Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (2024)

Last updated on June 21, 2023

Western North Carolina is a mosaic of warm, welcoming communities. This is one of the reasons why the region has increased in popularity in recent years! It's as easy to discover a private rural community in Waynesville as an urban condominium overlooking bustling Asheville, an artfully designed master-planned golf community in Henderson County, a home just off Brevard's emerging Ecusta Trail, or a historic district like Biltmore Forest.

With so many great communities in the region, starting your home search can be overwhelming. That's why we've broken them down so you can find themthe best WNC lifestyle for you. Whether you've called the region home all your life or are just getting to know us, now is the time to discover howLive abundantly in WNC.

Jump forward!Find great communities near you:

  • Asheville Neighborhoods
  • Buncombe County
  • Haywood County
  • Henderson County
  • Jackson County
  • Madison County
  • Polk office
  • Rutherford County
  • Transsylvaniens amt
  • Yancey-provincie

Asheville

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (1)

With more than 94,000 residents, Asheville is the largest city in both Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. In many ways, Asheville serves as the area's economic and cultural nerve center, including as a hub for education, healthcare, local arts and crafts, entertainment, and innovative food and drink. The temperate climate that has four seasons, with an average snowfall of only 30 centimeters, makes it easy to live all year round, and the wide range of elevation changes and associated climates and vegetation (both in the city and in the surrounding area) make it one of the most biodiverse in the world. the United States and the world.

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Biltmore Lake

With a sparkling 70-acre mountain lake nearby, it's easy to see why so many Biltmore Lake residents settle for a weekend stay-at-home getaway. From enjoying the outdoors to social events, there really is something for everyone within easy reach. And a short walk along a nearby trail, depending on the season, can immediately take you to all kinds of natural wonders, and a chance to share those discoveries with friends.

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Biltmorepark

Biltmore Park is a planned community in South Asheville, designed with a new urban concept to meet today's standards for smart growth, green living and reduced driving. The 750 acres of mixed commercial and residential properties combine the charm of past neighborhoods with the conveniences of a modern community. The city center is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, spas, health clubs, shops and meeting places.

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Cliffs at Walnut Cove

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove offers some of the best luxury homes in the Asheville area. Protected by the natural boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest, Cliffs offers mountain views along an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Membership gives you access to a wide range of amenities, including seven golf courses, state-of-the-art wellness centers and endless ways to explore the outdoors.

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Montford

Right next to downtown Asheville is the beautiful Montford neighborhood. Within walking distance of all downtown amenities, this neighborhood has long been known for its charming Victorian bed and breakfasts and tours of its unique and meticulously restored historic district. But Montford is so much more than beautiful old houses. It also boasts a close-knit community with beautiful public spaces and a thriving community.

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The Biltmore Forest walk

Ramble Biltmore Forest is a gated community in the heart of South Asheville, carved into 1,000 acres of forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Ramble has been carefully planned to provide an active and inviting environment, complete with a wellness center and local activities. The abundantly preserved open spaces are connected by an extensive network of trails that invite residents to hike through the mountains themselves.

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West-Asheville

Just across the French Broad River from Downtown is Asheville's hippest neighborhood: West Asheville. At its heart is Haywood Road, home to local businesses such as funky vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, an independent record store and quaint eateries. Over the past twenty years, society has undergone unprecedented rejuvenation. There is so much to do in West Asheville and, best of all, everything you could want is just a short walk or bike ride away.

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Buncombe County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (2)

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina, but surrounding towns in Buncombe County offer small-scale flair and varied amenities. The number of inhabitants in the province is approximately 270,000. The temperate climate of four seasons with an average snowfall of only 30 centimeters ensures easy living all year round. Due to the large number of elevation changes and associated climates and vegetation, the area is one of the most biodiverse in the United States and the world.

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Arden

In Arden and Mills River there's plenty of room to roam - and you don't have to travel far to experience some of the most beautiful facets of mountain life. Whether you are looking for an established neighborhood or new construction, Arden offers a variety of real estate options. It is located just a few miles from the Asheville Regional Airport and right next to some of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Biltmore-bos

Biltmore Forest is not only one of the wealthiest cities in the country, but also one of South Asheville's oldest and most beautiful golf communities. The City of Biltmore Forest was first incorporated in 1923 and became a Historic Preservation District in 1990. Today, Biltmore Forest, with its gooseneck street lights and densely wooded grounds, is home to some of the largest estates and is one of the most sought after. areas to live in.

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Black Mountain

Black Mountain is often called “the front porch of western North Carolina.” The city of almost 8,000 inhabitants has a lively but picturesque commercial center and is known for its cultural and recreational offerings. It's a community that breathes with a special kind of mountain energy, embracing both the natural environment and the tastefully designed small-town core. Black Mountain prides itself on its sense of community and friendly atmosphere.

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Fairview

The community of Fairview is located halfway between Asheville and Chimney Rock, NC. An estimated 3,000 people live within Fairview's boundaries. The community is home to numerous new developments with large lots and community facilities. Cane Creek Pool in Fairview features a swimming pool, soccer fields, picnic sheds and concessions. Fairview was founded in the late 18th century and was called Cane Creek until the early 19th century.

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Leicester

Originally called Turkey Creek, the Leicester community northwest of Asheville was founded in 1829 by frontiersman Leicester Chapman, who renamed the area after his own namesake, the Earl of Leicester. Today, the rural community is filled with local farms, artisans, and nature lovers enjoying the peaceful mountain views. Leicester has seen a 16% population growth since 2000, making it a great place to explore and live for those in the know.

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Weaverville

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Weaverville attracts newcomers because of its small, friendly atmosphere. With a population of 4,600, Weaverville has experienced a small growth spurt in recent years. The city is located in the Reems Creek Valley, adjacent to Interstate 26 and just five miles north of Asheville, where many Weaverville residents work. Weaverville has earned a national reputation for keeping its neighborhoods clean and green.

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Haywood County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (3)

Haywood County is made up of four unique mountain towns: Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley and Waynesville, as well as a selection of unique mountain communities. Throughout the province you will find a number of places and events that are of great importance. From music events to art exhibitions, Haywood County has active arts organizations that bring a variety of events to the area. Whatever your interests, there is something to look forward to every month of the year.

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Canton

Canton is a snapshot of a classic mill town, with many of the unique bungalows and beautiful buildings once built for mill workers and executives still intact. Historic murals can also be found in the downtown area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy interesting views while strolling Main Street, or visit one of the barbershops or cafes along the street to interact with locals.

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Clyde

Clyde, a village located between Canton and Waynesville, boasts its own oldest structure in Haywood County. The Shook-Smathers House, home to the Shook Museum, was built around 1820, with additions and renovations over the decades, creating the finished product we see today. The home's attic chapel has hosted many historic preachers over the years, many of whom have left their mark on the collection of signatures that adorn the chapel's walls.

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Junaluska Lake

The Lake Junaluska community is centered around a beautiful 200-acre lake of the same name and surrounded by 1,200 acres of rolling hills and valleys. A trail surrounds the lake with more than 1.5 miles of public walking and cycling trails, as well as a 1.5-mile extension, a rose walk and a butterfly garden. The area's high peaks, fresh air and stunning natural beauty first attracted people seeking refuge from the hot summers. About half of the community's 3,300 residents live there year-round.

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Maggie Valley

Just 10 miles outside of Waynesville lies Maggie Valley, a scenic mountain delight that was created to serve visitors and continues to roll out the welcome mat for traveling tourists. The town is an epicenter of old-fashioned mountain fun - with family restaurants and fine dining, stomping Appalachian song and dance, putt-putt, moose spotting and some of the best snow skiing in the South.

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Waynesville

High peaks surround the city of Waynesville, once called the Gateway to the Smokies and now the seat of Haywood County.Where to retiremagazine named Waynesville one of the "100 Best Places to Retire," also naming it the best mountain town with the best Main Street. The newly restored Frog Level Train District has gained recognition as a National Historic District and is now home to a collection of small galleries, a coffee roastery, and a microbrewery.

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Henderson County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (4)

With a diverse population of people of all ages and walks of life, Henderson County is the perfect place to enjoy life. Although located in the mountain region of North Carolina, Henderson County is characterized by an extensive plateau along the French Broad and Mills River valleys. Of the five cities/towns included, only Hendersonville, the county seat, has the typical characteristics of a dense urban center with a significant population.

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Champion Hills

Carefully carved from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Champion Hills is a private, member-owned, debt-free golf community. Champion Hills is located just five miles from Hendersonville, NC, which was named a Top 10 'Best Small City' in 2008Southern lifeReaders Choice Awards. Close to major retail and supermarket chains, signature restaurants and top-notch medical facilities, Champion Hills offers privacy without seclusion.

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Flat stone

Flat Rock is also called 'the little Charleston of mountains'. The area was a 19th century oasis frequented by wealthy plantation owners from lowcountry South Carolina. Today, Flat Rock is as charming as ever, with art studios and unique specialty shops. The Carl Sandburg Home and Flat Rock Playhouse continue to attract culturally minded individuals. The entire district is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Fletcher

Located in Henderson County, between Asheville and Hendersonville, Fletcher is a small town close to some of Western North Carolina's top attractions, businesses and natural wonders. Fletcher is growing steadily and steadily, with a current population of 8,100 more than double what it was twenty years ago. In addition to easy access to nearby Interstate 26, residents are just minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport.

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Grand Highlands van Bearwallow

The community of Grand Highlands is just that: a community that comes together to celebrate, but can also enjoy peace and solitude. Residents have full access to an inviting clubhouse with expansive verandas. They also enjoy events (large and small) in the community barn. And as the community grows with more residents, Grand Highlands is committed to growing together as a community.

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Hendersonville

Long known for its historic charm, Hendersonville is thriving into the future. The city (population 15,000) is the largest in Henderson County and is the county seat. In recent years it has revitalized the local business community and cemented its reputation as a place that has something to offer for almost everyone. Characterized by a near-perfect climate, beautiful surroundings and recreational variety, Hendersonville has attracted hundreds of families.

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Laurierpark

Laurel Park is a premier residential, retirement and vacation area with spectacular views of the mountains above and valleys below. One of the most popular attractions is Jump Off Rock, a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. With over 2,300 residents, Laurel Park's vision is to preserve and enhance its unique quality of life so it can become your residential and small business community.

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Mills River

The city of Mills River is located in western Henderson County, near Etowah and Fletcher. Many of the town's current residents date back to the late 18th century and are direct descendants of the original landowners. Mills River is now home to approximately 6,000 people and is the second largest city in the province. Locals enjoy the Mills River Recreational Area, a popular destination for hikers, fishermen and mountain bikers.

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Jackson County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (5)

Jackson County has some of western North Carolina's most spectacular scenery, including parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Jackson County, which includes the county town of Sylva and the elevated village of Cashiers, was incorporated in 1851 and named for President Andrew Jackson. The Tuckasegee River meanders through the province and boasts some of the best trout fishing in the region.

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Sylva

With a population of approximately 2,600, the city of Sylva serves as the county seat of Jackson County. Pinnacle Park covers 1,100 hectares and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike to the summit, which is at an elevation of 5,000 feet, and view the city below. Southwestern Community College in Sylva offers more than 50 degree, certificate and diploma programs.

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Madison County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (6)

Madison County offers visitors and residents a taste of small-town heritage, outdoor exploration and a timeless tradition of music history recognized around the world. The entire province offers outdoor sports for all enthusiasts, whether you want a rafting trip, a cycling adventure on country roads or an invigorating horse riding tour. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is open every winter in northern Madison County, offering 32 acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

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Hot springs

The mountain resort of Hot Springs, located on the French Broad River, is home to approximately 600 residents. But just like the ebb and flow of the river, the number of visitors to the city looking for relaxation and recreation is growing. For centuries, the area has been a popular spot for people looking to reconnect with nature or rejuvenate their minds. The city is named for its extraordinary natural mineral springs that are consistently heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Marshall

Marshall, population 800, is the seat of Madison County and is located on the banks of the French Broad River about 20 miles north of Asheville. The area is rich in local history as it was an important way station on the Buncombe Turnpike, an early trade route that ran from Tennessee through WNC to South Carolina. Today, Marshall is an enclave of artists in the midst of a renaissance. Marshall's Main Street offers a unique mix of old and new, including dozens of local galleries and studios.

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Mars Hill

Located in a mostly rural, extremely picturesque part of Madison County, Mars Hill is a small town with many mountain traditions. The area around Mars Hill is rich with other outdoor options, including nearby stretches of the Appalachian Trail, several other trails in the Pisgah National Forest, and the fishing and paddling-friendly French Broad River. The largest local institution, Mars Hill College, also contributes greatly to the city's character.

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Polk office

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (7)

Polk County, the “First Peak of the Blue Ridge,” welcomes flatlanders to a higher level, with elevations ranging from just under 800 feet at the Green and Broad Rivers to over 3,000 feet at Tryon Peak and Wildcat Spur. Most of Polk's 20,000 residents live near the county's three main cities, Saluda, Tryon and Columbus. The Tryon International Equestrian Center, a sprawling $100 million equestrian center and luxury resort, operates nearby in Mill Spring.

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regards

Since the 1960s, Saluda has seen a steady growth of people seeking a simpler and more peaceful life. Saluda is now home to many artists and craftsmen. The city is known for its location atop the Norfolk Southern Railway's Saluda Grade, the nation's steepest standard gauge line. Today, downtown Saluda is recognized as a National Historic District. The train station from 1903 now houses a museum.

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Attempt

The city of Tryon is located about 40 miles south of Asheville, near the state line at the foot of the Saluda Grade, the nation's steepest standard gauge railroad. Tryon calls itself "The Friendliest Town in the South" and is perhaps best known for its Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, a 390-acre educational and recreational center that offers programs in nature studies, outdoor recreation and equestrian competitions.

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Rutherford County

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (8)

Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rutherford County is a largely rural county of about 65,000 residents that is quickly becoming a popular place for people looking to retire or invest in a second home. Many of the county's small towns, such as Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, are experiencing increasing development as luxury communities and resorts are built, contributing to the area's economy.

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Chimney Rock Village

In Chimney Rock Village, Bubba O'Leary's General Store offers a journey back in time to an era before chain stores and malls. The community's crown jewel is the 6,892-acre Chimney Rock State Park. A climb up the stairs to the top of 300-foot Chimney Rock (or a quick elevator ride) is rewarded with panoramic views of up to 75 miles. The park has a network of trails and plenty of opportunities for bouldering and climbing.

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More from Lure

If parts of Lake Lure look familiar to first-time visitors, it's no surprise. The lake and many of the local waterfront properties were the primary shooting locations for the 1987 romance "Dirty Dancing." Outdoor activities await virtually everywhere at Lake Lure. With just over 1,300 permanent residents, Lake Lure's population grows in summer and declines with small waves of tourists and water sports enthusiasts.

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Transsylvaniens amt

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (9)

Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting and fishing make Transylvania County the perfect place to call 'home'. The area is known as the "Land of Waterfalls" because of the 250 waterfalls spread throughout the province. The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses parts of Transylvania County and offers spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, which reach an elevation of 6,000 feet in the county. Transylvania County is also the wettest county in North Carolina, receiving more than 3 feet of rain annually.

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Brevard

Just because you're a small town doesn't mean you can't offer some of Western North Carolina's finest charms. Tucked on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic city life and breathtaking mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable center with independent shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs and eateries. The city has established itself as an epicenter for outdoor adventure, education, art and music. And Brevard is rich in events and festivals all year round.

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Toxaway Lake

Lake Toxaway is located 20 minutes west of Brevard in an area historically known as the 'Switzerland of America' and was originally a resort for wealthy travelers. Lake Toxaway remains a renowned outdoor and wellness destination over a century later. The lake itself covers over 600 acres, making it the largest privately owned lake in North Carolina. Approximately 5,000 hectares of forest surround the area, enclosing the lake and community in a private reserve.

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Rosman

Imagine combining the small-town charm of a romantic holiday movie with the rugged mountain lifestyle of Appalachia. The modest town of Rosman covers exactly 0.55 square kilometers within the official boundaries. Rosman's population has grown steadily since its low point in 1990. But compared to many WNC communities, growth has been modest. From a population of 527 at the 1920 census, Rosman's 2021 population was 708.

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Yancey-provincie

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (10)

Yancey is an upland county that offers living situations and outdoor experiences that go beyond the norm. Burnsville, the county seat, has a population of just over 1,600. Just a few kilometers away looms Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi (2,000 meters above sea level). The mountain is surrounded by the 2,000-acre Mount Mitchell State Park, which is full of excellent places for hiking, camping, picnicking, and outdoor education.

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Burnsville

Burnsville is located among some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States. The city offers living situations and outdoor experiences that go beyond the norm, giving you many optionsLive abundantly. Burnsville is also known for its exceptionally rich artistic output. Yancey County is home to more than 400 full-time and 200 part-time artists, including basket makers, glassblowers, metalsmiths and more.

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Live abundantlyin Western North Carolina!

Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (11)

The Asheville area has earned an international reputation for its sublime quality of life. In fact, Asheville has some of the mostelegant and exclusive neighborhoodsin the country. But the greater WNC region is home to even more mountain homes of surprising quality. From remote, tree-covered areas near mountain peaks to cozy lofts in busy city centers or acres of pasture dotted with horses, we have the solution for youfind the homes that match your ideal momentsso you can use them for a lifetime. Why wait?

Contact your Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agent today!

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Your complete guide to Western NC's best towns and communities (2024)
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