Asheville, North Carolina is a vibrant city that has something to offer everyone. With its mountains and forests, Asheville is a nature lover’s paradise. The city also has a lively art and music scene, and it is home to many breweries and restaurants.
Asheville is a beautiful city in terms of natural beauty. It has other advantages such as plenty of things to do, great schools, and great people. But it has serious issues such as being very expensive, endless traffic, and high-income tax.
There are plenty of things to do in Asheville, from hiking and biking in the mountains to exploring the vibrant downtown area. But what are the downsides to living in Asheville? Let’s take a closer look at some pros and cons.
Quick navigation
Living in Asheville, North Carolina PROS
1. Plenty of things to do
Asheville is a thriving city with a rich culture and diverse population. The city is home to a number of recreational activities and cultural attractions.
Asheville is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. The city also has a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a vibrant music and theater scene.
In addition, Asheville is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, Asheville has something to offer everyone.
2. Great Schools
Asheville is well-known for its many quality schools. Public schools in Asheville consistently rank among the best in North Carolina, and the city is also home to a number of excellent private schools.
Families looking for a great school district will find that Asheville has much to offer. For example, the Asheville City Schools are widely recognized for their high test scores and strong college-preparatory programs.
In addition, the district offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to explore their interests.
Private schools in Asheville also boast impressive credentials, with several highly ranked institutions serving the city. Whether families are looking for a public or private school, they are sure to find a great option in Asheville.
3. Quality of life
Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and quality of life.
The city has a lively downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The people of Asheville are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a strong sense of community.
In addition to its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Asheville also offers a high quality of life.
The city also has a low crime rate and is very safe. Overall, Asheville is an excellent place to live. It offers residents a high quality of life in a beautiful setting.
4. Great people
people in Asheville, North Carolina are some of the friendliest you will ever meet.
They are always willing to help out and are always looking for ways to make new friends.
You can go anywhere in Asheville and find someone to talk to, whether it be in line at the grocery store or out on a hike.
The people here really make you feel like part of the community, and they are always willing to go above and beyond to make sure that you feel welcome.
Whether you are just visiting or moving here permanently, you will quickly find that the people of Asheville will make you feel right at home.
5. Beautiful place
Asheville, North Carolina is renowned for its natural beauty. The city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Asheville is also home to a number of cascading waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls, which plunge over 80 feet into the Rocky Broad River.
In addition to its natural attractions, Asheville boasts a vibrant arts scene. The downtown area is filled with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, and the city hosts a number of annual festivals that showcase local artists and musicians.
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors or simply want to take in some culture, Asheville is an ideal destination.
Living in Asheville, North Carolina CONS
1. Cost of living
The cost of living in Asheville is relatively high compared to other parts of the state, but it’s still affordable compared to major metropolitan areas.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,100, and the median home price is $389,000.
The cost of groceries and dining out are also higher than average, but there are many options for budget-minded shoppers.
Overall, the cost of living in Asheville is higher than average but still reasonable for a city of its size and reputation.
2. Weather
Asheville enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year, with four distinct seasons.
Summers are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures in the low 80s.
However, the city is located in the mountains, so temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in Asheville, as the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp. Winters are cold, but not severe, with occasional snowfall.
Spring is a delightful time to visit, as the flowers begin to bloom and the weather becomes milder. Overall, Asheville enjoys mild weather which makes it a great destination year-round.
3. Job market
Asheville, North Carolina has long been touted as a great place to live and work. The city offers a scenic mountain setting, a thriving arts scene, and bubbling nightlife.
However, many residents are finding that the job market doesn’t live up to the hype.
While there are a few major employers in the area, competition for jobs is fierce. And Asheville’s low wages mean that many residents are struggling to make ends meet.
The cost of living is also on the rise, as more people are drawn to the city’s charms. For many residents, the appeal of Asheville is fading fast.
4. Traffic
Asheville is a beautiful city, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. However, its scenic beauty is marred by the endless stream of traffic that clogs its streets.
Asheville’s narrow roads were not designed to accommodate the volume of traffic that exists today.
This can be especially frustrating during rush hour when drivers are trying to get to work or home.
In addition, the tourism industry is a major contributor to Asheville’s traffic problem. With its many attractions, Asheville draws visitors from all over the country.
While this is good for the local economy, it puts a strain on the city’s infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many of Asheville’s visitors are not familiar with the city’s layout, and often end up getting lost.
As a result, they clog up the roads even further. All in all, traffic is a major problem in Asheville and one that shows no signs of improving any time soon.
5. Income tax
As any resident of Asheville knows, the city’s income tax is one of the highest in the state. At 5.25%, it adds up quickly for anyone who makes a decent living.
And with the cost of living in Asheville being so high, many residents are struggling to make ends meet.
The income tax is just one more expense that makes it difficult to make a living in this city.
The bottom line
Asheville is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. However, its high cost of living and lack of good job prospects make it a less than ideal place to live for many people.
Those who are considering making the move to Asheville should weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
