if you know, you know. Western North Carolina is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and high quality of life. Here are 10 of the best places to live in Western North Carolina, in no particular order:

1. Asheville: Asheville is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, excellent restaurants, and a strong sense of community. It is also surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

2. Boone: Boone is a college town located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its excellent hiking and skiing opportunities, as well as its lively downtown area.

3. Hendersonville: Hendersonville is a charming town located just south of Asheville. It offers a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as easy access to outdoor recreation areas such as Dupont State Forest.

4. Brevard: Brevard is a small town located near the Pisgah National Forest. It is known for its excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as its vibrant music scene.

5. Waynesville: Waynesville is a small town located in the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as easy access to outdoor recreation areas such as the Blue Ridge Parkway.

6. Black Mountain: Black Mountain is a small town located just east of Asheville. It offers a quaint downtown area, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities, and easy access to the Montreat Conference Center.

7. Sylva: Sylva is a small town located in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. It offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting.

8. Maggie Valley: Maggie Valley is a small town located in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

9. Highlands: Highlands is a small town located in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its cool summer temperatures, excellent hiking and fishing opportunities, and upscale restaurants and shops.

10. Cashiers: Cashiers is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, golfing, and fishing, as well as a quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants.

These are just a few of the many excellent places to live in Western North Carolina, each offering its own unique charm and character.