Incorporated in 1797, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and has become the regional center for manufacturing, transportation, health care, banking, professional services, technological services, and shopping. At 2,360 feet in elevation, Asheville is located on a plateau divided by the French Broad River. It is surrounded by lush mountains, many with elevations above 5,000 feet. Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County, which covers 656 square miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through Asheville with 5 entrances in the immediate Asheville area.

Downtown Asheville is one of those rare cities where walking is still a comfortable way to get around. With one of the best collections of art deco architecture in the country, antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, and a diverse selection of people to watch, you'll never want to leave.Asheville's downtown has a European character and its architecture sets a romantic mood that you won't find anywhere else in the state. The details found in Asheville's early art deco and gothic buildings reflect the flair of the 1920's. While enjoying the views and architecture in downtown Asheville you may visit one of the more than 100 retail shops where you can buy local goods and mountain crafts as well as unique treasures from around the world. Restaurants can be found throughout downtown offering every kind of cuisine imaginable from Italian and Cajun to vegetarian. Those who prefer the outdoor cafe or coffee house setting will find themselves at one of the many cafes spread throughout downtown, each with its own particular brand of local art, music and ambiance.

There is something to do every day of the week in downtown Asheville. Visit the home of one of Asheville's famous sons, writer Thomas Wolfe, or browse through an art gallery on Biltmore Avenue. Peek inside the historic St. Lawrence Basilica with one of the few self-supporting domes in the country. Have a cup of gourmet coffee and watch the people of the city pass by until evening falls. Then head down to the Community Theater or Diana Wortham Theater for a play, a symphony or a modern dance performance. If you're into old time mountain music, classic blues or rock n' roll try one of downtown's many clubs or bars.

Entangled in the diversity of architecture are Asheville's people, from artists and musicians to corporate executives, merchants and entrepreneurs. Summer crowds can make parking seem a chore, but a few quarters in a parking meter or a short walk to a secure parking deck is a small price to pay for a city made of stone, marble, and granite, perched beneath the mountain sky.

Known for its mild year-round climate, with winter and summer temperatures tempered by the surrounding mountains, Asheville has long been a vacation destination for those seeking relief from both southern summers and northern winters.

• Average Yearly Temperature: 66.6 (High) 43.9 (Low)
• Average Annual Rainfall: 47.59 inches
• Average Annual Snowfall: 15.7 inches
• Average Annual Relative Humidity: 58%

Government, Population and Tax Rate:

• Asheville has a Council-Manager form of government, consisting of 7 council men & women.
• Buncombe County is governed by a board of commissioners consisting of 5 members.
• Buncombe County Population: 190,200.
• Buncombe County Population between age 18-64: 117,125.
• Total Work Force: 97,450
• Total Employed: 94,250
• Total Unemployed: 3,200 / 3.3%
• Asheville Population: 66,700
• Buncombe County Median Household Buying Income: $28,293
• Buncombe County Average Household Income: $25,847
• City Tax Rate: $1.51 per $100 | County Tax Rate: .73 per $100
• Sales Tax Rate: 6%

Churches:

There are approximately 185 houses of worship in Buncombe County. All major denominations are included.

Library System:

Pack Memorial Library is located at 67 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville with 8 branch and community libraries and a bookmobile.

Cultural Activities:

The Asheville Area enjoys a rich craft and folk heritage. Culturally, Asheville offers many opportunities and participation in the Fine Arts of painting, dance, theatre, and music, as well as mountain crafts.

Recreation:

Asheville and Buncombe County's 49 park areas include swimming pools, tennis courts, picnicing facilities, a nature center, a zoo, summer playgrounds, neighborhood recreation and senior citizen centers, two public golf courses.

Many private country clubs located in and around the area provide superior play ten months of the year.

The Pisgah and Natahala National Forests offer trout and bass fishing, hiking trails, and rock hunting. Whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities abound in the surrounding areas. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer unlimited recreational opportunities and scenic splendor.

For more information contact:

• Asheville Chamber of Commerce 828-258-6115
• Asheville Downtown Association 828-251-9973