Western North Carolina (WNC) is one of the most unique areas of the country, and that’s saying a lot in a state where you can travel from the mountains to the ocean in only five hours. WNC is home to the southern Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountains. Nestled within the mountains are small towns, a bustling city, and plenty of rural land. When you think about living in WNC, where do you imagine yourself? Here is some info to help you decide:
Asheville Proper
The city of Asheville is the largest in the WNC region. As of the 2020 census, the population is just over 94,000 people. Asheville is a town popular with tourists, and the population can nearly double on weekends. While it is a larger city, it still has that small-town feeling where you’re likely to run into folks you know when you’re out and about.
Something to consider is that comparatively, especially to other cities in North Carolina, Asheville has a relatively high cost of living. According to a recent NPR report, housing prices have continued to rise, resulting in homes overpriced by about 46%. That could mean prices will begin to fall, but predicting how much and when can be challenging.
If this is a deterrent for you, there are many other areas to fall in love within the Asheville area. Living in the surrounding counties and cities may fit the bill for many.
Small Towns in WNC
If a bigger and busier city is not the right fit for you, there are many other towns near Asheville in Buncombe and surrounding counties that could cater to your desired lifestyle and are not too far to drive for that occasional visit to the “big” city. Popular surrounding cities include:
There are many more than we can list here, but it’s worth driving around the area to find what other small towns speak to you.
Rural Areas
Scattered between these cities you’ll also find plenty of rural land that might be an excellent match for you and your family. There are some already developed areas with homes for sale on acreage, and raw land that can be bought if you have the vision of building your own home. The USDA even offers mortgage programs for people looking to live in qualifying areas.
Of course, rural areas are not without their own challenges. While the cost of living may be lower, there are often difficulties finding work without driving to a neighboring city or further. There may also be concerns with access to resources, such as medical care, daycare, or schools. However, there are plenty of ways to make this lifestyle work, especially if you’re craving more space and a more private home.
State and National Parks
We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention some of the land that’s not for sale in our beautiful region of North Carolina. WNC is home to several state and national parks that you always have access to as a resident. For example, a portion of the Appalachian Trail crosses through our corner of the state. And the Blue Ridge Parkway was part of the New Deal Public Works program and is considered a national park. Other parks include:
Do you want to learn more about the various areas around Asheville, and hopefully find the right place to settle in? Contact Zachery Adam and the team at GoPrime Mortgage today.
