It’s no wonder that George Vanderbilt chose to build his private estate in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.  Spectacular layers of rolling blue vistas surround the vibrant city that perfectly blends urban style with southern charm.  Once known as the “Paris of the South,” Asheville’s eclectic character can be tasted in the cuisine, felt in the climate, and heard in the music playing in the parks.  Asheville is an escape from the usual; a place not only to live, but to thrive.

Each season provides a new opportunity to be amazed with beauty of Asheville’s incredible natural environment.  Watch spring unfold over the mountains as the hills and meadows come alive with wildflowers.  As summer brings longer days and pleasantly warm temperatures, the mountains become thick with lush growth.  Cool summer nights are perfect for rocking on the front porch or wandering through one of the many street festivals.  When summer fades to autumn, the mountains seem to be set ablaze with color.  Reds, ambers, yellows, and golds blanket the views from any direction.  As the leaves fall to the forest floor, a mild winter begins, opening up hidden views and dusting the ridge tops with light snow.

The favorable climate is only one of the reasons that Asheville quickly feels like home. Asheville has excellent health care facilities, an active artist community, and restaurants that are among the country’s finest. Western North Carolina is a natural paradise that boasts some of the world’s best kayaking, cycling, camping, fishing, hiking, and more.  After a day exploring nature’s beauty in the pristine national forests, Asheville residents come home to dine at open-air cafes, shop for fresh local produce at the farmer’s market, or catch a live show at the symphony or theaters. 

A stroll down the city streets will take you past one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, art galleries and parks. The authentic Art Deco architecture hints of Asheville’s prosperity in Roaring 20s and provides the perfect backdrop for the modern city it has become.   An easily walkable city, Asheville combines the rich cultural heritage of a larger metropolis with the friendliness of a small town.

The typical resident of Asheville may not be “typical” at all.  Asheville prides itself on open-minded thinking and acceptance and its inhabitants are as varied as its unique businesses.   The people of Asheville enjoy volunteering, taking classes at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and running their small businesses.  Rustic yet refined, mountain yet modern, country yet cosmopolitan, simple yet sophisticated all equally describe Asheville’s diverse population.  The one attribute everyone agrees on is that Asheville is a great place to call home.