2014 Best College Towns in America Include Asheville North Carolina

Asheville makes the list again, this time as one of America’s Best College Towns this time recognized by Travel & Leisure. Fresh mountain air can truly stimulate the brain power for those seeking higher education in North Carolina.  Add to the formula trendy restaurants, art galleries, chic and happening bar venues, plus ski resorts and folks will discover the 7th ranked college town of Asheville, North Carolina. Here students and their families living in gated communities will find many exciting and historic things to do in addition to finding some of the most valuable educational experiences in the country.  

Asheville is a quaint yet modern mountain town filled with activity, great real estate opportunities and incredible colleges.  In the heart of Asheville, is the scenic Biltmore Lake.  Established over 100 years ago by aristocrat George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore Estate attracts over a million visitors yearly.  Meandering through this picturesque town, people will find the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the Southeast (outside of Miami).  The Biltmore Lake spreads across 62 acres and with the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby this region is also a great choice for winter sports, especially skiing.  

For those looking for exhilarating winter sports there are 2 ski resorts found nearby. Beech Mountain Resort is located in the Town of Beech Mountain and has an elevation of 5506 feet above sea level.  Built in 1967, Beech Mountain Resort has both day and night skiing as well as a charming Alpine Village filled with unique shops, enticing restaurants and lots of fun and activities for all.  The other resort found here is Sugar Mountain Resort and is located in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina.   Sugar Mountain features 125 acres of skiable terrain and also offers tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing as well as dining, lodging and shopping at the Sugar Mountain Sports Shop.

In addition to Biltmore Lake and winter sports, the nightlife found here is totally “less than dull” and many happening destinations make this college town ROCK.  Whether it’s grabbing a frothy beer at “Jack of the Wood” while listening to bluegrass music, designer cocktails with scenic views at the rooftop “Social Lounge” or perhaps joining locals on Friday nights at the “drum circle” in Pritchard Park for a less traditional night out, Ashville offers endless possibilities.

Adventurers willing to sample some “true mountain brews” should schedule an Asheville brew tour. Brew-ha-has can taste some unique concoctions at the local breweries and enjoy watching the process of how the brews are made while imbibing the creations.  Here are a few to explore:

• Appalachian Mountain Brewery
• Lost Province Brewing Company
• Blowing Rock Brewing Company

There are 16 outstanding universities in the North Carolina higher education system.  Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Appalachian State University (ASU) where ambitious learners will find a great place to start their career paths.  ASU is located in the historic town of Boone, North Carolina and is named after the legendary wilderness explorer, Daniel Boone.  Besides being a notable academic institution the region is filled with tons of outdoor adventures as well as city life nearby.  For a study break, try walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge to Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, the highest destination point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or bike over 200 scenic trails offered in the Pisgah National Forest near many Western North Carolina gated communities.

Known for its extremely affordable education, ASU ranks 7 out of 592 schools by “MyPlan.com’s” student rankings for “Overall Satisfaction and Happiness with Choice”.  The tuition and fees also include a textbook rental program that helps curb the costs over the four-year tenure.  Offering 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, students have a wide array of opportunities through its multiple colleges found here.  Walker College offers an elective entrepreneurship program and to date over 1,000 alum are active entrepreneurs.  With a mission statement of “Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all” students will be assured success when entering this acknowledgeable University.

Here are the Colleges found at ASU:

• College of Art and Science
• College of Fine and Applied Arts
• Reich College of Education 
• Walker College of Business
• University College

Another Asheville University, UNC Asheville (University of North Carolina) is a commendable institution found in this academic region.  Though smaller than others in the system, the environment here allows students to explore the world as well as choose from 30 majors offered here at the only dedicated “liberal arts” university in the University of North Carolina system.  While enjoying all the amenities that Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer, students can focus on an intellectually rigorous education that thrives on developing workforce skills that will ensure a career in this booming city.  While classroom learning is the focus, creativity and intellectual exploration are encouraged with special programming offered to develop broader thinking skills.  Success in life is the key goal when completing a degree here.

While in this majestic region, parents looking for the right education option for their young adults should consider a second home or possibly relocating to this “piece of paradise” where job opportunities are booming.  Here are a few options to consider.

In Asheville, Biltmore Lake located in “America’s Happiest City” has easy access to Blue Ridge Parkway and is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Asheville.  This prime piece of real estate features “Rustic Mountain Architecture” green homes priced in the low $300 k’s.  Whether it’s an upscale home or traditional abode, the supreme quality of life and community activities make this a perfect place to retire or build a mountain getaway.  It’s a region where nature sets the backdrop while living the ultimate “American Dream”.  Biltmore Lake offers rolling hills and tranquil mountain views of Mount Pisgah and the serene Biltmore Lake which draws thousands annually. Within the property, there are 4.2 miles of walking and biking trails, parks, fishing piers and the prestigious Biltmore Lake Clubhouse. Only 15 minutes from downtown, families seeking good schools, name brand shopping and the Asheville Regional Airport will appreciate this Asheville real estate.   For the convenience of its residents, there is “The Village” that offers retail shops, restaurants and services as well.  The amenities found at Biltmore Lake include:

• 62 Acre Private Lake
• Lakefront Clubhouse
• Fishing Pier/Kayak Storage
• Community Parks
• Children's Playground
• Tennis Courts
• Ball Courts
• 4.2 Miles of Dedicated Walking Trails

One of the finest gated communities near downtown Asheville is Southcliff located in Fairview which is located less than a 10 minute drive to all the action found in downtown Asheville.  Situated on 400 acres with 50% preserved as green space, this sought after neighborhood backs up to statuesque forests, James Creek and has panoramic views of Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pisgah and Hickory Nut Gap.  Comprised of 7 neighborhoods and 3 townhome villages, individual style is reflected in Craftsman, cottage and farmhouse architecture found here.  With only 200 single family homes and 100 townhomes planned, now is the time to grab this great real estate find. 

There are no added expenses of extras here like a private golf club, but outdoor sports to satisfy “chic” Baby Boomers are nearby. This mountain community is also near great schools, hospital care and is quite affordable with lots that can be found in the high $100 k’s up to over $1 million.  Downtown Asheville offers “city life” filled with tantalizing restaurants, artistic gatherings, music festivals and of course shopping venues.  Southcliff has a 24-hour manned gated entrance, 5 community parks and 6 miles of walking trails for exercise enthusiasts. This is the 'smart' place to slow down and enjoy all that life has to over after a day at school.

If looking for a vacation getaway, weekend retreat, or second home, one of the closest gated communities to consider walking distance to downtown Blowing Rock is Chetola Resort and next door to Boone, North Carolina, one of the best small towns in the High Country which also made the list at position #18 on the list of America’s Best College Towns by Travel & Leisure. With all the amenities of a vacation resort, there are approximately 260 Chetola Resort condos built here as well as seasonal rental programs at affordable prices.  Originally established in the mid 1800’s as “the Manor House Estate”, Chetola Resort condos for sale range from one bedroom to four bedroom units.  This austere Chetola Lake property has 87 acres and borders Moses Cone National Park with 25 miles of hiking and horseback trails.

The High Country of North Carolina also features 4 ski slopes, 8 golf courses, multiple fishing streams and is only 3 miles away from the infamous Appalachian Ski Mountain.  With Blue Ridge Parkway less than one mile away, this charming “neighborhood” filled with classic street lights and timber bridges crossing James Creek, also offers a Spa for pampering with relaxing massages, and even anti-aging procedures for those discerning “seniors”.  There is also a fully staffed fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi at the Chetola Club for those who enjoy working out.  Chetola Resort also has activities for the little ones at “Chetola’s Kid Camp.”  This captivating piece of real estate provides the perfect retreat when visiting loved ones at universities nearby. When shopping village real estate in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Chetola Resort is a must see. Here are the outstanding amenities offered here:

• 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance
• The Manor House - Timberlake Restaurant and Guest Lodge
• Indoor Heated Swimming Pool
• Full Service Spa
• Fitness Center
• Three Tennis Courts
• Private Lake
• Walking Trails

While visiting or living in the High Country, revelers may want to partake in some of the events planned this season:

New Year’s Eve Firework and Torchlight Skiing at Appalachian Ski Mountain  in Blowing Rock – December 31, 2014 from 5:00pm to 11:59pm – Ring in the New Year with fireworks, torchlight skiing and festive restaurant specials 9pm to midnight.  For more info call: 828-295-7828

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort – November 28 through January 25, from 5:30-9:00pm. – Celebrate the holiday at Blowing Rock with a dazzling light display around Chetola Lake viewing ice skaters and illuminated holiday displays.

Whimmy Diddles n’ Flipper Dingers TOYS OF APPALACHIA Exhibit – October 10 through February 1, 2015 from 10am to 5pm at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum – Visitors will see toys and learn the history about toys  traditionally made and played in Southern Appalachia. For more info call: 828-295-9099

Buckeye’s New Year’s Eve Family at Beech Mountain – December 31, 2014 from 5pm – 9pm at the Buckeye Recreation Center.  All the fixings will be provided as well as food, games, music and an early “New Year” celebration for the kids.  This is a FREE family event.  For more info or to RSVP call 828-387-3003.

Folks looking for village real estate in Blowing Rock or one of the ‘smart’ best neighborhoods in Asheville, living in Western North Carolina will not disappoint. Ask to be introduced to our trusted colleagues who can show you these neighborhoods and more or to learn more about Asheville or Blowing Rock, ask to receive free Asheville Relocation Information. It’s our pleasure to help!