Asheville is a mecca for amenities typically found in much bigger cities – think delectable dining and drinking options, world-class entertainment, and a progressive, eclectic art scene. For those who may want easy access to all these things, but with the option to return home to a quieter setting, the small towns surrounding Asheville are the best of both worlds.
Arden
Located in southern Buncombe County, about 10 miles south of downtown Asheville, 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. This area is characterized by its wonderful school district, family-friendly feel and convenience to shopping and restaurants.
Biltmore Forest
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
About 16 miles east of Asheville, Black Mountain 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 and Candler
Neighboring communities of Enka and 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
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 farmlands in this stunning valley.
Leicester
A community 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.
Swannanoa
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, this community offers a slower-paced life.
Weaverville
Weaverville, located north of Asheville in the beautiful Reems Creek Valley, boasts 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
A bustling town on the eastern shore of the French Broad River, just north of Asheville, Woodfin 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.
For more information on real estate in these towns, or anywhere in the Asheville area, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.
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