Special offer

Asheville, North Carolina - The Happiest City in the Nation

By
Real Estate Agent with Gabe Swinney

 

Living and working in the Asheville green real estate market is not just day to day life for me... it is kind of an obsession.  This fact is not hidden from my family and friends.  And the result is much the same as it is for many of us these days when our family and friends know something about us...they forward every single piece of information remotely pertaining to your favored subject straight to your email.  I could write a small book containing all the accolades our fair city is honored with, and in turn is sent to my in-box.  The heart of the matter is that people just love it here and they like to sing, paint, or write about it.

Yesterday I came upon a very great distinction for Asheville.  It seems that there was a piece recently on ABC's 20/20 exploring something we all want: happiness.  Part of the coverage went over journalist Eric Weiner's new novel, "The Geography of Bliss".  In his book Eric travels the world doing research about happiness.  I will let you read the book to find out where people are the happiest in the entire world.  But, you guessed it, Asheville, North Carolina was named the happiest city in America.  Why is this do you think?  Anyone who knows Asheville or happens to read my blog, know at least a few of the reasons; the natural beauty, music, art, culture, and mindfulness are always on the list.  Thinking about it brings to mind a book my mother gave me several years ago, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Ceolho.   At one point in this wonderful story the protagonist hears a story about the meaning of life or some other huge elusive truth.  I can recall that it had something to do with one being given a spoon containing some oil and then being asked to talk a long walk through an elaborate and richly ornamented castle.  The challenge however was to not spill any of the oil and still take in all the wonders of the castle.  This anecdote reminds me of Asheville because Asheville seems to be a city that never lost any of the charm, warmth, and magic of a small town during it's sometimes rapid growth.  

 

I love it here. 

Susan Trombley
Trombley Real Estate - Wake Forest, NC
Broker/Realtor, Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Youngs
I know it is fun to be on the cutting edge of life and get recognition. Keep up the good work and I will be moving to have fun there also.
Jan 14, 2008 07:44 AM
Gabe Swinney Asheville New Urbanism
Gabe Swinney - Asheville, NC

Susan,

It is nice to hear from you, let me know when you get to Asheville! 

Jan 16, 2008 12:45 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous
I want so badly to move back to nc. Specifically now Asheville. My husband and I came up there last year. He fell in love with it. He finally listened to me about it. No rude people, happy families, people let you in the roads easily. He was very impressed. The atmosphere is just completely life altering. I did see the piece on 20/20. I screamed when Asheville came up! However due to the housing market I am stuck in Phoenix AZ. Shoot me! It is a dreadful place. Sorry, to people who like it, it's just not my pace. Any suggestions on how to get out of my house here let me know! dst_78@hotmail.com
Jan 25, 2008 01:32 PM
#3
Mary McGraw
GLREA - Rockford, MI
2015: Solar Energy Is Still A Simple Machine!
Hi Gabe - what an honor that all the residents and visitors to Asheville should be part of! I am able to get a small taste of what your town has to offer and the helpful, happy people through my friends at ECO Steward Realty! Thanks for sharing!
Jan 27, 2008 11:14 PM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP
Hi GAbe,  Great!  Of course,  with you, and janeAnne, and Bill...I can certainly see it being a happy place.  :)  Off to check out the links.
Jan 28, 2008 10:03 AM