"So they came home to Black Mountain, North Carolina. It was indeed a Norman Rockwell town. That final walk down this street with her, everyone knew her, everyone knew what was happening, and everyone came out to say hi, to give her a hug, a kiss, all knowing it was farewell but not saying it." - William R. Forstchen
Black Mountain, a picturesque mountainside retreat, is an escape from commotion, a place to relax and get to know your neighbors. The town is located at the end of the Black Mountain range, part of the Southern Appalachians. Many artists and nature lovers reside here, lending an eclectic atmosphere to this already dreamy suburb.
Moving to Black Mountain
When considering a move to this rural haven, prepare to suss out the numerous listings. Reserve a day to visit the properties on the list, as what you see isn't always what you get. You'll find more houses for rent in Black Mountain than apartment rentals. This is a boon, if you enjoy privacy and a bit of space to roam.
Landlords are often homeowners seeking a responsible tenant; they'll ask for references, proof of income, and a down payment in the form of first month's rent and deposit.
Rental prices aren't steep and it's likely to find a medium-size home on a budget here. Apartments for rent consist of studio, one- and two-bedroom units and will require the same credentials upon signing.
Neighborhoods in Black Mountain
You'll find three distinct neighborhoods in Black Mountain. Depending on what you seek, you should be covered, as suburban and rustic communities are both represented in their own unique way.
Town Center: If itching for culture, dining, and entertainment, head to town center. This is the area to be in if you're looking to live in an apartment complex or building. Landlords ask a bit more for rent here, but one- and two-bedroom units can be found on a budget, and houses for rent are also quite common. The location allows for wayward jaunts to nearby hotspots and nature retreats.
Pisgah Brewing offers beer flights, tours of the brewery, and hosts live music events. Locals head here for entertainment year round. Merry Wine Market offers a selection of regional and international wine and craft beer. The friendly staff will lead make certain you leave with something in your price range that's sure to impress. For a caffeine jolt, stroll over to The Dripolator Coffeehouse. The baked goods are to die for and the baristas know their way around some latte art. While there are plenty of New American dining establishments, once in a while you may crave something with a bit more character. In that case, a trip to Ole's Guacamole or Que Sera should do the trick, serving spice-laden South of the Border cuisine and Cajun fare, respectively.
While this neighborhood is marked with a main street via State Street, there are plenty of outdoor retreats that lay claim to the mountains. Burnett Reservoir, Lake Tomahawk, and the Black Mountain Golf Club all afford locals timeout in the elements to enjoy the mountain air.
Shumont: The sticks, you're in them. This portion of Black Mountain is rural; it's isolation at its finest. The rent is lower, neighbors are further away, and you may even spy a dirt road and a log cabin or two. The wooded blocks are made up of large single-family homes with land and enough room to stretch your legs. Serenity now, as you enjoy the sounds of silence; there will be plenty of rental options here.
While most drive out of the area for entertainment or sustenance, there are a few places of note within Shumont limits. The Straightaway Caf̩, nestled in the rustic mountain setting, boasts a fire pit, stellar pub grub, and an extensive beer selection. Live music abounds on an outdoor log stage and every seat in the house comes equipped with a phenomenal green view. Useful Plants Nursery is nearby as well, selling edible plants, fruit and nut trees, herbs and anything that can sustain you instead of just adding a bit of color to that dull corner of the house.
Lake Charles proves handy for waterside fun and hiking trails are numerous here. Earthaven Ecovillage, a sustainable eco town where everyone pulls their weight, is also nearby, if living off the grid appeals to you. They also sell handmade wares to the locals.
Carpools are common here, so get to know a fellow mountain-dweller or two and plan to hitch a ride a few times a week.
Lakey Gap Road / Brookside Avenue: There are large homes for rent for a fair price in this suburban portion of town. Mobile homes for rent also line certain streets here. While the area isn't as secluded as others, you'll still enjoy more scenery than shopping while living here. Apartments for rent are nearly extinct. It may be harder to secure a rental home as most folks that buy choose to remain in their homes, rather than rent them.
Laurel Lake is nearby and affords maritime amusement, and folks here enjoy their fitness regimens outdoors on one of the many hiking trails, or inside at the Cheshire Fitness Club or the local branch of the YMCA.
When it's time to stock the fridge, Ingles Market has everything you need and it's close by. Grab the grocery getter and take a drive. Great specials, recipes, and an advantage card make this a great neighborhood grocery.
Living in Black Mountain
Black Mountain offers proximity to Interstate 40, which allows you to travel east to Wilmington, North Carolina, or further west, all the way to California.
Owning a car is quite helpful, as the public transportation isn't advanced. And all areas outside the downtown corridor aren't quite suited for walking. If you insist on mass transit, bus route 170 takes you around town and to and from Asheville and Swannanoa.
You're living on some rugged terrain. Bears, deer, and other creatures live here too. Respect the wildlife and view them from afar, as not to disrupt their otherwise pleasant demeanors. If they happen to wander a bit too close for comfort, you can always contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's office, who'll send their animal control unit to the property to wrangle uninvited yard guests.
Black Mountain is called the front porch of North Carolina for a reason. Locals support the small antique shops, artisan galleries, handcrafted furniture stores, and local barbershops that reside on every downtown block. Buy from local artisans and producers at The Black Mountain Tailgate Market, a great place to meet other folks in town.
