Realities of Living in Asheville

Table of Contents

• Cost of Living
• Impact of Tourism
• Unsheltered Population
• Crime and Safety
• Addressing Misconceptions About Crime
• Racial Disparities
• Traffic and Airport Accessibility
• Embracing Quirkiness
• Finding the Right Fit
• FAQs

Cost of Living

Asheville's cost of living is higher than the national average by 6%. This includes housing, utilities, and healthcare, which are generally more expensive than the state and nation's average. The high-end experiences, such as dining out at award-winning restaurants, can also be costly. However, affordability is relative and may be the price to pay for living in such a wonderful place.

The cost of housing in Asheville is intertwined with tourism and gentrification. Locals who have made the town special and desirable sometimes can't afford to live there anymore. This has led to economic disparities and gentrification, causing long-time residents to be displaced due to increased taxes and the cost of living.

Asheville also faces the challenge of a growing number of unsheltered people living downtown. While tourism has brought benefits, it has also impacted the housing market, making Asheville one of the most expensive places to rent in North Carolina. The number of Airbnbs per capita in Asheville also contributes to the housing situation.

Asheville is working to address these contrasts and hopes to find a balance between the influx of tourists and the housing cost and availability in the near future.

While Asheville has its challenges, it remains a welcoming and caring community. Locals embrace diversity, authenticity, and quirkiness, making it a friendly and creative place to live.

Impact of Tourism

Tourism has had a significant impact on the cost of living in Asheville. The influx of tourists has driven up housing prices, making it one of the most expensive places to rent in North Carolina. The number of Airbnbs per capita in Asheville also contributes to the housing situation, further increasing costs for locals.

This has led to economic disparities and gentrification, resulting in long-time residents being displaced due to increased taxes and the overall cost of living. As a result, housing affordability has become a major concern for the community.

While tourism has brought benefits such as new businesses and restaurants, there is a growing concern about finding a balance between the influx of tourists and the housing cost and availability in the near future. The community is working to address these issues and hopes to maintain the unique identity and diversity of Asheville.

Unsheltered Population

Asheville, like many other cities, is facing a growing issue with unsheltered people living downtown. The number of people living on the streets in downtown Asheville has increased since the pandemic. The corridors of shelters, churches, and organizations that provide assistance are located downtown, making it a central location for the unsheltered population.

While there are concerns about the correlation between the increase in unsheltered people and crime, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, just like in any other city. After dark, it's best to avoid walking in dark alleys and to refrain from engaging in confrontations. It's also crucial to stay informed about crime rates and the types of crimes committed in different areas of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Asheville has a number of nonprofits that work with unsheltered people, offering temporary shelter, transitional housing, and free mental health services. Additionally, the city is exploring solutions such as building a tiny village of little houses to house the unsheltered population.

Kindness, acceptance, and compassion make Asheville a wonderful place to live, and many locals are actively working to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. However, it's important to remember that the challenge of unsheltered people is not unique to Asheville, and addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach.

Crime and Safety

Asheville, like many other cities, is facing a growing issue with unsheltered people living downtown. The number of people living on the streets in downtown Asheville has increased since the pandemic. The corridors of shelters, churches, and organizations that provide assistance are located downtown, making it a central location for the unsheltered population. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark, and to avoid walking in dark alleys or engaging in confrontations. While concerns about the correlation between the increase in unsheltered people and crime exist, it's essential to stay informed about crime rates and the types of crimes committed in different areas of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Asheville has a number of nonprofits that work with unsheltered people, offering temporary shelter, transitional housing, and free mental health services. Additionally, the city is exploring solutions such as building a tiny village of little houses to house the unsheltered population. Kindness, acceptance, and compassion make Asheville a wonderful place to live, and many locals are actively working to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. However, it's important to remember that the challenge of unsheltered people is not unique to Asheville, and addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach.

Addressing Misconceptions About Crime

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about the crime rate in Asheville on platforms like Reddit. However, visitors who explore downtown often find that it doesn't match the negative portrayal they've read about. It's important to observe and experience the city with your own eyes to form an accurate impression. Crime rates and types of crimes committed can be checked on a map for different areas of Buncombe County and Asheville, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about safety within the city.

Asheville, like most places in the country, faces the challenges of structural racial disparities and social inequality. The city is actively working to address these issues through various nonprofit organizations and initiatives. Additionally, Asheville has made a commitment to reparations, allowing individuals to support and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive community.

Racial Disparities

Asheville faces the challenges of structural racial disparities and social inequality. Asheville City schools, for example, have only 13% of black students in the same grades considered proficient in Reading compared to 75% of white students. The city also has a small black population, reported at 7% and dwindling, as communities have been separated by expansion and urban renewal, causing many black families to lose their opportunity for generational wealth through home ownership. This has led to economic disparities and gentrification that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Nonetheless, Asheville is actively working to address these issues through various nonprofit organizations and initiatives. Additionally, the city has made a commitment to reparations, allowing individuals to support and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive community. By supporting these initiatives, individuals can be a part of the solution to address racial disparities and work towards building a more just and inclusive community for all residents of Asheville.

Traffic and Airport Accessibility

Asheville's traffic is relatively light compared to larger cities, but the city has experienced challenges in maintaining infrastructure due to rapid growth. During peak tourist seasons, traffic congestion can occur, especially on highways like i26 during rush hour. However, locals often joke about the traffic compared to other cities.

Asheville does not have an international airport, but the city is working to accommodate its fast growth. Visitors may experience parking problems and flight delays during peak travel times, but the airport is relatively small, with short lines and quick processes.

Embracing Quirkiness

Asheville embraces diversity, authenticity, and quirkiness, making it a friendly and creative place to live.

Diversity and Inclusivity

Asheville is quite diverse, with many different groups of people from all walks of life. It's a liberal bubble in a red state, fostering tolerance and acceptance of all individuals.

Passions and Deep Conversations

Locals in Asheville are passionate about their hobbies and well versed in a wide array of subjects. Conversations run deep, and people enjoy engaging in meaningful discussions.

Finding Your People

Regardless of your level of quirkiness, Asheville offers a place for everyone. With various neighborhoods and areas to explore, you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and interests.

Community Involvement

Many locals in Asheville are actively working to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. Kindness, acceptance, and compassion make Asheville a wonderful place to live.

Finding the Right Fit

When considering a move to Asheville, it's important to find the right fit for your lifestyle and needs. Whether it's the cost of living, housing affordability, community involvement, or embracing quirkiness, Asheville offers a diverse range of options for residents. Here are some key factors to consider when finding the right fit in Asheville:

Cost of Living

Asheville's cost of living is 6% higher than the national average, with housing, utilities, and healthcare being more expensive than the state and nation's average. Consider your budget and lifestyle to determine if Asheville is the right fit for you.

Housing Affordability and Gentrification

Locals who have made Asheville special sometimes struggle to afford living in the city due to increased taxes and the cost of living, leading to economic disparities and gentrification. It's essential to consider the housing situation and affordability when finding the right fit in Asheville.

Community Involvement

Many locals in Asheville are actively working to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. If community involvement is important to you, Asheville offers opportunities to contribute and make a difference.

Embracing Quirkiness

Asheville embraces diversity, authenticity, and quirkiness, making it a friendly and creative place to live. Whether you're looking for a liberal bubble or a quiet, nature-filled area, Asheville has a place for everyone.

FAQs

Is Asheville an expensive place to live?

Yes, Asheville's cost of living is 6% higher than the national average, with housing, utilities, and healthcare being more expensive than the state and nation's average.

How does tourism impact the cost of living in Asheville?

Tourism has driven up housing prices, making it one of the most expensive places to rent in North Carolina. Additionally, the number of Airbnbs per capita in Asheville contributes to the housing situation, further increasing costs for locals.

What is being done to address the housing situation?

Local residents and organizations are working to find a balance between the influx of tourists and the housing cost and availability. Efforts are also being made to provide affordable housing options and address economic disparities caused by gentrification.

What is the situation with unsheltered people living downtown?

There has been an increase in the number of unsheltered people living in downtown Asheville since the pandemic. The city is exploring solutions such as building a tiny village of little houses to house the unsheltered population.

Is crime a major concern in Asheville?

While there are misconceptions about the crime rate in Asheville, it's important to observe and experience the city with your own eyes to form an accurate impression. Asheville also faces the challenges of structural racial disparities and social inequality.

How quirky is Asheville, and will I fit in?

Asheville embraces diversity, authenticity, and quirkiness, making it a friendly and creative place to live. Regardless of your level of quirkiness, there is a place for everyone in Asheville, and the community is known for its tolerance and acceptance of all individuals.

Ready to find your perfect fit in Asheville?

Whether it's affordability, community engagement, or embracing the city's unique quirks, there's a place for everyone in this vibrant community. Reach out today to start exploring your options and make Asheville your new home!

Phone: 828-523-9211

Email: beth@livinginasheville.com

Website: www.livinginasheville.com