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River Arts District

River Arts District

Neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina

Buncombe County 28801

$572,658 Average Value
$439 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

The artistic heart of Asheville

The following was written before a natural disaster affected the region and will be revised soon. Just south of Downtown Asheville, the River Arts District, known as the “RAD,” is the artistic heart of the city. Once an industrial warehouse factory area with old mills lining the French Broad River, the neighborhood started revitalizing in the 1980s when local artists sought cheap rent and large studios to explore their artistic endeavors. Now, the RAD is a buzzing place of wonder, exploding with creative expression and housing over 250 resident artists in color-splashed old warehouses throughout the district. Abstract murals, open studios and galleries envelop the area, captivating residents and visitors alongside an eclectic dining and entertainment scene that keeps in tune with the RAD’s artsy essence.

The River Arts District is a creative hub on the French Broad River in Asheville.
The River Arts District is a creative hub on the French Broad River in Asheville.
Crowds flock to the dynamic River Arts District. 03
Crowds flock to the dynamic River Arts District. 03
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Eclectic eats and artsy local entertainment

“The RAD has its own unique personality, and there’s a general feeling of creativity that makes its dining and entertainment scene stand out from other Asheville districts,” says Nikki Freeman, a local realtor at Asheville Realty Group who has lived in Asheville for over 10 years. Hotspots like 12 Bones Smokehouse, a favorite visiting spot for former President Obama, specialize in pulled pork, chipotle BBQ sauce and jalapeno cornbread. Wedge Brewery is also a staple, where a booming craft beer scene finds its stride in an industrial art-covered railroad yard. Beers on tap, rotating food trucks and live music draw in the crowds. Sitting riverside, the weekly River Arts District Farmers Market is well stocked with fresh produce and locally sourced specialties from over 25 vendors. Other pantry stables line the aisles at Earth Food, an organic and health grocery store just one mile across the interstate. Retail shoppers can head to Pink Dog Creative, a former textile warehouse turned into a multi-colored sensation with artist studios and shops. The Grey Eagle, Asheville’s longest-running live music venue, rocks the RAD with weekly shows, while the Magnet Theatre brings the theatrical spark through its lineup of original plays and Broadway-style musicals.

The River Arts District in known for it's murals on almost every building.
The River Arts District in known for it's murals on almost every building.
Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 03
Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 03
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Active and art-filled weekends

On the second Saturday of every month, the RAD hosts its highly frequented “Second Saturday” event. This popular monthly series is a way to meet resident working artists while perusing art galleries and checking out visual demonstrations and workshops. Live music, wine tastings and food are included, and free trolley rides take visitors between the 23 artist buildings. For more heart-pounding fun, the community often gets together to participate in themed 5K running and walking events throughout the year at the recreational Carrier Park.

Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 02
Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 02
You can find all types of art in Asheville's River Arts District.
You can find all types of art in Asheville's River Arts District.
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A colorful mix of homes with Blue Ridge Mountain Views

Winding streets overflow with natural foliage, and homes commonly sit on hilltops overlooking the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. The neighborhood features an architectural mix of early 1900s bungalows, arts and crafts styles and more modern, split-level varieties. Older, one-story homes needing some TLC can start in the $400,000s, while restored or updated homes typically range between $500,000-$700,000. On the highest end, custom, contemporary residences sell for $1 million. “It’s a very up-and-coming area,” Freeman says, explaining why the RAD’s current housing market moves relatively quickly. “Homes stay on the market here for a week or two, but if priced appropriately, it’s even less than that.”

New modern builds are a popular choice in the River Arts District of Asheville.
New modern builds are a popular choice in the River Arts District of Asheville.
The beautiful mountain views is a major draw for the River Arts District residents.
The beautiful mountain views is a major draw for the River Arts District residents.
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Outdoor opportunities along the French Broad River

The RAD is located along the east side of the French Broad River, where residents spend time in the warmer months kayaking and paddleboarding. The 2-mile Wilma Dykeman Greenway and recently completed 1-mile French Broad River West Greenway let residents adventure out on paved hiking and biking paths. “Along the way, there are numerous options to peel off to restaurants, breweries, art studios, etc.,” Freeman shares. “These greenway additions have done so much for the activity in the area.” Nearby Carrier Park attracts sporty types with its abundance of athletic amenities, such as a hockey rink and multiple courts for basketball, lawn bowling and volleyball. The unique indoor/outdoor RAD Skatepark is another recreational attraction, fusing together artistic freedom and skateboarding in a graffiti-filled warehouse.

Catch up with a friend on the Wilma Dykeman Greenway in Asheville, NC.
Catch up with a friend on the Wilma Dykeman Greenway in Asheville, NC.
The River Arts District sits on the banks of the French Broad River.
The River Arts District sits on the banks of the French Broad River.
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A walkers' paradise with easy transportation

“Active folks and people that like to be able to walk to and from their destinations will be attracted to this area,” Freeman says. “It's now one of the most walking-friendly areas of town, outside of downtown.” Other transportation includes a free ArtsAVL Trolley that links Downtown Asheville and the River Arts District, and people can hop on the W1 and W2 public buses for service to and from the neighborhood. The area also has easy access to main highways like Highway 240 for effortless traveling and commuting, and the Asheville Airport is around 15 miles away.

Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 04
Tour edgy galleries in RAD. 04
The River Arts District of Asheville is a walkers paradise.
The River Arts District of Asheville is a walkers paradise.
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Architecturally iconic campus with impressive public education

The RAD’s public school district is highly rated, with Claxton Elementary receiving an A-minus score from Niche.com and Asheville Middle School receiving a B-plus. Holding an A-minus ranking, upperclassmen can get a top education at Asheville High School. Its architecturally iconic campus was built in 1929 by the same architect who designed Asheville’s Biltmore Hospital. This regal building impresses with its granite exterior walls and a beaux-arts, art-deco-style structure. An equally notable and well-equipped football stadium helps the school rank as the #10 best high school for athletes in North Carolina by Niche.com.

The Hall Fletcher Elementary School serves just over 260 students.
The Hall Fletcher Elementary School serves just over 260 students.
The Asheville High School was founded in 1929.
The Asheville High School was founded in 1929.
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Britni Petersen
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Britni Petersen
Barry Ridgeway
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Barry Ridgeway

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Trip Howell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Asheville Regional

19 min drive

Bus

Clingman Ave & Rad & Roberts St

Bus

Clingman Ave & Hilliard Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime River Arts District US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 9 4
Robbery 10 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$625,000
Median Single Family Price
$499,000
Median Townhouse Price
$679,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$289,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$439
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Months of Supply
5.10
Median List Price
$599,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
25%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
99
Median Year Built
1950
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,383
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,730
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,006
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
624
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Trip Howell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
394
Median Age
44
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$21,375
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,435

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
76%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
52.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

80 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

60 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
River Arts District
Trip Howell
Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty
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