Asheville : North carolina

When baby boomers share notes about potential retirement towns, chances are that Asheville will be the place most frequently  mentioned. Asheville is a prosperous small city of just over 75,000 (400,000 in the Metro) in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Because of its charming environment and mild weather it has long been a desirable retirement community – from the rich and famous to ordinary people in quest of beautiful environment. The Vanderbilts built an enormous estate near here, the Biltmore Estate, which is the largest private residence in America with 250 rooms. Frederick Law Olmstead designed its famous gardens. For more information see our mini-guide to Asheville.

Walking around in downtown Asheville is a pleasure. It has a great collection of art deco architecture, antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques. Those who prefer the outdoor cafe or coffee house setting will enjoy its many cafes. The people are friendly. Asheville's people range from artists and musicians to corporate executives, merchants and entrepreneurs. It is easy to park on street or on a parking deck, then stroll through the streets.

For a list of profiles on over 800 cities and towns go to best reviews of retirement communities.
Here is a Retirement Guide to North Carolina.  Here is a Youtube video of Asheville.

There are a number of condos downtown as well as homes further out. Montford, Chesnut Hill, Grove Park, Biltmore Village, and Albemarle Park have been named historic districts.  The area is so popular that developers far from Asheville put Asheville or Biltmore in their community name. Many  active communities are built around golf,  lakes, or mountain settings (see link at right).

Prices can be very different depending on the neighborhood. The median price of a home in the Asheville region in early 2012 was just under $180,000 according to City-Data, with tremendous variability within that.

There is lot traffic in the summer, over development is coming, and winters are cooler than in eastern North Carolina

There is something to do every day in downtown Asheville. You can visit the home of  Asheville's famous son, writer Thomas Wolfe, or browse through an art gallery on Biltmore Avenue. Look inside the historic St. Lawrence Basilica. Head down to the Asheville Community Theater, North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville Art Center or Diana Wortham Theater for a play, a symphony or a modern dance performance. For old time blues or rock n' roll check out one of downtown's many clubs or bars.  Good restaurants. UNC's Asheville campus has the Center for Creative Retirement, an excellent resource.