What Are the Pros And Cons Of Living In Asheville, NC?

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina and home to about 90,000 people. It is one of the five cities located in the metro area. Though Asheville is a charming area with a Southern feel, it boasts both pros and cons.

Asheville has an abundance of outdoor activities, great weather, and great food. The educational opportunities in Asheville are many for both K-12 as well as college-level. However, traffic, high housing costs, limited employment opportunities, and no downtown area are some downsides to living in Asheville.

If you want to call Asheville, North Carolina home, here are the pros and cons to consider.

If you’re the adventurous type, Asheville is the place for you. Hiking, kayaking, and days on the beach are just some of the activities you can experience when you move here. The mountains are a short drive away, and the beach is a quick day trip if that is more your speed.

Lake Norman, the Smoky Mountains, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center are available throughout the year for your enjoyment. You can also go cycling or horseback riding in the mountains. If you prefer a more laidback adventure, hop in the car to Blue Ridge Parkway to see the wildflowers bloom.

The outdoor activities in Asheville, North Carolina, are endless. Whether you enjoy fast-paced white water rafting or you enjoy smelling the flowers, this city is for you.

Asheville is home to good food and offers many options to choose from. With over 250 restaurants, this city is for foodies and those who just like a good meal. The density of breweries in Asheville is one of the highest rates in the United States.

Asheville was the first city in the United States to be recognized by the Green Restaurant Association. This non-profit organization awards restaurants for being environmentally responsible. In Asheville, chefs have a passion for supporting local farmers throughout the area, creating an authentic farm-to-table experience.

Because of its location in the Appalachian Mountains, more than 9 million people come to Asheville every year. The hospitality that the city radiates makes everyone feel like a local. While tourism is great for the economy, locals must deal with a lot of traffic.

The heavy influx of traffic, especially during busy seasons, can pose a challenge to locals. This is especially true if you’re trying to get a table at your favorite restaurant. Additionally, trying to enjoy a quiet trail can also be difficult due to the heavy traffic.

The unemployment rate is competitive with the rest of the state and country. However, there are only four significant industries that provide the majority of jobs to the community. Health services and private education contribute to one out of every five jobs in Asheville.

Leisure and hospitality provide 15% of the jobs, and public service positions represent 14% of the market. Retail positions offer another 14% of jobs in Asheville. If your career is outside of the healthcare or education system, you could struggle to find a job in the city. The unemployment rate in Asheville, NC is currently 3.8%

While there are many restaurants, breweries, and boutique stores to visit, there is no true downtown in Asheville. The city is relatively small compared to the rest of the metro area, but while it may seem small, it isn’t. However, there is no central square, park, or pedestrian area that draws everyone to the area.

If you are looking for a city that has a small-town feel, Asheville may not be the best option for you. Five boundaries comprise the community, so it isn’t as quiet as you may think it could be.

Related Questions

Is Asheville, NC safe?

Unfortunately, crime rates in Asheville, North Carolina, are high. Asheville actually has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes. The crime rate is 59 per one thousand residents. Residents risk a 1 in 152 chance of suffering a violent crime and 1 in 19 chance of suffering a property crime. Asheville is the in the 3% of North Carolina with the highest crime rates.

Does Asheville, North Carolina have public transportation?

Asheville does have several modes of transportation, though they are most abundant for tourists. The trolley can take you to see historical sites, and Segway tours can take you to guided waterfalls.For locals, regular bus routes and traditional taxi services are an option. Some areas do have pedestrian-friendly places if you choose to walk.

Asheville is a great option for adventure lovers, foodies, and scholars to call home. The abundance of restaurants, outdoor activities, nice weather, and excellent education can benefit anyone looking to move there. While there’s no downtown area, there’s always something to do, and you can have access to several educational opportunities.

Before you decide to move to Asheville, you must consider your budget and if you can afford the area. Housing costs are higher in Asheville than the rest of the nation, which can pose a big issue. You also should determine if the job opportunities are right for you.

At the end of the day, the pros of Asheville outweigh the cons. If you can secure a job and afford the housing, the outdoor perks are reason enough to call Asheville home. While Asheville may not offer an authentic, small-town feel, the city will give you a warm welcome.