Newcomer’s Guide
Welcome to Asheville! If you’ve just moved to town, there are a few things you’ll need to attend to…
Asheville Transportation Guide
Auto Registration and Driver’s Licenses
Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina, new residents who plan to operate a motor vehicle must get a North Carolina driver license and title and register their vehicles with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
Auto license tags must be purchased within 30 days of relocating to the state. Just bring your car title, proof of insurance and odometer reading to the following license tag agencies:
Asheville Driver License Office, 1624 Patton Ave, phone: (828) 782-9600
License Plate Agency, 780 Hendersonville Road Ste. 8, phone: (828) 277-7767
Ingles Plaza West License Plate Agency, 153 Smokey Park Highway Ste. 160A, phone: (828) 252-8526
Helpful Hints: The busiest days at the tag agency offices are typically Mondays, Fridays, and the 15th and 30th of the month. Also, cars must be inspected within 10 days of the date of registration. And many common NCDMV services, such as driver license renewal and vehicle registration renewal can be performed any time and any place on a computer or mobile device.
New residents must apply for a N.C. driver’s license within 30 days of relocating to the state. Vision and written tests are required. You can also register to vote at the DMV office. Visit the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at either of the following locations:
1624 Patton Avenue, phone: 828-251-6065
Helpful Hints: These office usually have a wait, so you may want to bring something to read. The receptionist at the Patton Ave. office tells us that the best times to arrive are 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Utilities
Gas – Public Service Company of North Carolina (PSNC) 877-776-2427
Electricity – Duke Energy (Formerly Progress Energy) 1-800-452-2777
Internet – Spectrum 1-855-243-8892
Telephone – Charter Communications, 1-888-GET CHARTER (1-888-438-2427)
Water – Asheville Department of Water Resources 828-251-1122
Real Estate Firms
For home and apartment rentals, call Leslie & Associates at 828-253-1517 or check out www.LeslieAndAssoc.com which is updated daily.
Biltmore Park Town Square
Enjoy the modern vibrance of Asheville’s first mixed-use community which will transform the landscape of South Asheville. Register on-line at www.biltmorepark.com to learn more about our condominiums and townhomes opening for sales 9.21.08. At Biltmore Park Town Square, life is right outside your door. 877.330.0009
Grandview Peaks
Grandview Peaks is a private gated community offering dramatic views and natural seclusion in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Homesites range from 1 to 17 acres, starting at just $29,900. Located close to Asheville, and surrounded by great small towns. Properties have access to community lake & beach, large timber-frame pavilion, and hiking trails all in a peaceful natural setting. 828-475-4844
The Ramble
Some consider a ramble a walk down a wooded trail. Others believe it to be a protected green space. Both concepts provide inspiration for The Ramble, our latest community. Closely patterned after the designs of architect Frederick Law Olmsted (the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park) and conservation principles found at Biltmore Forest, this gated community is destined to become Biltmore’s most sought-after address. Homesite selections are available, and like every masterpiece, its only available to a select few.
Banking
First Bank
In addition to delivering exceptional service, First Bank has developed an outstanding line of financial products that rivals any bank in our marketplace. We offer a wide variety of checking, savings and lending programs for every specific need and circumstance, accented by reasonable fees and competitive rates. Our goal is to help our customers achieve financial success and we have the people and the products in place to deliver on this commitment.
Asheville: 828-252-1735
Accountants
Biltmore Village Accounting (Taxes)
Specializing in individual, corporation taxes, IRS negotiations and accounting. 28 years of experience with small businesses. On.site visits to your buisness at no additional charge. 15% first year discount. 120 Dodge Street Asheville, NC 28803 828.423.5131
Connections
There are many ways to get to know folks in the Asheville community. Check out the large number of membership organizations as well as the community calendar. If you’re interested in volunteering, there are numerous volunteer opportunities available as well.
Government
City of Asheville
For more information about the Asheville City Government
Better Business Bureau — Asheville, North Carolina
If you are having a problem, you need to report it, and try to prevent someone else from having the same experience. 1-828-253-2392
Voter Registration
To vote in city, county, state and federal elections, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, mentally sound and not under conviction of a felony. You must register 30 days prior to the election you wish to vote in. You may register to vote in Asheville and Buncombe County immediately after establishing residency.
Registration may be done by mail or in person at the Board of Elections office, the Pack Memorial Library and several other locations. Call for the nearest registration site. (Or, if you also need to get a NC driver’s license, you may register to vote at the DMV office.)
The Buncombe County Board of Elections is located in the Courthouse Annex at 189 College Street. Phone: 828-255-5123
Grocery and Shopping
Asheville locals can choose from Ingles, Earth Fare, Greenlife Grocery, and several independent stores for their grocery shopping. For more information, visit Asheville.com’s shopping page.
There are also several bulletin boards in town where people post housing information — among many other things. Check out Malaprop’s Bookstore on Haywood Street, the French Broad Food Coop on Biltmore Avenue, Earth Fare in Westgate Plaza.
Other possibilities: Mountain Express a local independent weekly; and the Asheville Citizen-Times.
Jobs
Check our Employment section.
Libraries
Pack Memorial Library 67 Haywood Street 828-255-5203
Asheville Schools
Primary Education
Public Schools
Parents/Guardians need the following documents to register their children in local public schools:
Birth certificate Immunization records;
Medical forms from the County Health Department or a personal physician;
and previous report card if transferring from another school.
Asheville City Schools – phone: 828-255-5064
Buncombe County Schools – phone: 828-255-5921
Higher Education
There are many options if you’re interested in college classes:
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, phone: 828-254-1921
South College, phone: 828-252-2486
University of North Carolina at Asheville, phone: 828-251-6600
Montreat College, phone: 828-669-8011
North Carolina State University at UNCA Campus, phone: 828-251-6640
Shaw University, phone: 828-252-7635
Warren Wilson College, phone: 828-298-3325
Western Carolina University at Biltmore Park, phone: 828-654-6498
Transportation
The Asheville Transit Authority provides public transportation to all parts of the City of Asheville and the surrounding areas, including downtown, the hospitals, schools, malls, universities and residential areas. Their service hours are from 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, you should check your individual route schedule for time variations and Saturday service. Call them at 828-253-5691 for a local bus schedule. They’ll be happy to mail you one or visit our Transportation Section.
Asheville Humane Society
Serving all of Buncombe County.
Adoption fees range from $50-100. This includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations and an identification tag. The Humane Society is located at 72 Lees Creek Road. Call 253-6807 for more information.
If you find or lose an animal, contact AHS immediately to file a lost or found animal report by calling the shelter at 828-253-6807.
Landfill
The Buncombe County landfill is located at 85 Panther Branch Road. The Transfer Station, which accepts residential trash only, is at 490 Brevard Road. Both facilities are open from 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and from 8m-1pm on Saturdays. Both facilities also handle recycling. Call 645-5311 or 251-4997 for more information.
Organizations
If you want something fun to do, just call one of these local organization and get involved!
Asheville Mushroom Club
Have some fun with fungus on a fantastic foray!
Asheville Quilt Guild
Gather up those fabric scraps and join other area quilters for fellowship and inspiration.
Asheville Area Ultimate Club
Meets three times weekly to have fun and ultimately throw their discs around. Visit their site for more on scheduling and to view lots of ultimate action shots.
Asheville Track Club
For those who like to run around, all ages and abilities welcome. Visit the site for more info on the exciting First Annual Mount Mitchell to Black Mountain Marathon Challenge!
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club
Whether you ride the parkway or the trails, this club has numerous planned rides with experienced leaders. Asheville has some great places to ride – come learn some new routes with the BRBC.
British Car Club of Western North Carolina
This club began in 1994 and has grown to over 60 members who like to share their enthusiasm and favorite car wax formula for their British sports cars.
Carolina Mountain Club
The Carolina Mountain Club was organized to foster the enjoyment of the mountains through hiking and to encourage the conservation of our natural resources. This purpose is achieved primarily through an extensive schedule of hikes and a program of trail building and maintenance. Please choose from the following pages to find out more about the CMC.
Other Information Sources:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
For more information about Asheville and the activities of our local chamber organization, visit this site.