Best Gated Communities in Asheville, NC

As more and more people seek to make their move to the mountains of Western North Carolina, understanding the ups and downs of different communities in this small city has become more important than ever for prospective residents.

According to MoveBuddha, Asheville ranked number 3 in the nation last year among cities seeing greater inflow of residents than families moving away from town. With Asheville’s population growing ever larger each year, more and more people are seeking the comfort and security of one of the area’s numerous luxury gated communities.

Key Takeaways

• Asheville offers a number of options for those seeking a gated community and the amenities that accompany them.
• Most gated communities in the area have a focus on integration into nature, making the local landscape a centerpiece for their properties.
• When selecting a gated community, it’s important to consider location, budget and on-site amenities.

Why Choose a Gated Community in Asheville

A gated community strikes the perfect balance for many families and individuals between security, privacy and convenience. Many gated communities offer private amenities like parks, fitness centers and community events to their members, making it easy to stay close to home and build a relationship with your neighbors.

When it is time to venture out, Asheville’s gated communities are located convenient to major culinary and shopping establishments as well as travel hubs like the Asheville Regional Airport and major interstates to regional destinations.

Whether you’re staying in or venturing out into town, the security of a gated community is a major draw for many residents seeking the safety and peace of mind afforded by a dedicated security team and restricted access to their loved ones and property.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Asheville’s only gated private golf community, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove provides a host of upscale amenities for residents of all ages in a convenient location just south of Asheville.

This gated community has a terrific assortment of in-house services and entertainment options centered around the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the heart of the Cliffs, including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts, an 18,000-square-foot fitness center and, of course, 18 holes of PGA Tour-caliber golf.

Elsewhere on the property, residents can find miles of trails suitable for hiking and cycling as well as an on-site tavern and beer garden hosting live music and community events.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is situated a short drive from local attractions like the North Carolina Arboretum, entrances to Pisgah National Forest and the lively shopping and dining scene in Biltmore Park. When it’s time to venture further afield, the front gate is just 15 minutes from the recently expanded Asheville Regional Airport.

The Ramble at Biltmore Forest

Located just outside the iconic Biltmore Estate on the southern end of Asheville, The Ramble at Biltmore Forest builds on the legacy of conservation and connection to nature first embraced by the estate’s original residents.

Community parks and a robust trails system are the centerpieces of this sprawling gated community, with the Ramble’s Longmeadow Park taking center stage for community concerts, events and quiet afternoons spent with family and friends. Beautiful stone and timberwork in the style for which the Biltmore is so well known adorn every inch of the property, lending a rustic charm to the Ramble’s community pavilions, kids’ playgrounds, public fire pits and even the on-site sports facilities.

A 9,000 square-foot multipurpose community center provides a dizzying array of activities for residents without ever leaving the property—take a dip in the saltwater pool, pick up a game of pickleball with neighbors or enjoy one of the rotating collections of art on display in the Ramble’s Living Well Center all within the comfort of your neighborhood.

The Ramble is just a few minutes from downtown Asheville by car, making it easy to pop into town for essentials or to take advantage of one of the myriad dining and entertainment options found in town when the urge strikes.

Reynolds Mountain Villas

True to its namesake, this gated community sits atop a mountain just north of Asheville in the charming Woodfin community.

One of Asheville’s newest gated communities, Reynolds Mountain Villas offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains in a convenient location for those seeking the amenities of a larger town with the close-knit feel of a small community.

Just at the foot of the mountain sits Reynolds Village, a tiny, self-contained community of businesses offering food and drink, shopping and all the essential services a gated community might need right outside its doorstep.

Venturing further from the front gate provides quick, convenient access to a number of desirable Asheville attractions, including the Country Club of Asheville, the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa and all of the events and cultural resources of the University of North Carolina – Asheville campus all within a 10-minute drive.

Poplar Ridge

Situated on more than 250 acres of private land, Poplar Ridge sits just 15 minutes south of downtown Asheville. The property, initially conceived in 2000 and operating as a private residential community since 2008, combines the seclusion and privacy of the mountains with the modern conveniences of Asheville thanks to its convenient placement nestled between Biltmore Park and the Fairview community.

Poplar Ridge offers more than just luxury homes with stunning views, though, with quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Biltmore property and all of the food and drink options of south Asheville making it the perfect place for residents with a wide variety of tastes and needs.

Poplar Ridge is also located less than 20 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport, which provides a large number of direct flights to domestic destinations and easy access to larger airline hubs in Charlotte and Atlanta.

Southcliff

The Southcliff community offers a beautiful, secure setting to escape from the bustle of daily life while remaining close to the things that are most important to you. With easy access to downtown Asheville as well as the smaller towns of Swannanoa and Black Mountain to the east, Southcliff balances modern needs with rustic, natural beauty.

At the heart of the community is a permanently conserved mountain, which serves as the backdrop for community events and private gatherings among residents at one of the property’s community parks or pavilions. Communal fire pits with outdoor furniture and ample supplies for a bonfire are hallmarks of this community’s design, encouraging residents to turn to the outdoors for entertainment.

One of the few gated communities located east of downtown Asheville, Southcliff provides convenient access not only to Asheville Regional Airport but I-40 east of Asheville, making travel by car to destinations like Raleigh and major east coast cities a snap.

Why move to Asheville

One of the biggest draws for prospective Asheville residents is the city’s connection to the stunning natural landscape that surrounds it, and each of these gated communities has made it a priority to showcase this asset. Those seeking beautiful views, quick access to outdoor recreation and a shared sense of profound wonder in nature can scarcely find a better destination in the eastern US.

While the landscape does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to attracting new residents to Asheville, there’s more to this mountain town than just gorgeous views and a robust network of trails. Downtown Asheville and its surrounding communities are home to a wide variety of food, drink and entertainment options as well. Whether it’s a night out at one of Asheville’s world-renowned restaurants, a quick cocktail at an award-winning local bar or a once-in-a-lifetime concert at one of Asheville’s many long-standing live music venues, there’s something for everyone seeking quality nightlife in the mountains.

Growing families will also find a number of great options for schools in the immediate area, with Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools both traditionally ranking much higher than comparable nearby school districts. A number of high quality charter schools also serve the areas around these gated communities, providing flexible options for parents no matter their needs or educational goals.

How to find the right community

There are a few key considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing your ideal gated community. While many private residential spaces can accommodate a variety of needs, some communities will likely suit your lifestyle better than others.

Location, location, location

While it might be a cliche in the real estate world, it’s always a good idea to start with location in mind. Do you plan to go into downtown Asheville a few times a week, or even daily? Do you want to spend all your time at home, or will you be traveling by air for work or pleasure?

These sorts of questions can help guide your decision-making process in its earliest stages as you decide which part of Asheville suits you best and how important proximity is for your lifestyle.

Amenities

Some people seek out gated communities because they desire a strong, pre-existing community, or access to things like restaurants, community fitness centers, golf courses or other exclusive amenities. Others seek solitude, and place a lower premium on what sits behind the gate with them.

Knowing how much you plan to use whatever on-site services are provided in your community will be a big determinant of what you need and where you can find it.

Budget

Many gated communities are exclusive, luxury residential experiences, but not all communities share a single price tag. Knowing what’s a priority for you, and how you can access those things within your current or anticipated financial situation, will often play into which of these gated communities is best for you.

Bottom Line

Asheville’s gated communities provide the best of what Asheville has to offer, including access to the stunning natural landscape, the local food and beverage scene, entertainment opportunities and exclusive, resident-only events and amenities.

No matter what your needs might be, there’s sure to be a gated community in Asheville that can provide the lifestyle you want for yourself and your family.

Gated Communities in Asheville FAQ

What is the nicest neighborhood in Asheville NC?

There is no single nicest neighborhood in Asheville, although every new resident is likely to find a side of town they love the best. Whether it’s the artsy businesses and restaurants in West Asheville, the upscale options provided in downtown and north of town, or the unparalleled natural beauty of areas south and east of Asheville, there’s surely something for everyone tucked away in these mountains.

Are there downsides to gated communities?

In some areas, a gated community might spell isolation from the nearby town and surrounding communities. This is less of an issue in Asheville than in many other towns, as the options for gated communities in the region are all relatively centrally located and provide easy access to nearby attractions.

While it can be easy to hunker down at home in any of these communities, those seeking a sense of connection with the rest of the Asheville scene should find little difficulty accessing it from any of these gated options.

Why are people moving to Asheville?

Asheville has consistently found itself on lists of top “move-to” cities for years now, due in large part to the increasing ease of remote work paired with the breathtaking natural beauty of the southern Appalachian mountains.

With more and more people seeking a smaller, slower-paced city without compromising on access to high-end amenities and all of the essentials for healthcare, education and culture, it’s no wonder Asheville continues to see an influx of residents seeking to ingrain themselves into this mountain community.

Where do I start if I want to buy a house in Asheville?

The best pace to start when buying a house in asheville is to have a conversation with a realtor to get first hand knowledge of the areas and best places to live. Two great local real estate firmsi n town are Altamont Property Group or Town and Mountain Reality