Asheville, NC

The beautiful area surrounding Asheville and Hendersonville is a favorite North Carolina destination for many active adults. With mountain views, artistic shops, numerous outdoor recreations and plenty of diverse attractions, it is an ideal spot for both relocating retirees and visiting tourists.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque area features impressive scenic views as well as interesting architecture and distinctive neighborhoods. While North Carolina is known for having a hot climate, temperatures are noticeably cooler when living in the Asheville area’s higher elevation. The winters are cold and do bring some snow, making it a great place for people who want to experience all four seasons.

Over the years, the city of Asheville has received many accolades from a variety of sources. Good Morning America named Asheville as one of the “Most Beautiful Places in America” (August 2011), and U.S. News and World Report has listed the city as one of “America’s Best Affordable Places to Retire” (September 2009). The Asheville area is also frequently recognized for having fabulous fall foliage and some of the best craft beers in the country.

Asheville’s downtown area exhibits a unique flair with a mix of Art Deco architecture, galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and historic attractions. The city is known for its rich art influence, and bustling shoppers will enjoy mingling with artists and street musicians. There are plenty of attractions to keep active adults busy including seasonal festivals, spectacular golf courses and invigorating full-service spas.

Less than 25 miles south of Asheville, Hendersonville is an historic town which appeals to many active adults who are looking for a tranquil retirement destination. Outdoor recreations are popular with locals and visitors alike. Hiking, biking, fishing and golf are all popular pastimes. In the autumn months, the Hendersonville area is particularly popular for its fall foliage and numerous apple orchards.

Active adults who choose to settle in the Asheville and Hendersonville area are more likely to find age-targeted communities than developments with age restrictions. One such community, Biltmore Lake, is a mountain lakeside development which spreads across 1,300 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The spacious clubhouse provides several opportunities for residents to get together. There is an exchange library, a cozy fireside lounge, tennis courts and basketball courts.

Smaller, more intimate communities offer tranquil neighborhoods which are perfect for retirees. Pinebrook Farms by Lifestyle Homes is an open age community with just 126 single-family and attached homes, yet it also boasts a lovely clubhouse with a fitness center, demonstration kitchen, billiards room and other amenities. Just outside of Asheville, Bee Tree Village by Blue Mountain Homes features cozy ranch-style homes with majestic mountain views and low-maintenance living.

When looking for a mountainside retirement destination, the Asheville and Hendersonville area offers beautiful views, a wide range of outdoor recreations, diverse shops and delicious local eateries. Go for a visit and you may find your ideal retirement location.

This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.

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The Real Estate Neighborhood Review Journal of Asheville:
Lakeview Park

The sidewalks in Walkable Asheville's Lakeview Park run down to greet Beaver Lake. First created in 1920, Beaver Lake is man-made. It grew from the damming of Beaver Creek. For me, this “private lake” shines like a diamond in the carolina blue sky, for, although it is “private” the Lakeview Park walkable community welcomes Asheville residents and those relocating to Asheville to stroll, sit and enjoy ,canoe the lake, or jog aroung its perimeter. And if ,any given day, during the winter, spring, summer or fall of the year, you may see the young and the young-at-heart at play.

“Upscale” Walkable Asheville Neighborhood

By 1922, an “upscale” housing development known as Lakeview Park that centered around Beaver Lake began to emerge.

It so pleases my real estate clients here in Asheville to say that what was first envisioned so many years ago today continues to delight visitors and residents alike.

We walk the Lakeview Park neighborhood and down to Beaver Lake almost every week.

Lakeview Park 2012: We stroll the neighborhood, visit with our neighbors along the way and continue to be amazed with the views of the surrounding mountains, sweet picnic spots, colorful canoes gliding by and the much-prized sense that it evokes. . . “all’s right” ...

Homes: Here in Lakeview Park you will find an interesting mix of historic and newer homes, tree-lined streets, and lovely views of Asheville’s rolling hills …and, of course, Beaver Lake.

Neighbors: This is a mature community. There area several second and/or vacation homes in this area, yet neighbors have a strong community voice.
Pet -Friendly: Yes

Price Range 2012 in Lakeview Park : $300,000 to $900,000.
Available Single Family Residences: 10

SOLD in 2011: 7
AT or within 10% of Listed Asking Price

My Asheville Link Library Resources: CHECK OUT THIS LINK or THIS ONE

for more on Lakeview Park Walkable Neighborhood Asheville NC

xoxo

WALKABLE- Supply and Demand - "The road to profitability - a foot path!" (3)

Asheville Real Estate Journal

Walkable Neighborhoods : Grove Park

GROVE PARK Walkable Neighborhood.

Asheville's Grove Park- Walkable Neighborhood surrounds the world-famous Grove Park Inn. The Inn, built by Edwin Grove opened in 1913. The area surrounding the Inn became known as the "Grove Park."

Many homes enjoy the "sustainability factor" in the Grove Park area. Wonderful updates and green retrofitting is on the rise. Here is a photo I took recently of such a project. My client was thrilled to see this type of activity going on in the Grove Park area.

Homes: Here you will find an interesting mix of historic and newer homes, tree-lined streets, incredible views of downtown Asheville and absolutely no commercial zoning (although there are several properties zoned institutional and two churches.)

Three areas in the neighborhood, Grove Park, Sunset Terrace, and Proximity Park are listed on the National Historical Register. If you are relocating to Asheville it is even possible to find rental properties here-from single family homes to larger apartment buildings.

Neighbors: This is a mature community. There area several second and/or vacation homes in this area, yet neighbors have a strong community voice.

Pet -Friendly: Yes

Price Range in Grove Park: $400,000 to $1,600,000.
Available Single Family Residences: 18

SOLD in 2011: 20

Price Point: $255,000 to $900,000 at or within 10% of Listed Asking Price

WALKABLE "The road to profitability may be a foot path!" (2)

Asheville Real Estate Journal: Walkable Neighborhoods
: Montford -The MONTFORD NEIGBORHOOD in Asheville, North Carolina not only is Historic and Happening…but it is SO walkable!

Montford, a neighborhood of about 300 acres, offers a diversity of architectural styles. A good nuber of the homes such as you see in the photo here, were constructed between 1890 and 1920. Montford, like its residents, is a place of complex overall character.

As you walk make your way from street to street on the sidewalks, you may notice that a certain romance is in the air. .

You may even " feel" the artistic” influences.” You may see residents of this sustainable community strolling down a tree-lined boulevard, possibly stopping to gaze at one of the majestic homes that never fail to catch your attention.

And Yes! There are wondrous architectural details including those from such trendsetters as Bruce Price, Bernard Maybeck, the prominent Arts and Crafts architect, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Arts and Crafts style made popular in Asheville by noted society architect, Richard Sharp Smith, supervising Architect to Biltmore House is well-represented here in Montford.

Here is a walkable community where neighborhood parks greet families, the coffee shoppe is close at hand, and so are friends and families.