Why People Love to Retire in Western North Carolina
Life in Western North Carolina provides the best of all worlds. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains you are certain to discover new friends, hobbies, events, and passions, as well as enjoy all the perks of living near the city of Asheville. Historically people have always loved and travelled to this region. It has been considered a uniquely special place by tourists and residents for hundreds of years and was sacred to the Cherokee for thousands of years before that. So, what makes WNC different from other places? We have listened to our community and here is what they say:
- A mild climate with 4 distinct seasons
- Unforgettable scenery and access to nature
- Nationally ranked healthcare and wellness providers
- Broad cultural and creative history
Most of all, the biggest reason people fall in love with North Carolina and retire to the mountains is we are home to some of the nicest, kindest people in the world.
- Explore Your Ideal Retirement Location In Western North Carolina -
Asheville
Asheville, known as the “Paris of the South,” is home to a variety of vibrant and innovative scenes, including arts, crafts, music, food, brewing, entrepreneurial, outdoor sports, and wellness communities. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Smokies, where the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers meet Asheville is a unique city where small town, local business vibes merge with a bustling tourism economy. Asheville provides access to many different activities, attractions, educational opportunities, groups, events, and volunteer positions. If you are passionate, creative, and want to spend your retirement connecting, growing, and trying new things then you are guaranteed to find something you love.
Brevard
Brevard is a scenic hidden gem in Western North Carolina. Located one hour from Asheville in the “land of the waterfalls” Brevard is where outdoor recreation meets the arts, music, and local business. Build a life deep in the gorgeous, captivating beauty of the North Carolina mountains, but still enjoy the creativity, flavors, and excitement from around the state and the country. Your retirement will be enhanced by your close proximity to Brevard College, Brevard Music Center, The White Squirrel Festival, Pisgah Forest, and a wide variety of galleries, restaurants, and breweries. If you’ve dreamed of retiring surrounded by flora, fauna, and the special magic of the forest, if you want to spend your golden years in nature, then Brevard may be the place for you.
Hickory
Hickory, NC is the largest city in the Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir region with a rich history connected to the American railroad and manufacturing. Situated close to Highway 40 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, halfway between Asheville and Greensboro, Hickory is home to a NASCAR Motor Speedway, over 25 parks, a beautiful lake, art studios, community theatre performances, boutique museums, and more. Whether you want peace and quiet, access to kid-friendly activities, the chance to go on romantic getaways, or an interest in scenic camping you will have a variety of things to do when you retire in Hickory. Discover what retirement can be and design the lifestyle you’ve always imagined!
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is known as the front porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only 15 miles east of Asheville, NC. It’s also ranked as “One of the 50 Safest Towns in North Carolina." Residents and visitors alike of Black Mountain enjoy a wide variety of amenities. Take in the shops, restaurants, and three different breweries. It's home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and art galleries. There's a variety of walking, hiking, camping, fishing as well as lakes, and waterfalls to enjoy. Don’t miss out on global arts festivals such as LEAF and the annual Sourwood Festival. There is such a wealth of activity and natural beauty. It's no wonder that Black Mountain was recently voted by TripAdvisor users as one of the “Prettiest Small Towns in America to Vacation.”
Hendersonville
Hendersonville, North Carolina is centrally located between Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as “the city of four seasons,” Hendersonville offers a walkable and historic downtown full of restaurants, bars, and shops, all in close proximity to outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, ziplines, rafting, kayaking, and more. It is also home to unique museums, wineries, breweries, cideries, apple orchards, live music venues, and multiple downtown festivals. If you are looking to get to know your neighbors, participate in local events, escape the stress of city life, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the mountains then this may be the perfect place to retire in North Carolina.
Tryon
Tucked into the escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Tryon. It's easy summers and moderate winters attract visitors and long term residents alike. Looking for a charming mountain escape? Tryon's the perfect spot. Almost equally distant to Greenville, SC, Spartanburg, SC and Asheville, NC. It often touts itself as “close enough to everything, but not too close for comfort.” Once home to both author F. Scott Fitzgerald and singer Nina Simone. It’s not surprising that Tryon is celebrating over 125 years as “The Friendliest Town in the South.” Settle down among scenic beauty, local arts, and thriving wine vineyards. Retirement dreams do come true in the town of Tryon.
Weaverville
Weaverville, North Carolina is a picturesque mountain town located just North of Asheville. Residents can easily access all of the metropolitan perks of being near a city, while living a peaceful, country lifestyle. Weaverville’s charm comes from its creative spirit, natural beauty, and kind people. Despite its small size, Weaverville is home to a thriving Main Street culture that features delicious flavors, local shops, live music, and the chance to meet your neighbors. Downtown is very walkable and just down the road from Main Street is the lovely Lake Louise, gifted to the town by local residents in 1936. Looking to retire in the country, but close to all kinds of services and activities? Then look no further!
Asheville
Asheville, known as the “Paris of the South,” is home to a variety of vibrant and innovative scenes, including arts, crafts, music, food, brewing, entrepreneurial, outdoor sports, and wellness communities. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Smokies, where the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers meet Asheville is a unique city where small town, local business vibes merge with a bustling tourism economy. Asheville provides access to many different activities, attractions, educational opportunities, groups, events, and volunteer positions. If you are passionate, creative, and want to spend your retirement connecting, growing, and trying new things then you are guaranteed to find something you love.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is known as the front porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only 15 miles east of Asheville, NC. It’s also ranked as “One of the 50 Safest Towns in North Carolina." Residents and visitors alike of Black Mountain enjoy a wide variety of amenities. Take in the shops, restaurants, and three different breweries. It's home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and art galleries. There's a variety of walking, hiking, camping, fishing as well as lakes, and waterfalls to enjoy. Don’t miss out on global arts festivals such as LEAF and the annual Sourwood Festival. There is such a wealth of activity and natural beauty. It's no wonder that Black Mountain was recently voted by TripAdvisor users as one of the “Prettiest Small Towns in America to Vacation.”
Brevard
Brevard is a scenic hidden gem in Western North Carolina. Located one hour from Asheville in the “land of the waterfalls” Brevard is where outdoor recreation meets the arts, music, and local business. Build a life deep in the gorgeous, captivating beauty of the North Carolina mountains, but still enjoy the creativity, flavors, and excitement from around the state and the country. Your retirement will be enhanced by your close proximity to Brevard College, Brevard Music Center, The White Squirrel Festival, Pisgah Forest, and a wide variety of galleries, restaurants, and breweries. If you’ve dreamed of retiring surrounded by flora, fauna, and the special magic of the forest, if you want to spend your golden years in nature, then Brevard may be the place for you.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville, North Carolina is centrally located between Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as “the city of four seasons,” Hendersonville offers a walkable and historic downtown full of restaurants, bars, and shops, all in close proximity to outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, ziplines, rafting, kayaking, and more. It is also home to unique museums, wineries, breweries, cideries, apple orchards, live music venues, and multiple downtown festivals. If you are looking to get to know your neighbors, participate in local events, escape the stress of city life, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the mountains then this may be the perfect place to retire in North Carolina.
Hickory
Hickory, NC is the largest city in the Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir region with a rich history connected to the American railroad and manufacturing. Situated close to Highway 40 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, halfway between Asheville and Greensboro, Hickory is home to a NASCAR Motor Speedway, over 25 parks, a beautiful lake, art studios, community theatre performances, boutique museums, and more. Whether you want peace and quiet, access to kid-friendly activities, the chance to go on romantic getaways, or an interest in scenic camping you will have a variety of things to do when you retire in Hickory. Discover what retirement can be and design the lifestyle you’ve always imagined!
Tryon
Tucked into the escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Tryon. It's easy summers and moderate winters attract visitors and long term residents alike. Looking for a charming mountain escape? Tryon's the perfect spot. Almost equally distant to Greenville, SC, Spartanburg, SC and Asheville, NC. It often touts itself as “close enough to everything, but not too close for comfort.” Once home to both author F. Scott Fitzgerald and singer Nina Simone. It’s not surprising that Tryon is celebrating over 125 years as “The Friendliest Town in the South.” Settle down among scenic beauty, local arts, and thriving wine vineyards. Retirement dreams do come true in the town of Tryon.
Weaverville
Weaverville, North Carolina is a picturesque mountain town located just North of Asheville. Residents can easily access all of the metropolitan perks of being near a city, while living a peaceful, country lifestyle. Weaverville’s charm comes from its creative spirit, natural beauty, and kind people. Despite its small size, Weaverville is home to a thriving Main Street culture that features delicious flavors, local shops, live music, and the chance to meet your neighbors. Downtown is very walkable and just down the road from Main Street is the lovely Lake Louise, gifted to the town by local residents in 1936. Looking to retire in the country, but close to all kinds of services and activities? Then look no further!