Asheville 72 Excellent
Asheville Livability #87 ranked city in North Carolina#5,795 ranked city in the USARanks better than 80% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Asheville

PROS
  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

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What's it like Living in Asheville?

Asheville, North Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 92,328 inhabitants. The majority of Asheville residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. In Asheville, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Asheville will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Asheville, North Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Asheville and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Asheville to North Carolina and the national average.

Using data and statistics Asheville has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 83rd percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Asheville has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (B-), education (B) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Asheville does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Asheville, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.34% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Asheville has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Asheville. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Asheville are affordable. Median real estate prices in Asheville come in at $291,800, which is 85.7% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Asheville, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 63.6% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Asheville

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Asheville?

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Compare Asheville, NC Livability

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      Asheville transportation information

      Statistic Asheville North Carolina National
      Average one way commute18min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.1%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.3%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home13.0%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Asheville, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).