Asheville, NCBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville enchants residents with its blend of natural beauty and creative spirit. Home to a thriving food and craft beer scene, diverse economic opportunities and easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, Asheville offers a unique lifestyle that celebrates creativity and community.
More About Living in Asheville
Asheville, NC, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
You may hear the catchphrase “Keep Asheville Weird,” and that’s actually a point of pride here in Asheville, NC, a place where drum circles gather on Friday night, street performers put on shows, dogs often go to work with their humans, and you can get married in a chapel that doubles as a vintage shop and bar. On top of all that, a famous craft beer scene, restaurants led by award-winning chefs, Art Deco architecture and artists’ galleries all up the ante in Asheville, which is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Residents have a love for all things local here, with more than 300 locally-owned shops and restaurants in town. The city is the world’s first Foodtopian Society and is known as “Beer City USA,” as it boasts more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. In addition, there are plenty of iconic destinations to explore around the city, including the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous quirky, welcoming neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe.
Asheville is also an outdoor lover’s paradise, with the French Broad River and the Blue Ridge Mountains, plus dozens of waterfalls, nearby. ART buses, a walkable downtown and proximity to I-26 and I-40 make getting around easy.
Asheville, NC Quality of Life LivScore
Asheville, NC Top Categories
Transportation
Environment
Amenities
Asheville ranks highest for transportation, environment and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Asheville, NC
Summers are warm and humid (cool down with a river float or cold pint!), and winters are cold, but they don’t last long. Spring brings pretty blooms, and the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a must-see. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 63°F (summer) and 49°F and 30°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Asheville is 12.5 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Asheville is 48 inches, and July is typically the wettest month.
Asheville averages 212 sunny days a year.
More than 120 miles of trails wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tackle the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike with a few creek crossings that former President Barack Obama has done before. Or explore the great outdoors at Pisgah National Forest. Home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, mile-high mountain tops and whitewater rivers, the forest is only 10 minutes from the city center.
Asheville Weather
212 days
Average Annual Sun
48 inches
Average Annual Rain
12.5 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Asheville, NC
Dance to the beats of the Asheville Drum Circle, an informal gathering on Friday evenings in downtown Pritchard Park.
Lexington Avenue is lined with boutiques, vintage shops, hemp stores and more. Be sure to pop into Lexington Glassworks to watch glass-blowing magic and shop colorful housewares.
At Chai Pani, share nibbles and snacks that are reminiscent of the ones served by street vendors throughout India. Chai Pani even won a coveted James Beard “Outstanding Restaurant” award.
When you’re unsure if it’s happy hour or you need a caffeinated pick-me-up, head to The Times Bar and Coffee Shop, which serves classic cocktails, craft coffee and boozy coffee drinks.
The Local and State Economy in Asheville, NC
Asheville has a dynamic economy with several key industries, including health care, tourism and manufacturing. Some notable employers are Mission Health System, Buncombe County Schools and The Biltmore Company.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Asheville is 7%.
Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax.
Mission Hospital is the largest hospital in the region and is nationally recognized for its quality of care. In addition, the hospital is nationally recognized as high performing in several specialties and procedures, including cardiology, orthopedics and urology.
There are several colleges and universities in Asheville, NC, but the University of North Carolina-Asheville is the most notable.
Quick Facts About Asheville, NC
- Median Household Income
- $57,315
- Median Home Value
- $376,474
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,583
- Total Population
- 96,391
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,051
- Average Commute
- 17.84 minutes
Excellent schools, ease of getting around and a well-rounded environment all contribute to ranking Asheville as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Read even more about what makes Asheville a great community and how much it costs to live there. Also, read what it’s like to move to Asheville and how to settle in.
