Downtown Asheville
Downtown is where it all happens - the energy is incredible, you can walk everywhere, but yes, the tourists are real. Here's my honest take on living in the heart of Asheville.
Average 1BR
$1,800-$3,000+
Walk Score
91 - Paradise
Community Feel
Urban & Diverse
Tourist Density
Extreme
My Take on Downtown
I haven't lived downtown myself, but I'm there all the time - meeting clients at coffee shops, grabbing dinner, showing condos. Every time I drive from East Asheville into downtown and see the mountains behind the buildings, I think, holy shit, this is an awesome place to live.
The walkability downtown is incredible. You can walk to restaurants, shops, galleries, theaters - everything's right there. My friends who live downtown love not needing a car. They walk to work, walk to dinner, walk home from shows. Coming from Boston, I really appreciate that urban density in a mountain town.
Yes, the tourists are real, especially from April through October. But there's also this amazing energy - street musicians, festivals, art everywhere. The restaurants downtown are fantastic. Places like Cúrate, Chai Pani, Rhubarb - some of the best food in Asheville.
Why People Love Downtown
Walk to Everything
Everything's walkable - groceries, pharmacy, restaurants, concerts. Coming from Boston, this feels familiar and comfortable. My downtown friends love ditching their cars and just walking everywhere.
Never Miss Anything
All the festivals and events happen downtown. Pride parade, food festivals, busker festivals - you're at the center of it all. My friends just walk outside to see what's happening.
Incredible Restaurants
The food scene downtown is amazing. Cúrate for Spanish tapas, Chai Pani for Indian street food, Rhubarb for special occasions. Yes, it's pricey, but the quality is fantastic.
No Car Needed
Downtown is the one place in Asheville where you truly don't need a car. Walk everywhere, save on parking and gas. Several of my clients specifically chose downtown to go car-free.
Things to Consider
Tourist Season is Real
From April through October, downtown gets packed. Bachelorette parties, brewery tours, leaf peepers in fall. Your favorite restaurant might be booked solid. It's something to consider if crowds stress you out.
Higher Prices
Downtown prices reflect the tourist economy. Cocktails, meals, even groceries cost more. My downtown friends often drive to other neighborhoods for regular shopping to save money.
City Noise
It's an active downtown - street musicians, late-night crowds, early morning deliveries. The drum circle on Fridays, festivals on weekends. If you need quiet, higher floors or side streets are better.
Pricey Housing
Downtown housing tends toward luxury condos and updated apartments. The newer buildings are nice but expensive. Finding affordable options takes patience and often means older buildings.
My Downtown Recommendations
Great Local Spots
- All Day Darling - Where I take clients for coffee meetings
- Malaprop's - Independent bookstore and cafe, great community spot
- French Broad Chocolate - Local chocolate lounge, amazing desserts
- Battery Park Book Exchange - Books, wine, and cozy atmosphere
- Trade & Lore - Excellent coffee, good for work
Practical Stuff
- Earth Fare - Closest real grocery (Westgate)
- CVS - On Biltmore for basics
- YMCA - If you need a gym
- Pack Library - Free wifi, quiet space
Entertainment
- The Orange Peel - Major touring acts
- Diana Wortham Theatre - Actual culture
- Fine Arts Theatre - Indie films
- Pritchard Park - Drum circle Fridays
Finding Downtown Housing
I've shown lots of downtown properties. You'll find newer luxury buildings with amenities or older apartments with character. Both have pros and cons, and prices reflect the walkable location.
What's available:
- High-rise condos ($500k+ to buy, $2,500+ to rent)
- Apartments above shops ($1,500-2,500, noise included)
- Converted hotels ($1,800-3,000, tiny but central)
- The Arras or similar "luxury" buildings ($2,000+)
Pro tips:
- Higher floors = less street noise (crucial)
- Avoid anything on Biltmore Ave (loudest street)
- Check if utilities are included (they're expensive)
- Test the water pressure (old buildings = bad pipes)
- Visit on a Friday night to gauge noise levels
Downtown Living Tips
Find the local spots
Skip Biltmore Ave for food - walk a block over for better options and prices.
Time your errands
Early morning or evening shopping avoids tourist crowds.
Get to know locals
Regular spots mean familiar faces - you'll build community quickly.
Higher floors are quieter
If you're sensitive to noise, pay extra for upper floors.
Enjoy the energy
Downtown living means embracing the buzz - it's part of the charm.
Downtown Might Be Right If You...
✓ Love urban energy and walkability
✓ Want to ditch your car
✓ Work downtown or from home
✓ Enjoy restaurants and nightlife
Consider Other Areas If You...
✗ Need consistent quiet
✗ Find crowds overwhelming
✗ Are budget-conscious
✗ Want a yard or outdoor space
My Honest Downtown Take
I personally chose East Asheville for the quiet and green space, but I have friends who absolutely love downtown living. They walk to work, never worry about parking, and are always in the middle of everything happening. The energy is fantastic if that's what you're looking for.
Downtown reminds me of living in Boston - that same walkable, urban feel but in a much smaller package with mountain views. The restaurants are incredible, the arts scene is vibrant, and there's always something to do. Yes, tourist season gets intense, but the off-season is magical.
If you love city living, value walkability over space, and enjoy being where the action is, downtown could be perfect. My clients who choose downtown are usually coming from bigger cities and want to maintain that urban lifestyle. Just visit during peak tourist season first to make sure you're okay with the crowds!