Swannanoa is a tight-knit community in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The small town of Swannanoa is set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains between Asheville and Black Mountain. The mountain landscape makes this a popular stop along Interstate 40 and home to about 5,000 residents, but the nature is second fiddle to the community, according to Cheryl Hyde, director of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, she has seen individuals and organizations such as Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance jump up to help their neighbors. "They look out for each other like nothing I've ever seen before," Hyde says. The debris has been cleared, while a full recovery could still be several years ahead.
Established neighborhoods with bunaglow and ranch-style homes
The area has several distinct neighborhoods. Beacon Manufacturing Company created Beacon Village in the late 1920s to house its workers. The neighborhood features a homogeneous collection of single-story brick bungalows, many of which have been updated. They will be within walking distance of a new park on the site of the old factory. The neighborhood also faced flood damage from Helene. Grovemont is another established neighborhood that was intended to be one of the country's first planned subdivisions. Today, it features brick ranch-style homes on large, leafy lots near a central park and library. Single-family homes have a median price of around $450,000, compared to about $500,000 in Asheville.
Outdoor activities and scenic views in Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway are two of the top outdoor destinations for the Asheville area. Pisgah's hardwood forests and mountain peaks are popular for scenic drives, waterfall hikes and mountain biking. A 4-mile round-trip hike leads to the cascading, 100-foot Catawba Falls. The Blue Ridge Parkway twists and winds through the forests, with stopping points overlooking the blue-tinged mountain vistas. In Swannanoa, Grovemont Park was recently gifted 10,000 tulips, adding a pop of color after months of recovery. "It's a good example of how the outside world has helped," Hyde says. "All of a sudden, you turn the corner and see a display of color everywhere."
Businesses have reopened, reconstruction still ongoing
About 75 businesses are back up and running, while damaged and demolished buildings are still present along the main Highway 70 corridor. New options are filling the gap, including Short Sleeves Coffee, which will serve traditional coffee and espresso drinks. "They had just started working when the storm happened, and it put them way behind," Hyde says. "The whole community is very excited to welcome some new life into town." CVS, Dollar General, Exxon, fast-food stops and several restaurants are among the open businesses. Good Company Pizza serves specialty and custom pies, salads, and subs in a laid-back dining space. East Asheville has big box stores such as Walmart, Target and Lowe's.
Kids spend the day at Buncombe County Schools
Buncombe County Schools serves the Asheville area, including the Swannanoa Valley. W.D. Williams Elementary School and Charles D. Owen Middle School both earn B-minus grades. Slightly farther west in Black Mountain, Charles D. Owen High School earns a B. It offers a variety of Career and Technical Education subjects such as architecture and construction; agriculture, food and natural resources; and business, finance and marketing.
Grooving to live bands at Grovemont Park
Grovemont Park becomes a music hub in the summer. Residents lay out picnic chairs and blankets for the Groovin' on Grovemont series, featuring live bands and hot food, including vegan and gluten-free options. The proceeds benefit local nonprofits. "It's really fun and very community-oriented," Hyde says. In neighboring Black Mountain, the Sourwood Festival celebrates a southern Appalachian delicacy: honey gathered from the sourwood tree. Over 30,000 locals and visitors stop by for a sampling every August.
Highway 70 leads to Asheville
Highway 70 is the main route through town, connecting to Asheville, about 10 miles west, and Black Mountain, about 5 miles east. Interstate 40 is also nearby for out-of-town travel. The roadways are clear and bridges are operational again after Hurricane Helene, but several roads remain unpaved. "It's going to be years until everything is back to normal, but it’s livable," Hyde says. Mission Hospital in Asheville provides various medical services, including emergency care. Asheville Regional Airport serves nearly 30 nonstop destinations.
