Montreat's slow-paced mountain lifestyle
Montreat is a small mountain town about 20 miles from Asheville that gets its name from two words: “mountain” and “retreat.” The town is home to the Montreat Conference Center, which primarily serves the Presbyterian Church, but which also hosts a small number of non-secular groups annually. Of the town’s roughly 900 residents, about a quarter live there full-time, drawn to the small-town atmosphere and more relaxed pace; part-time residents are often driven by nostalgia to purchase here. “A lot of people grew up going to conferences here and their families vacationed here,” says Chip Craig, the owner of Greybeard Realty and a Realtor who sells throughout the Asheville area. “But there are also families who have been here for generations.” Daily life often revolves around the center of town, home to the conference center, a small college, one restaurant and many hotels, but it’s hardly a bustling urban center. Residents enjoy a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle where often the most exciting thing to happen is a bear sighting in a neighbor’s backyard.
Mountain homes with picturesque views and abundant privacy
Montreat’s residential streets wind up and down through the mountains, with homes often sitting high up and offering picturesque views. Ranch- and cabin-style homes are most common, and while some are nearly 100 years old, others were built as recently as the 1980s and 1990s. Tall trees surround homes and line the narrow roads, offering abundant privacy. Prices range from around $600,000 to about $800,000.
Montreat was hit by catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. As of May 2025, many parts of the town have been rebuilt, while others are still under repair. The town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps homeowners secure coverage.
Residents hike on Lookout Trail and play tennis at Robert Lake Park
Hiking on Lookout Trail is one of the most popular outdoor activities here. The trailhead is on the town’s southeast side. “People like it because it’s a 30-minute hike to a wonderful view,” Craig says. Robert Lake Park is in the middle of town and features a playground, tennis courts and picnic areas. Lake Susan is owned by the Montreat Conference Center but open to the public, and fishing is allowed with a permit.
Nearby Black Mountain offers dining, grocery stores and local boutiques
The Huckleberry is near the Montreat Conference Center and serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and ice cream. While it is owned by the Center, it’s open to the public and a popular go-to for a quick bite. More dining options are nearby in Black Mountain along West State Street. Black Mountain also features Ingles Market and a large assortment of local shops selling running equipment, furniture, hardware, pottery and gifts.
Kids attend Black Mountain Elementary, Owen Middle and Charles D. Owen High
Montreat’s assigned schools are Black Mountain Elementary, which rates a B-plus on Niche; Owen Middle, which rates a B-minus; and Charles D. Owen High, which has a B rating. All three schools are part of the Buncombe County Schools district, which has an A-minus. Montreat College is in the heart of the town and is a private Christian four-year school that offers associate’s, bachelor's and master’s programs. Just under 1,000 students attend, with about 650 living on campus.
Montreat Road connects the town to Black Mountain and Asheville
There are no public transit options in Montreat, and the community is entirely car-dependent. Montreat Road is the main thoroughfare in town and leads to Black Mountain and Asheville. The Asheville Regional Airport is about 30 miles away and offers regular flights on American Airlines and Allegiant Airlines. The nearest hospital is Swannanoa Valley Medical Center, about five miles west.
