Is Asheville, NC, a good place to retire? As one of the top 20 Best Places to Live in the US, Asheville, NC, is a perfect spot to put down roots in your golden years. Retiring in Asheville, NC, promises temperate weather, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and countless recreation opportunities.
Why Asheville, North Carolina is a Top Retirement Destination
Asheville, NC, has long been a popular spot for retirement in the US, thanks to its tranquility and vibrancy. With just under 100,000 residents, Asheville maintains a cozy small-town feel with all the amenities of an urban center. If you’re looking for a scenic place to relax, learn, and stay active, you should definitely consider retiring in Asheville, NC. Find out more about this amazing town and its many benefits for retirees.
Experience the Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
There’s a reason John Denver described the Blue Ridge Mountains as “almost heaven.” This vast mountain range (spanning eight states in the Southeast) offers stunning natural landscapes perfect for hiking, camping, or simply admiring.
In the winter, active residents who retire in Asheville, NC, can also enjoy skiing along the Blue Ridge Mountains at several nearby resorts, such as Cataloochee and Hatley Pointe.
A Welcoming, Retiree-Friendly Community
If you’ve ever wondered whether Asheville, NC is a good place to retire, consider that over 20% of the population is 65 or older! US News ranked Asheville as #4 on their list of best places to retire because so much of the community is built around enjoying later years in life. From a bustling arts scene to endless shopping and dining options, retiring in Asheville, NC, is a no-brainer.
A Hub for Arts, Culture, and Creativity
If you have a flair for the arts, you’ll love retiring in Asheville, NC. Enjoy peaceful walks along the historic River Arts District, where you’ll find artists working in nearly every medium. Whether you’re hoping to add something to your collection or take a class to create your own masterpieces, the options are endless.
Find more inspiring works at the Asheville Art Museum. Since 1948 this museum has proudly displayed collections of American art and also offers learning programs, workshops, and special events.
If music is more your scene, Asheville has plenty of that. For classical connoisseurs, pay a visit to the Asheville Symphony or Lyric Opera Company. The town also hosts an annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival with live bands, clogging, storytelling, and more.
Mild Seasons and Outdoor Adventure Year-Round
Thanks to its 2,000-foot elevation and proximity to the French Broad River, Asheville enjoys mild temperatures year-round. You’ll get to experience all four seasons, but the average temperature in winter stays around 40 degrees, and summers hover in the 70s.
This climate is perfect for retirement—especially if you love the outdoors. Explore the Pisgah National Forest, hike under a waterfall at Dry Falls, or cruise along Blueridge Parkway to experience “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive.”
Endless Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
One of the best parts about retiring in Asheville, NC, is the entertainment. Taste award-winning farm-to-table food at one of Asheville’s many culinary spots, walk Fido to a dog-friendly brewery patio, and savor Appalachian cuisine at a North Carolina-style barbecue.
For shopping experts, you’ll love the many antique shops, farmers markets, specialty stores, and the highly-rated Tanger Outlets.
Retiring in Asheville also means visiting its many attractions and hotspots like the Biltmore Estate, the Antique Car Museum, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Asheville Pinball Museum.
Asheville’s Affordable and Diverse Housing Options
From cozy cottages to modern condos, there are countless options for retirement living in Asheville, NC. Join a 55+ community like Givens Estates or Julian Woods, or find a quaint home in the historic Montford neighborhood.
There are also countless apartment complexes, rental properties, and single-family homes available in Asheville, depending on your preference and budget.
Next Steps for Your Family to Transition into Retirement
If you’re ready to retire in Asheville, NC, it’s time to really nail down your retirement plan. What is your monthly budget? How much money will you be receiving from your various accounts? Have you signed up for Medicare and Social Security benefits?
All of these steps and more are crucial for a successful retirement. It’s important to be aware of your assets, and how you plan to use them during this phase of life. Using financial advisors in Asheville, NC, is a great way to get started.
Ready to Call Asheville, NC Home?
At Retire True North, we help people retire in Asheville, NC, by reviewing their finances, sorting through their taxes and benefits, and finding the best solutions for their individual retirement plans. Learn more about TruNorth financial advisors today to schedule a meeting and take the first step toward retiring in the gorgeous city of Asheville.