5 Best Towns for Retirees Near Asheville, NC (2026 Guide)

If you're thinking about retiring to Asheville, NC, here’s something that may surprise you:

Some of the best retirement towns in Western North Carolina aren’t actually in Asheville itself.

In fact, many retirees choose to live just outside the city — where you’ll find quieter streets, lower median home prices, easier day-to-day living, and strong healthcare access.

As a local Realtor who specializes in helping people relocate and retire to Western North Carolina, I regularly guide clients through this exact decision.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Median home prices

• Population and town size

• Healthcare access and hospitals

• Lifestyle and community feel

And we’ll compare five of the most popular retirement towns near Asheville, NC:

• Hendersonville

• Weaverville

• Black Mountain

• Fletcher / Arden

• Waynesville

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A Quick Note on Home Prices

When comparing retirement towns near Asheville, we use median home price — not average.

Why?

Median gives us a clearer picture of what a typical home actually sells for.

For context, the median home price in Asheville is approximately $510,000.

Interestingly, one of the smaller towns on this list actually has a higher median price than Asheville. Let’s dive in.

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1. Hendersonville, NC

A Top Retirement Town Near Asheville

Hendersonville is arguably the most popular retirement town near Asheville.

Median Home Price

Approximately $425,000

This makes Hendersonville one of the more affordable retirement communities near Asheville while still offering:

• Single-level homes

• Condos

• Established neighborhoods

• Golf communities

• 55+ communities

Population

Roughly 16,000 residents — making it the largest town on this list.

You get more amenities than smaller towns, but without Asheville’s traffic or congestion.

Healthcare Access

Hendersonville offers some of the strongest healthcare access in Western North Carolina:

• Pardee UNC Health Care

• AdventHealth Hendersonville

For retirees prioritizing proximity to hospitals and specialty care, this is a major advantage.

Lifestyle & Community Feel

• Walkable Main Street

• Apple orchards and fall festivals

• Farmers markets

• Strong retiree community

If you’re searching for the best blend of charm, healthcare access, and affordability near Asheville — Hendersonville is hard to beat.

Search Homes for Sale in Hendersonville

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2. Weaverville, NC

Quiet Boutique Retirement Living

Weaverville sits just north of Asheville and offers a true small-town mountain feel.

Median Home Price

Approximately $525,000 — the highest on this list.

Why?

• Limited inventory

• High demand

• Very small housing supply

Not necessarily luxury — just simple supply and demand.

Population

Around 4,500 residents — making it the smallest town here.

Healthcare Access

Weaverville residents connect directly to:

• Mission Hospital

You’re about 20 minutes from the main campus and close to North Asheville clinics.

Lifestyle

• Cozy cafés

• Art galleries

• Quiet neighborhoods

• Slower, intentional pace

For retirees who want peace and proximity to Asheville — without living in the city — Weaverville is a top contender.

Search Homes for Sale in Weaverville

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3. Black Mountain, NC

Walkable Mountain Charm

Black Mountain consistently ranks as one of the most desirable small towns in Western North Carolina.

Median Home Price

Approximately $500,000

It’s a tight boutique market with steady demand and limited inventory.

Population

About 8,500 residents

Small — but vibrant.

Healthcare Access

• Mission Hospital East

• Mission Hospital

You’re covered for both everyday and specialty care.

Lifestyle

Black Mountain offers:

• One of the most active downtowns in the region

• Breweries and live music

• Walkability

• Wellness-oriented community

If walkability and mountain-town energy top your list, Black Mountain may be the best retirement town near Asheville for you.

Search Homes for Sale in Black Mountain

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4. Fletcher & Arden, NC

Suburban Convenience Between Asheville & Hendersonville

Located between Asheville and Hendersonville, Fletcher and Arden offer maximum convenience.

Median Home Price

Approximately $460,000

You’ll find:

• Newer construction homes

• Low-maintenance properties

• Predictable layouts

• Suburban-style neighborhoods

Population

Around 12,000 residents

Healthcare Access

• AdventHealth Hendersonville

• Mission Hospital

• Mission Health

Strong outpatient access and specialist coverage throughout South Asheville.

Lifestyle

• Grocery stores and shopping

• Flat terrain (easier mobility)

• Close to Asheville Regional Airport

• Parks and greenways

If you want ease, simplicity, and accessibility, Fletcher/Arden may be the most practical retirement location near Asheville.

Search Homes for Sale in Fletcher and Arden

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5. Waynesville, NC

Best Affordability with Mountain Scenery

Waynesville sits west of Asheville and offers some of the best value in Western North Carolina.

Median Home Price

Approximately $400,000 — lowest on this list.

Population

About 10,000 residents

Healthcare Access

• Haywood Regional Medical Center

• Mission Hospital

Lifestyle

• Walkable Main Street

• Art galleries

• Breweries

• Close to Maggie Valley for hiking and skiing

If affordability and mountain scenery matter most, Waynesville offers serious value for retirees moving to Western North Carolina.

Search Homes for Sale in Waynesville

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Which Retirement Town Near Asheville Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary:

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Thinking About Retiring to Asheville?

Retiring to Western North Carolina isn’t just about finding a house.

It’s about finding:

• The right healthcare access

• The right pace of life

• The right price point

• The right community

I’ve helped many retirees relocate to Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns, and I’d be happy to help you evaluate which area fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.

If you're exploring a move to Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Fletcher, Arden, or Waynesville — let’s talk.

Curious to learn more about moving to Western NC? Book a Call with Justin