Located in the county seat of Buncombe County, the City of Asheville has popped up on several different magazines "Best" lists, including being called one of the "most alive places to be", a "New Age Mecca", "most vegetarian-friendly", "happiest city for women" and one of the top "art destinations". The Blue Ridge Parkway is a sight to behold in the autumn months, when the foliage changes colors. The famous French château inspired Biltmore Estate occupies some of the most prestigious Asheville real estate. However, it is the natural beauty that brings people to this gorgeous area of North Carolina.
Asheville's History
The town of Asheville began to take shape in 1784, when Colonel Samuel Davidson brought his family to settle on land granted to him through the military. It became the county seat of Buncombe County in 1793 under the name of Morristown, which was then changed to Asheville in 1797.
The city went through most of the Civil War almost completely unscathed until almost the end, when the Battle of Asheville came through. Many soldiers were sent to fight on both sides of the war. Like much of the South after the war, Asheville's economy and people were hit hard.
The economy began to thrive at the turn of the century but was again devastated in the 1930s. This time, it was the Great Depression that hit the region hard. Most of the city's banks were closed down. Unlike the rest of the country, this depression lasted until a turn around came in the 1980s.
Today, Asheville has risen to new heights. Its impressive collection of Art Deco style buildings, dedication to arts and culture and gorgeous natural surroundings have put Asheville at the top of its game again.
Education in Asheville
Asheville City Schools are in charge of overseeing the public educational needs of students attending Asheville schools. There are also private schools for parents to choose from as an alternative to public education for their children.
Things to See & Do in Asheville
The Biltmore Estate is one of the most fabulous pieces of Asheville real estate. It also holds the honor of being the largest home in America. A million people come to visit this amazing French-Renaissance style home every year.
One fun way to discover what Asheville has to offer is by taking a trolley tour. There are also many different museums to choose from, such as the Wheels Through Time Museum, Swannanoa Valley Museum, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Southern Appalachian Radio Museum, Colburn Earth Science Museum and Black Mountain College Museum.
Arts and culture play a big part of life in Asheville, as does its history. There are over 30 different galleries that provide exhibits of fine art, folk art and mountain crafts as well as the Asheville Bravo Concerts, Choral Society, Community Theatre, Contemporary Dance Theatre, Lyric Opera, Symphony Orchestra, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Fine Arts Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, LaZoom Tour Co, Montford Park Players, North Carolina Stage Company and Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre to enjoy the performing arts.
Of course, many people come to Asheville to enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature has provided. With miles of trails to go hiking or bicycling, parks, beaches, snow skiing in the winter, fishing, hunting and even hot air ballooning, the possibilities are endless!
There are six golf courses in the Asheville real estate area. They are the Asheville Municipal Golf Course, Etowah Valley Country Club, Maggie Valley Club, Mount Mitchell Golf Club, Reems Creek Golf Club and the Crown Plaza Resort. Golf Digest gave the Etowah Valley Country Club a glowing 4 stars for its course, while Mount Mitchell received 4 1/2 stars. These courses include public and private facilities but will accommodate any skill level.
When you throw in the fabulous spas, shopping, nightlife and downtown district, you will never be bored here in Asheville. The only way you will be able to understand the love residents of Asheville real estate have for their city is to come and experience it yourself.
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Asheville DemographicsPopulation: 72,789
Median Household Income: $38,837
Median Home Value: $161,400
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