Asheville Ranks in Top 20 of US News & World Report’s 25 Best Places to Live in the US

Asheville, North Carolina, has been recognized as one of the top 20 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2024-2025 by US News & World Report. The city, known for its cultural mecca of independent breweries, art studios, and five-star restaurants, ranked 17th on the list.

The report highlighted Asheville’s unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains providing residents with the perks of civilization amid remote natural landscapes. Asheville also scored well in quality of life, ranking 10th among the 150 cities analyzed.

One of the standout features of Asheville is its short commute times, averaging just 22 minutes, and its excellent air quality, ranking eighth in the country. The city’s population size is 113,353, with a median home price of $400,587 and a median household income of $69,429.

In addition to Asheville, three other North Carolina cities made it onto the list: Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro. Charlotte was ranked fifth for its job market, desirability, quality of life, and value. Raleigh, in sixth place, was praised for its access to prestigious universities and quality healthcare. Greensboro, at 23rd, was noted for its affordability, economic growth, and historical significance.

Overall, Asheville’s recognition as one of the best places to live in the U.S. reflects its unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and high quality of life.