Now, let's head west and northwest of Asheville to explore Candler and Leicester.
If you've been dreaming of rolling countryside, beautiful mountain views, and a little more space to spread out, these are two communities you'll want to explore.
As we travel farther from Asheville's urban center, the landscape becomes increasingly rural.
You'll see open pastures, wooded hillsides, farms, and beautiful long-range mountain views.
And depending on where we explore, we might find that the neighbors are a little farther away!
Candler: A Little Bit of Everything
Candler offers a wonderful mix of housing options.
Closer to Asheville, you'll find established residential neighborhoods, smaller lots, and homes with convenient access to shopping and the interstate.
As we travel farther into the surrounding mountains, the landscape changes.
Properties may become more secluded, lot sizes increase, and beautiful mountain scenery becomes part of the everyday experience.
Perhaps you're looking for a traditional home in an established neighborhood.
Or maybe you want a few acres, a workshop, or enough space for a large garden.
Candler offers opportunities to explore both.
Leicester: Rolling Hills and Agricultural Traditions
Leicester, located northwest of Asheville, has deep agricultural roots that remain visible throughout the community.
Large cattle farms, produce farms, and rolling pastures create a beautiful rural landscape, often with layers of mountains rising in the distance.
One of the things I love about exploring this part of Buncombe County is the topography.
Unlike some of our steeper mountain communities, portions of Leicester offer broad, rolling landscapes and open views.
Of course, venture into the surrounding hills and you'll discover plenty of elevation changes, winding roads, and wooded properties as well.
The housing options are just as varied, ranging from established neighborhoods to larger parcels of land and more secluded mountain homes.
Let's Talk About Wells and Septic Systems
Now here's something we may start encountering more frequently as we explore rural properties.
Private wells and septic systems!
That's right. Depending on the property, you may not have a monthly municipal water and sewer bill.
Cool, right?
Well, there's another side to that equation.
Private wells and septic systems come with their own responsibilities, inspections, maintenance requirements, and potential replacement costs.
We'll want to understand the condition and capacity of these systems, review available permits, and consider how they might affect your intended use of the property.
A property with a private septic system may have limitations related to bedroom capacity or future additions.
And a private well means understanding the water supply, water quality, and equipment that serves the home.
These aren't necessarily reasons to avoid a property.
They're simply important things to understand before you buy.
More Land, More Possibilities, and More Responsibilities
If you're dreaming of a larger yard, a garden, a workshop, or simply a little more distance between you and your neighbors, Candler and Leicester are certainly worth exploring.
But remember, more land can also mean more maintenance.
That riding mower you've always wanted might finally become a necessity!
And depending on the property, there may be private roads, gravel driveways, drainage systems, or wooded areas that require ongoing attention.
I always encourage buyers to think about what everyday ownership will actually look like.
Because the right property isn't simply one that looks beautiful in photographs.
It's one that fits the lifestyle you want and the responsibilities you're comfortable taking on.
Continue exploring: Moving to Asheville, NC — A Local's Guide to Relocating to the Mountains
- Relocation
- Asheville
- Western North Carolina
