Top 10 “Smart Places to Live”  Kiplinger Personal Finance

Top 10 “Places to Buy a Second Home” MSN Money

Ranked in the Top 20 “Places to Retire in the World” Barrons Magazine   

“#1 Adventure Town” National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Top 10 “Best Places to Live” Frommers Cities

Ranked #2 of America’s Top 25 “Small Arts Destinations” American Style

Top 10 “Best Places to Live” MSN/Sperling Best Places

Named by Frommer’s as one of the world’s “most unique and enticing destinations” for 2007, visitors come from around the globe to experience the unique mountain artistry, recreational adventure and exceptional hotels and attractions of Asheville. Here, the best of nature’s treasures live side-by-side with the most opulent of man’s treasures. From the stunning accommodations of The Grove Park Inn and the lavish treasures of the nation’s largest home, George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, to the rustic appeal of mountain folk music, a fall drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or a hike through miles of mountain scenery, Asheville is a wonderful place to visit again and to live.

The city offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, night spots and theatres. More than 170 events are presented each year at The Diana Wortham Theatre. Local playhouses host live comedy and dramatic performances. June through September, the Asheville Downtown Association presents a free outdoor concert series on Park Square every third Friday.