Asheville, North Carolina

Mountain haven for creatives and foodies

Southeast Asheville Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#27 Best Places to Live

Travel + Leisure (2024)

#3 Best U.S. Cities

WhereAtHome Score

67.9

D+

out of 100

Overview

Asheville has become one of America's most desirable small cities, known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Biltmore Estate anchors tourism, while healthcare provides stable employment. Housing costs have risen sharply, but the lifestyle draws retirees and remote workers.

Key Highlights

  • Blue Ridge Parkway and mountain access
  • Thriving craft beer and food scene
  • Biltmore Estate tourism
  • Strong arts and music community
  • Healthcare sector (Mission Health)
  • Popular retirement destination

Key Metrics

Population 2024

95,670

Source: Census ACS

Median Home Value 2026

$458,266

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Median Household Income 2023

$51,752

Source: Census ACS

Average Commute 2023

20.6 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

44

Source: Walk Score

Crime Level 2024

Moderate

Source: FBI CDE

School Rating

2025

B- (6.2/10)

Source: Curated

Cost of Living Index 2025

107 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Buncombe County (county-level results)

62%
37%
Democrat 98,662
Republican 59,016
Leans D+24.8

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

84°F

Winter Low

27°F

Annual Rainfall

47"

Sunny Days

212

Amenities & Infrastructure

68+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

2 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

3 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

Mission Health Biltmore Company Ingles Markets

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 44.8/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 31.1/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 71/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 44/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 40.6/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 67.9

Location

Asheville, NC (35.5951, -82.5515)
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Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.

Nearby Cities

Greer

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C-

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SC

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Johnson City

TN

C-

Easley

SC

D+

Spartanburg

SC

C-

Shelby

NC

C-

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