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Asheville is located along the western side of the state of North Carolina. It is home to the Biltmore Estate, the Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Buncombe County Civil War Memorial. The city is home to close to 93,000 individuals with 18% aged 65 and older. Seniors who enjoy the snow will appreciate the 10 inches of snow that the city averages each year. Winters are cold with January lows around 25 degrees Fahrenheit, while summers are hot with average highs around 84 degrees. Compared to the national average, the cost of living within the city is slightly lower than the national average but higher than the state’s average.
In assisted living communities, caregivers support residents through help with mobility, personal care and chores. Assisted living facilities provide a safer environment for seniors who can’t live independently but do not need the intensive oversight found in nursing homes. In Asheville, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living’s average price is $4,998 per month. Both nationally and across North Carolina, on average, seniors pay less than Asheville’s residents for assisted living.
A more in-depth look at assisted living costs is within this guide, along with a list of assisted living resources and regulations relevant to Asheville.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The cost of assisted living in Asheville is $4,998. North Carolina’s average assisted living fee is $4,010 per month, and the corresponding national rate is $4,500.
North Carolina’s average assisted living fee is $4,010 per month, and the corresponding national rate is $4,500. Both of those figures fall below Asheville’s average assisted living cost of $4,998.
Asheville is more expensive than several other cities in North Carolina. Fayetteville’s median rate of $3,000 per month comes in nearly $2,000 below Asheville’s. Burlington and Hickory, with their respective average costs of $3,325 and $3,523, are noticeably cheaper than Asheville. Prices are closer to Asheville’s in Charlotte and Durham, as Charlotte has an average cost of $4,400, while Durham’s average cost is $4,800. Winston’s average cost is $4,923, which nearly matches Asheville’s. Raleigh’s average assisted living fee is $5,388 per month, several hundred more than Asheville’s.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina.
| Contact | Description | |
| Council on Aging of Buncombe County | (828) 277-8288 | The Council on Aging of Buncombe County provides support and personal assistance to seniors through connections with programs and services in the area. The agency helps with meals, and elder justice and offers advice on health insurance, caregiver support and transportation. |
| Buncombe County Veterans Service Office | (828) 250-5726 | The Buncombe County VA helps current and prior military and their families sign up and receive the benefits they deserve. It also helps provide medical services and provides information on education, employment and national cemeteries. |
| Senior Opportunity Center | (828) 350-2062 | Established for individuals aged 50 and older in Asheville, the senior center provides a safe place to stay active with others the same age. The center offers educational seminars on various topics of interest, educational classes, arts and crafts, games, social gatherings, parties and trips to local attractions. Seniors may also enjoy meals and fitness classes throughout the day. |
| Harvest House | (828) 350-2051 | The Harvest House is located in east Asheville. It offers dance and fitness classes, including Tai Chi. The center has a loaning library, a computer room and a large multipurpose room for parties and lectures. Seniors can sign up for weaving and ceramics and there are shuffleboards outdoors for those who want some fresh air. |
| Senior Companion Program | (828) 251-6622 | The Senior Companion Program (SCP) matches seniors aged 55 and older with volunteers that provide extra assistance whether they remain in their homes or live in long-term care. Along with providing companionship, the volunteers offer transportation, help with light chores and can assist with recreational activities. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Asheville area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
