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When it comes to lists of “best place to live, play, retire, purchase a second home, or re-invent yourself,” Asheville seems to rank consistently at or near the top of many major publications. Just a few of the city’s numerous accolades include:
- #1 in the top 100 places to live (Relocate-America.com 2007)
- #1 in the top 100 places to live (Outside Magazine August 2007)
- #13 In the top destinations in the world to live (2007 Frommer’s Guide)
- One of the top 25 "hottest" real estate markets in the world (Unique Homes Magazine January 2007) “…expected to rank #2 out of 25 cities in the luxury market division—placing it ahead of Aspen, CO, which ranks #3.”
- Named Happiest City in America in Eric Weiner’s 2008 book “The Geography of Bliss.”
Asheville is wonderfully rare, indeed. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant city is a unique mixture of locals and transplants of all ages; forming a community buzzing with the young and conscious, the hip baby-boomer type and the contentedly not-afraid-to-age older set. The city’s motto is well chosen: “Altitude Affects Attitude.” |
This unusual diversity is further exemplified in Asheville’s rich supply of adventure, arts and culture. Sometimes referred to as the "Paris of the South,” its downtown is an edgy maze of eclectic boutiques, fine dining and numerous art galleries. Street musicians fill the night’s air with melody, and local clubs are alive with an assortment of musical styles. The Thomas Wolf Auditorium and Diana Wortham Theatre supply the stage for major national acts, opera and ballet as well as hosting The Asheville Symphony and Asheville Lyric Opera Company.
Most new arrivals experience an immediate affability between people that one ordinarily wouldn’t find in many metropolitan areas. Some who have spent time in the Himalayas or the Rockies will tell you that although those other mountains are indeed majestic, they did not experience "the nurturing feeling" of energy that they do in this area’s mountains—most likely the reason Asheville is today a premier spa destination. As far back as 1795, records show that the Asheville area was regarded as a place to rejuvenate and to heal oneself of a myriad of ills.
The Biltmore Estate, named by the American Institute of Architects as one of the “Top Ten Architectural Wonders,” along with The Grove Park Inn— Asheville’s grand mountain resort, immediately put Asheville on the map as one of the South’s destination cities.
Luckily, Asheville dodged the urban renewal that stripped the charm from many other downtowns. Its rich, historical architecture adds a romantically nostalgic twinkle to downtown’s night-profile, and aside from Miami Beach, contains more Art Deco buildings than any other city in the South.
Asheville is also a forerunner when it comes to embracing the Green Building Movement—promoting the utilization of sustainable, eco sensitive and healthy-minded construction.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are an outdoorsman’s dream, as the Blue Ridge Mountains beckon with many tempting adventures. Outside magazine consistently ranks Asheville among its top destinations for outdoor recreation, and from mountain biking to golf, hiking and skiing—there’s something to enjoy all year round.
Authors such as Thomas Wolfe, O. Henry, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Carl Sandburg all called the Asheville area home at one time, and today, many contemporary writers still find inspiration in Asheville’s beauty and cosmopolitan energy. Everyone’s favorite local bookstore, Malaprop's, is a desired stop-over on the national book tour circuit. With their personnel of various artists, writers, activists, and just plain old bibliophiles, the staff recommendations section of the bookstore is one of the more popular areas of perusal among visitors and regulars alike.
For the academically minded, the University of North Carolina Asheville continues to distinguish itself as one of the nation’s premier public liberal arts universities. Warren Wilson, with its progressive triad of “Academics for the Mind, Work for the Hands and Service for the Heart,” was listed #1 in the Southeast on Sierra Magazine's list of "10 Coolest Schools" in the fight against global warming. Montreat College in nearby Black Mountain is a private, accredited Christian college with a long history of providing quality education and outstanding student support. In addition, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is dedicated to student success with its opportunities for on or off-campus learning.
Average Jan. temp: 36 degrees
Average June temp: 70 degrees
Median yearly rainfall: 46.97 in.
Median yearly snowfall: 14.9
Elevation: 2165 |
