scenic beauty, and endless possibilities with this exceptional mountain property. Set on terraced land with sweeping Blue Ridge views year round it is a perfect private retreat.Updated 3BR/2.5BA contemporary ranch with 2 bonus rooms used as bedrooms, stylishly remodeled tile baths, and a luxurious
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in a peaceful country setting! Enjoy quiet mornings or relaxing evenings on the spacious covered front porch overlooking the serene surroundings. Inside, the home features fresh new paint throughout, brand-new carpet in the bedrooms, and new vinyl flooring throughout the rest of the home for a clean, updated feel.Home includes washer and dryer hookups, well
Completely renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath home set in a county setting in Leicester, NC. This charming house features brand-new appliances, fresh paint throughout, and thoughtful updates throughout the interior. The bedroom and living room offer new carpet, while the kitchen and bathroom feature durable new LVP flooring. Washer and dryer hookups are included for added convenience.Lawn
Built in 2021 this home offers gorgeous views that never get old. This beautiful home offers an open floor plan, a gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances, farmhouse sink, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a separate dining room, walk in closets, a large laundry room with a washer and dryer, and so much more. This home is beautifully decorated and furnished ready for you to move in. Enjoy your morning
This cozy and stylish residence offers a blend of comfort and convenience, perfect for those seeking a tranquil living experience.This quaint 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is thoughtfully designed to make the most of its space. Step inside to discover a well-appointed interior that makes you feel right at home. The bedroom provides a peaceful oasis, while the bathroom offers modern amenities
Welcome to 52 Smith Road, Leicester, NC 28748, a comfortable and inviting home nestled in the peaceful Leicester community of Western North Carolina. Offering a quiet residential setting surrounded by natural beauty, this property provides a great balance of privacy and convenient access to nearby city amenities.Located just a short drive from Asheville, residents can enjoy quick access
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