Perfect Mix of Climate, Culture, Beauty

by Heather Farr

Although the spectacular natural beauty of the mountains and rolling geography lure newcomers, retirees, and visitors to Asheville, it's the pristine quality of life and housing opportunities that reel them in.

And apparently the word is getting out about this fantastic city because Asheville has received many recent accolades touting it as one of 'the' places to be.  For instance, Geography of Bliss, which is a Nw York Times best-selling novel by Eric Weiner, highlights the city as the "Happiest City in America" in this travelogue of the author's search for the most blissful places on Earth, said Dodie Stephens, public relations manager for the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

American Style Magazine ranked Asheville No. 2 in the small cities category (population under 100,000) in its annual Top 25 Arts Destinations readers' poll (June 2008), said Stephens.

Plus, Where to Retire Magazine recently honored Asheville as one of its "Eight Enriching Towns for Art and Music Lovers," touting the many wonderful art studios, seasonal art walks, and Bele Chere, the largest free outdoor music festival in the Southeast (July 25th - 27th 2008) said Stephens. [editors note: Bele Chere is always the last weekend in July.]

But the city offers a lot more than first meets the eye

"Asheville offers the perfect mix of climate, culture, and natural beauty," said Robert F. Rice, managing member of Orion Realty Advisors.  "The Blue Ridge Mountains form an idyllic backdrop for Downtown Asheville. At an elevation of just over 2,100 feet, Asheville offers a welcome escape from the heat and humidity of central North Carolina.  Downtown is a rare mix of unique boutiques, galleries, and eclectic restaurants. Street musicians abound and live music can be found in numerous clubs and restaurants." 

Those benefits alone would be enough to attract newcomers into the city limits, but residents are realizing even more benefits from living in Asheville.  "Asheville is a great place to live because it's surrounded by mountains and it offers four distinct seasons, which makes it an ideal place for any sports person," said April James, who is a realtor with GateHouse.  "We have the best of golf, hiking, rafting and cycling.  We also have a very strong cultural arts community."

The real estate in Asheville is one of the things that brings the city its unique charm with magnificent historical properties that have been well maintained and restored.  Plus, the types of townhomes and homes that are offered in the city are sure to fit any lifestyle and budget.

"With over 70,000 residents, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and welcomes a diverse community," said Julie Kozich, managing broker with Altura Property, LLC.  "The charming, eclectic mix of types of properties for sale, including urban condominiums and townhomes, traditional single-familyl homes, and large resort living estates, makes Asheville a city that has something for everyone.  Home owners also benefit from a close proximity to an array of modern conveniences such as grocerty stores, public transportation, and community services."

Although other areas of the state and the country have been experiencing real estate woes because of the U.S. economy, Asheville's real estate market is still quite healthy.

"According to the National Association of Realtors, nationwide home sales have been down in excess of 11 percent in 2008; however, Asheville, Buncombe County's largest city, has not had the decline in real estate sales experienced in other parts of the country," said Kozich.  "Asheville's healthy real estate market is exemplified by the average days on market of existing homes in Buncombe County.  In 2007, the average price of a home in Buncombe County sold for 7 percent more money than the year before."

Many years ago, Asheville was primarily known as the perfect retirement location because of its laid-back lifestyle, wealth of recreational activities, and spectacular natural beauty.  Although the areas still a draw for retirees, more people are purchasing their first home or second home in the city.

"Asheville's accessibility via the various airports and interstates has made it an ideal place for the second home owner," said James.  "We continue to see an increase of second home sales here.  Another draw to the city is that Asheville City and Buncombe County schools continue to receive top national rankings."  If you're looking for a fantastic mountain estate in Asheville, then you may want to consider GateHouse.

"The big Asheville housing boom began in the 1920s when the arts and crafts architectural style was popular as is evident in the historical Grove Park Inn," said Julie May, who is a REALTOR with GateHouse.  "What Asheville is seeing now is the arts and crafts style that is characterized by wood and stone and is being reproduced in many new construction homes and communities."

This popular arts and crafts tyle can be found in several of Asheville's affordable communities, such as Grove Park, Biltmore Forest, Kenilworth, and Montford, said May.

Besides the architectural beauty of the homes, they also offer a lengthy list of amenities for residents.

"Original arts-and-crafts homes offer charm and updated modern conveniences," said James.  "Toda's reproductions of this era offer communities with amenities such as riding trails, hiking and walking trails, a club house, a conceirge service, and golf, among many others.  Plus, they are all surrounded by beautiful mountain nature."

If condominiums are more conducive to your lifestyle, then Canterbury Heights Condominiums, which are conveniently  located in west Asheville and are less than 10 minutes from the downtown area might just fit the bill.

"West Asheville is currently undergoing a rediscovery and renaissance and is rapidly becoming one of 'the' neighborhoods of Asheville," said Rice.  "Canterbury enjoys a pastoral setting on 13.5 park-like acres. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a nature trail, and spectacular views of the countryside.  Individual units all offer a choice of cabinet style and color, dryer hook-ups, brushed nickel fixtures and hardware, and six-panel doors.  Kitchens are equipped with stoves, microwaves, refrigerators with icemakers, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.

"With its deluxe features, Canterbury Heights may be one of the best values in all of Asheville," Rice added.  "Prices start at $74,000 for a 688 square foot one bedroom home and go up to $124,000 for a 3-bedroom plus den home with 1,193 square feet.  The homes have been extremely popular with first time homebuyers, as well as with people who are looking for an affordable vacation home in the mountains.

Residents in the city are buzzing about Altura Property's new "green building" housing project, Zona Lofts, which is a downtown 15-story development that contains an unprecedented level of green energy and sustainable features, said Kozich.

"Zona Lofts offers studio suites, one and two bedroom residences and one and two story penthouses, said Kozich.  "The use of a solar hot water system, rain water collection, wind turbine, high performance plumbing, energy efficient lighting and a three way fully recyclable trash shoot on each floor, make Zona Lofts a residence of green living reimagined."

Altura Property is also developing Altura residences, which will be nestled on a mou ntain ridge and will be located just eight minutes from nearby Downtown Asheville.

"This 220 acre property is designed as a luxury urban resort community with breathtaking valley and mountain views," said Kozich.

Just like Zona Lofts, the Altura community has been designed with environmental awareness at the forefront.  With new urbanist planning and well thought out environmental site planning, Altura exhibits small footprint homes with an emphasis on sustainability, quality, luxury, and retreat-like spa living within each residence.

"Altura residences will encompass six distinct and innovative neighborhoods offering a powerful blend of designs, anywhere from a grand estate home to an urban-style condominium with environmentally safe features," said Kovich.

Out and About

"Praised as the 'Happiest City in America' and 'Paris of the South,'  Asheville leaves a lingering impression with authentic arts experiences, culinary offerings, and natural adventures around every corner," said Stephens.  "Visitors discover something new about themselves and walk away with a collection of rich experiences-- it makes you want to come back."

Asheville's tourism industry is alive and well thanks to a variety of amazing attractions, including the Biltmore Estate, which consists of 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms, and 3 kitchens and restaurants, and lush gardens.  "Constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt, the 250-room Biltmore House is the centerpiece of Asheville tourism," said Rice.  "The estate includes acres of carefully tended gardens and its own winery offers tours and tastings."

In fact, the Asheville area has a rich culinary history and a thriving farm to table culture with more than 135 independent restaurants, 17 farmers markets, a bevy of local breweries, a bounty of local produce and America's most visited winery. 

The city will also host the three-day Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival from July 31 to August 2 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, the annual Asheville Quilt Show on August 1 - 3 at the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Annual Asheville Antiques Fair on August 1 - 3 at the Asheville Civic Center.

The Shindig on the Green is a popular outdoor event, which features traditional and old time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on Saturday evenings from June 28 - August 30 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Downtown Asheville.

"Downtown Asheville is home to the largest free street festival in the Southeast, Bele Chere," Rice added.  "it also hosts one of the nations best craft fairs and numerous music festivals.  Asheville is also home to the Asheville Tourists, a local area minor league baseball team."

For more information about Asheville and all of the fantastic things that it has to offer, log on to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority's Web site at www.exploreasheville.com.