Why People Move Here

Black Mountain and Swannanoa sit in the Swannanoa Valley, about 15 miles east of Asheville. People move here for the small-town feel, the mountain views and a downtown where you can walk to local shops, restaurants, galleries and live music.

Neighbors look out for each other, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. You'll find four mild seasons, short commutes without much traffic and trails, lakes and forests just minutes from home.

Whether you're planning to retire, raise a family or start a new chapter, this guide pulls together what we've learned from living here and from local experts, residents and business owners.

Buying a Mountain Home: 8 Things to Know

Buying in the mountains is different from buying in the city or suburbs. Working with an agent who knows the area makes a big difference. Here's what to ask about before you fall in love with a property.

1. Private roads. Many homes in Western NC are on privately maintained roads, where neighbors handle upkeep. Most lenders want a written road maintenance agreement in place, so ask your Realtor® early.
2. Views come with trade-offs. A home high on a mountain can be hard to reach in snow or ice. Look at how steep the road and driveway are, how much sun they get and who clears the snow.
3. Soil stability. Erosion and past grading can affect roads, driveways and homes. It's worth having the ground looked at in the area you're considering.
4. Parking. Some beautiful homes have tight or tricky driveways. Think about how many cars you have, guests and room to turn around.
5. Shared wells. These are common. Make sure the shared well agreement is recorded, and ask about maintenance costs, water pressure and repair access.
6. Shared septic systems. Less common, but they're out there. Find out the type, location, ownership and how costs are shared.
7. Septic permits and bedrooms. The land can limit the size of the septic system, which limits how many bedrooms a home can legally have. Check the septic permit with your Realtor®.
8. Internet, TV and cell service. Some rural spots have limited internet and spotty cell coverage. Check what's available at the address before you buy, especially if you work from home.

This list isn't everything, but it's a good place to start.

Financing Your Move

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, the money side of buying a home is a lot to sort out. A few things to work through early:

Know where you stand

• Take a clear look at your current finances
• Budget for moving costs
• Understand closing costs and fees

Mortgage options and pre-approval

• Compare loan types, such as fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA and reverse mortgages
• Get pre-approved before you start shopping
• Work with someone local

Tips for better financing

• Improve your credit score where you can
• Keep your debt-to-income ratio in check
• Ask about down payment assistance programs and grants

Why a local lender matters

A local lender knows the area and the market, and sellers and agents here know they can count on a smooth, on-time closing. When there are several offers on a house, that can be the difference between getting the home or not. Local lenders also live here and care about how things go for you after closing.

Local Experts for Your Move

Whether you're building, buying, selling or figuring out financing, these local professionals know the neighborhoods and the lifestyle here. From Black Mountain and Swannanoa to Old Fort and the greater Asheville area, they can help you find your place.

Utilities and Town Services

Schools

Healthcare

Retirement and Aging

Getting Involved

Volunteering, joining a church or club and showing up at local events are some of the best ways to meet people and feel at home fast. Check our event calendar to see what's happening this week.

Everyday Services

Is your business missing, or has something changed? Let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions