Buncombe County

Natural diversity inspires diverse communities in Buncombe County!

The four-season temperate climate in Buncombe County with average annual snowfall of only 13 inches makes year-round living easy! The average elevation in the county is 2,165 feet above sea level, with surrounding mountain elevations of up to 6,685 feet at Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Because of the broad range of elevations and corresponding climates and plant growth, the area is one of the most biodiverse in the United States and the world.

Learn more about Buncombe County’s popular communities:

Asheville

With a population of 87,000, Asheville is the largest city in both Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. Asheville serves as the area's economic and cultural nerve center in many ways, including as a hub for education, healthcare, local arts and crafts, entertainment, and innovative food and drink. Talk about your A-list cities—Asheville is amassing accolades on many fronts.

Downtown Asheville is today a booming central business district, exploding with commerce, dining, art, and entertainment. The renovation of old buildings and careful construction of new ones in recent decades represents the delicate balance of tradition and innovation seen throughout Asheville's many arts and industries.

Arden & Mills River

In Arden and Mills River, there's lots of room to roam—and you don't have to go far to experience some of the finest facets of mountain life. Whether you are looking for an established neighborhood or new construction, the area offers a variety of real estate choices. It's just a few miles from the Asheville Regional Airport and right next door to some of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Biltmore Forest

In addition to being one of the wealthiest towns in the country, Biltmore Forest is one of South Asheville's oldest and finest golf course communities. The town of Biltmore Forest was first incorporated in 1923, and became a historic preservation district in 1990. Today, with its swan-necked streetlights and thickly wooded lots, Biltmore Forest is home to some of the largest estates and is one of the most desirable areas in which to live.

Black Mountain

Black Mountain is often referred to as "the front porch of Western North Carolina." The town of almost 8,000 residents has a vibrant but quaint commercial center and is noted for its cultural and recreational offerings. It's a community that breathes with a particular kind of mountain energy, embracing both its natural surroundings and its tastefully configured, small-town urban core. Black Mountain prides itself on its sense of community and friendly atmosphere.

Leicester

Originally called Turkey Creek, the Leicester community northwest of Asheville was founded in 1829 by frontiersman Leicester Chapman, who renamed the area for his own namesake, the Earl of Leicester. Today, the bucolic community is filled with local farms, artisans, and nature lovers who enjoy the quiet mountain views. Leicester has seen a 16% growth in population since 2000, making it a great place to discover and live for those in the know.

Montford

Right next door to downtown Asheville is the beautiful neighborhood of Montford. Within easy walking distance to all of downtown's amenities, this neighborhood has long been known for its charming Victorian bed and breakfasts and tours of its unique and painstakingly restored historic district. But Montford is so much more than beautiful old homes. It also boasts a tight-knit community with beautiful public spaces and a thriving community.

Weaverville

Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Weaverville is attracting newcomers because of its small town, friendly atmosphere. With a population of 3,200, Weaverville has had a mini growth spurt in recent years. The town is situated in the Reems Creek Valley, adjacent to Interstate 26 and just five miles north of Asheville, where many Weaverville residents work. Weaverville has earned a national reputation for keeping its neighborhoods clean and green.

West Asheville

Just across the French Broad River from downtown is Asheville's hippest neighborhood: West Asheville. At its heart is Haywood Road, lined with locally-owned businesses like funky vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, an independent record shop, and unusual eateries. In the past two decades, the community has seen unprecedented rejuvenation. There's so much to do in West Asheville, and—best of all—everything you could want is just a short walk or bike ride away.

Woodfin

Did you know that Woodfin is the only such-named community in the United States? Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River and Interstate 26, the Town of Woodfin provides a small-town mountain lifestyle with big-city amenities. Friendly people, good jobs, great restaurants, and beautiful scenery abound—and all five minutes from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Asheville.