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Royal Pines

Royal Pines

Located in Buncombe County

$467,233 Average Value

Royal Pines has suburban feel

Well-positioned near Pisgah National Forest, just outside of downtown Asheville and right next door to Biltmore Park, this south Asheville suburb truly has it all. "New buyers are attracted to Royal Pines' suburban, residential feel," says Nikki Freeman, local Realtor at The Redbud Group.

Community has cabins and mountain dwellings

Homes on the east side of town branch off Mills Gap Road onto rolling hillsides enclosed by towering old oaks. Royal Pines' peaceful, meandering streets are dotted with blossoming dogwood trees and blushing azaleas. As you travel west, the topography gradually rises. Narrow drives twist and turn along rugged peaks with a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges along the way. Cabin homes tightly hug the steep terrain behind long, sweeping entries. Royal Pines' median home values hover around $600,000, showing a significant increase in recent years. Asheville buyers can find a well-maintained ranch or split-level home for $500,000 or a fresh farmhouse-style new build for $700,000. Mountain dwellings run closer to $800,000, and these desirable properties are listed infrequently. Development is active in Royal Pines, and buyers who want to build their custom dream home can purchase a lot from $100,000 to $600,000 with varying acreage and scenery. Homes typically stay on the market for a maximum of 30 days in this cozy suburb.

Split-level homes line meandering residential streets in Royal Pines.
Split-level homes line meandering residential streets in Royal Pines.
Royal Pines is a cozy suburb with well-maintained homes and new developments.
Royal Pines is a cozy suburb with well-maintained homes and new developments.
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Buyers seek out area for its schools

Buyers are drawn to Royal Pines' bountiful education options. Glen Arden Elementary has served local students for over 50 years from its campus on Pinehurst Circle. The school cultivates partnerships with the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Green Works, and Master Gardeners to introduce students to pollinator gardening, composting, recycling, and environmentally friendly landscaping. Glen Arden also offers an immersion program with the support of eight international teachers. Above-average test scores are a point of pride for its administration.

Trails draw hikers and lead to mountain vistas

"With plenty of parks and river access, there's no shortage of outdoor activities here," Realtor Freeman adds. Head to Collier Cove Nature Preserve at the center of town on Rhododendron Drive to traverse two miles of well-defined, steep hiking trails carved throughout its sprawling 30 acres. Collier Cove's densely wooded highlands ascend strenuously for a vigorous trip to its summit, unveiling beautiful blue-misted mountain vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead is a couple of miles north, off Sweeten Road, for gentler hikes leading to some of Asheville's best views. Lake Julian Park hitches to its namesake water body, glistening in the west - another scenic spot to reconnect with nature. Post up for a picnic, go fishing at the pier or hop in a kayak for a full day of outdoor fun.

The majestic Pisgah National Forest is a short drive away in Royal Pines.
The majestic Pisgah National Forest is a short drive away in Royal Pines.
Pigsah National Forest has multiple scenic overlooks for Royal Pines residents to take in the views.
Pigsah National Forest has multiple scenic overlooks for Royal Pines residents to take in the views.
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Restaurants have Nashville hot chicken and other Southern favorites

Among Royal Pine's many nearby eateries are a few local favorites. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack on Sweeten Creek Road is a wildly popular outpost offering Nashville-style hot chicken and Southern staples from its casual open-air post. Rocky's was named in USA Today's "20 Best Fried Chicken Restaurants in America" in 2019. Biscuit Head is the neighborhood’s go-to for brunch and has been in the media spotlight with favorable features in Bon Appetit, The New York Times and Food and Wine. Biltmore Park's local boutiques and diverse dining experiences are also a stone's throw away. "In Royal Pines, you'll have your pick of a variety of grocery stores - and this is where you'll find the chain names that everyone knows," Realtor Freeman notes. Hendersonville Road winds along the west side and is a central corridor connecting to the downtown area. Explore the busy thoroughfare for errands and shopping as you head north toward the city. Most locals stop at Whole Foods Market off Mills Gap Road for weekly shops.

Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack serves Nashville-style staples in Royal Pines.
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack serves Nashville-style staples in Royal Pines.
Royal Pines has a rustic but suburban feel.
Royal Pines has a rustic but suburban feel.
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Commuters have access to ART buses

Asheville Rides Transit, ART, bus stops are helpful for regular commuters as they make the 10-mile trip into downtown Asheville. Commuters will find them on all major intersections spanning the length of the community.

Caeleigh Griffin
Written By
Caeleigh Griffin
Steven Bollman
Photography Contributed By
Steven Bollman
Christian Gortler
Video By
Christian Gortler

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julia Burdette, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2
Median Year Built
1998
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,504
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
34,412

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, May 5
    Open Tue 11AM - 5PM

    6 Azalea Rd Unit C, Arden, NC 28704

    $209,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,000 Sq Ft
    • 6 Azalea Rd
    • Unit C

    Move-in ready and full of updates, this charming end-unit condo in Arden offers affordable, low-maintenance living in a prime location. This 2BR/1.5BA home features a bright, open layout filled with natural light, plus recent upgrades including a newer heat pump and hot water heater.A pre-inspection by a licensed NC contractor revealed no issues, giving added peace of mind. The HOA covers

    Judi Moolten Grateful Mindset Properties

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Royal Pines Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$1,750
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,750
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,750

Demographics

Total Population
3,879
Median Age
44
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$87,500
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$102,586

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
50.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
Royal Pines