North Asheville
I haven't lived in North Asheville, but I've shown lots of homes here and have friends who love it. It's more spread out, more affordable, and yes - you'll definitely need a car.
Average 1BR
$1,100-$1,500
Walk Score
35 - Car Required
Community Feel
Family-Friendly
To Downtown
10-15 min drive
What I Know About North Asheville
From showing homes here and talking with residents, North Asheville offers something different - more space for your money, actual parking, yards for dogs. It's more suburban, but that's exactly what some people are looking for.
Merrimon Avenue is the main corridor, and yes, it's got your Trader Joe's, Target, and chain restaurants. But there are also fantastic local spots - Chai Pani for Indian food, Gan Shan Station for Asian cuisine, High Five Coffee where I sometimes meet clients.
The folks I know here love it. Young families who wanted yards, professionals who work from home, people who prefer quiet neighborhoods. And yes, plenty of LGBTQ+ folks who chose space and affordability. Like everywhere in Asheville, it's welcoming.
What's Great About North Asheville
Better Value
You get so much more space for your money here. 2-bedrooms with actual amenities for less than West Asheville studios. Many places include washer/dryer, parking, even garages. It's practical.
Room to Spread Out
Real yards for gardens or dogs. Driveways where you're not playing parking Tetris. Some of my clients moved here specifically for the space after feeling cramped elsewhere.
Nature Access
Beaver Lake is beautiful for morning walks or runs. Quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. UNC Asheville has great trails. It's quieter and greener than central Asheville.
Convenient Shopping
Everything you need is here - Trader Joe's, Target, multiple grocery stores. Plus local gems mixed in. It's actually where I do a lot of my shopping because it's so convenient.
Things to Consider
Car Dependent
This isn't a walkable neighborhood like West Asheville. Merrimon Avenue isn't pedestrian-friendly, and things are spread out. You'll drive to coffee shops, restaurants, everything. Just how it's designed.
Less Spontaneous Social Life
Unlike West Asheville or downtown, you won't bump into friends at coffee shops. Social plans require more intention and driving. Some people love the quiet, others miss the energy.
Quieter LGBTQ+ Scene
It's more suburban, so fewer visible Pride flags than West Asheville or downtown. But the LGBTQ+ folks I know here feel perfectly comfortable. It's just quieter about everything, not specifically about being queer.
More Chain Stores
Yes, there are more chains than local businesses compared to other neighborhoods. But honestly, sometimes it's nice to grab what you need at Target. The local gems are here too, just mixed in.
North Asheville Neighborhoods
Five Points / UNCA Area
The most walkable part of North Asheville, thanks to the university. Younger energy, good coffee shops, some sidewalks. The UNC Asheville botanical gardens are absolutely beautiful - I love running through there.
Beaver Lake
Beautiful residential area with real houses and yards. The lake loop is perfect for morning walks or runs. Very peaceful, family-friendly. The kind of neighborhood where people wave when you pass.
Merrimon Avenue Corridor
Lots of apartment complexes and condos here. Super convenient to all the shopping. Yes, there's traffic noise, but you're close to everything. Good value for people who prioritize convenience.
Grove Park Area
The higher-end part of North Asheville, near the Grove Park Inn. Beautiful homes, quiet streets, mountain views. I've shown some stunning properties here. Still more affordable than similar homes in other neighborhoods.
My North Asheville Recommendations
Great Local Spots
- Gan Shan Station - Fantastic Asian cuisine, always packed for good reason
- Chai Pani - Amazing Indian street food, absolutely worth visiting
- Cecilia's - Authentic Mexican food, local favorite
- High Five Coffee - Great coffee, I meet clients here sometimes
- Fresh Market - Nice grocery store with great prepared foods
Nature Access
- Beaver Lake - Nice 3-mile loop for walking
- UNC Asheville trails - Hidden gem for quick hikes
- Botanical Gardens - Free and beautiful
- Blue Ridge Parkway - 10 minutes to the entrance
Finding a Place Here
North Asheville has lots of housing options - apartment complexes, rental houses, condos, rooms near UNCA. The variety is great, though some properties are older and could use updates.
What you'll find:
- Older apartment complexes with good bones and decent amenities
- Single-family homes, many with nice yards
- Newer complexes with updated features
- Student housing near UNCA (affordable but can be lively)
Price ranges:
- Studio/1BR: $900-$1,400
- 2BR apartment: $1,200-$1,800
- 3BR house: $1,800-$2,500
- Room in shared house: $500-$800
North Asheville Might Work If You...
✓ Want more space for your money
✓ Have a car and don't mind using it
✓ Dream of having a yard or garden
✓ Prefer quiet neighborhoods
Consider Other Areas If You...
✗ Need walkable neighborhoods
✗ Want a more visible LGBTQ+ scene
✗ Prefer urban density
✗ Love spontaneous social encounters
My Thoughts on North Asheville
I haven't lived in North Asheville myself, but I've helped many clients find homes here, and they're genuinely happy. The extra space, the yards, the better prices - for many people, these things matter more than being able to walk to breweries.
My friends who live here love it. They have gardens, their dogs have yards, they can actually park their cars. Yes, they drive more, but they've got beautiful homes and peaceful neighborhoods. It's a different pace of life.
The LGBTQ+ folks I know in North Asheville are doing great. They host dinner parties, have amazing gardens, meet for hikes. It's quieter than West Asheville, but that's exactly what some people want. If you value space, nature access, and affordability over walkability, North Asheville could be perfect.