When retirees think of a good place to settle, Florida is often the first place that comes to mind, with its beaches and warm weather. Yet many people move to Florida only to realize they miss the changing seasons of the north, if not the winters.
As of 2020, 22% of Asheville, North Carolina's metro area population was retirement age, likely because North Carolina is one of the most popular destinations for “half-backs”—retirees from the north who seek a more balanced climate, according to River Landing. With western North Carolina's mountain beauty, autumn displays, and mild winters, it's easy to see why.
At the same time, Asheville has more than natural beauty to offer. A thriving art and cultural scene, excellent healthcare, and other amenities combine to create an elevated standard of living.
This guide digs into the specific qualities that retirement-age clients find attractive about Asheville, NC, and appealing communities in the area.
Asheville is situated over 2,000 feet above sea level in the Land-of-Sky Region; the area is defined by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Great Smoky Mountains to the north and west, offering diverse landscapes from vibrant valleys to towering peaks.
Its mild winters are a huge draw, with average highs in the 40s and 50s. It’s been a refuge from the deep south’s summer heat for decades, with crisp fall and spring days showcasing vibrant seasonal colors.
Starting in March, springs are generally comfortably warm and slightly humid, treating residents to vibrant displays of mountain azaleas, fresh foliage, and spring bulbs. Summers are typically in the mid-80s, perfect for outdoor activities, while fall brings stunning foliage and ideal hiking weather. The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September.
Winter is wet with occasional snow, melting quickly at lower elevations. Typically, the cold season begins at the end of November and lasts through February. Its coldest month is January, averaging highs of 47°F and lows of 29°F. Residents can enjoy snowy mountain activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing while playing golf year-round at one of the area’s many pristine courses.
Asheville is teaming with culture, from fine arts and crafts to performances and award-winning culinary delights.
Art lovers can peruse the Asheville Art Museum or visit local studios to view and purchase fine art. Music lovers can delight in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, which offers classical performances in its 2,354-seat Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
In the mood for live theater? The neighboring small town of Flat Rock is home to the Flat Rock Playhouse, the official theater of North Carolina, which offers everything from Broadway musicals to laugh-out-loud comedies.
Asheville residents don’t have to go far for award-winning culinary experiences. Sup on Tapas at James Beard Award-winning Cúrate or enjoy a farm-to-table brunch or dinner at Chestnut.
Thirsty? You can find award-winning brews at Wicked Weed Brewing and Burial Beer, as well as savor the flavors of Asheville's original craft brewery: Highland Brewing.
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is arguably Asheville’s crown jewel. Built by George Vanderbilt, it's America's largest privately owned home. Unlike typical historical landmarks, it's not just a one-time visit. The 35-bedroom mansion and its surrounding 8,000 acres serve as a cultural center in Asheville, hosting concerts, seasonal celebrations, culinary festivals, and more—and there’s a senior discount.
Spring flowers at the Biltmore Estate
Asheville has a wide calendar of regular and special events. Craving local provisions? The WNC Farmers Market is open year-round. Biltmore Blooms in the Spring showcases the famous estate’s gardens.
In the Summer, the city comes alive with music festivals like AVL Fest, Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and other arts celebrations like the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Autumn and winter, in turn, treat the city to Asheville Art in the Park, Christmas at Biltmore, Dickens in the Village, and Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Home in Biltmore Forest
Echoes of Gilded Age elegance can be found throughout the city. For example, the town of Biltmore Forest (within Asheville), which was once a part of the Biltmore Estate, has long been a favorite of luxury buyers, with its small-town feel, sweeping mansions, Craftsman architecture, and exclusive country club and golf course.
To the west is the Omni Grove Park Inn, a resort that has hosted presidents and diplomats. The surrounding neighborhood boasts revival and eclectic residential architecture built mostly between 1908 and 1938, with curvilinear streets, parks, and natural landscaping that break from Asheville's typical grid layout. Meanwhile, to the north is The Country Club of Asheville, established in 1894—one of the first private clubs in America.
AVL is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, offering direct flights to Charlottesville and Atlanta, where you can get just about anywhere in the world.
Conveniently, many of the luxury communities in the area are only a few miles from the airport, such as The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Biltmore Forest, The Ramble, Biltmore Park, High Vista, and Poplar Ridge.
Mission Hospital
Asheville and the surrounding area offer several healthcare options, including Mission Hospital (consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the state), Park Ridge Hospital, and Pardee Hospital.
Luxury concierge medicine is available from Concierge Medicine and Psychiatry, Blue Ridge Premier Medicine, and PrimeHealth Asheville, providing personalized, immediate healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
In addition to traditional medical care, Asheville offers a range of integrative health options such as homeopathic treatments, acupuncture at West Asheville Acupuncture, and wellness programs designed to enhance overall well-being, such as those hosted by Asheville Wellness Tours.
The city also boasts high-end fitness and wellness centers like the Omni Grove Park Inn. These facilities offer treatments ranging from massage therapy to advanced skincare, designed to promote relaxation and health.
For many of us, self-improvement is a lifelong goal. If you’re seeking ways to stimulate your mind, body, and spirit, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in greater Asheville.
Love to learn? Retirees can keep expanding their minds at UNC Asheville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers expert talks, performances, workshops, courses, socials, and more.
Looking for a way to give back to your community and have fun? Try volunteering at the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Asheville Art Museum, or at events with the Asheville Downtown Association.
You can find more opportunities to serve on the city’s website. Additionally, residents of the gated golf community The Cliffs At Walnut Cove have their own philanthropic organization, which offers grants, supports members’ charitable efforts, and provides mentorship opportunities.
Asheville and western North Carolina is a paradise for lovers of nature, outdoor activities, and anyone who seeks to stay fit and active after retirement.
Cyclists can bike the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for spectacular mountain views and autumn color, peruse the Biltmore Estate on two wheels, or visit one of the area’s sought-after trails, like those in nearby Bracken Preserve or Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
Nature lovers can go on guided hikes to see some of North Carolina’s most beautiful sights with Asheville Hiking Tours or venture out on their own to trails like Craggy Gardens, Green Knob Trail, or Graveyard Fields.
Looking for more of a relaxing stroll? The city boasts multiple botanical gardens at The Biltmore Estate, Botanical Gardens at Asheville, and the North Carolina Arboretum. Many communities in the area also have scenic walking paths for residents, including Connestee Falls, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Southcliff, The Ramble, and Biltmore Park.
Beautiful mountain rivers, lakes, and streams await you in and around Asheville. Local guides like AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service and Brookings Anglers guided fishing trips can introduce fishermen to the best spots. You can also check out favorite locales like Lake Lure for bass, panfish, catfish, and trout in Newberry Creek or muskies in Lake Adger.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Western North Carolina’s mild climate lends itself to year-round golfing. You can enjoy an abundance of public or semi-private courses like Black Mountain Golf Course or Chestnut Mountain Golf Club, as well as private courses like Asheville Country Club, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, or Biltmore Forest Country Club with membership.
Whether you’re a pickleball addict or a seasoned tennis player, Asheville offers beautiful spaces to hone your game. Amenities abound, from the acclaimed Asheville Racquet Club to the luxurious Grove Park Inn facilities and private Country Club of Asheville.
Many communities have their own courts, such as The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, The Ramble, Biltmore Park, Connestee Falls, and High Vista.
The greater Asheville area is rich with lakes, rivers, and streams, such as the French Broad River, Green River, Lake Lure, and Lake Adger, which provide countless recreational opportunities, from boating to swimming.
Plus, many communities in the area feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools where you can take a dip without leaving your neighborhood, including The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, The Ramble, and Biltmore Park.
In addition to Asheville’s LoveShinePlay Festival (formerly Asheville Yoga Festival), lovers of yoga and other fitness activities can indulge in guided Asheville Wellness Tours or take advantage of countless gyms and personal trainers available.
Additionally, many communities in the area, like The Cliffs At Walnut Cove and The Ramble, provide wellness centers that hold group fitness classes.
Learn more about what Asheville has to offer >>
Golf Course in the Champion Hills Community
For some, a buzzing metro is the ideal location to put down roots, while others prefer a quiet mountain retreat on the edge of town or outside it. Fortunately, around Asheville, we have serene gated mountain communities, urban neighborhoods convenient to city amenities, and gracious suburbs that fall somewhere in between.
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you learn which areas of greater Asheville might suit you best.
Homes in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Community
Connestee Falls Community
We hope you found this overview helpful! To learn more about the communities and neighborhoods listed above, check out our free guide to North Carolina luxury communities.
Want to explore Asheville in person? We offer private tours of the area and communities of interest.