Asheville Newcomer's Guide - Moving and Relocating Information

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Why People Are Moving to the Area?

If you are considering relocating to Asheville, then our guess is that the magnetic tug that has captivated the likes of Thomas Wolfe, George Vanderbilt and said authors, has got a firm hold on you as well. We are “glad you are here,” because no matter what walk of life you come from, Asheville will accept you into the diversity that makes this city what it is. Let us further draw you in with a sampling of what Asheville has to offer.

• In Asheville the quality of life is as high as our mountains, our weather is moderate, and our people are grounded with the earth.
   
• The areas around this cozy mountain town are full of natural beauty and an endless array of adventure.
   
• Asheville’s special connection with culture and arts is reflected in its architecture, events, and even the single individual meandering downtown.
   
• Although Asheville is known to be very progressive, the deep ties to its rich heritage and traditions can be seen through our celebrations, food, art, and native people.
   
• Asheville is home to many fine educational and health care institutions.
   
• With plentiful shopping, many gifted artists, numerous outlets for viewing and participation in athletics, and more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at, Asheville has plenty to offer year round.
• Asheville is home to countless colorful festivals, engaging plays and talented concerts, not to mention the lyric opera and symphony orchestra that rival cities twice its size.
   
• Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina making the center for manufacturing, transportation, tourism, health care, banking, shopping, and other professional services.

As you can see, Asheville is multifaceted. People are drawn to this beautiful area for its charm and energy. There is an old folk belief that the Cherokee tribe cursed the settlers of this area and future generations. Legend has it that all people who settle in the valley of Asheville are destined to come back even if they try to leave. Asheville has held the mind of the author captive for over a decade, and won't let him go. Therefore, this ole boy thinks there might just be some validity to that old legend. Like a magnet, Asheville has and will continue to draw many of us to this nucleus of Western North Carolina.

Helpful Moving and Relocating Resources

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Real Estate Asheville Real Estate Guide.		For Renters Asheville Renting Section.
Employment Jobs & Employment Guide.		Education Asheville Education Section.
Health Care Traditional Health Care. Alternative Health Care.		Banking Banks Credit Unions
Clubs & Interest Groups Local Clubs & Interest Groups		Buncombe County Libraries Buncombe County Libraries
Government & Public Safety Numbers Information & Important Contact Info

Asheville Economy

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The Asheville area economy is healthy and maintains consistent growth. According to the Asheville Metro Business Research Center at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, "a balance of economic drivers, centered around the area’s quality of life amenities and major demographic trends, will support this durable pattern." Figures show that our economy has strengthened in recent years, while our unemployment rate is below both the state and national average.

For more information about economic figures, trends, and future outlooks, check out the Chamber of Commerce Demographics & Regional Data.

Asheville Population Statistics

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Population Growth	1990	2000	2005 (est.)	% change 1990-2000
Asheville City	61,607	68,889	69,308	11.8%
Buncombe County	174,821	206,330	217,531	18.0%
Asheville and Surrounding Counties	308,000	369,171	391,007	19.9%
North Carolina	6,628,637	8,049,313	8,642,283	21.4%
United States	248,709,873	281,421,906	296,460,069	13.2%

Median Age	1990	2000	2005
Asheville City	37.8	39.2	39.9
Buncombe County	36.8	38.9	39.6
Asheville and Surrounding Counties	38.0	40.2	40.9
North Carolina	33.2	35.3	36.1
United States	32.8	35.3	36.3

Asheville Utilities

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Electicity

Progress Energy
800-452-2777
www.progress-energy.com
A deposit is required unless the customer has a positive credit history or a guaranteed contract signed by a current Progress Energy customer in good standing. The deposit is two times the average monthly bill of the dwelling to be occupied.

Gas

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PSNC Energy
877-776-2427
www.psncenergy.com/en/
Provides gas service to the Asheville-Buncombe area.

Water and Sanitation

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Regional Water Authority
828-251-1122
www.ashevillenc.gov
A twenty-five dollar non-refundable service fee plus a hundred dollar deposit is required. The Water Authority offers next working day installation.

Metropolitan Sewer District
828-255-0061
Contact for sewer connections.

City of Asheville Garbage Collection
828-251-1122
www.ashevillenc.gov
The City of Asheville collects trash once per week. All garbage must be placed in a maximum of six bags, cans or roll-out containers. Bags must be on the curb by 8:00am on your collection day. Call for more info or to arrange large item pickup. Waste drop-off facilities are also available, call for more details.

Garbage Collection Outside City Limits
Those living outside city limits must contract with a private hauler for trash collection. There are many available in the phonebook but the primary private residential hauler for Buncombe county is GDS.

GDS
828-253-3929

Telephone

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AT&T, formerly Bellsouth (Serving most of Asheville-Buncombe county)
888-757-6500
866-620-6000
www.bellsouth.com

Verizon (Serving Woodfin and Weaverville)
800-483-4000 (residential)
800-483-5300 (commercial)
www.verizon.com

Cable and Satellite Television

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Charter Communications
800-955-7766
www.chartercom.com

Dish Network
www.dishnetwork.com

DirectTV
www.directv.com

Drivers License & Vehicle Tags

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Drivers License

New residents must apply for a NC driver’s license within 60 days of relocating to the state. Vision and knowledge tests are required, and road tests are given at the discretion of the examiner.

DMV Offices

600 Tunnel Rd. (US 70 E)
Asheville NC, 28805
828-298-4544

1624 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
828-251-6065

Vehicle Tags

NC Motor Vehicle Tag Agency
85 Tunnel Rd #18B (Innsbruck Mall)
Asheville, 28805
828-252-8526

NC Motor Vehicle Tag Agency
153 Smokey Park Hwy #8
Asheville, 28806
828-667-2104

More information from www.DMV.org

Voting

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You may register to vote in Asheville and Buncombe county 30 days after establishing residence. You must register more than 25 days prior to election. You may register by mail, at the board of elections office, at all public libraries, and at all public high schools.

Board of Elections

Physical Location:
189 College St.
Asheville NC, 28801
828-250-4200

Send Mail to:
P.O. Box 7468
Asheville NC, 28802

Transportation

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Airport/Airlines

Asheville Regional Airport
708 Airport Rd. Fletcher, NC 28732
828-684-2226
www.flyavl.com
The Asheville Regional Airport is committed to serving Western North Carolina with a "safe, efficient, and pleasant travel experience," at affordable and competitive rates. AVL is served by Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and US Airways. Visit our Asheville Airport page for more information on the Asheville Regional Airport and other airports near Western NC.

Buses - Public

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Asheville Transit System
360 West Haywood Street
asheville, NC 28801
828-253-5691
www.ashevilletransit.com
The Asheville Transit System provides customers with a high level of clean, reliable, affordable and safe transportation to all parts of the city and much of the surrounding area including hospitals, schools, malls, universities, and residential areas.

Buses - Private

Greyhound-Trailways Bus Lines
2 Tunnel Rd Asheville, NC 28805
828-253-5353
800-231-2222
www.greyhound.com
Provides passenger service.

Young Transportation
843 Riverside Dr Asheville, NC 28804
828-258-0084
www.youngtransportation.com
Local company that provides passenger service, charters, service for conventions, and tour services.

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Taxes

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Asheville Buncombe County Sales Tax is 7% with several exceptions in the areas of industrial, agricultural, and consumer purchases. Motor vehicle sales tax is 3%.

Property tax information can be found at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce's: