Thinking of Moving to Asheville, NC? Here’s What You Need to Know
Over the past decade, many have begun hearing about all the wonderful things Asheville, North Carolina has to offer. As a result, people have been relocating to Asheville to take advantage of the natural beauty of the region, flourishing local arts and music scene, and all the other things the town has to offer.
Is a relocation to Asheville a good idea for you? Read on to find out if this town could be a great place to raise your family.
Asheville, North Carolina Schools
For families relocating to Asheville, schools are a primary concern as when choosing an area of the city to settle down in. Asheville has a variety of schools to choose from including public schools, private schools, boarding schools, and charter schools. No matter the type of education you’re looking for, this city will be able to fit your child’s needs.
Public Schools in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has two public-school districts: Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City School District. Here is a quick comparison of these two districts:
| Asheville City Schools | Buncombe County Schools | |
| Total Schools | 10 | 44 |
| Students | 4,300 | 22,298 |
| 2023 North Carolina Ranking | #5 out of 116 Districts | #20 out of 116 Districts |
| Niche.com Grade | A | A- |
Niche.com school rankings are based on data from the US Department of Education, Common Core Data (CCD), School Attendance Boundary Survey (SABS), and Niche K-12 Student and Parent Surveys.
Boarding Schools and Private Schools in Asheville, North Carolina
Set in the expansive Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville provides a pristine setting for Boarding and Private Schools that welcome local and international students. Asheville’s top boarding and private schools include Asheville School, Christ School, Carolina Day School, Odyssey School, Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy, and Temple Baptist School. While the majority of these schools have tuition costs associated, there are merit-based scholarships and financial aid available.
Charter Schools in Asheville, North Carolina
An alternative to public and private schools in Asheville are charter schools. A charter school is a tuition-free school of choice that is publicly funded but independently run. Parents choose these schools for their class sizes, family atmosphere, and nontraditional methods of teaching / learning. Charter schools in Asheville include Francine Delany New School, Evergreen Community Charter School, Invest Collegiate – Imagine, and The Franklin School of Innovation.
Weather
The weather in Asheville is quite temperate, making it comfortable to be outside much of the year. The low temperatures are in January where they range from 29° to 47°F and the high temperatures are within July where they range from 64° to 82°F. Residents of Asheville experience all four seasons but are not overwhelmed by heaps of snow or sweltering temperatures. While the seasons aren’t polarizing, Asheville receives an average of 44 inches of rain each year which is higher than the US average of 38 inches per year.
Since Western North Carolina is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, parts of Pisgah National Forest (just outside of Asheville) are considered a temperate rainforest because of its climate and annual rainfall. Despite being near mountains, the wind doesn’t often get too blustery. For people who love to spend time outside, this town will give you many days to enjoy the great outdoors.
Asheville Outdoor Activities
Not only does Asheville boast a temperate climate, but its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. Looking Glass Rock and Black Balsam Knob are some great options for an expedition in the mountains. Feeling adventurous? How about driving 40 minutes out of the city and sliding down a 60 foot natural waterslide at Sliding Rock? There’s plenty of fun to be had right in town, too. Families can enjoy swimming, rafting, and fishing on the French Broad river, which winds right through the city.
Things to Do in Asheville
Before moving to a new place, it can be a great idea to plan a vacation and get a feel for the town, its atmosphere, and things to do to see if it’s a good match for you and your family. Lucky for you, Asheville has PLENTY of things to fill up your time. This town may be small, but it offers a large amount of events and activities for families and adults to enjoy.
Trolley Tours
Want to see the city in a unique way? Jump on a trolley for a tour of the town. There’s also a ghost tour and a Christmas tour available!
Live Music
Asheville has a bustling music scene and is well-known across the country for its concerts, festivals, and events.
Museums
For those who enjoy art, culture, and learning about new places, Asheville offers a number of museums to check out ranging from a children’s museum, a pinball museum, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Breweries
Asheville has been a leader in the craft brewing movement; they were named Beer City back in 2009 and have the most breweries per capita in the United States. Locals have numerous options of breweries and taprooms to visit and try the local brews the city has to offer.
Getting Around
Personal vehicles are the most reliable way to travel around Asheville. Public transportation is available but is a bit limited. There are monthly bus passes which can be cost-effective, but the commutes may be longer than you’re used to.
Similarly, taxis and ride share services are available, but wait times may be longer than average.
While many people in Asheville enjoy biking, the city itself is not very bike-friendly. Bike lanes are tight and it’s not easy to get around via pedaling. However, the greenway system is improving and can be a great option for those who like to ride their bikes in an urban setting.
Where Should I Live?
There are a variety of neighborhoods scattered around Asheville to welcome you. Whether you want an older neighborhood with some old-timey charm or would like to settle down in a place nestled outside of the city, there are plenty of options. No matter what type of neighborhood you’re seeking, you’ll be able to find a place to fit what you’re looking for.
Housing
Asheville has experienced an influx of people flocking to enjoy all that the city has to offer. As a result, housing prices and rents have increased, making the market competitive and a bit more expensive in comparison to recent years. As a result, some newcomers may find themselves living in a short-term rental as they secure a more permanent place to live. Utilizing a self-storage unit can be a great option to store your belongings, regardless of what type of housing you have.
When you utilize self storage with us you can focus on having fun when exploring the city while becoming familiar with the neighborhoods and all the fun activities Asheville has to offer. We’ll make sure your furniture and belongings are safe and secure while you settle in!
Best of luck as you make the decision about whether relocating to Asheville is the right decision for you. Personally, we love it here and think you’ll love it, too. When you’re ready to start your new life in Asheville, NC, rent a storage unit with Go Store It for a fast and easy move.