New - 1 Hour Ago
$125,000
Active
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Beds
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Baths
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Sqft
0.92
Acres
211 Tom Fazio Tc #342, Hendersonville, NC 28739
MLS#: CAR4410699
Champion Hills in Hendersonville: One of the Best Golf Communities Near Asheville for Active Retirees
Bottom Line
If you're looking for an upscale golf community that combines luxury homes, outstanding amenities, and a convenient location, Champion Hills deserves to be at the top of your list. Tucked into the forests just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, this private community offers an active lifestyle centered around a nationally recognized Tom Fazio golf course while maintaining the peaceful mountain setting that draws so many people to Western North Carolina.
One of Champion Hills' biggest strengths is its balance. Unlike some private golf communities that feel isolated or require a significant drive for everyday errands, Champion Hills offers the best of both worlds. You can spend the morning on the golf course, meet friends for lunch at the clubhouse, and still be downtown Hendersonville in just a few minutes enjoying local restaurants, shops, or one of the town's many festivals.
For retirees looking for an active, social community with a true mountain feel—but without sacrificing convenience—Champion Hills is one of the strongest values you'll find among luxury golf communities near Asheville.
Overview
Champion Hills is widely regarded as one of the premier private golf communities in Western North Carolina, and it's easy to understand why. Built around a spectacular Tom Fazio-designed golf course, the community combines luxury homes, exceptional amenities, and a welcoming social atmosphere that appeals especially to retirees relocating to the mountains.
One thing that separates Champion Hills from many other golf communities is its location. There simply aren't many golf-centered communities near Asheville that offer this level of convenience to town. Rather than feeling isolated, residents enjoy the privacy and beauty of a mountain setting while remaining just minutes from everyday conveniences.
This is also a great example of why many of my relocation clients ultimately choose Hendersonville instead of Asheville. Asheville certainly has more nightlife and a larger restaurant scene, but Hendersonville offers a slower pace of life, less traffic, and a charming downtown that feels more like classic small-town America. Between the seasonal festivals, locally owned restaurants, boutique shopping, and vibrant Main Street, there's always something happening without the hustle and bustle that comes with a larger tourist destination.
Champion Hills delivers an upscale lifestyle that feels luxurious without feeling pretentious. Compared to similar private clubs throughout Western North Carolina—and even across the Carolinas—it also represents excellent value.
Location
Champion Hills sits just a few minutes outside of historic downtown Hendersonville, making it incredibly convenient for grocery stores, healthcare, restaurants, shopping, and everyday errands. Asheville Regional Airport is an easy drive away, and downtown Asheville remains close enough for concerts, fine dining, or a day exploring the city.
What surprises many first-time visitors is how peaceful the community feels despite being so close to town. As you wind through the entrance, mature hardwoods surround the roads, homes are thoughtfully tucked into the landscape, and it immediately feels like you've escaped into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is exactly the type of setting many buyers picture when they imagine retiring in Western North Carolina: quiet, wooded, and scenic—without giving up the convenience of modern amenities.
Home & Neighborhood Design
Champion Hills is made up primarily of custom single-family homes, although a newer section called Chimney Crossing offers upscale townhomes that are perfect for buyers seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Whether you travel frequently or plan to spend only part of the year in Western North Carolina, these homes provide a lower-maintenance option without sacrificing quality.
Most of the community was developed during the late 1990s and early 2000s, giving Champion Hills a mature, established feel. Unlike newer developments where landscaping is still growing in, this neighborhood feels settled. Large hardwood trees, native vegetation, and beautifully maintained common areas create the impression that the homes were carefully woven into the surrounding forest rather than built on top of it.
That mature landscaping is one of my favorite features of Champion Hills. Throughout the community, towering trees create privacy and shade while reinforcing the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Many buyers tell me this is exactly what they imagined when they pictured living in the Blue Ridge Mountains—a home tucked into the woods with nature all around.
Typical homes are around 3,500 square feet, although it's not uncommon to find properties exceeding 4,500 square feet. Depending on location, homes may overlook the Tom Fazio golf course or enjoy spectacular long-range mountain views. Properties with premium mountain vistas tend to command higher prices and remain especially desirable.
While Champion Hills feels well established, it's not completely built out. Vacant lots continue to be developed, giving buyers the opportunity to purchase newer construction alongside existing homes.
Home Prices
The median home price throughout Henderson County hovers around $400,000, but Champion Hills occupies an entirely different segment of the market.
Today, buyers can generally expect entry-level pricing to begin around $700,000, while the community's median sale price is close to $1 million. The most desirable homes with exceptional views, premium lots, and updated finishes typically sell between $2 million and $2.5 million.
Compared to other luxury golf communities near Asheville, Champion Hills offers compelling value.
For example, at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, entry-level homes often begin around $1.6 million, with many sales occurring closer to $2.5 million. While Walnut Cove offers a phenomenal luxury lifestyle, Champion Hills provides a much more attainable opportunity for buyers seeking a private golf community without sacrificing quality or amenities.
For many retirees, Champion Hills hits a sweet spot between luxury and value.
Amenities
The centerpiece of Champion Hills is undoubtedly its beautiful Tom Fazio-designed golf course, consistently recognized as one of the finest private golf courses in North Carolina.
But life here extends well beyond golf.
Residents also enjoy:
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Private clubhouse
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Resort-style swimming pool
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Tennis courts
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Fitness center
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Dining
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Numerous social clubs and events throughout the year
Whether you're interested in golf, tennis, fitness, or simply building friendships with neighbors, there are countless opportunities to stay active and engaged.
Lifestyle
Champion Hills attracts a large number of retirees, many of whom have relocated from other parts of the country. That creates a welcoming atmosphere where meeting new people comes naturally.
The community strikes a balance that I really appreciate.
It's undeniably upscale, but it doesn't feel stuffy or overly exclusive. People are active, friendly, and genuinely enjoy participating in community events.
Another thing that sets Champion Hills apart is that your entire life doesn't have to revolve around the club.
In some private golf communities, the neighborhood itself becomes your entire social world simply because there's little else nearby. Champion Hills feels different. Residents enjoy everything the club has to offer while also taking advantage of Hendersonville's restaurants, festivals, breweries, shopping, and vibrant downtown.
For many buyers, that's the ideal retirement lifestyle: a strong sense of community without feeling isolated.
Who It's Best For
Champion Hills is an excellent fit for buyers who:
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Want an upscale, amenity-rich lifestyle
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Love golf or want access to one of the best private golf courses in Western North Carolina
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Prefer mature landscaping and a true mountain setting
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Value privacy and being surrounded by nature
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Want luxury living without feeling disconnected from town
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Appreciate Hendersonville's slower pace, lighter traffic, and charming downtown
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Prefer Hendersonville's relaxed atmosphere over Asheville's more eclectic, tourist-oriented vibe
What Buyers Love
Residents consistently tell me they love:
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The Tom Fazio golf course
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Excellent tennis and fitness facilities
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The welcoming community atmosphere
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How easy it is to make friends after relocating
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The mature trees and beautiful landscaping
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Incredible golf course and mountain views
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Feeling tucked away in the forest while remaining close to town
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Easy access to Hendersonville's restaurants, festivals, shopping, and healthcare
Champion Hills offers an upscale lifestyle that feels approachable, relaxed, and authentically Western North Carolina.
Things to Consider
No community is perfect, and Champion Hills is no exception.
The biggest considerations include:
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HOA dues and optional club membership costs
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Many homes are now 20–30 years old, so buyers should pay close attention to roofs, HVAC systems, windows, and interior updates
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While Hendersonville offers a wonderful quality of life, buyers specifically seeking Asheville's arts scene, nightlife, breweries, and eclectic culture may find it a bit quieter than expected
Fortunately, many of these older homes have already been tastefully renovated, and updated properties continue to command strong buyer interest.
Nearby Alternatives
If Champion Hills isn't quite the right fit, here are three other communities worth considering:
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove — A more exclusive luxury golf community with significantly higher pricing, greater seclusion, and a stronger resort feel.
Cummings Cove — A more affordable golf community with average prices around $600,000. While it offers good value, it lacks Champion Hills' mature landscaping and tucked-into-the-forest character, and it's a bit farther from downtown Hendersonville.
Kenmure — Located in nearby Flat Rock, Kenmure features attractive homes averaging around $825,000. The community feels slightly older and quieter, making it appealing for buyers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
My Take as a Local Realtor
Champion Hills continues to be one of my favorite communities to recommend for retirees looking for luxury without excess.
One interesting trend I've noticed is that the community's median days on market sits around 60 days, compared to roughly 30 days across Henderson County as a whole. In my opinion, that statistic requires some context.
Many of the slower-selling homes are simply properties that haven't been updated. Today's buyers have more inventory to choose from than they've had in years, and homes with original finishes often struggle unless they're priced appropriately.
The sweet spot in today's market seems to be homes priced between $1.2 million and $1.5 million. These properties typically offer updated interiors, stronger lots, better views, and tend to sell much faster—around 24 days on market.
If I were helping a client purchase in Champion Hills today, that's generally the price range I'd encourage them to focus on. In my opinion, that's where buyers are finding the best overall value in the neighborhood.
FAQs
Is Champion Hills a good place to retire?
I think Champion Hills is one of the best retirement communities in Western North Carolina for buyers looking for an active lifestyle. Between the Tom Fazio golf course, tennis, fitness center, clubhouse, and busy social calendar, it's easy to stay active and meet people after relocating. The convenient location near downtown Hendersonville also means you can enjoy life outside the gates instead of relying solely on the club for entertainment.
Is Hendersonville or Asheville better for retirees?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on the lifestyle you're looking for.
If you want a larger city with more restaurants, breweries, arts, and nightlife, Asheville may be the better fit.
If you're looking for a slower pace, lighter traffic, a charming Main Street, and a more traditional small-town atmosphere, Hendersonville is often the better choice. Many of my relocation clients begin their search focused on Asheville but ultimately choose Hendersonville because it offers many of the same mountain benefits in a quieter setting.
Should I retire in Hendersonville or Asheville?
Both are excellent places to retire, but they appeal to different personalities.
Retirees who enjoy a vibrant urban environment with a strong arts and music scene often gravitate toward Asheville.
Those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, easier day-to-day living, and a close-knit community frequently find Hendersonville to be a better long-term fit. Communities like Champion Hills allow you to enjoy Hendersonville's pace of life while still being close enough to Asheville whenever you want to spend the day there.
Why are so many retirees moving to Hendersonville, NC?
Hendersonville checks a lot of boxes for retirees.
The area offers four distinct seasons, beautiful mountain scenery, excellent healthcare, a walkable downtown, numerous festivals and community events, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Compared to Asheville, many retirees appreciate Hendersonville's slower pace, reduced traffic, and more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the airport and all of Western North Carolina's attractions.
Is Hendersonville less expensive than Asheville?
Generally speaking, yes.
While prices vary significantly by neighborhood, buyers can often find more home for their money in Hendersonville than in comparable Asheville neighborhoods. Champion Hills is a great example. Although it's a luxury community, it often provides a more attainable entry point than some of the premier golf communities closer to Asheville while still delivering an exceptional lifestyle.
Is Champion Hills gated?
No. Champion Hills is a private community, providing residents with added privacy and a peaceful environment, but there is no gate. The neighborhood's winding roads, mature forests, and limited through traffic contribute to its quiet, secluded feel.
Do you have to join the golf club to live in Champion Hills?
Club membership options can change over time, so it's always worth confirming the current requirements. Some buyers purchase specifically for the golf lifestyle, while others are drawn by the beautiful homes, mature landscaping, mountain setting, and convenient location near Hendersonville.
What are the best golf communities near Asheville?
Several outstanding golf communities serve the Asheville and Hendersonville area, each with a different personality and price point.
Champion Hills is an excellent option for buyers seeking luxury amenities, a Tom Fazio golf course, and close proximity to downtown Hendersonville.
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove offers an even more exclusive luxury experience at a significantly higher price point, while Cummings Cove provides a more affordable golf lifestyle. Kenmure is another popular choice, particularly for buyers who prefer Flat Rock and a more established community.
Is Champion Hills worth the price?
For many buyers, yes.
Champion Hills delivers a rare combination of luxury homes, exceptional golf, mature landscaping, and an active social lifestyle while remaining close to everyday conveniences. Compared to many private golf communities throughout the Carolinas, I believe it represents excellent overall value, particularly for buyers shopping in the $1 million to $1.5 million price range.
How far is Champion Hills from downtown Hendersonville and Asheville?
Champion Hills is only a few minutes from downtown Hendersonville, making restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, and healthcare incredibly convenient.
Downtown Asheville is also an easy drive, allowing residents to enjoy concerts, fine dining, breweries, and cultural events without living in the middle of the city's busier environment. Many residents appreciate having access to both communities while calling Hendersonville home.
Final Thoughts
Champion Hills offers something that's surprisingly difficult to find in Western North Carolina: an exceptional private golf community that feels peaceful and immersed in nature while remaining just minutes from one of the region's most charming downtowns.
If you're searching for an active retirement community near Asheville, appreciate mature landscaping and a true mountain setting, and want the flexibility to enjoy both club life and everything Hendersonville has to offer, Champion Hills should absolutely be on your shortlist.
As someone who works with relocation buyers every day, I believe it's one of the strongest values among luxury golf communities in Western North Carolina—and one that's well worth exploring if you're considering a move to the area.
-Justin Grogan, REALTOR and Asheville Real Estate Advisor
