Year after year, Asheville is consistently listed among the top places to retire in America. It’s no surprise with so much to do and see in the area. Our location here at Ardenwoods, set between Asheville and Hendersonville, gives us a unique advantage to enjoy all that each city has to offer. After all, staying active and connected to the community is hugely beneficial to our health. Here are our top five favorite things about living in Western North Carolina:

- The food scene. While dining at Ardenwoods is just like eating out at a restaurant every single day, we love to stop by local eateries every so often for a change in scenery. Multiple times a month, we go out to restaurants in Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and beyond. Some of our favorites are Milton’s, Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian, Chestnut and Rendezvous.
- The baseball diamond. Asheville is home to the Tourists, a High-A minor league baseball team, and the games are chock full of a good time — food, beer and friends gathering to enjoy America’s pastime. Affiliated with the Houston Astros, the Tourists play all summer long just on the outskirts of downtown Asheville.
- The cool waters. Lake Julian is a manmade lake just around the corner in Arden, and Buncombe County arranges for us to hop on a boat and take afternoon jaunts each summer. Lake Julian isn’t the only lake we frequent, though, as Lake Lure is not too far — and we love coasting on those waters as well.
- The great outdoors. Ardenwoods just a few miles away from the North Carolina Arboretum, and every week, we send a group to stroll the grounds. Not only do we love the Arboretum, but we walk around many local parks and often stop to enjoy beautiful scenery and waterfalls. Did you know that Romantic Asheville compiles and publishes guides to easily accessible hikes and waterfalls in WNC? Find them here:
romanticasheville.com/accessible-trails
romanticasheville.com/roadside-waterfalls
- The music scene. There is nothing we love more than live music. We show up big-time when musicians come by to perform, and we are home to many talented musicians who each love to share their talents with neighbors. But, in addition to music onsite, the Asheville area has a great music scene with Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, the Asheville Symphony, Brevard Music Center, Flat Rock Playhouse and more.