Asheville, NC, is often painted as a dream destination—mountain views, breweries, and a quirky arts scene.
And don’t get me wrong, Asheville really is a beautiful place to live.
But if you’re thinking of packing up and moving here, there are some things you should really know before taking the plunge.
As someone who’s lived here for a while, I can tell you it’s not all craft beer and sunsets. Here’s what it’s really like to live in Asheville.
1. The Cost of Living is High
When you think of small mountain towns, you might imagine affordability—but Asheville’s cost of living will make you think twice.
Between rising housing prices and day-to-day expenses, it’s more expensive than you’d expect for a town of this size.
Rent has surged in recent years, and buying a home often feels out of reach for locals. I’ve watched long-time residents get priced out, and it’s a problem.
2. Tourism Dominates the Economy
Asheville thrives on tourism, which sounds good until you’re trying to get through downtown on a weekend. I typically take back roads, and just plan for a little bit of a longer drive.
Locals sometimes feel like the city caters more to visitors than the people who live here. Businesses pop up and charge tourist prices, and during peak seasons, it can be hard to find a parking spot or get into your favorite restaurant. It also means that it is challenging to start small businesses – they have to weather the cyclical nature of our economy.
If you’re not into living in a town with a “vacation vibe” year-round, this might not be for you.
3. Limited Job Opportunities
Unless you’re in the hospitality industry or healthcare, finding a well-paying job in Asheville can be tough. Many locals work multiple part-time gigs or remote jobs just to make ends meet.
The city’s job market hasn’t grown as fast as its popularity, so unless you’re bringing a job with you or work in a high-demand field, you might struggle to find solid employment here.
4. Traffic Can Be a Nightmare
You might not expect a city of less than 100,000 people to have traffic issues, but Asheville does—big time. The infrastructure just wasn’t built to handle the volume of cars we have now. Getting around town, especially during rush hour, can be frustrating. Roads wind through the mountains, and bottlenecks on highways like I-240 and I-26 can turn a quick trip into a headache. If you’re from a larger city, it won’t seem bad, but for a town this size, it’s rough. It just depends on what you are used to.
5. The Housing Market is Competitive
Asheville’s real estate market is not for the faint of heart. Homes are expensive, and you’ll likely face stiff competition if you’re buying. Many homes are snapped up quickly by out-of-towners looking for second homes or Airbnbs. As a local, it can be disheartening watching these trends price out residents who want to stay here long-term.
6. It Can Feel Like Everyone’s New
Asheville has grown fast, and it sometimes feels like most people here are transplants. That’s not a bad thing in itself, but it can make building a community challenging. The town’s small, tight-knit feel is fading as more people move in, and long-time locals often talk about how much the city has changed. If you’re looking for that old-school Asheville charm, it’s becoming harder to find. You just have to look in the right places. It took me about a year to really feel like I found my community in Asheville.
7. The Weather is Fickle
Yes, we have beautiful seasons here, but the weather can be unpredictable. One day it’s sunny and 70 degrees, and the next it’s snowing. Winters are milder than in some mountain towns, but they can be wet and gray, with occasional ice storms that shut the city down. Summers bring humidity, and if you’re not a fan of bugs, the gnats and mosquitoes will make sure you know they’re around. Fall is beautiful but short-lived, and spring pollen can be brutal.
8. Public Transportation is Lacking
Asheville’s public transportation system leaves a lot to be desired. The bus routes are limited, especially if you live outside of downtown. You’ll pretty much need a car to get around, and with parking becoming more scarce (and often expensive), it’s not always convenient. Biking around town is possible, but the hilly terrain and traffic make it challenging unless you’re an experienced cyclist.
9. It’s a Bit of a Bubble
Asheville can feel like it exists in its own little world, separate from the rest of Western North Carolina. It has a distinct culture and vibe, but that bubble can feel isolating at times. The town is progressive, artsy, and environmentally conscious, but step outside city limits and things change quickly. If you’re looking for diverse political views or don’t enjoy being surrounded by like-minded people all the time, it might feel a bit insular.
Final Thoughts
Asheville is a beautiful place with a lot to offer, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering moving here, make sure you understand both the good and the challenges. It’s easy to get swept up in the mountain views and craft beer, but living here is a different story. If you’re willing to navigate the issues, Asheville can be an incredible place to call home—but it’s definitely not as simple as it seems from the outside.