Royal Pines

Well-positioned near Pisgah National Forest, just outside of downtown Asheville and right next door to Biltmore Park, this south Asheville suburb truly has it all.

"New buyers are attracted to Royal Pines' suburban, residential feel," says Nikki Freeman, local Realtor at The Redbud Group. Homes on the east side of town branch off Mills Gap Road onto rolling hillsides enclosed by towering old oaks. Royal Pines' peaceful, meandering streets are dotted with blossoming dogwood trees and blushing azaleas. As you travel west, the topography gradually rises. Narrow drives twist and turn along rugged peaks with a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges along the way. Cabin homes tightly hug the steep terrain behind long, sweeping entries.

Royal Pines' median home values hover around $600,000, showing a significant increase in recent years. Asheville buyers can find a well-maintained ranch or split-level home for $500,000 or a fresh farmhouse-style new build for $700,000. Mountain dwellings run closer to $800,000, and these desirable properties are listed infrequently. Development is active in Royal Pines, and buyers who want to build their custom dream home can purchase a lot from $100,000 to $600,000 with varying acreage and scenery. Homes typically stay on the market for a maximum of 30 days in this cozy suburb.

Buyers are drawn to Royal Pines' bountiful education options. Glen Arden Elementary has served local students for over 50 years from its campus on Pinehurst Circle. The school cultivates partnerships with the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Green Works, and Master Gardeners to introduce students to pollinator gardening, composting, recycling, and environmentally friendly landscaping. Glen Arden also offers an immersion program with the support of eight international teachers. Above-average test scores are a point of pride for its administration.

"With plenty of parks and river access, there's no shortage of outdoor activities here," Realtor Freeman adds. Head to Collier Cove Nature Preserve at the center of town on Rhododendron Drive to traverse two miles of well-defined, steep hiking trails carved throughout its sprawling 30 acres. Collier Cove's densely wooded highlands ascend strenuously for a vigorous trip to its summit, unveiling beautiful blue-misted mountain vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead is a couple of miles north, off Sweeten Road, for gentler hikes leading to some of Asheville's best views. Lake Julian Park hitches to its namesake water body, glistening in the west - another scenic spot to reconnect with nature. Post up for a picnic, go fishing at the pier or hop in a kayak for a full day of outdoor fun.

Among Royal Pine's many nearby eateries are a few local favorites. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack on Sweeten Creek Road is a wildly popular outpost offering Nashville-style hot chicken and Southern staples from its casual open-air post. Rocky's was named in USA Today's "20 Best Fried Chicken Restaurants in America" in 2019, so try the crispy platter yourself. Biscuit Head is the neighborhood’s go-to for brunch and has been in the media spotlight with favorable features in Bon Appetit, The New York Times and Food and Wine. Biltmore Park's local boutiques and diverse dining experiences are also a stone's throw away.

"In Royal Pines, you'll have your pick of a variety of grocery stores - and this is where you'll find the chain names that everyone knows," Realtor Freeman notes. Hendersonville Road winds along the west side and is a central corridor connecting to the downtown area. Explore the busy thoroughfare for errands and shopping as you head north toward the city. Most locals stop at Whole Foods Market off Mills Gap Road for weekly shops. Asheville Rides Transit, ART, bus stops are helpful for regular commuters as they make the 10-mile trip into downtown Asheville. You'll find them on all major intersections spanning the length of the community. A quiet town brimming with natural areas and heaps of homegrown eateries just minutes from downtown Asheville, Royal Pines has a lot to offer.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Steven Bollman

Video By

Mark Tilley