Firstly why Asheville, North-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Asheville
• State: North-Carolina
• Population: 97,494 people
• Asheville’s quick summary would be known for its stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and thriving arts community this city is a hub for creativity and outdoor exploration.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,200 annually
• While this many move-out: 476 annually
• Net Migration: 1724 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,600
• Number of Homeless people: 372

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its arts scene and scenic beauty attracting artists and nature lovers

Perk #1: Asheville Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 61%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $61,375
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Asheville is $90,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $28625 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Asheville’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 115 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,700
• Property Tax %: 1.24%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Asheville
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Asheville, Biltmore Forest, and probably could include Woodfin
• Avg. Age of Homes in Asheville: 38 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Asheville’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Asheville are  Tourism, Manufacturing, and Retail
• Asheville Job Scene: healthy job market centered on tourism and local services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community with a focus on sustainability and creative industries , ,
• Asheville Resident’s pay $2,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Asheville: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Asheville

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-26 runs through Asheville facilitating access to the region
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on I-26
• Transportation Score: 28 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Asheville: 80,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Asheville: dojmt.gov/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 82 of 100
• Local Airport: Asheville Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Asheville’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Asheville is best described as has distinct seasons with warm summers cold winters and diverse precipitation patterns
• Winter Weather in Asheville i’d describe as cool with some rain
• Spring Weather in Asheville can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Asheville are mostly warm and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Asheville is usually mild and crisp
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 16 days in summer
• Days in a row in Asheville below Freezing: 12
• Average Annual Rainfall: 41 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained largely by greenery
• Asheville Winter Air generally good air quality with local influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Asheville Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Asheville 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Ashevilles’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Asheville-Buncombe Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Asheville Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Asheville only Doctors is about 140
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Asheville only Police Officers is about 150
• Crime Rate Index: 49/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Asheville’s Monthly utility bill average is $215
• Asheville’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Asheville’s Water Quality Score: 90

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Asheville

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: arts-oriented city known for its craft beer and nature
• You might enjoy performances at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Asheville  features a vibrant nightlife known for its craft breweries live music venues and artistic culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Asheville

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vibrant food scene with local farms and eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 210 scattered around Asheville
• The Popular Sports Team is Asheville Tourists
• Top Level Political Climate in Asheville can be described as progressively leaning city emphasizing social justice and arts
• Asheville’s Longer standing religious establishment is Asheville Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Asheville Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Asheville has 8 Parks?
• Asheville’s Botanical Gardens is Asheville’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Asheville City Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and cultural tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Asheville Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Asheville can be described as vibrant arts scene with a relaxed pace nestled in the mountains
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Asheville visiting botanical gardens hiking trails community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Asheville are Minot 108 miles away Fargo 194 miles away Grand-Forks 127 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Asheville or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on I-26. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Asheville’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Asheville is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Asheville are Minot 108 miles away Fargo 194 miles away Grand-Forks 127 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 49 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Asheville has 12 days in a row below freezing and 16 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Asheville people have an average (positive or negative) $28625 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   372 homeless people living in Asheville. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressively leaning city emphasizing social justice and arts could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Asheville.

Retiree & Senior Life in Asheville

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for tax programs tailored to their financial circumstances
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Asheville
• Asheville Senior Center hosts social events health workshops and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Asheville, North-Carolina?

If Asheville, North-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Asheville, North-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!