The four-season temperate climate in Buncombe County makes year-round living easy! Because of the broad range of elevations and corresponding climates and plant growth, the area is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. What’s more, Buncombe County’s approximately 275,000 residents make up Western North Carolina’s economic and cultural center in many ways.
Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. But surrounding towns and neighborhoods in Buncombe County also offer small-town flair and varied amenities. Learn about many of them below, and find the best Buncombe County community for your active lifestyle.
Asheville
With a population of 95,000, Asheville is the largest city in both Buncombe County and WNC. The city is a regional hub for education, healthcare, local arts and crafts, entertainment, and innovative food and drink. Talk about your A-list cities—Asheville is amassing accolades on many fronts.
Downtown Asheville is today a booming central business district, exploding with commerce, dining, art, and entertainment. In recent decades, the district has seen the renovation of old buildings and careful construction of new ones. This delicate balance of tradition and innovation permeates Asheville’s many arts and industries.
Read more about Asheville and search for homes.
Arden
In Arden, there’s lots of room to roam—and you don’t have to go far to experience some of the finest facets of mountain life. Whether you are looking for an established neighborhood or new construction, the area offers a variety of real estate choices. Part of Arden’s charm is spacious houses on large lots as well as excellent schools. In addition, Arden is just a few miles from the Asheville Regional Airport. The French Broad River borders the community to the east. And it’s just down the road from the North Carolina Arboretum and some of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Read more about Arden and search for homes.
Barnardsville
Ten miles northeast of Weaverville is the bucolic community of Barnardsville, set amidst rolling hills, pastures, and mountain farms. Local food is literally a part of the landscape! Like Weaverville, this unincorporated community is home to folks who enjoy a relaxed environment and a substantial number of professional artists. The Big Ivy Community Center has evolved into a vibrant hub of local activity, from hosting preschool classes to senior lunches, weddings to Zumba sessions. Every October, the center hosts Mountain Heritage Day, featuring local cuisine, crafts, music, and exhibitions on traditional mountain living.
Read more about Barnardsville and search for homes.
Biltmore Forest
In addition to being one of the wealthiest towns in the country, Biltmore Forest is one of South Asheville’s oldest and finest golf course communities. The town of Biltmore Forest was first incorporated in 1923, and became a historic preservation district in 1990. Today, with its swan-necked streetlights and thickly wooded lots, Biltmore Forest is home to some of the largest estates in the area and is one of the most desirable communities in which to live.
Read more about Biltmore Forest and search for homes.
Biltmore Park Town Square
Located in South Asheville, developers designed Biltmore Park’s modern 42-acre Town Square with an innovative urban concept to serve one of the fastest growing areas of town. Town Square features numerous residential, commercial, and office spaces, including restaurants, cafes, health clubs, boutiques, and gathering spots. It’s also a very pedestrian-friendly area, made to meet today’s standards of smart growth, green living, and reduced driving. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the sidewalks lining most of the streets and a greenway trail for non-motorized bikes.
Read more about Biltmore Park Town Square and search for homes.
Black Mountain
Nestled at the eastern edge of Buncombe County, Black Mountain is often referred to as “the front porch of Western North Carolina.” The town of almost 8,500 residents has a vibrant but quaint commercial center and is noted for its cultural and recreational offerings. Outdoor recreation is one of Black Mountain’s hallmarks thanks to its proximity to nearby mountain vistas, rivers, and trails, which impacts the culture and lifestyle of the area. It’s a town that breathes with a particular kind of mountain energy, and prides itself on its sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
Read more about Black Mountain and search for homes.
Fairview
The community of Fairview is located halfway between Asheville and Chimney Rock, NC. Settled in the late 18th century, Fairview was called Cane Creek until the early 1800s. Today, an estimated 3,000 people live within Fairview’s boundaries. The area is the site of plenty of new development, offering large lots and community amenities. Cane Creek Pool in Fairview includes a pool, soccer fields, picnic sheds, and concessions.
Read more about Fairview and search for homes.
Haw Creek
Although residentially focused, East Asheville’s Haw Creek sits near many nearby amenities and attractions. The scenic neighborhood is crisscrossed by trails and infused with wonderful public spaces for residents. Yet, Haw Creek is conveniently flanked to the south by one of Asheville’s main centers of commerce, offering easy access to the Asheville Mall and the shopping centers on South Tunnel Road. Named for the majestic valley where it lies, homes within Haw Creek are surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.
Search for homes in Haw Creek.
Leicester
Originally called Turkey Creek, the Leicester community northwest of Asheville was founded in 1829 by frontiersman Leicester Chapman. Chapman renamed the area for his own namesake, the Earl of Leicester. Today, local farms, artisans, and nature lovers who enjoy the quiet mountain views fill the bucolic community. Leicester has seen a double-digit-percentage growth in population since 2000, making it a great place to discover and live for those in the know.
Read more about Leicester and search for homes.
Montford
Right next door to downtown Asheville is the beautiful historic neighborhood of Montford. In fact, the neighborhood is within easy walking distance to all of downtown’s amenities. Montford has long been known for its charming Victorian bed and breakfasts and tours of its unique and painstakingly restored historic district. But Montford is so much more than beautiful old homes. It also boasts a tight-knit community with beautiful public spaces and a thriving community.
Read more about Montford and search for homes.
Montreat
Welcome to a small town rich in history where it’s easy to reconnect with your neighbors—and with nature. Montreat, a name created from a portmanteau of “mountain” and “retreat,” was originally founded as a spiritual retreat in the early 1900s. Weary missionaries would come to the area to rejuvenate their souls. Today, the town is best known as the home of the Montreat Conference Center, Montreat College, and the late evangelist Billy Graham. Locals enjoy fishing at the lake, hiking by the creek, and playing with children on the community playground.
Read more about Montreat and search for homes.
Weaverville
Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Weaverville is attracting newcomers because of its small town, friendly atmosphere. With a population still under 5,000, Weaverville has nonetheless had a mini growth spurt in recent years. The town sits within the Reems Creek Valley, adjacent to Interstate 26 and just five miles north of Asheville, where many Weaverville residents work. The town supports a range of different businesses built upon the area’s historical crafts, agriculture, and environment. Weaverville has also earned a national reputation for keeping its neighborhoods clean and green.
Read more about Weaverville and search for homes.
West Asheville
Just across the French Broad River from downtown is Asheville’s hippest neighborhood: West Asheville. At its heart is Haywood Road, lined with locally-owned businesses like funky vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, an independent record shop, bottle shops, breweries, and unusual eateries. In the past two decades, the community has seen unprecedented rejuvenation. There’s so much to do in West Asheville, and—best of all—everything you could want is just a short walk or bike ride away.
Search for homes in West Asheville.
Woodfin
Did you know that Woodfin is the only such-named community in the United States? Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River and Interstate 26 just north of Asheville’s city limits, the Town of Woodfin provides a small-town mountain lifestyle with big-city amenities. Friendly people, good jobs, great restaurants, and beautiful scenery abound. And it’s all five minutes from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Asheville.
Read more about Woodfin and search for homes.
Find a home in Buncombe County, NC
From historic neighborhoods to planned mixed use communities and luxury homes to equestrian estates, homes in Buncombe County are appreciating quickly. Find the best home to match your chosen lifestyle.
Search for Buncombe County homes and land.
