$479,094Average Value$268Average Price per Sq Ft74Homes 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
Renee Richardson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Leicester, NC sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Leicester, NC over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience elevated mountain living at its finest in this exceptional custom-built home. Resting on an acre and a half within the rolling hills of Leicester, this thoughtfully designed residence captures long-range mountain and sunset views while providing the peace and privacy of nature all around. The open-concept main level features 10-foot ceilings, abundant natural light, and seamless flow
Sally WestHoward Hanna Beverly-Hanks Asheville-Biltmore Park
Wake up to mountain views and pasture that stretches to the treeline. This Leicester home blends country calm with room to grow — on a third of an acre with the Blue Ridge as your backdrop. Inside, hardwood floors, a wood-burning stove, and a kitchen built for gathering (white cabinetry, subway tile, oversized island) make everyday living feel good. Three bedrooms and a full bath live easy on the
Stunning mountain home with Air BnB!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, vaulted
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,
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
Welcome to your own private country retreat just minutes from Asheville! This rare property offers the perfect blend of peaceful rural living, a spectacular yard, and convenient access to everything the area has to offer. Set on over 2 beautiful, flat acres, this home features a truly exceptional outdoor space that is hard to find. There is plenty of room to create your dream garden, hobby farm,
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
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
This lovely farmhouse will transport you back in time to a simpler era when families gathered around the table together. “Pass the biscuits, please...” The farmhouse has been expertly restored retaining just the right elements that harken back to yesteryear, but with all of the modern convenances desired today. Light floods the home through the large windows. There are multiple rooms on the main
Mountain Simplicity Minutes from Everything Asheville Has to OfferTucked into the quiet community of Leicester, this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home delivers the WNC lifestyle without the Asheville price tag. Sitting on a level, usable lot, the property gives you the flat yard you've been searching for, whether that means a garden, firepit hangout, or just room to breathe.This house features
Brand new, custom construction with a brand new price! All the things you are looking for in a new home you will find in this lovely, low maintenance beauty! 2 x 6 walls, spray foam insulation, one-level living, luxury appointments...this is your chance to buy a “ready to move into” home with quality features and thoughtful, high-end selections without the long wait of personal customization. The
Beautiful Land in Leicester priced under tax value. Family compound, horse farm, homestead, glamping venue, STRs: the possibilities are numerous. The acreage has several potential homesites with views, pastureland, wooded areas, and a stream. The home offers the perfect place to live, rent, or occupy while you build your dream home with more expansive views further up on the property, or use the
Surrounded by the rolling beauty of Leicester, 2 Watsell Dr is a thoughtfully designed 2023-built home blending modern comfort with warm, inviting style in a serene mountain setting. The open-concept layout welcomes you with soaring ceilings, natural light, and a seamless flow that makes everyday living feel effortless and connected.At the heart of the home, the kitchen is designed to
The advertised rate of $15,685/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 12, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 2614440 I have one bedroom available that is going for $800.00. This a home located in a quiet residential area. I am renting out the third room in the house. You will have the option for a private bathroom downstairs or a shared bathroom upstairs. Downstairs are will also have a shared living area, kitchen, and garage. I will be living downstairs in the master bedroom. I
Stunning farmhouse will beautiful mountain views. 3 bedroom/3 bathroom. Prefer a 12-month lease but am open to a shorter one. Plenty of parking and a great neighborhood. Small pet considered with non refundable deposit.
The advertised rate of $20,402/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 7, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Available From August 1st 2026: Experience mountain living at its finest in this beautifully updated Deltec home, known for its distinctive round design, abundant natural light, and inviting connection to the outdoors. Nestled within a private gated community, this unique mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience—feeling worlds away while being just a short drive
Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home situated on 3/4 acre lot is located in a quiet family friendly neighborhood, just outside the Asheville city limits.The home features 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, a spacious living & dining room, a kitchen with abundant cabinets, refrigerator/freezer, stove top oven, washer/dryer hook ups, hardwood, vinyl flooring, central fuel heating forced air, & central
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in Alexander, NC. Built in 2023, this house offers a range of amenities that are sure to enhance your daily living experience. The kitchen is equipped with a stylish French-door refrigerator, an electric range, a built-in microwave, and a dishwasher, making meal preparation a breeze. The spacious living room and dining room
Updates, expansions, and a prime location make this home a standout in The Views at Rose Hill neighborhood. Views are delivered as promised from nearly every room and from the huge back deck. Plenty of room to spread out with a complete main level that includes the primary bedroom suite plus great finished basement space perfect for entertaining, a home office, and guest quarters.
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 to
This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath one level home offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and Asheville-area convenience, just a short drive from downtown. Sip your morning coffee while taking in sweeping mountain views from the porch, then spend your day exploring nearby hiking trails and local shops.Flexible mid-term and long-term leasing options make this pet-friendly retreat
Welcome to your dream home, nestled on a spacious parcel in a breathtaking country setting. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers uninterrupted mountain views from every room at the front of the house, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a large open floor plan with soaring high ceilings, perfect for entertaining or
Two bedroom two bath spacious mobile home on a private large lot in Leicester. Large area for parking. Enjoy the rear deck of the home with nice views. Bedrooms and baths are on opposite ends of unit. Central heat and air, propane wall mounted heater for back up heat. Utilites are power, water and propane if you use the propane heater. Tenant is responsible for mowing.
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