Asheville, based in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a mountainous community with a cosmopolitan feel, gorgeous natural sites, a world-renowned art scene, and a status as a historical hotspot. But what about this North Carolina city makes it such an amazing option for buyers? Let’s explore some of the aspects of Asheville that help make it an especially sought-after real estate market.
Historical Destination
The Cherokee Nation lived in the Asheville area for thousands of years before Europeans started settling there in the 1700s. Asheville was incorporated as a town in 1797, and gradually developed into a city popular for its mountain scenery and vibrant arts scene. History buffs enjoy Asheville, considering that many historical landmarks and sites are still present today.
Biltmore Estate is the most famous historical destination in Asheville. This massive, sprawling estate was built for George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century and is the largest privately owned home in the country’s history. Today, one of America’s most famous Gilded Age homes serves as a tourist destination, comprising a winery, a village with live music, shopping, and dining, and, of course, the architectural marvel that is the house itself. Asheville hosts other historical buildings, including the Basilica of St. Lawrence downtown.
Gorgeous Scenery
There is no mentioning Asheville without discussing its incredible scenery. There is a range of protected natural areas to explore with trails for hiking and biking and bodies of water for fishing. Although the city has a lively downtown area with many cultural attractions, its mountainous views and vast preserves of Appalachian forests are one of its highlights.
Asheville is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic expanse that connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park. This area is famous for its scenic drives, incredible hiking trails, and unmatched summer picnic spots. The Pisgah National Forest, based near Asheville, encompasses more than 500,000 acres. This vast forest, popular for climbing, biking, and hunting, has waterfalls, rivers, and trails winding up mountains.
Arts Scene, Culture, and Dining
For art lovers, foodies, and music enthusiasts, Asheville is an idyllic option in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is best known for its art scene. There are more than 30 galleries highlighting works from local creators in the city’s downtown alone. The Asheville Art Museum has incredible works from national and international artists, and the River Arts District has warehouses that have been converted into artist studios.
Asheville’s shopping options are also uniquely exciting. Antique stores, farmers markets, artisan shops, and boutique stores stand out from the big box outlets common in other large cities. The food scene is eclectic, consisting of renowned farm-to-table restaurants serving meals made with fresh ingredients and an array of cuisine options. Asheville also has many local breweries serving craft beers and nearby high-quality wineries offering tastings.
