WHY WNC?

It comes as no surprise to those of us already rooted in Western NC or those planning a future here that the approaching autumn season is a big draw for visitors and locals alike. So significant that USA Today recently placed Asheville in the “Top 10 best places to visit in the fall“.  Nothing beats the cooler temperatures and a backdrop of mountains bursting into fall color for enjoying outdoor recreation, festivals, and events among friends and neighbors. Our dual residents, or “snowbirds” as we call them, plan their departure back south around these sacred fall months to relish the colors and coolness absent from their coastal-bound winter residences.

For decades, our region has been renowned as a prime retirement destination, marked by our mountain cities consistently taking top positions on “best places to retire” lists in a predictable fashion.  This year, Hendersonville, NC was among the top 20 places to retire in the US according to Insider Monkey.  Having such a long-standing reputation for being an attractive area for retirees comes with many benefits. Our regional healthcare system is exemplary. We offer outstanding continuing education opportunities for an aging population at area colleges and universities. A vibrant arts and entertainment culture thrives throughout our mountains.   Outdoor recreation, from golf, hiking, fishing, and more, keeps our retiree population healthy and active.

People relocating from urban areas into Western NC don’t have to sacrifice “big city living” thanks to our vibrant and cultured region. Take Asheville’s restaurant scene, for instance, which continues to make headlines, most notably with James Beard Awards. These annual awards aim to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture.  Five James Beard Award-recognized restaurants and their chefs prove Asheville is a destination for foodies who enjoy a unique dining experience.

Stay tuned for future blog posts, including a look at how our region’s population growth is supported by our growing infrastructure and how our region measures up for prospective home buyers considering climate risk when shopping for their next community to call home.