Western North Carolina Communities
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Black Mountain, incorporated, population 7650, anchors the east end of the Swannanoa Valley. Home to several conference centers and their large land preserves, Black Mountain has a picture of beauty unmatched anywhere. Retirees from around the world have provided an international flavor. An intellectual atmosphere shows in the art museum, galleries, and public library. With a public golf course, public croquet course, public swimming pool, public tennis courts and plenty of hiking and climbing, there are outdoor activities for everyone. Lake Tomahawk in the center of town provides a place to feed the ducks, launch a miniature motor boat, stroll a path around the shores, or admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains
MONTREAT
Montreat, population 630 in 2000, home to Montreat College, the Presbyterian Conferences and Billy Graham, is located two miles north of Black Mountain, at the terminus of Route 9. Hundred year old summer cottages are mixed with new year-round homes of the same character. The security of only one road in to town, as well as the wholesome community facilities of playground, tennis courts, swimming pool, and hiking trails make this the home of continuing generations of families. Church programs and the town facilities are open to all residents while the very limited commercial activity is confined to a gift shop, bookstore, and a small general store for necessities. Residents come to Black Mountain for groceries and dining out. Montreat is incorporated and has a town council government and its own police force. Fire protection comes from Black Mountain. Montreat residents say that going through the entrance gate finds you “in a very special place.”
RIDGECREST
Ridgecrest, two miles to the east of Black Mountain is an unincorporated area with its own post office. Located at the head of the Swannanoa Gap, after the steep climb up the Kitsuma Mountain from Old Fort. Created some hundred years ago, primarily to provide overflow housing for visitors to the Southern Baptist Conference Center located here, it now has become a quaint community of affordable homes, boarding houses and large houses near the ridge tops. Conference facilities are church-oriented although the Lifeway Christian Center also sponsors Elderhostel visits. There are no commercial stores in Ridgecrest but there is a fine restaurant.
SWANNANOA
Swannanoa, unincorporated, population 4132 in year 2000, saw the first settlers in the Swannanoa Valley. For most of the twentieth century it languished in the shadow of the Beacon Blanket plant, emerging from its mill town status only when the textile plant burned down in the 21 st century. Now the home of Asheville Christian Academy’s new campus, the Art Space Charter School, and Warren Wilson College, it is seeing rapid growth in the new family homes being built in the Bee Tree area north of town (complete with a new fire station) and the large upscale High Cliffs subdivision on the ridge tops south of town. Swannanoa is destined to be the commercial center for the entire area east of Asheville, and this development is just beginning. Most of the government services come from Buncombe County, although Swannanoa has a very active volunteer fire department.
ASHEVILLE
Asheville, population 69,000, is the heart of western North Carolina. With medical facilities among the best in the country, more art galleries than any other town in North Carolina, live theaters, fine restaurants, and unique shops, it’s on many Top Ten lists. Activities abound. It’s a great place to visit the Biltmore Estate and it’s a great place to live and work.