Asheville is no ordinary town. The city has a population of over 68,000 and the greater county population is approximately 200,000. It is unusual because it is small in number, yet cosmopolitan in outlook. It is a community that is known for family-oriented neighborhoods, higher education, filmmaking, the arts, medicine, tourism, and outdoor adventure. It is also a popular and long-standing setting for Christian ministries, with many summer camps headquartered in the surrounding mountains. It is nestled in the midst of the Great Smokies, America's most visited national park, and surrounded by millions of acres of National Forest land. The Blue Ridge Parkway begins west of the city and wraps around the city on its way north.

Cultural wealth

Asheville offers newcomers ample cultural experiences. The Asheville Symphony chamber ensembles and local colleges promote the fine arts. Blue grass and folk art have earned the area a national reputation, while adding variety and depth to the community. Hundreds of artists and artisans make their home in Asheville. The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival and community theater showcase live drama regularly. Historians say Asheville has the nation's second largest collection of Art Deco buildings (after Miami). Asheville is also home to America's largest privately owned house. The Biltmore Estate completed in 1895 welcomes visitors year-round to the summer home of George Washington Vanderbilt. Eight thousand acres boast the house, gardens, the winery and three restaurants. The Grove Park Inn, a tourist resort in downtown Asheville has entertained many famous visitors, Thomas Edison, Franklin Roosevelt and William McKinley to name a few. A historic and well-preserved city center has sparked urban renewal, and new opportunities for downtown ministries are abounding. The downtown area caters both to the tourist trade and local populace, with unusual local boutiques and crafts, sidewalk cafes, professional ice hockey and Class A baseball.

Spectacular natural beauty

The southern Appalachians include the largest conglomeration of National Forest land in the Eastern United States. Based in Asheville are the National Forest Service Headquarters, the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters, the NOA Weather Station, Southern Research Station, the North Carolina Arboretum, and hundreds of outdoor recreation services. There are four National Forests/Park Lands totaling over 2.5 million acres. The picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway cuts through Asheville itself. The Appalachian Trail and the Mountain to the Sea Trail are two well-known trails that attract backpackers and hikers from all over the world.

Outdoor attractions include whitewater rafting, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, skiing, tubing, fly fishing, fishing, mountain biking, day hiking, and family camping. Over 2,000 miles of hiking trails and 11,000 miles of wild streams and rivers enhance the natural beauty. The highest peak in Eastern North America is Mount Mitchell (over 6,800 ft.), located approximately 15 miles north of Asheville. From the highest peaks to the deepest gorges, this region ranks second in the world for floral diversity.

Rural land abounds, but so do colleges and universities. The largest university in the region is Western Carolina University, located approximately 50 miles southwest of Asheville. Other institutions of higher education in the Asheville area: The University of North Carolina at Asheville, Montreat College, Mars Hill College and Warren Wilson College. Located just south of Asheville is Brevard College. Access to continuing education and advanced degrees are readily available.

High elevation and rugged beauty over the years have made this an ideal setting for Christian retreat and conference centers. Hundreds of Christian camps for children, thousands of hiking miles, the spectacular beauty of God's creation makes Asheville the center for ministry in the East. The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Ridgecrest Conference Center (Southern Baptist), Ridgehaven Conference Center (PCA) and Montreat Conference Center (PCUSA) are just a few of the denominational conference centers located in this area.

Asheville Christian Academy has over 70 churches represented among its school family. From places to worship to communities to live in and raise a family, Asheville is a truly unique location - and a superb place to live.

Nearby Locations (approx. driving time)

  • Charlotte, NC 2 1/2 hours
  • Boone, NC (snow skiing) 1 1/2 hours
  • Gatlinburg, TN 3 hours
  • Atlanta, GA 4 hours
  • Charleston, SC 4 hours