| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
The weather in Asheville is typical of those located in low mountain ranges. Rain can appear very quickly but often leaves just as fast. The area is temperate year round. The last two years have brought significant snow to the area, however, the lower lying parts of the city rarely see more than 1-2 inches of snow throughout an entire winter.
Summers can be hot and humid but leave the evenings comfortable. | | Asheville has a relatively low crime rate overall but falls at about the median for a city of its size.
The crimes often heard about involve theft or skirmishes that have gone awry, such as an angry motorist shooting at a bicyclist. Murder is very rare here. The crimes can be divided almost equally between violent crime and theft, including property theft. | | Asheville has a reputation of being a good place to live with few "bad" parts. The part I personally dislike is South Asheville which caters to mostly industrial and lower income housing. This is there the majority of crime takes place.
There are many desirable places to live within the city. One of the most popular is the Montford area which boasts a wide range of upper class homes and is home to a well known comedian/actor.
The Charlotte Street/Grove Park areas are desirable and well known for historic houses. Just outside of Asheville is Biltmore Forest, home of actress Andie McDowell. | | The people are the best part about Asheville. It is truly a melting pot of old and young, hippies, singles, families, rich and lower income. There is truly something here for everyone and the community is very accepting of transplants as most people are not natives.
Some descriptors of Asheville that explain the character of the people include AsheVegas and Paris of the South. The people create a unique atmosphere that appeals to the hipster and conservative alike. |
| Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
| The downtown area of Asheville is its heart and soul. Buildings are height restricted. The majority of businesses in the downtown area must be owned by independents. This helps to keep the flavor of the city from becoming sterile and uniform. There are many activities year round downtown from drum circles to parades, buskers, concerts, and art activities. | | There are several hundred restaurants in Asheville. The downtown is filled with independently owned places such as Tupelo Honey, Asheville Brewing, and Early Girl. Chain restaurants exist on the outskirts of town. These include Iannuci's, Vinnie's, and Asaka. | | Buncombe County Public Schools and the alternative school strives to give students a broad and well-rounded education, preparing them for one of the area's colleges. | | There are many opportunities for singles from meetup groups to singles activities with dance, music, and interest based groups. |
| Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
| The airport is located 20 minutes outside of the city and is not intrusive. Residents will hear a rare train whistle in addition to noise from the highways. | | In comparison to Weaverville and Hendersonville, Asheville has more culture, more amenities, and a wider variety of activities. It is more centrally located and easy to navigate. | | Mission Hospital is the only trauma hospital in the region. The hospital system is one of the main employers in the area and is growing by leaps and bounds. The system is known for providing top level care. | | People come from around the world to visit the renowned Biltmore Estate. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a breathtaking scenic drive through the mountains. The River Arts District boasts more than 150 artists' studios including that of Jonas Gerard. |
| General comments | | | | | | |
I love Asheville and relocated to the city 8 years ago. It is a very artistic community that is all about celebrating art and wellness. The main focus of the city is tourism although healthcare is a close second.
Many people say they have been "called" to Asheville. Some say it is due to the energy of the people, the natural beauty, or the art. Others claim it is due to the high content of quartz in the ground that helps to create a more positive atmosphere.
The town instantly felt like home to me. | | | | | | |
