9 Gated Communities Near Asheville, NC (2025 Guide)

The Asheville area is home to some of North Carolina’s most desirable gated communities, ranging from private mountain retreats to resort-style neighborhoods rich in amenities. In this guide, we spotlight a handful of the best-known and most sought-after options where many luxury buyers begin their search. From vibrant arts and social events to endless trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers a lifestyle as elevated as its landscapes.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but a curated starting point. Once we learn more about your ideal lifestyle, we can help you explore all the gated communities near Asheville and match you with the one that truly fits.

Table of Contents

• Living in Asheville, North Carolina

• Comparison Table: Asheville's Best Gated Communities

• Southcliff

• The Ramble Biltmore Forest

• The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

• Balsam Mountain Preserve

• French Broad Crossing

• Mountain Air

• Champion Hills

• Grand Highlands

• Navigating Asheville’s Vast Gated Community Market

Living in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville sits at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by more than 500,000 acres of protected forests and national parks. It’s a destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers, and those drawn to a creative, nature-rich lifestyle.

While some buyers are drawn to the lively downtown with its music, art, and craft breweries, others prefer the quieter pace and scenic charm of the surrounding mountain towns. From Weaverville to Hendersonville, the broader Asheville area offers a diverse range of settings, each with its own unique feel and community vibe.

The right fit depends on the lifestyle you’re after. Here are a few standout gated communities to get started with your search. When you’re ready to explore the whole picture, we’re here to help you navigate it.

Comparison Table: Asheville's Best Gated Communities

Southcliff

Asheville, NC

Just 15 minutes southeast of downtown Asheville, Southcliff offers a rare blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access. Perched on the slopes of Cedar Cliff Mountain, this gated community is known for its emphasis on nature, community, and understated luxury. Residents enjoy cooler temperatures, quiet wooded surroundings, and stunning Blue Ridge views, all without sacrificing proximity to city amenities.

Amenities

Southcliff sets itself apart with over 175 acres of preserved green space. The community is built around connecting residents to nature and one another through:

• 6 miles of private hiking trails

• 5 community parks with gathering areas and playgrounds

• A family campground for weekend retreats under the stars

• Gated security and beautifully maintained roads and trails

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Typically range from just under $1M to ~$2M

• Property Types: Custom single-family homes, mountain view homesites

• Lifestyle: Quiet, nature-connected living with easy Asheville access

What Makes It Special

Southcliff is ideal for those who want a mountain retreat without being remote. With its low-density layout and preserved forest landscape, it’s one of Asheville’s most thoughtfully planned communities. Whether you’re downsizing into a luxurious modern build or seeking a private wooded estate, Southcliff balances elegance and simplicity in the heart of the Blue Ridge.

Explore the Southcliff community overview further or view current listings

The Ramble Biltmore Forest

Biltmore Forest, NC

Tucked within Asheville’s historic Biltmore Forest enclave, The Ramble offers a rare combination of forested seclusion and city convenience. Located just off Hendersonville Road, this prestigious gated community provides a tranquil, wooded setting only minutes from the heart of Asheville. With private roads and access to Biltmore Park amenities, The Ramble is one of the most desirable addresses in Western North Carolina.

Amenities

The Ramble is designed to foster both wellness and community, featuring:

• Gated access and private road system

• Clubhouse with fireside lounge and demonstration kitchen

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Heated saline pool

• Miles of walking and hiking trails

• Tennis and pickleball courts

• Community parks and social events

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: From $2M to over $10M

• Property Types: Custom-built estate homes on spacious lots

• Lifestyle: Forested luxury with elite neighborhood feel near Biltmore Park

What Makes It Special

The Ramble offers one of the best combinations of location, prestige, and natural beauty in the Asheville area. It's rare to find a gated community this private, yet so connected. Whether you’re hosting guests in your custom-designed home or hiking through conserved forestland just steps from your door, life at The Ramble is both elevated and peaceful.

Explore The Ramble community overview or view current listings

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Arden, NC

Nestled just beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a prestigious gated golf community located southwest of Asheville. Designed for those who want mountain beauty, world-class amenities, and a private club lifestyle, this community offers everything from luxury homes to resort-style experiences, all within the gates.

Amenities

Walnut Cove delivers an extraordinary lineup of amenities for residents and club members:

• Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with stunning mountain views

• Wellness Center featuring yoga, fitness classes, spa services, and indoor/outdoor pools

• Clubhouse with fine and casual dining, wine events, and social gatherings

• Tennis & Pickleball Courts

• Community Garden & Greenhouse

• Extensive Trail Network for hiking and biking

• Private Spa and relaxation areas

Ownership here also provides access to seven other Cliffs communities and golf courses across the Carolinas, expanding lifestyle and recreation options for members.

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Range from $2M to $10M+

• Property Types: Estate homes, townhomes, and luxury condominiums

• Lifestyle: Golf, wellness, and nature-driven luxury behind the gates

What Makes It Special

Walnut Cove is the only Cliffs community located in the Asheville area, giving residents access to both serene mountain living and a vibrant cultural city. The combination of a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, elite fitness and spa offerings, and beautifully designed homes makes this one of the most sought-after gated addresses in the Blue Ridge region.

Explore the Walnut Cove community overview further or view current listings

Balsam Mountain Preserve

Sylva, NC

About 45 minutes west of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve is one of Western North Carolina’s most exclusive gated communities, offering high-elevation living in a low-density, conservation-focused setting. Spread across 4,400 acres, with 3,400 acres permanently protected, this private mountain preserve is ideal for buyers seeking space, privacy, and a deep connection with nature.

Amenities

Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered around nature, wellness, and exceptional recreation:

• Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course with dramatic topography and panoramic views

• Clubhouse with elegant dining, bar, and lounge overlooking the mountains

• 42 Miles of Private Trails for hiking and mountain biking

• Streams & Waterfalls, including a class-A trout stream with a community campground

• Equestrian Center with full-service stables, riding arena, and guided trail rides

• Wellness & Fitness Center, plus social events and outdoor programming

With only a few hundred homesites planned, the emphasis is on space, sustainability, and serenity.

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Expect $3M+ for custom homes and $2M+ for golf cottages

• Property Types: Custom estates, golf cottages, and homesites

• Lifestyle: Secluded, eco-luxury living with resort-level amenities

What Makes It Special

Balsam Mountain Preserve offers one of the most rare combinations in the Southeast: high elevation, golf and equestrian amenities, and massive conservation acreage. The community has seen increased investment from new developers, making it even more attractive to buyers seeking both refined living and natural immersion.

Explore the Balsam Mountain Preserve community overview or view current listings

French Broad Crossing

Marshall, NC

Tucked along the banks of the French Broad River just north of Asheville, French Broad Crossing offers a rare blend of mountain serenity and riverfront recreation. Located in the quiet town of Marshall, this gated community emphasizes a slower, more nature-connected lifestyle without sacrificing modern comforts.

Amenities

French Broad Crossing is ideal for those who want to unwind, explore, and live close to the land:

• Direct River Access for kayaking, fly-fishing, and riverside relaxation

• Community Lodge for social gatherings, events, and fireside evenings

• Fitness Center with swimming pool, weight training, and wellness spaces

• Hiking Trails through wooded hillsides and along the river

• Mountain Lookout Pavilion with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains

• Fiber-optic internet and underground utilities ensure modern convenience

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Typically range from $1M–$3M

• Property Types: Custom mountain homes and scenic homesites

• Lifestyle: Nature-first, river-access community with a relaxed, upscale feel

What Makes It Special

French Broad Crossing is perfect for buyers who prioritize privacy, outdoor adventure, and natural beauty over busier golf or resort-style communities. The intimate setting, combined with thoughtful amenities and riverfront living, creates a retreat-like atmosphere just 35 minutes from downtown Asheville.

Explore the French Broad Crossing community overview or view current listings

Mountain Air

Burnsville, NC

Perched at nearly 4,500 feet in elevation, Mountain Air is one of the most distinctive gated communities near Asheville—and the only one in the region with its own private mountaintop runway. Designed for those who value privacy, elevation, and access, this fly-in community offers unmatched views and a lifestyle tailored to both adventure and relaxation.

Amenities

Mountain Air is built for multi-generational living, with amenities that balance sophistication and fun:

• Private Airstrip: A 2,875-foot mountaintop runway for small aircraft

• 18-Hole Golf Course: Dramatic mountain-top layout with sweeping views

• Clubhouse & Dining: Elegant lodge with fine dining and relaxed options

• Outdoor Heated Pool

• Racquet Sports: Tennis and pickleball courts

• Nature Center: Educational programs and family-friendly activities

• Hiking Trails: Dozens of miles of trails through forest and rock outcrops

• General Store & Movie Theater: Charming touches that bring the community together

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Condos from the mid $300Ks; custom estates over $3M

• Property Types: Condominiums, townhomes, and luxury estate homes

• Lifestyle: High-elevation living with a strong sense of community and generational appeal

What Makes It Special

Mountain Air offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the North Carolina mountains, where luxury, elevation, and aviation converge. Whether you're flying in for a weekend getaway or staying year-round, it's a community designed for those who crave panoramic views, cooler temperatures, and a family-first lifestyle in the clouds.

Explore the Mountain Air community overview or see current listings

Champion Hills

Hendersonville, NC

Tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills just 45 minutes south of Asheville, Champion Hills is a premier gated golf community in Hendersonville, offering a perfect mix of small-town charm and championship-level golf. With its lower elevation and temperate climate, this community appeals to those seeking an active lifestyle with year-round access to top-tier amenities.

Amenities

At the heart of Champion Hills is one of Tom Fazio’s finest mountain designs:

• Tom Fazio Signature Golf Course: A nationally acclaimed course ranked among North Carolina’s best

• Clubhouse: Fine dining, a casual pub, and regular social gatherings

• Racquet Sports: Tennis and pickleball courts for all skill levels

• Fitness & Wellness: On-site fitness center, group classes, and spa treatments

• Social Events: Member mixers, interest clubs, holiday events, and live music

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: From the $700Ks to over $2M

• Property Types: Custom homes, villas, and low-maintenance options

• Lifestyle: Laid-back elegance with a strong year-round community

What Makes It Special

Champion Hills combines the prestige of Fazio golf with a welcoming, full-time residential vibe. It’s one of the few high-end communities where you can still find homes under $1M without sacrificing luxury or access to premier club amenities. Whether you're relocating or looking for a seasonal retreat, Champion Hills offers accessibility, beauty, and value.

Explore the Champion Hills community overview or view current listings

Grand Highlands

Hendersonville, NC

Located 30 minutes south of Asheville, Grand Highlands is a gated mountaintop community offering expansive long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the pastoral valleys below. Perched at high elevation, this community is ideal for buyers seeking seclusion, scenery, and luxury living in a more relaxed rural setting near Hendersonville.

Amenities

The amenities at Grand Highlands are designed for community connection and scenic enjoyment:

• Clubhouse: Elegant gathering space with panoramic views

• Self-Serve Pub & Event Hall: Perfect for social events and resident-hosted dinners

• Fitness Center: Well-equipped gym with mountain vistas

• Game Room: Recreation space for residents and guests

Real Estate Snapshot

• Home Prices: Typically between $1M–$3M

• Property Options: Luxury custom-built estates and homesites for new construction

• Lot Sizes: Spacious parcels that maximize privacy and views

What Makes It Special

Grand Highlands delivers a peaceful, top-of-the-world setting without sacrificing access to community life. It’s ideal for buyers who value space, scenery, and the ability to build their dream mountain home in a tight-knit, luxury neighborhood.

Explore the Grand Highlands community overview or view current listings.

Let Us Help You Navigate Asheville’s Vast Gated Community Market

There are hundreds of gated communities in and around Asheville. Every buyer is different, and so is every community. We know these communities inside and out. Share your goals with us, and we will guide you to the right neighborhood and home for your lifestyle.