If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving to Asheville, North Carolina, you’re in good company. Asheville is a funky, vibrant mountain town that’s grown in popularity over the years—as a tourist destination for some and a place to call home for others. In fact, Asheville was ranked in the top 20 best places to live in the U.S. in 2024. That’s no surprise considering the best Asheville neighborhoods exude personality, warmth, and southern hospitality.
So what makes the city so special?
Asheville is fairly large, with a population of over 95,000, 33 associated neighborhoods, and most of the urban amenities one could want. But it somehow manages to maintain a cozy, small-town feel.
Flooding from Hurricane Helene is still impacting a number of Asheville neighborhoods, but Asheville’s residents have weathered the storm well and the town is rebuilding quickly. This event, while tragic, is further proof that Asheville is a special place worth being a part of. The people of Asheville care deeply about the well-being of their friends and neighbors, and the community-centric culture is unmatched.
So whether you’re in search of a bustling, walkable neighborhood, a forever home for your growing family, or the ideal spot to retire with your spouse, there’s truly something for everyone in Asheville. We’ve put together a curated list of the 8 best places to live in Asheville, NC, so you can choose the option that’s right for you.
8 Best Asheville Neighborhoods
Downtown Asheville
Kenilworth
Historic Montford
West Asheville
Grove Park
Biltmore Park
Haw Creek
Biltmore Forest
With a town like Asheville, it’s hard to go wrong. Almost anywhere you go, the art and music scene are thriving, the food is incredible, and you can stare at the mossy Blue Ridge Mountains.
Yet somehow, we’ve distilled this list of Asheville neighborhoods down to the very best. In this guide, we’ll talk about the housing costs, amenities, and features of these 8 Asheville neighborhoods to sort out which might be a perfect fit for you.
1) Downtown Asheville — Best Asheville Neighborhood for City People
Average rent: $1,851
Average home value: $931,000
Best for: Professionals, singles, city lovers
Known for: World-class dining, breweries, live music
Getting around: Most bikeable and walkable neighborhood in Asheville, but you still need a car to get around the rest of town
If you crave the energy and amenities of a city lifestyle, a condo in Downtown Asheville is the way to go.
As the epicenter of Asheville’s food, bar, and music scene, Downtown Asheville is no doubt one of the best places to live in Asheville, NC.
Asheville, aka “Beer City, USA,” is home to over 50 breweries, 22 of which are right in the heart of downtown. Downtown Asheville also boasts several world-class restaurants, music venues, art galleries, and shops. And with the number of talented artists and musicians performing on the street, you might just feel like you’ve walked into a “party that you didn’t know about,” says one documentary filmmaker who calls Asheville home.
2) Kenilworth — Best Asheville Neighborhood for Families
Average rent: $1,745
Average home value: $528,000
Best for: Families
Known for: Striking architecture, family-friendly spaces, good schools, convenience to shopping and dining
Getting around: 20–30-minute walk or a 5-minute drive to Downtown
Of all the Asheville, NC, neighborhoods, Kenilworth may win the award for most charming. This beautiful, hilly suburban neighborhood is known around Asheville for its tree-lined streets, Spanish villas, and dreamy 1920s architecture.
While it’s conveniently just minutes south of downtown, Kenilworth itself is a quiet, kid-friendly neighborhood with lots of parks and great schools, like public, magnet school Claxton Elementary, to choose from. It could be just the thing for young families or newlyweds who want to stay close to the buzz of downtown but also crave a cozy corner of their own to call home.
3) Montford — Best Asheville Neighborhood with Rich History
Average rent: $1,851
Average home value: $861,000
Best for: Families, Retirees
Known for: Historic architecture, large homes, community involvement
Getting around: Walkable, bikeable to and around downtown
Montford, one of the best neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, is a designated Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. Everything about it — from its striking Victorian-era homes to its community gardens to the local amphitheater’s Shakespeare in the Park performances — oozes old-time charm.
Nestled just north of downtown, Montford also has no shortage of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, all just a short stroll away, making it easy to enjoy a night out or a quiet morning coffee close to home.
4) West Asheville — Hippest Asheville Neighborhood
Average rent: $1,617
Average home value: $539,000
Best for: Young professionals, artists, digital nomads
Known for: Art scene, coffee shops, quirky shops
Getting around: 20–30-minute walk or a 5-minute drive to Downtown
If you have a cool art collection to display in your new home, it will probably be most appreciated in West Asheville.
But West Asheville isn’t just among the artsiest — it’s also among the liveliest of the Asheville, NC, neighborhoods on this list. Located just across the French Broad River from Downtown, West Asheville is known for its bohemian vibe, with tons of art, music, cafes, breweries, and local shops to explore. Its rental and home options are just as eclectic—you’ll find options from modern condos to old bungalows.
5) Grove Park — Best Asheville Neighborhood for Retirees
Average rent: $1,785
Average home value: $1.6 million
Best for: Retirees, Vacationers
Known for: Grove Park Inn, golf course, spa, restaurants
Getting around: 10-minute drive to Downtown
North of Downtown sits a small, luxury community called Grove Park. This neighborhood’s lovely homes, parks, and winding streets are anchored by the iconic Grove Park Inn and golf course.
With its laid-back feel, upscale amenities, and reputation as one of the safest neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, Grove Park is a favorite among retirees, as well as anyone seeking a serene lifestyle. Residents enjoy morning walks or afternoons on the greens, as well as easy access to fine dining, spa treatments, and cultural events hosted by the historic Grove Park Inn. But it’s not all quiet strolls and golf games around here — Grove Park’s close proximity to Downtown ensures easy access to Asheville’s vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and shops without sacrificing the tranquility of their neighborhood.
6) Biltmore Park — Best Asheville Neighborhood for a Small-Town Feel
Average rent: $1,762
Average home value: $1.2 million
Best for: Families, professionals, retirees
Known for: Intimate community, walkability, amenities, movie theater
Getting around: 18-minute walk to Downtown
Biltmore Park is hands-down one of the very best places to live in Asheville, NC. This intimate community was built around the vibrant Biltmore Park Town Square, where all the amenities you need are just steps from your front door. These include walking trails like the scenic Biltmore Park Greenway, local gyms, grocery stores, cafes (don’t miss The French Broad Chocolate Lounge), and an array of dining options. You’ll also find Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, a local favorite, and the luxury Carolina Cinemas, where you can catch the latest releases in comfort.
Biltmore Park is all about eco-friendly, people-focused living. And the result is a neighborhood that’s suitable to anyone—from twenty-somethings to families to retirees. Whether you’re enjoying the trails or grabbing a bite at one of the local spots, it’s a place where convenience and community come together.
7) Haw Creek — Best Asheville Neighborhood for Nature Lovers
Average rent: $1,618
Average home value: $544,000
Best for: Families, nature lovers
Known for: Sprawling farmland, residential neighborhoods, trail access
Getting around: 10-minute drive to Downtown
A short drive East of Downtown, Haw Creek is one of the best Asheville neighborhoods for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since Haw Creek was once an old farming territory, the neighborhood itself boasts sprawling, lush landscapes, and long, quiet streets. Haw Creek is also conveniently close to Haw Creek Park, which offers playgrounds, sports courts, and open fields, as well as hiking trails like those found along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. For even more outdoor adventure, Bent Creek Experimental Forest is just minutes away, perfect for hiking and mountain biking..
Haw Creek is growing in popularity as a more affordable housing option, with access to great schools, that can offer a perfect balance between rural and city life.
8) Biltmore Forest — Best Asheville Neighborhood for Laid Back, Luxury Living
Average rent: $1,762
Average home value: $1.7 million
Best for: Professionals, Families, Retirees
Known for: Luxury homes, golf courses, country clubs
Getting around: 10-minute drive to Downtown
Not to be confused with Biltmore Park, Biltmore Forest is nestled south of Downtown Asheville. The homes in Biltmore Forest are large and picturesque, with manicured lawns and sprawling nature views. This affluent enclave is quiet and residential—and it’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Asheville, NC. As a result, Biltmore Forest draws in both families and retirees.
In addition to its luxury homes, the neighborhood is home to the prestigious Biltmore Forest Country Club, featuring an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Residents also enjoy close proximity to the historic Biltmore Estate, with its beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and fine dining options. If you want a peaceful, laidback lifestyle with some separation from the energy of downtown, Biltmore Forest is a great go-to.
FAQs: The Best Asheville Neighborhoods
What is the best part of Asheville to live in?
Some may argue that Downtown Asheville is the best place to live. Downtown has all the food, booze, music, and events you could ever want. It’s also the most walkable neighborhood in Asheville, with a walk score of 89—so you can run all your errands and go out on the weekends without having to set foot in a car.
That being said, it depends! Many of the best neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, might not feel like the right fit for you and your situation, and vice versa. So make sure you do your research and spend some time in the neighborhoods you’re interested in before committing to one.
What is the hip area of Asheville?
While Downtown Asheville certainly has its merits, West Asheville is often touted as the trendiest spot in town. Characterized by coffee spots, quirky shops, and a local art and music scene, West Asheville continues to draw a young, lively crowd.
Make the Move to Asheville
Ready to take the next step to your dream life in Asheville? Whether you’re primed to jump on a cozy home in Kenilworth or a new condo Downtown, it’ll soon be time to plan your move.
Rather than sweating the details and logistics yourself, let the pros at Colonial Van Lines take care of the packing, heavy lifting, and mountain-road-navigating for you. Get a free quote today!