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Press play, Asheville
Maximize your commute with these reader picks. | Photo by @robertfilm_fx
We’re highlighting local business podcasts, local voices, and resources shaping the conversation — and why they matter.
Reader picks
“BeWell Asheville Podcast” | Recommended by reader Tom W. | Explore wellness, entrepreneurship, and community through conversations with Asheville leaders.
“Olives + Giglio Podcast” | Recommended by Seth P. | Get your daily dose of bold takes, smart analysis, and unapologetically local conversation on NC sports.
“Chatter with BNC” | Hear the latest in NC business through weekly conversations with the state’s top leaders and newsmakers.
“Making It in Asheville” | Hear from local founders and creatives building businesses in Asheville, with insights on growth, challenges, and community impact.
News Notes
News Notes
You’re looking at the highest residential sale in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. | Photo by Steven Freeman
Number
$9.5 million. That’s how much a contemporary estate in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove just sold for — marking the highest residential sale ever recorded in the private community. The sale may signal rising price ceilings for luxury homes in the Asheville-area market, where top-tier inventory remains limited. See who landed the sale.
Real Estate
Thinking about adding to your real estate portfolio? Experts say the Lake Norman area, including Mooresville and Cornelius, is a top place to buy a lake house right now. With steady demand, rising home values, and proximity to Asheville, the region offers a strong mix of lifestyle appeal and investment potential. (Travel and Leisure)
Network
Connect with one of the region’s leading real estate groups — Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS. LOSAR offers regular networking events, market insights, and professional development opportunities for agents, investors, and industry pros across Western North Carolina.
Development
Curious as to why that Kmart in West Asheville hasn’t become an Ingles yet? Well, it all comes down to long-term ground lease held by Transformco. Catch up on the saga. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Ranked
Vote for the Asheville Fringe Festival, a 24-year local favorite, in the Guide to NC’s Best of North Carolina Awards (Festival category). You can cast a vote once per day through tomorrow, March 31.
State
If you’ve got your eye on agriculture in North Carolina, there’s good reason. Farmers across the state are facing mounting financial pressure in 2026, driven by prolonged drought, rising production costs, and global conflicts that are pushing up the cost of essentials like fertilizer and fuel. Dive into what the experts are saying. (Star News Online)
Civic
Gain an inside perspective on how the Asheville Fire Department operates by participating in the 2026 Citizens Fire Academy. This program equips community members with a deeper understanding of fire service — while offering a platform to share insights. Apply online.
Thought Leadership
“There is no more formative or impactful business skill than public speaking,” said Katie Marshall, President of Asheville Speechcrafters, a Toastmasters club. Scroll down to our Agenda section for more about the public speaking club, which meets on Mondays.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Asheville Speechcrafters | Monday, March 30 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. | Mayor Terry Bellamy Community Space | Free for members | A recurring public speaking and leadership group where professionals practice communication skills and receive feedback.
Women in Trades Meetup with Craft Your Commerce | Wednesday, April 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Center for Craft | Free | Connect with women in trades and creative industries and take advantage of resources, insights, and community-building opportunities.
Black Business Alliance Learning Series | Thursday, April 2 | 5-7 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Learn how to build an intentional mindset for business success through strategy, reflection, and growth tools
16 Biltmore Ave., Unit 300 | 9,262 sqft | $16,980/month (full service) | Turnkey downtown office suite with ~25 private offices, conference space, and private patio, with full-service lease including utilities and maintenance, steps from Pack Square with adjacent parking access.
239 Haywood Rd. | 2,240 sqft | $25/sqft annually | Fully remodeled office space in West Asheville with 16 parking spaces, located near the River Arts District with immediate availability and flexible terms.
Retail, for lease
150 Coxe Ave. | 4,165 sqft | $25/sqft NNN | High-visibility commercial suite in Asheville’s South Slope with strong foot traffic, surrounded by breweries and restaurants, offering flexible use for retail, showroom, or office with easy access to I-240 and downtown.
5 Westgate Pkwy., Unit 120 | 1,880 sqft | $47,000 annually | Retail space in Westgate Shopping Center with excellent I-240 visibility and high traffic counts, surrounded by national tenants and strong daily foot traffic near the River Arts District.
Commercial land, for sale
2100 Heart Dr. | ~1.0 acre | $325,000 | Vacant commercial-industrial parcel in Ridgefield Business Center with flexible zoning allowing multifamily, retail, office, and light industrial uses, offering strong development potential in West Asheville.
What does the “2% rule” in commercial real estate typically suggest?
A. A property should appreciate 2% annually B. Monthly rent should equal ~2% of the purchase price C. Expenses should not exceed ~2% of revenue D. Vacancy rates should stay below 2%
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