The Western North Carolina towns and cities surrounding Asheville boast their own distinct styles of mountain living, while at the same time offering convenient access to all the restaurants, shopping, nightlife and lifestyle amenities Asheville has to offer. Check out the map and descriptions below to get a feel for which town might be right for you. From metropolitan neighborhoods in the heart of the action to serene, private mountain enclaves, you can have exactly what you want. 

Arden, NC View real estate in Arden, NC

Arden is a lovely community located in southern Buncombe County, about 10 miles south of downtown Asheville.  While Arden is an unincorporated community considered part of the city of Asheville, it spans more than 37 square miles and encompasses several smaller communities, including Royal Pines, Oak Park and Avery Creek. The Asheville Regional Airport is located in nearby Fletcher, N.C. This area is characterized by its wonderful school district, family-friendly feel and convenience to shopping and restaurants.

 

Biltmore Forest, NC View real estate in Biltmore Forest, NC

Biltmore Forest is an idyllic suburb of luxury homes located in a stately hardwood forest just south of Asheville. This town, popular among families, consists primarily of quiet residential neighborhoods. Biltmore Forest has an estimated population of about 1,400 and is convenient to Biltmore Village and downtown Asheville.

 

Black Mountain, NC View real estate in Black Mountain, NC 

About 16 miles east of Asheville, this small town is known as the front porch of Western North Carolina because of its quaint charm and stunning location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While Black Mountain is an amazing place to live year-round, it is especially popular among second-home owners and vacationers. Downtown Black Mountain has a wonderful collection of shops, restaurants and breweries, and the hiking and mountain biking is abundant.

 

Enka, NC and Candler, NC View real estate in Enka, NC and Candler, NC

The neighboring communities of Enka & Candler are situated southwest of Asheville. Enka is the eastern of the two, near the intersection of I-40, I-26 and I-240, while Candler is further west along Route 23. These communities share public schools – Enka Middle School and Enka High School, which are part of the well-respected Buncombe County School District. These neighborhoods offer a quieter, more pastoral feel but with all of the conveniences of a nearby city.

 

Fairview, NC View Fairview NC real estate

Located about 10 miles southeast of Asheville, Fairview is a historic town with a lovely and involved community of locals. The population of Fairview is just under 3,000, which gives residents plenty of privacy to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.  Long an agricultural community, quaint neighborhoods and historic farmhouses are situated among the beautiful farmlands in this stunning valley.

 

Fletcher, NC View Fletcher NC real estate

Fletcher, a small town located in Henderson County, North Carolina, is located just south of Asheville and just north of Hendersonville. It is conveniently located close to the Interstate 26 corridor and Asheville Regional Airport; Highway 25 is the main business route through Fletcher. The population is currently around 7500 people. Though Fletcher has a suburban and rural feel, its proximity to major highways offers ample access to the amenities of larger surrounding cities.

 

Leicester, NC View Leicester NC real estate

Leicester is a quickly growing, though still bucolic, community in Western North Carolina about 10 miles northwest of Asheville.  Leicester offers residents gorgeous views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains in quiet seclusion. Leicester Elementary School serves local school children and is part of the Buncombe County School District. There are also numerous private schools located in nearby Asheville.

 

Mills River, NC >> View Mills River NC real estate

Mills River is a small town in Henderson County located between Asheville and Hendersonville, NC. With a population of around 7500 people, Mills River features a topography filled with tributaries of the nearby Mills and French Broad Rivers. Just northeast of the town of Mills River is Interstate 26 and the Asheville Airport. Proximity to Pisgah National and its network of trails is a major perk of living in this area.

 

Montreat, NC >> View Montreat NC real estate

Montreat, just outside of Black Mountain, is very popular for vacationers and second-home owners because of its small-town feel and proximity to nearby mountains. It’s home to Montreat College, a private Christian liberal arts school. For great dining and shopping near Montreat, residents head to Black Mountain.

 

Swannanoa, NC View Swannanoa NC real estate

Swannanoa is a quaint community located along I-40, east of Asheville in the breathtaking Swannanoa River Valley. The town boasts a great location, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Asheville and Black Mountain. Characterized by quiet neighborhoods, rolling farmland, and mom-and-pop businesses, homes for sale in Swannanoa NC offer a slower-paced life.

 

Weaverville, NC View Weaverville NC real estate

Weaverville is a lovely town located north of Asheville in the beautiful Reems Creek Valley. Weaverville has outstanding local shops and restaurants, and the cultural attractions of downtown Asheville are only a short drive away. Weaverville is a family-oriented town with dozens of community events and activities throughout the year.

 

 

Woodfin, NC View Woodfin NC real estate

Woodfin is a bustling town situated along the eastern shore of the French Broad River, just north of Asheville. This historic town has a population of about 6,000 year-round residents and a growing number of visitors as the River Arts District of Asheville spreads down river toward it. Many residents of Woodfin enjoy spending time rafting and canoeing on the French Broad River and frequenting the growing number of businesses along the river.

 

Asheville Travel Guide

If you are not familiar with our area and have yet to experience Asheville, get the Asheville Travel Guide.
Download the app for android or  IOS