Asheville, NC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Asheville, NC: What You Need to Know

Asheville is located in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the seat of Buncombe County and the largest city (population: 92,870) in Western North Carolina.

Things to Do in Asheville

A visit to Asheville is not complete without a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road around the Blue Ridge Mountains with lots of paved overlooks. The portion of the parkway near Asheville offers stunning views and access to hiking trails. Most tourists flock to the Biltmore House, America’s largest home. George Vanderbilt, a grandson of the industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt, constructed the 250-room French Renaissance castle on 8,000 acres of land in 1889. The house was completed in 1895. Be sure to visit the winery when you’re at the estate.

A Progressive Local Culture

The South isn’t known for liberalism, but Asheville manages to stay progressive. Its slogan is, “Keep Asheville Weird.” The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center carries the torch of progressive education associated with Black Mountain College (BMC), which opened in 1933 and closed in 1957. The college was owned and operated by the faculty, and fostered the belief that the arts are central to learning. Today the museum preserves BMC’s legacy through its collection and educational activities. To enjoy the city’s quirkiness, visit the Ashville Pinball Museum downtown, the Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum, and the Antique Car Museum. 

The Cost of Living in Asheville

A beautiful mountain setting has its price. Asheville’s cost of living rate and food costs are 1.8% and 9.3% higher than the national average respectively. The housing cost is 4% lower than the national average. The median gross rent in the city is $1,001; the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,237. In North Carolina, you’ll be paying a flat rate of 5.25% in income tax and 4.75% in statewide sales tax. Counties charge additional sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

A vibrant downtown, scenic mountain views, and great schools are all a big draw for living in Asheville where 50% of all residents rent. Suburbanites might want to check out Weaverville, a quiet and quaint town with excellent schools, only 10 miles away from Asheville. Mills River is farther from the city, but it has highly ranked schools and lots of outdoor activities. 

The Local Weather and Climate

Asheville usually gets only 10 inches of snow per year versus the national average of 28 inches. Imagine the surprise of residents when a storm dumped 8 inches of snow on Dec. 9, 2017, one of the city’s worst storms. Asheville averages 44 inches of rain annually compared with the national average of 38 inches.