Home of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina is one of the best places in the United States to own a home, relocate to, retire, and vacation. With year-round access to scenic natural beauty, world-renowned fly fishing, outdoor recreation activities, and proximity to the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah Forest, it’s no wonder that various travel publications have consistently ranked Asheville, NC, as one of the best places to live. Aside from Asheville proper, Western North Carolina is filled with welcoming cities and charming mountain towns. Check out our list of 40 Cool Mountain Small Towns near Asheville. (Feature photo: The Cliffs at Walnut Cove)
Photo: Avalon Mountain Community in Waynesville
If you’re interested in living in a mountain community and finding your dream home, Western North Carolina is just the place. Whether you’re looking for a small-town lifestyle with big-city amenities or you prefer quiet and peaceful mountain views, mountain communities in NC offer an incomparable quality of life. There are hundreds of unique mountain communities in Western North Carolina to choose from, including gated mountain communities.
Photo: Walking Trails in The Ramble Biltmore Forest
Would you like to live in a mountain community with a wellness center and planned social activities? Or a mountain community with easy access to parks, biking, and hiking trails? Some mountain communities include golf courses and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Others include pet- and family-friendly walking trails, waterfalls, tennis and fitness programs, and fine dining at the clubhouse.
Photo: Golf course at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Explore the best mountain communities in North Carolina to find your perfect mountain home. Regardless of what community you choose, in Western North Carolina you’ll enjoy the fresh, mountain air and peaceful views.
Featured Communities
Tryon Estates, CCRC-NC
A resort-like senior community in the NC Foothills, Tryon Estates provides the most desirable aspects of active retirement living, while offering Acts Life Care®️ which protects your nest egg as… More Information
Simple Life-The Hamlet, Flat Rock
Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Hamlet embodies a peaceful mountain lifestyle. Step into a Simple Life tiny home community that invites residents to embrace a life of… More Information
Fletcher Park Inn, Hendersonville
Fletcher Park Inn is a retirement community that offers a variety of independent lifestyle options, including apartments and villa homes. Fletcher Park Inn is owned and operated by Fletcher… More Information
Givens Estates
Givens Estates is a non-profit Life Plan Community, also known as a continuing care retirement community. Located on 215-acre campus in Asheville, NC. Givens Estates offers a wide range of… More Information
Givens Highland Farms
Givens Highland Farms is a licensed Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Black Mountain, NC offering a full range of services for a complete healthcare… More Information
Intentional and Sustainable Communities
Explore Asheville-area intentional and sustainable communities—cohousing neighborhoods, ecovillages, regenerative farms, and off-grid enclaves—highlighting places like Terra Futura, Westwood Cohousing, and Earthaven. Learn features: green building, renewable energy, shared amenities, local food, governance, wellness.
College Walk, Brevard
Situated on 33 beautiful acres, College Walk features the finest in Independent Living and Assisted Living. With stunning surroundings, outstanding services, and an abundance of amenities, … More Information
