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
High Hickory, Swannanoa
Situated just 10 miles from Asheville, this low-impact, sustainable neighborhood offers community gardens, trails, and shared outdoor gatherings for families who desire to live naturally.… read more
Situated just 10 miles from Asheville, this low-impact, sustainable neighborhood offers community gardens, trails, and shared outdoor gatherings for families who desire to live naturally. Surrounded by long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and acres of preserved natural space, this planned community offers an escape into nature.See more Mountain Communities.
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Nestled near Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this community offers walking trails, wellness center with pools, tennis and fitness programs, golf course, dining, and more. It’s… read more
Nestled near Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this community offers walking trails, wellness center with pools, tennis and fitness programs, golf course, dining, and more. It’s conveniently located 10 mins from the airport and 20 mins from downtown Asheville.
Biltmore Lake, Candler
This master-planned community nestled along Enka Lake offers arts and crafts style homes, cottages, custom builds, and land packages with stunning mountain and lake views. Enjoy miles of forest… read more
This master-planned community nestled along Enka Lake offers arts and crafts style homes, cottages, custom builds, and land packages with stunning mountain and lake views. Enjoy miles of forest and lake trails with access to canoeing, fishing, tennis, social gatherings, and lake beach for swimming. Just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the…
The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville
This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness… read more
This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community events and activities.
Carriage Park, Hendersonville
This gated, master-planned community offers stunning vista views with well-appointed homes, balancing remoteness and convenience. With the nearby charming small town of Hendersonville, residents… read more
This gated, master-planned community offers stunning vista views with well-appointed homes, balancing remoteness and convenience. With the nearby charming small town of Hendersonville, residents can enjoy shopping, dining, galleries, and more. Amenities include clubhouse, fitness center, indoor pool, community park, biking trails, walking trails, planned activities, lake, and more.
Bear Lake Reserve, Tuckasegee
This community offers mountain views and lakeside dwellings with a variety of home designs including villas, cottages, mountain lodge condos, custom homes, and homesites. Amenities include an… read more
This community offers mountain views and lakeside dwellings with a variety of home designs including villas, cottages, mountain lodge condos, custom homes, and homesites. Amenities include an amphitheater, hiking trails, onsite dining options, pools, hot tubs, fitness center, and private theatre. Enjoy the lake with rental options for boats, jet skis, canoes, and paddleboards.
Golf Communities
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Nestled near Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this community offers walking trails, wellness center with pools, tennis and fitness programs, golf course, dining, and more. It’s… read more
Nestled near Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this community offers walking trails, wellness center with pools, tennis and fitness programs, golf course, dining, and more. It’s conveniently located 10 mins from the airport and 20 mins from downtown Asheville.
