Thinking About Moving to Asheville? Here's What You Need to Know in 2025

There’s something about Asheville that sticks with you.

Maybe it’s the mountain air. Maybe it’s the indie coffee shops, the Blue Ridge sunsets, or the way every neighborhood feels like its own little village. Whatever the reason, visitors who once came for a weekend are now calling Asheville home—and the trend isn’t slowing down in 2025.

If you’ve been thinking about making the leap from visitor to resident, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what’s driving this migration and what you need to know if you’re planning to buy a home here this year.

Why Asheville? Here's What Buyers Say

People move here for different reasons, but some themes come up again and again:

🌲 1. A Deep Connection to Nature
Asheville offers instant access to some of the most stunning outdoor landscapes in the Southeast—from the Blue Ridge Parkway to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain biking paths. Even downtown feels close to nature.
“We came for the hiking. We stayed for the lifestyle.”

🎨 2. A Strong Sense of Community
Local farmers’ markets, live music, neighborhood festivals, and a booming arts scene make Asheville feel like a big town with a small-town soul. Whether you're into yoga, pottery, gardening, or activism, there’s a community waiting for you here.

💻 3. Remote-Work Ready
With more companies embracing remote work, many buyers no longer need to stay in high-cost urban markets. Asheville provides the perfect blend of lifestyle and connectivity, with co-working spaces, fast internet, and quiet neighborhoods ideal for working from home.

🏘️ 4. Unique, Character-Filled Homes
From historic bungalows in Montford to modern cabins tucked into the mountainside, Asheville has no shortage of charm. Buyers moving from cities often fall in love with the architecture, the details, and the feeling of “home” that comes with it.

Who’s Moving to Asheville?

In 2025, most buyers relocating to Asheville are coming from:

Atlanta
Charlotte
Washington D.C.
New York
Florida (especially Miami and Tampa)
California (especially L.A. and the Bay Area)

Many are professionals in their 30s–50s, looking to put down roots in a more peaceful, nature-connected environment. Others are early retirees seeking a softer pace of life with access to healthcare, the arts, and outdoor recreation.

What These Buyers Are Looking For

If you’re hoping to buy here, you’ll be in good company—but competition still exists, especially in certain price ranges. Here's what most relocating buyers prioritize:

Walkable neighborhoods (like West Asheville, Kenilworth, and the River Arts District)
Homes under $750k that are move-in ready
Outdoor space—gardens, patios, or decks with mountain views
Proximity to hiking, trails, or greenways
Flexible floor plans with space for guests or home offices
Character + quality over square footage

Being clear on your priorities—and ready to act when the right place comes along—can help you succeed in this market.

Current Market Snapshot for Relocating Buyers (Mid-2025)

Sources : Zillow

What to Expect When Buying in Asheville

Relocating can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the process typically looks like:

🏁 Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Most homes receive multiple showings the first week they’re listed. Having your financing ready to go makes you more competitive—especially if you’re up against local buyers.

🗺️ Step 2: Define Your Lifestyle Goals
Do you want to walk to coffee shops? Be 15 minutes from the Parkway? Have space for gardening or pets? Your answers will help narrow down neighborhoods that feel like “you.”

🏠 Step 3: House Hunt (with Eyes Wide Open)
Asheville homes can be quirky. Expect everything from wood stoves and vintage tile to steep driveways and homes on hillsides. That’s part of the charm—but working with someone who knows how to spot red flags is key.

📦 Step 4: Plan Your Move
Moving across states takes planning. Consider working with local movers, researching schools if applicable, and booking temporary housing if your closing date and move-in don’t align perfectly.

Download Your Free Asheville Buyer’s Guide

This move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve created a comprehensive Asheville Buyer’s Guide just for folks like you—people making a thoughtful, meaningful decision about their next chapter.

Inside you’ll find:

✔️ The best neighborhoods for different lifestyles
✔️ A checklist to prepare for relocation
✔️ What to expect at every step of the buying process
✔️ Insider tips to make your offer stand out

Download Buyer's Guide

This is the same guide I use with clients who are planning a move from out of town—and it’s yours to keep.

Ready to Call Asheville Home?

As someone who made the move myself years ago, I get it. You’re not just buying a house—you’re choosing a lifestyle.

If you’re feeling the pull to plant roots in the mountains, I’d love to help you find a home that supports the way you want to live. Let’s make your dream of living in Asheville a reality—together.