11 Towns Similar to Asheville, NC
With a past dating back to the American Revolution – first settled in 1785 and incorporated in 1797 – the 18th-century City of Asheville is located in the Buncombe County of North Carolina.
The French Broad River gushing through the popular tourist destination adds to the extraordinary beauty of Asheville and attracts visitors from all over the United States. Another prominent feature of the city is the Blue Ridge Mountains that serve as a spectacular backdrop for Asheville’s estimated 92 870 residents.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Asheville for outdoor activities is between June to September. July is the warmest but also the month that has the wettest days of the year. The cold comes in at the end of October, with the snow season arriving by November.
Average Living Costs in Asheville
For a single person to live in Asheville, an average of around 2 500 $ (including rent) would secure a decent living. On the other hand, a family of four would need about 6 000 $ (including rent) per month.
What is Great About Asheville?
Asheville offers an escape to the adventurous spirit who needs to break away from the hum-drum of life; biking and hiking on the mountains or watersports like white river rafting down the French Broad River.
While the physical pursuits in Asheville draw their fair share of tourists, the arts and crafts scene is nothing to look down on. Fine food and beverages are plentiful –especially the craft beer craze that overruns the city.
With its fascinating history and many attractions, you might think that Asheville in North Carolina is one of a kind. But rest assured, you’ll be delighted to find that there are many more destinations similar to this great city for you to explore.
Boone (North Carolina)
Not far from Asheville – about 85 miles – and located in Watauga County is the charming yet adventurous town of Boone. If Asheville’s mountains are what you miss the most, this is the place to be as this town rests on top of the Appalachian Mountains.
Incorporated in the 1870s, this little town is slowly heading towards the 20 000 mark in residents. But, don’t let the numbers fool you; Boone is bustling with all sorts of fun and exciting things to do.
The best time to make a stop in Boone is from June to September, but just as with Asheville, you’ll want to think twice about planning a vacation in July – or you might just be stuck inside looking out the rain-streaked window for the duration of your trip.
Average Living Costs in Boone
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Boone
For a blood-pumping experience, keep an eye out for the ziplines or any of the biking, hiking, and running trails up and down the mountain. If you want to see the mountains but don’t care for doing any physical labor, there are ATVs that’ll do it for you. Cool down on hot days at one of the many rivers or lakes in town.
After an exhilarating day outdoors, relax at one of the breweries, enjoying a refreshing cold craft beer. Boone offers quite the selection of markets, antique stores, and fun activities such as the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. Visit the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and experience what life was like in the 1700s.
Milwaukee (Wisconsin)
Most people might consider Asheville the craft beer mecca of the U.S., but the City of Milwaukee gives it a good run for its money with more than thirty breweries in the city. Milwaukee settled in 1846 and forms part of three Counties; Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha.
The beautiful city situated on the shores of Lake Michigan has an estimated population of 945 726 calculated in 2019. Milwaukee is a great holiday destination and a fantastic place to settle down and dig some roots.
Milwaukee has a four-month window for warm weather, from June to September. But it would be helpful to remember that June sees the most rainfall; you might want to give June a skip. January is the iciest month, with an average of 4 inches of snow covering the ground.
Average Living Costs in Milwaukee
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 978.95 $ | 1 248.38 $ | 2 227.75 $ |
| Family of four | 3 502.01 $ | 2 122.22 $ | 5 624.23 $ |
Things to Do in Milwaukee
Apart from living out your dream of touring the breweries in Milwaukee – whether by bus on your own – there is plenty more to do in the city. Explore the city through scavenger hunts, the many museums, and tours of the historic architecture. Creatures of the night will enjoy Milwaukee’s vibrant nightlife.
Whether you enjoy your holidays with a bit of an adrenaline kick or fun in the sun, Milwaukee offers a taste of everything. You can book charters for fishing trips, kayaking on Lake Michigan, biking, and hiking trails, and let’s not forget about the Paddle Taverns – on land and the water.
Edenton (North Carolina)
Heading back to North Carolina, we stop at another 18th-century town called Edenton in Chowan County. The town was settled in 1722 on Albemarle Sound and is one of the prettiest destinations in North Carolina.
With a population not even reaching 5 000 yet, Edenton has that small–town–in–South charm that offers a particular therapeutic experience that can revive a weary soul.
If you like heat and rain, you’ll want to visit in July; the month when you’re always wet – either from the sweat or rain. For those who don’t like to be all sticky or drenched before lunchtime comes around, your best times to visit will be May/June or August/September.
Average Living Costs in Edenton
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Edenton
As a destination in love with culture and arts, Edenton is rich with history, offering a plethora of historic sites and buildings to discover on a guided trolley tour or pacing yourself along on a leisurely stroll through the town.
Nighttime in Edenton can get a little spooky with the Original Edenton Ghost Walk, a fun but creepy way to learn about the town’s history.
The historic town can be seen out and about during the day on boat cruises, paddling in the waters, kayaking on the Sound, or playing a round of golf at the Chowan Golf and Country Club.
Portsmouth (New Hampshire)
Continuing our craft beer and old town – or city – expedition, we head to Portsmouth, located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire; settled in 1630 and was incorporated in 1849.
The North Atlantic port city, with its 17th and 18th-century architecture, has a headcount of around 21 927 people – making it one of the smaller cities in New Hampshire.
Average Living Costs in Portsmouth
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
The best time to visit Portsmouth for warm weather is between June – if you don’t mind the rain – and September. January sees the most snowfall and is also the coldest month of the year.
Things to Do in Portsmouth
With more than six breweries in this small city, remember to secure the fixings for a next-day spicy Bloody Mary – they help with the beer hangover. Or maybe prevention is better than cure; luckily, Portsmouth has plenty of great restaurants to line your stomach before hitting the breweries.
When you have completed your beer run – and your condition has somewhat improved – take a trip into the past by visiting the Strawbery Banke Museum or rent a bike and explore Portsmouth’s rich history or its surrounding wildlife at your own pace.
Hendersonville (North Carolina)
There is just something about southern destinations with mountains peeking out in the background that lures us in. Hendersonville in Henderson County has the Blue Ridge Mountains complimenting its old-time charm. Incorporated in 1847, the estimated population of the city of Hendersonville is just above the 14 000 mark.
Make a note on your vacation planner that July is the wettest month for the city; for dry and warm weather, the best time to explore Hendersonville is June, skipping July and then between August and September. January is the coldest month and sees an average of 5 inches of snow.
Average Living Costs in Hendersonville
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Hendersonville
Hendersonville is not so big on thrilling adventures but caters to the quiet soul. Hunt for souvenirs at the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, taste the wines from the vineyards or take a trip down memory lane at the North Carolina Air Museum or the Appalachian Pinball Museum.
But don’t mistake tranquil for boring; there are great outdoor activities to enjoy. The city has horseback riding through Dupont Forest, fishing charters, biking trails, golf courses, hiking tours, and snow tubing in the winter.
Charleston (South Carolina)
Moving from North to South Carolina, we visit another North Atlantic Ocean port city called Charleston, located in the Charleston and Berkely Counties. The town was initially established in 1670 as Charles Towne and reincorporated as Charleston in 1783.
A tad bigger than Portsmouth and Asheville, the vibrant and culturally rich city of Charleston has a headcount of about 137 566 locals.
The weather is a little different in South Carolina, May through to September are warm months, with July seeing the most rain. December and January are the coldest months, and even though snow is not too much of a worry for Charleston, they see an average of about 12 inches a year.
Average Living Costs in Charleston
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 1 028.11 $ | 1 687.62 $ | 2 715.37 $ |
| Family of four | 3 621.43 $ | 2 711.11 $ | 6 332.54 $ |
Things to Do in Charleston
Visitors can explore Charleston’s heritage through the many cultural and theme tours. Risk your nerves and experience the history of Charleston with a solo smartphone-guided tour or with a guided tour that ends in the graveyard.
Stepping into the present – and the living world – there is various outdoor entertainment to enjoy, such as horse-drawn carriage tours through the city, spotting dolphins on kayak tours, sunset cruises, or sailing charters.
Blowing Rock (North Carolina)
Situated in the Counties of Watauga and Caldwell, Blowing Rock in North Carolina is far more than just an old town with welcoming locals and amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
While the full-time residents don’t even add up to 1 500, come summertime, Blowing Rock gets pretty lively when around 8 000 residents/visitors enter the town borders for their yearly dose of laidback small-town charm.
Warm weather in Blowing Rock lasts for about four months – June to September – with July being the hottest and wettest. In February, the small town is covered in about 9 inches of snow.
Average Living Costs In Blowing Rock
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Blowing Rock
Think of your favorite pastime, and Blowing Rock probably has it; breweries, spas, galleries, festivals, museums, and performing arts. The village also prides itself by offering fine cuisine at more than ten restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Outdoor activities are not just a passing thought in this town; we’re taking ski resorts, rock climbing, ziplines, river rafting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golf. It would be near impossible to be bored in Blowing Rock.
Edgefield (South Carolina)
Arts, culture, and history are the backbones of Edgefield; the small town – established in 1785 – is located in Edgefield County of South Carolina with an estimated population of 4 810.
Because July translates into rain in South Carolina, scheduling any visits to Edgefield between May and June or August and September for warm but comfortable weather will be wise. January is the chilliest month for the town, averaging a one-inch snow layer covering the destination.
Average Living Costs in Edgefield
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Edgefield
Edgefield offers an eclectic menu of outdoor activities, such as an equestrian resort, a shooting complex where they offer shooting training, as well as camping, hiking, and fishing. The National Wild Turkey Federation & Winchester Museum is one of a kind and a must-visit attraction.
After walking a few holes at the Mount Vintage Golf Club, visit the Carolina Moon Distillery and explore the tastes of the various Moonshines, Whiskeys, and Rums they produce. The historic little town has six local restaurants to soak up your trip to the distillery.
Mount Airy (North Carolina)
Heading back to Ashville’s home state, driving along the Ararat River flowing along the city’s border, we visit another historical destination called Mount Airy. The small city is located in Surry County, with a history dating back to the 1750s.
As the birthplace of the late actor Andy Griffith, his heritage is a significant part of the city’s history. The 10 676 residents of Mount Airy are incredibly proud of their very own Mayberry.
July is no different in Mount Airy as the rest of North and South Carolina; hot and wet. Tourists should schedule their trips between June and August as September starts to cool down quite early in the month. February is the coldest, with around 2 inches of snow.
Average Living Costs in Mount Airy
*Aggregate data for Average in the United States.
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 963.20 $ | 1 342.39 $ | 2 305.59 $ |
| Family of four | 3 316.42 $ | 2 189.22 $ | 5 505.64 $ |
Things to Do in Mount Airy
“Mulberry” is one of those cities that offers something for everyone to enjoy, from antique shopping and various museums to fishing and other water activities. There are breweries, distilleries, and wineries to keep the connoisseurs happy and all sorts of cuisines to tickle the foodie’s fancy.
Festivals such as Mayberry Days and Autumn Leaves are packed with history, great food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. While Mount Airy has quite a selection of attractions to keep visitors entertained, tourists should take a trip to the iconic Pilot Mountain, just 17 miles away.
Greenville (South Carolina)
Not to be confused with Greenville in North Carolina, Greenville in South Carolina is known for art collections and extraordinary performing arts (amongst other attractions). Located in Greenville County, this city also has a history dating back to the 1750s and had a population of almost 71 000 recorded in 2020.
Between June and October is an excellent time to visit Greenville to get the most out of the warm weather for outside activities. July has the most rainfall, and January is the coldest, with an average of 2 inches of snow.
Average Living Costs in Greenville
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 1 043.37 $ | 1 281.25 $ | 2 324.62 $ |
| Family of four | 3 783.63 $ | 2 037.50 $ | 5 821.13 $ |
Things to Do in Greenville
Some must-experience activities for art lovers are the Art Walking Tour or a night out at the Peace Center for Broadway shows. There is a reason Greenville was named the “South Carolina’s City of The Arts.”
There are also loads of fascinating tours to do around the city, Afternoon Delight (beer), Downtown Driving (sightseeing), BBQ Trail (food), Lake and adventure tours; the list goes on.
In terms of physical stimulation, Greenville has biking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, golf, tennis, and this is just naming a few. If you are bored in this city, all you have to do is walk outside of your room, and there will be something to do.
Knoxville (Tennessee)
In North Carolina’s neighbor state, Tennessee, we head over to the city of Knoxville. Founded in 1791 and incorporated in 1815, the city is located in Knox County, with the Tennessee River forking into the French Broad River.
The 190 740 locals of Knoxville enjoy the views and adventures of the Great Smokey Mountains with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
The months for warm-weather activities are between June and September, keeping in mind that Knoxville shares the July rains with North and South Carolina. January sees the most snowfall in the city, with an average of just below 2 inches.
Average Living Costs in Knoxville
| Household | Monthly | Rent | Total |
| Single | 848.05 $ | 1 214.29 $ | 2 062.34 $ |
| Family of four | 2 967.52 $ | 1 968.75 $ | 4936.27 $ |
Things to Do in Knoxville
Knoxville is an excellent destination for history lovers, especially those interested in the Civil War. Visit the restored historic site of James White’s Fort and the six other landmark homes. Head over to Heritage Square, built in honor of the Pulitzer Prize winner, Alex Haley.
There are many ways to get to know Knoxville, from walking and biking tours to self-guided audio tours. To make touring more fun, look for treasures while exploring the city with a scavenger hunt.
The city offers plenty of outdoor adventure activities such as ziplining, cycling, rock climbing, paddling, skateparks, etc., to keep the adrenaline pumping. There is golf and disc golf, birding, and fishing to relax the mind and soothe the soul for the more laid-back tourist.
