West Asheville
This was my first home in Asheville, and honestly, it was exactly what I was looking for — walkable, friendly, and you can actually get places without driving.
Average 1BR
$1,400-$1,800
Walk Score
82 - Very Walkable
Community Feel
Welcoming & Diverse
Coffee Shops
So Many Options
My West Asheville Experience
When I first moved to Asheville from Boston, I landed in West Asheville, and it was perfect. I could open my front door, walk down the steps, and go for a run. Or walk to Odd's Cafe for breakfast. Or hit up Taco Billy for lunch. Or get my hair cut. The walkability was incredible — I could even walk downtown in about 20-25 minutes, which was a really pleasant walk.
Coming from Boston where everything was congested, West Asheville gave me this amazing feeling of freedom. I could actually breathe. I wasn't on top of my neighbors (though West Asheville is definitely one of the more dense parts of Asheville). I could walk my dog down to the river or run to the park without dealing with city traffic.
The whole stretch of Haywood Road has everything you need. There's this fantastic mix of shops, restaurants, and services. And like everywhere I've lived in Asheville, I had gay and lesbian neighbors, which made it feel comfortable from day one. It's just a welcoming place where you can be yourself.
What Makes West Asheville Special
True Walkability
This is one of the few places in Asheville where you can actually walk to get things done. Groceries, coffee, dinner — it's all right there. After living car-dependent in other places, this felt amazing.
Community Feeling
There's a real sense of community here. People know each other. Local businesses support each other. It's the kind of place where you run into people you know at the coffee shop.
Great Food Scene
From breakfast at Sunny Point to tacos at Taco Billy to nice dinners out, West Asheville has fantastic food options. Plus new places opening all the time, which I love.
Access to Nature
You can walk or bike to the river, hit the greenway, or get to parks easily. It's this nice balance of neighborhood living with nature access.
Things to Know
Parking Considerations
Parking on Haywood Road can be challenging, especially on weekends. The side streets often have permit parking. But honestly, the walkability makes up for it — you don't need your car as much.
Rising Costs
West Asheville has gotten more expensive over the years. When I lived there, it was already trending up. But compared to Boston, it still felt affordable, and you get a lot for what you pay.
The Haywood Road Split
The interstate cuts through Haywood Road, which can make getting from one part to another a bit awkward. There's a bridge, but it's something to be aware of when looking at places.
Places I Love in West Asheville
Coffee & Breakfast
- Odd's Cafe - Great breakfast spot, was one of my regular places
- Sunny Point Cafe - Amazing brunch, expect a wait on weekends but worth it
- Battlecat Coffee Bar - Fantastic coffee and pastries
- Summit Coffee Co - They have a truck now that I stop at after runs
Food Favorites
- Taco Billy - Honestly, some of the best tacos in town
- The Admiral - Special occasion spot with incredible food
- Jargon - Newer spot that's absolutely fantastic
- Nine Mile - Caribbean food that's amazing
Outdoor Access
- French Broad River - Walk or run along the river
- Carrier Park - Great for dogs and has a farmers market
- The Greenway - Perfect for biking or longer runs
Finding a Place Here
When I lived in West Asheville, I found the housing to be a mix — some newer apartment complexes, converted houses split into units, and single-family homes. The closer you are to Haywood Road, the more expensive it tends to be, but also the more walkable.
One thing I loved was the variety of housing styles. It's not all the same, which gives the neighborhood character. You might find a craftsman bungalow next to a newer condo building. The mix works somehow.
If you're looking here, I'd suggest actually walking or driving around the neighborhood at different times. Morning, evening, weekends — get a feel for it. Some streets are quieter than others, and being a block or two off Haywood can make a big difference in terms of noise and parking.
My Journey From West Asheville
I absolutely loved living in West Asheville, but after a while, I was ready for something different. I'd gotten my fill of being deeply connected to the city and the culture of Asheville. I'd made my connections and felt comfortable exploring other neighborhoods.
I moved to South Asheville next, which gave me more space and reminded me of growing up in Florida with its more suburban feel. But West Asheville was the perfect landing spot when I first moved here. It gave me that walkable, community-oriented lifestyle I was looking for after Boston.
Would I Recommend West Asheville?
Absolutely. If you're moving to Asheville and want to feel connected to the community quickly, West Asheville is fantastic. The walkability alone makes it worth considering — there aren't many places in Asheville where you can live without constantly driving.
It's more expensive than some other neighborhoods, and parking can be a challenge, but the trade-offs are worth it if you value being able to walk to coffee, restaurants, and shops. Plus, the community here is genuinely welcoming. It's a great place to start your Asheville journey.