From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville recently was ranked as the fourth-best U.S. mountain town for year-round living “due to its vibrant, creative culture, mild four-season climate, and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery,” AI Overview stated on Feb. 27.

“Known for its strong culinary scene, breweries and outdoor recreation, it attracts residents seeking a mix of mountain living and city amenities,” AI Overview added.

The ranking is billed as the result of a reader survey by New York City-based Travel + Leisure, which bills itself as “a leading leisure travel company” and “timeshare company” — with a magazine and a website.

However, “While major travel awards (like ‘World’s Best’) are typically designed to reflect reader opinions, the travel publishing industry often faces criticism regarding potential conflicts of interest between editorial content and advertising partnerships,” AI Overview pointed out.

Key highlights contributing to Asheville’s ranking include:

• A high concentration of breweries, 15 Michelin-guide featured restaurants, and a bustling, walkable downtown with art galleries.

• Immediate access to the Blue Ridge Parkway Pisgah National Forest, and Mount Mitchell State Park for hiking, biking, and paddling.

• Offers a range of housing options, from luxury, to more affordable options in surrounding areas like Canton and Marion.

• Served by the newly updated Asheville Regional Airport. 

“Asheville is frequently recognized by publications like Travel + Leisure and CNN for its high quality of life, acting as a hub for both retirees and young professionals,” AI Overview noted. 

The other top 10-ranked towns on the T&L list are (1) Bozeman, Mont., (2) Leavenworth, Wash., (3) Flagstaff, Ariz., (5) Park City, Utah, (6) Breckenridge, Colo., (7) Truckee, Calif., (8) Whitefish, Mont., (9) Durango, Calif., and  (10) Bigfork, Mont.