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Asheville, NC


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Asheville, North Carolina

Introduction to Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the convergence of the Swannanoe and French Broad rivers in Buncombe County. The city is known as a center for art for the region. Asheville has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in by various noteworthy sources. The city is home to one of the most prominent collections of Art Deco architecture in the country and is a popular destination for tourists.

History

The area known as Asheville had been home to the Cherokee Indians. In the year 1540 Hernando DeSoto, a Spanish explorer and his party arrived in the region and unfortunately brought with them diseases which significantly reduced the population of the native inhabitants. In 1797 Morristown was renamed Asheville as a tribute to the Governor of North Carolina, Samuel Ashe.

During the Civil War a large number of men from Asheville joined the Confederates and a significantly smaller group joined the Union. After the Civil War ended the city experienced economic difficulties. Beginning with the Great Depression and through the 1980's the city's economy grew very slowly. During the 1890's the town was recognized internationally as a prominent health resort. In 1916 Asheville was severely harmed by a noteworthy flood which was produced by a tropical storm.

Transportation

The city is served by the Asheville Regional Airport. Bus transportation is provided by the Asheville Transit System.

Architecture

  • The renowned Biltmore Estate has the appearance of a French Renaissance chateau and is recognized as one of the biggest privately owned homes in the country and typically attracts more than a million visitors on an annual basis.
  • The art deco City Hall.
  • Battery Park Hotel.
  • The Jackson Building features Neo-Gothic style architecture.
  • The Smith-McDowell House is the oldest home in the city and is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Grove Arcade.
  • Basilica of St. Lawrence.
  • Grove Park Inn is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is the location of a modern day spa.
  • The Historic Montford neighborhood features Victorian homes.
  • Biltmore Village.
  • YMI Cultural Center.

Attractions

  • Thomas Wolfe Memorial
  • Asheville Art Museum
  • Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
  • Historic Hendersonville & Village of Flat Rock
  • Historic Johnson Farm
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian
  • Park Place Education, Arts & Science
  • Riverside Cemetery
  • Wheels Through Time Museum

Activities

  • Asheville Ghost Trolley.
  • Asheville Historic Trolley Tours.
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers through river gorges and mountain tunnels.
  • Live music is prominent in the area and is part of the tourist based economy.
  • Water recreation activities are popular in the region, especially whitewater kayaking.
  • The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Higher Education

Asheville is home to South College, University of North Carolina at Asheville and the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

High Points

Asheville strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in North Carolina):

CategoryTrophy
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 4%trophyAsheville Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)		Top 13%Asheville Short Commute Times
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 16%Asheville College Educated Adults
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 16%Asheville Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)		Top 17%Asheville Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Asheville, NC

Comparing Asheville to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in North Carolina (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Senior Citizens107
Female Share of the Population106
Age of the Population97
Well-Paid Single Women69
Racial Diversity67
Well-Paid Single Men58
Children Under 5 Years Old23
Male Share of the Population25

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married22
Average Household Size12

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults79
People in Middle Class or Better46
Median Family Income47
People Above Poverty35

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times99
Working at Home88
Walking and Biking to Work89
Public Transportation Use610

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Living Alone1010
Seasonal and Vacation Housing98
Affordability of Property Taxes82
Affordability of Rents73
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals710
Housing Recently Built32

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime23
Low Property Crime13

Detailed pages on related topics: Asheville colleges • Asheville travel • Asheville mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Asheville CareersAsheville Careers
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Historic Asheville

photo

Biltmore House from the south terrace. c1902.

Select a photo to view (Source):

Biltmore House from the south terrace. c1902.

Biltmore House. c1902.

Biltmore House. c1902.

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