Ask any Asheville home builder and they’ll tell you. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the high cost of housing in Western North Carolina, but one major factor is the region's popularity as a tourist destination and retirement location. Many people are attracted to the area for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and mild climate. This high demand for housing has driven up prices in many communities throughout the region.

Another factor contributing to the high cost of housing in Western North Carolina is the limited supply of available land. Much of the area is mountainous or otherwise unsuitable for development, which means that there is a relatively small amount of land on which new housing can be built. This limited supply of available land can lead to bidding wars and other market forces that drive up housing prices.

Finally, like many areas of the country, Western North Carolina has experienced a significant increase in construction costs in recent years. Factors such as rising materials prices, labor shortages, and increasing regulatory requirements can all contribute to higher construction costs, which are ultimately passed on to homebuyers.

All of these factors - high demand, limited supply, and rising construction costs - can contribute to the high cost of housing in Western North Carolina.