8 Things to Know About Living in Black Mountain, NC
Black Mountain, situated on the eastern part of Buncombe County, is affectionately referred to as the “Front Porch of Western North Carolina.” Over the years, the residents of this Swannanoa Valley town have welcomed visitors to the area who have crossed the Swannanoa Pass into Western North Carolina. Even now, residents of this historic village are very proud of the close-knit feel of its neighborhoods.
The essence of Black Mountain can be broken down into its four unique but interwoven strengths: its entrepreneurial spirit, closeness to natural beauties, cultural and artistic offerings, and strong feeling of community.
Let’s check out ten things to know about living in Black Mountain, NC!
1. The town has a strong entrepreneurial spirit
Black Mountain’s charming commercial core is well-known for its many cultural and recreational opportunities since it is a Certified Entrepreneurial Community.
Numerous one-of-a-kind boutiques and farm-to-table eateries can be found in the central business district. Everyone can find what they’re looking for, from a traditional ice cream shop to a cutting-edge art museum.
2. The people are deeply connected to the natural environment
The surrounding mountains, rivers, and trails have a significant cultural and aesthetic impact on the residents of Black Mountain. The town’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest makes it a popular destination for tourists and cyclists.
People in this area are quite fond of the mountains that surround them. Within only a few minutes of leaving your door, you can be hiking the nearby mountains.
Black Mountain is known for its abundance of outdoor fishing spots. Lake Tomahawk, located just north of town, spans 10 acres and features paths along its banks that are popular for strolling, fishing from the pier, and taking non-motorized boats out on the water.
3. It’s a diverse city with a strong sense of community
The variety of people who call Black Mountain home—from young families to retirees, natives to newcomers from other regions of the country, year-round residents to seasonal visitors—is what makes it so fascinating.
Being able to live, work, and raise a family in the same location makes the Black Mountain area special. The locals are able to mingle with their old pals, yet they also get to meet new people every day.
4. The big city is not far away
This town is tucked away in the mountains, yet it’s only a short drive to Asheville or Lake Lure via I-40, US Highway 70, or NC Route 9.
Black Mountain is a more peaceful part of the county, with a small-town vibe, a genuine feeling of community, and a more relaxed pace of life than neighboring Asheville. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the amenities of a major metropolis, you can reach them in less than 10 minutes by car.
5. The town has an artistic and historic feel
There are many art enthusiasts in the Black Mountain area. Almost a century ago, the city established a reputation as a premier cultural center. Black Mountain College, a progressive institution, operated near Lake Eden between 1933 and 1957. Buckminster Fuller, Josef and Anni Albers, John Cage, Allen Ginsberg, Albert Einstein, and Jack Kerouac were among the famous artists and thinkers who attended and visited the college.
Places like the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center also contribute to the town’s historic ambiance.
6. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average
At an index of 105, Black Mountain’s living costs are only 5% higher than the national average. While utilities and transportation are cheaper than the national average, the major contributor to this index is housing. The city’s median home price is $466,033, which is higher than the national average of $428,000.
The yearly cost of living for a single person in Black Mountain is $38,827, which is comparable to the state average of $38,661 and the national average of $38,433. This includes the price of housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
7. Many people run local businesses
The job market is decent in Black Mountain. The projected rate of job expansion is 39.02%, which is higher than the US average of 30.54%. There is also a 3.2% unemployment rate in Black Mountain, which is lower than the national average.
Most people run small businesses in this town, while other major employers are in the professional, scientific, artistic, and legal industries.
8. The summers are warm and the winters are cold
The climate at Black Mountain is pleasant in the winter and scorching in the summer. In the winter, highs often hover around 46 degrees Fahrenheit, while lows hover around 27 degrees. The average high during the summer is 86 degrees, and the low is usually about 56.
During the winter months, temperatures drop below freezing for about two weeks on average, however, snow is rarely seen. The average annual rainfall is about 43 inches, making the landscape lush and green throughout the year. Because of the pleasant weather, Black Mountain is a great place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of year.
Final Thoughts
The town of Black Mountain exudes a special kind of mountain energy. With its deep connection to nature, strong sense of community, and entrepreneurial spirit, it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to start life in a quaint, peaceful town.
