Thinking about moving to the mountains? Start here.
People fall in love with this area for the mountains, the four seasons and how much there is to do. Most of my buyers keep loving it long after they move in. But there are a few things I wish every out-of-town buyer knew before they started looking. Here's my honest guide.
Asheville or Hendersonville?
They're about 30 minutes apart, but they feel different. Asheville is eclectic and full of energy, with music, food, arts and a big tourism scene.
Hendersonville is where I grew up. I walked downtown from a friend's house on Fifth Avenue, swam at the Elks Club and hung out in Laurel Park, and I still love spending time there. When I was growing up, everything closed by 9. Now Hendersonville is growing fast and getting a lot livelier, with bikers out on the Ecusta Trail and plenty of new breweries and restaurants.
And each part of Asheville has its own personality:
North Asheville: historic homes, mature trees and some of the area's finest luxury homes
South Asheville: close to shopping, the airport and golf
West Asheville: the most contemporary feel, with music, coffee shops and a walkable, eclectic vibe
East Asheville: more rural and wooded, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Downtown & Biltmore Village: the center of the energy, with condo living downtown and historic charm in the Village
Things I wish every buyer knew
Your budget may not go as far as you expect. Cost of living here is higher than many people assume.
Asheville and Buncombe County aren't the same thing. Taxes are higher inside city limits, and the county can feel much more rural.
Drive times are longer than the map suggests. Mountain roads add up.
A view often comes with a steep driveway. And farther out, many homes are on wells and septic.
Neighborhoods can be mixed. Many areas have little or no zoning, so do your homework on what's nearby.
Short-term rentals aren't allowed in Asheville city limits, though homestays are.
Weather is real here. Helene hit some areas, mostly Biltmore Village and Swannanoa, harder than others. I'll walk you through which areas were affected.
NC contracts work differently than in many states. I'll explain every step.
How I help you find your fit
We start with a conversation about your life: where you'll work, what you love to do, and what drew you here. Then I'll show you the areas that actually match, so you're not spending weekends driving past homes that were never going to work.
Watch before you visit
A few videos from my YouTube channel, Savvy Moves to Asheville and Hendersonville, to help you get a feel for the area before you get here.
Get my buyer's guide
Buying Your Home is my step-by-step guide to buying here, from getting pre-approved to closing day. Tell me where to send it and you can download it right away.
Get the guide
Planning a move? I'll send you my free relocation guide. Just tell me where to send it.
Ready to browse? Search homes for sale (Howard Hanna)