Asheville and Greenville: The Best Places to Live in The Carolinas
It comes as no surprise that nearby Asheville and Greenville have been recognized among the Best Places to Live in the US. But what makes a great place to live? For some, it’s a temperate climate, for others it’s the proximity to luxury amenities that fit their lifestyle.
Fortunately, these two cities’ stellar four-season climates, mouth-watering culinary and craft beer scenes, an abundance of arts, culture, and outdoor recreation make both of these cities stand out as wonderful places to call home.
Continue reading to discover more about both of these charming mountain towns found in the Carolina mountains.
Asheville, North Carolina
Coming in at number 24 on the list is Asheville, also known as “The Land of the Sky.” Tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville offers endless opportunities to enjoy this natural splendor. With endless hiking and biking trails, staying active while appreciating the many scenic viewpoints of the area is effortless.
The city is also known for being an eclectic city that is a haven for artists and enthusiasts alike. With more than 25 galleries, studios, and museums, there is always an activity happening that allows you to appreciate the arts while supporting local artists.
For foodies, Asheville’s downtown also boasts James Beard Award-nominated chefs, renowned restaurants, and enough craft breweries to earn this city the nickname of “Beer City USA.” Interested in spending your retirement years in Asheville? Learn more here!
The Asheville Region at The Cliffs
Located just 20 minutes outside of the bustling downtown area is The Cliffs at Walnut Cove: Asheville’s only private, gated golf and wellness community. Bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, Walnut Cove is immersed in spectacular mountain views and a peaceful, serene setting.
This exclusive community is also home to a nationally-acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, which captures the essence of mountain life in its design. On the grounds, members have access to a state-of-the-art wellness center and The Golf House with a pro shop, locker facilities, and private club lounges –– helping you as you improve your game.
There are also delectable dining options within The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, made from the finest local ingredients. This community even has a 60-acre working farm that provides fresh produce to residents through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program that our culinary staff use to craft flavorful meals for all to enjoy.
Greenville, South Carolina
The energetic city of Greenville has undergone quite a transformation in recent years, earning it the number 31 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live. The city’s Main Street is ten tree-lined blocks of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, but downtown’s true gem is the 26-acre Falls Park on the Reedy.
Outdoor enthusiasts need not look far for opportunities to get outside. Greenville is home to the paved, 21-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail — a multi-use trail that follows former railroad tracks through parks and the gorgeous campus of Furman University to the charming nearby town of Travelers Rest — as well as city and state parks for hiking, biking, and endless exploring.
If you’re planning a trip here or considering moving, you’ll be relieved to learn that Airports Council International named Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport the Best Small Airport in North America.
The Mountain Region at The Cliffs
Just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville is what we call The Mountain Region — home to The Cliffs at Glassy, The Cliffs at Mountain Park, and The Cliffs Valley. Climb 3,200 feet atop Glassy Mountain on one of the most scenic golf courses in the country, race along our winding mountain roads with a Tour de France legend, hike miles of trails over babbling streams to awe-inspiring vistas — whatever adventure you seek, you’ll find it here.
The Cliffs at Glassy
Located at the top of Glassy Mountain, The Cliffs at Glassy is home to a number of private venues that highlight the 75-mile views from the summit. Members gather at the Glassy Chapel and Lookout Pavilion for services, concerts, and weekly potlucks.
Here, the golf course is an experience unlike any other in the state. Recognized as the state’s only true mountaintop golf course, it is known for its signature 13th hole that will be sure to take your breath away. After a round of golf, members can appreciate the beauty of the mountains and course from the wall of windows in the clubhouse. There is also a 5,000-square-foot wellness center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and lighted pickleball and tennis courts, allowing for nighttime play.
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
The Cliffs at Mountain Park is found at the very center of The Cliffs, making it easy to take advantage of all the opportunities of the seven communities. The expansive 2,000-acre community offers endless opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, or fishing in the North Saluda River or stocked Greene Pond –- perfect for explorers who want a new adventure in the area.
The golf course is a walkable, links-style course that folds effortlessly into the land around it. It is also home to The Cabin at Mountain Park, the charmingly rustic clubhouse where members can unwind after a round of 18 holes. There is even a pavilion at Greene Pond for secluded picnics and gatherings throughout the year.
The Cliffs Valley
Found along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cliffs Valley offers some of the best vistas of the blue-toned mountain tops. One way to enjoy the scenery is to play on The parkland-style golf course. It creates an exceptional experience for players as they play over and around flowing streams, shimmering ponds, and rolling hills.
The community’s grand 28,000-square-foot clubhouse is an elegant meeting place for the popular social clubs at The Cliffs Valley. Keeping in line with The Cliffs value of health and wellness, there is also an impressive, 15,000-square-foot Wellness Center with an outdoor fitness area.
The Lake Region at The Cliffs
Only a 45-minute jaunt from downtown Greenville is The Lake Region, nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Keowee. The Cliffs Lake Region is home to three of our seven private luxury communities that offer the perfect setting for year-round, lakeside living. With exhilarating watersports and golf courses designed along the water’s edge, there’s no one way to enjoy life on the lake.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
With 20 miles of private shoreline of the magnificent Lake Keowee and 10 miles of nature trails within its gates, The Cliffs at Keowee Falls provides members with an intimate outdoor experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. Avid golfers will enjoy the challenge the Jack Nicklaus golf course offers, with seven of the holes along Falls Creek.
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs
Known as our most family-friendly community, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is home to the Beach Club, where splashing in the pool and testing out the winding water slides is a must. There is also the Surf Shop which houses equipment for those looking to partake in water sports on the lake. Even the golf course’s design in the community keeps the young ones in mind. With three loops of six holes and a set of family tees, everyone can enjoy the sport, no matter how long they’ve been playing.
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards
Fruitful vineyards and lakeside living –– a perfect pair. At The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, wine enthusiasts can enjoy a community characterized by the native muscadine grape vines that wind their way around the grounds.
Here, you will find the full-service marina that makes it easy to fuel up for a day on the lake and ensure your boat is running smoothly. When you’re not out on the water, the stately clubhouse is the perfect place to gather with friends and family for dinner and drinks, after a round of golf on the award-winning Tom Fazio course. This community also boasts a handsome equestrian center with stables, that provide access to hundreds of scenic horseback riding trails in the area.
The Cliffs: Your New Home in The Carolinas
At The Cliffs, we don’t think you should sacrifice anything on your wishlist –– and given its central location, outdoor activities, and luxury amenities, The Cliffs has everything you could want, making it truly one of the best places to live.
To build or buy? That is the question! At The Cliffs, you choose how you want to experience luxury living. With generous homesites available, you can build your dream home from the ground up, with the help of our Preferred Builders of course! Or simply browse turn-key, luxury properties waiting for you to call home.
Get started with the search process today! If you have any questions, contact a member of our team and we will be happy to assist you as you take the next step in making your dream of living in the Carolinas a reality.
This post was originally written on April 26th, 2018, and rewritten on January 8th, 2021.
