Start Here: LGBTQ+ Asheville Moving Guide
If you're reading this wondering whether Asheville might be your next home, you're in the right place. I'm Dylan, a gay Realtor and cortado enthusiast who moved here from Boston in 2019. This guide gathers everything I wish I'd known into one friendly hub.
What's on this page
1. Why Asheville?
- Casually queer – Asheville adopted a nondiscrimination ordinance in 2021 covering sexual orientation and gender identity. Here being LGBTQ+ is part of everyday life.
- Big-small balance – You get small-town friendliness with big-city cultural energy. Live music, indie film screenings and art shows without feeling anonymous.
- Coffee & craft – Independent cafés and breweries dot every neighborhood. Cortados are how I measure a city's soul, and Asheville ranks high.
- Outdoor playground – The RAD greenway and Blue Ridge Parkway offer easy access to running, cycling and hiking.
- Creative energy – Street art, drag shows, poetry readings and open mics happen weekly.
2. What it costs to live here
- Rent & utilities: ~$1,748/month
- Food: ~$683/month
- Transportation: ~$80/month
- Comparative costs: About 3% above U.S. average
3. Where to live
Each area has its own vibe. Click through for full guides:
4. Your rights & healthcare
- Nondiscrimination ordinance – In April 2021, Asheville City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Marriage & adoption – Same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ adoption are legal nationwide.
- Healthcare – The city hosts LGBTQ+-friendly doctors, therapists and clinics.
- Work & employers – Many local employers are openly inclusive.
5. Community & culture
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Saturday September 27, 2025 from 11am–6pm at Pack Square Park. Expect drag shows, a welcome procession and over 200 vendors.
Key Community Spots:
Bars & Venues
- O.Henry's – Oldest gay bar in NC
- Banks Ave Bar – Drag shows, pool, skee-ball
- The Odd – West AVL music venue with queer vibes
Community Spaces
- Firestorm Co-op – Radical bookstore & community space
- Emote – Check Instagram for events
- Suede – Follow on IG for parties
Coffee & Food
- Haywood Famous – West AVL coffee hub
- Shakey's – Neighborhood spot
- Good Hot Fish – Amazing seafood
- Neng Jr's – Vietnamese
- DayTrip – Cafe/bar vibes
Regular Events
- Tuesday volleyball at Highland Brewing
- Drag brunches (various venues)
- Queer hiking groups
- Open mics & poetry nights
6. Working & daily life
- Remote-work ready – Fiber internet up to 1 Gbps is widely available. Starlink during emergencies (Helene showed its value).
- Job sectors – Healthcare, tourism, education and tech drive the economy.
- Coworking spaces – HatchWorks, Mojo and The Collider create community.
- Daily rhythm – My days involve early runs on the RAD greenway, cortados at Summit Coffee, client showings and volleyball at Highland Brewing.
7. Practical logistics
Short-Term Rentals
BANNED in city limits (except some downtown zones). Check regulations carefully if you're planning to Airbnb.
Internet & Utilities
- Internet: Spectrum, AT&T, Frontier (fiber available)
- Power: Duke Energy (generators important post-Helene)
- Emergency backup: Starlink proved valuable during Helene
Libraries & Resources
- Pack Memorial Library – Main downtown branch
- Local branches – West, North, East, South locations
- Digital resources – Free with library card
Transportation
- Asheville Regional Airport connects to major hubs
- Downtown is walkable; buses cover most routes
- Car helpful for exploring beyond downtown
8. Latest from the blog
The blog is where I share honest comparisons, moving tips and weekend itineraries.
City comparisons
Weigh Asheville against places like Portland or Austin.
Moving guides
Real talk about relocating, making friends, housing market.
Weekend guides
"Your Gay Friend's Perfect Asheville Weekend" and more.
Survival tips
Post-Helene housing shifts, budgeting, real experiences.
9. Next steps & staying connected
- Bookmark this guide – It updates regularly as laws and market data change.
- Sign up for weekly tips – Tuesday-morning market updates and local stories.
- Let's talk – Schedule a chat or tour homes.
- Follow me – Daily life on Instagram (expect volleyball and Wesley cameos).
Moving is a leap. Asheville isn't for everyone—but if you're drawn to mountains, community and a place where being gay is just part of daily life, I'm here to help you land on your feet.