The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are truly a wonder to live in. This location offers some of the finest scenery and outdoor recreation in the region, so it comes as no surprise that many luxury homeowners are flocking to this gorgeous destination in search of mountain homes. 

If you’re looking for the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, get to know the many little towns that are situated here and the things they have to offer. There are plenty of incredible mountain towns that are made for the outdoor enthusiast at heart. 

Read on to discover some of the most popular places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Life in Asheville offers its residents both the excitement of city life and the beauty of the area’s wild nature, all within minutes of each other. A picturesque landscape accompanied by miles of scenic vistas reveals why this mountain town is so beloved. Asheville’s temperate climate and proximity to numerous national forests and mountain ranges make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Asheville’s downtown offers top-notch restaurants, a vibrant culture scene, and an impressive art scene. Among the many outdoor activities available in the Blue Ridge Mountains are hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and fishing. It’s no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs.

2. Greenville, South Carolina

From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. With a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, you can choose from hundreds of restaurants, several boutiques, and a tree-lined Main Street. Throughout the year, visitors and residents can enjoy outdoor plazas, sidewalk dining, and art galleries. 

You can indulge in a number of sports and outdoor activities in Greenville, which is one of the best reasons to consider living there. One of the best places to visit is Falls Park on the Reedy, which is located right downtown. The 26-acre park boasts a rushing waterfall and walking trails. Hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails can also be explored in the surrounding area just minutes from Greenville. 

Our Mountain Region at The Cliffs includes the wonderful city of Greenville, South Carolina. Luxury homeowners can find Blue Ridge Mountain homes for sale in our community here. 

3. Hendersonville, North Carolina

Hendersonville has a lot to offer despite its small size! The beautiful scenery coupled with southern hospitality proves why this is one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Craft breweries, cideries, and vineyards are widespread here.

The town itself is very kid-friendly, with children’s museums, u-pick apple farms, and several snow tubing places in the wintertime. With its central location in our Mountain Region, Hendersonville is ideal if recreational outdoor activities are important to you. Asheville lies to the north, Pisgah National Forest to the west, Lake Lure to the east, and Tryon, with its world-class equestrian facilities to the south. 

4. Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Travelers Rest, established in 1808, is a small town with a lot of history in our Mountain Region. The allure of a laid-back Southern lifestyle attracts couples, families and anyone seeking a picturesque and progressive place to live. The town’s charming downtown district, filled with specialty shops and boutiques, also offers a variety of outdoor parks, secluded lakes, and hiking trails for outdoor pursuits.

The town is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by the familiar natural beauty of this range. Massive reservoirs, hiking trails, and spectacular views of the mountains are just a few of the area’s outdoor treasures.

5. Sylva, North Carolina

Sylva is picture-perfect with its movie-set streets and stately court house perched on a hill. A charming main street serves as a hub of activity, filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops waiting to be explored. Four local breweries dotted along downtown provide the perfect place to unwind and gather with friends.

Its close proximity to the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains means there’s an endless array of activities. Within minutes, you can access trails perfect for hiking and biking, passing waterfalls that are common to the area. Sylva is actually home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, thanks to the Tuckasegee River’s abundant population of trout.

6. Dahlonega, Georgia

Mountain views set in Georgian wine country — that is what Dahlonega has to offer as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you will find eight wineries and 12 tasting rooms that offer quality and award-winning selections. Thousands of visitors come to the beautifully preserved and historic downtown each year.

A world-class trout fishing experience can be had on the Chestatee, Etowah, Dick’s, and Yahoola Creeks. Close by is the Chattahoochee National Forest that offers even more outdoor adventures including scenic trails made for hiking, off-roading, ATV riding for viewing nature and the surrounding landscape.

7. Ellijay, Georgia

In the mountains of Northern Georgia, you can find the quaint mountain town of Ellijay. It boasts many attractions, including orchards, wineries, eateries, and antique shops. The picturesque valley is home to several apple orchards, making it the state’s apple capitol.

Food and drink aren’t all Ellijay is known for, it’s also been dubbed the Mountain Bike Capitol of Georgia. Just around the town alone, there are 50 paths for biking. Its biking trails meander through forests, providing glimpses of the distant mountain peaks. A swimming, fishing, and kayaking paradise can be found at Carters Lake, along with three rivers. 

8. Brevard, North Carolina

In this small, welcoming town, you could almost imagine yourself in a Hallmark movie. It’s quaint downtown is home to an old-fashioned soda shop, 1930’s movie theater, and the local hardware store is owned by the mayor. In addition to these, you’ll find art galleries and boutiques, cafes, and bistros for perusing. 

Residents of Brevard can appreciate the beautiful nature by taking part in the many popular activities available. You can discover the road less traveled by road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and riding horses. Whether fishing or rafting down the French Broad river, those who love the water are in for a treat. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially Brevard White Squirrels, which can only be found here!

9. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

The small town of Blowing Rock is nestled next to Boone, North Carolina. In its downtown area, you’ll find high-end shops, antique stores, and restaurants with delicious food. 

It is here that the famous Blowing Rock stands proudly over the landscape, offering spectacular views to those brave enough to climb it. Several of the state’s ski resorts are nearby, as well as popular hiking trails. A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway runs alongside it for those who prefer to take in the sights by car. 

10. Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands, the second highest elevation town east of the Mississippi, is known for its tree-lined streets and lush vegetation. Walking through the downtown’s galleries and boutiques will keep you entertained for hours. 

A number of waterfalls can be easily accessed from Highlands, including Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja Falls, and Glen Falls, just to name a few! Fishing for Brown, Rainbow, and Wild Brook Trout is also among the top outdoor activities here. 

In our list of best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we listed just a few of the many beautiful communities you can find in this region. Get to know our communities at The Cliffs in more detail by discovering the unique lifestyles they offer.