Relocating to Western North Carolina means not only breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture—it also means access to outstanding healthcare and a thriving wellness community.
Asheville has long attracted those seeking clean air, active living, and “restorative” mountain properties since the early 20th century. Today, our city is known as a health and wellness mecca, boasting both state-of-the-art hospitals and a growing alternative medicine scene. The result? A community that holds wellness close to its heart, where neighbors radiate a laid-back yet health-conscious attitude that’s downright contagious. Whether you’re a retiree looking for peace of mind or a family seeking a healthy environment, Asheville’s got you covered.
Multiple Hospital Systems
When it comes to hospital care, the Asheville region offers a surprising range of advanced medical services for a city of its size—thanks to several competing healthcare systems serving Western North Carolina.
Mission Health, based in Asheville and now part of the HCA Healthcare network, remains the region’s largest hospital system. Its main campus includes a full-service medical center, a dedicated children’s hospital, a Level II trauma center, and a wide range of specialties from neurology to oncology to cardiovascular care. While it has earned national recognition—including a recent tie with Duke for the #1 Best Hospital in North Carolina (2025)—Mission has also faced scrutiny in recent years from both patients and healthcare professionals regarding corporate ownership and local oversight. For many, it remains a central resource for acute and specialty care, even as the local landscape continues to evolve.
Fortunately, residents and incoming physicians alike have a growing set of choices. AdventHealth Hendersonville, just south of Asheville, offers a faith-based approach to care with a strong reputation for personalized service, including a boutique labor and delivery unit. UNC Health Pardee brings university-affiliated care and robust programs in orthopedics, cancer, and cardiology to the region. And as Novant Health begins expanding its footprint in Western North Carolina, the healthcare environment continues to diversify—with new facilities, partnerships, and care models being introduced.
Additional resources include the Charles George VA Medical Center, which provides comprehensive services for veterans focused on post-acute rehabilitation and long-term recovery care.
This increasingly competitive healthcare ecosystem not only benefits patients, but also offers incoming medical professionals the opportunity to evaluate different systems and care philosophies—whether they’re seeking employment, collaboration, or referrals. It’s a dynamic time in Asheville healthcare, with more options than ever for patients and providers alike.
Specialized Care Options
High-net-worth residents will find that Asheville offers specialized care on par with major metropolitan areas, but with a personal touch. Need a top cardiologist? Asheville Cardiology has you covered. There are also numerous specialty clinics and urgent care centers throughout the city for quick access to care. Perhaps more unique to Asheville is our embrace of integrative and holistic health.
Asheville’s healthcare ecosystem extends far beyond primary care and wellness—offering advanced, specialty-level services that rival larger metropolitan areas. Physicians and professionals relocating here will find world-class care for complex needs, from spinal surgery to movement disorders, all with the same high-touch approach synonymous with the region’s wellness ethos.
Orthopedic Excellence
From sports injuries and joint replacements to spine surgery and rehab, Western North Carolina offers exceptional orthopedic care through both hospital systems and private practices. Patients have access to walk-in clinics, surgical specialists, and physical therapy—all with the kind of personal attention that reflects Asheville’s wellness-forward approach to recovery and mobility.
EmergeOrtho – Blue Ridge Region: One of the largest and most advanced orthopedic practices in the North Carolina, with multiple subspecialists and locations across Western North Carolina.
Asheville Orthopaedic Associates: Full-service orthopedic care, including total joint replacements, fracture care, and sports medicine.
Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine: Board‑certified orthopedic and spine care across five locations in Western North Carolina, including same‑day and walk‑in appointments for urgent sports injuries.
Neurology & Neurosurgery
Whether managing migraines, movement disorders, or complex spine and brain conditions, patients in the Asheville area benefit from a well-established network of neurologists and neurosurgeons. Providers range from independent specialists offering advanced diagnostics and clinical trials to hospital-affiliated practices with comprehensive surgical and rehabilitation services.
Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery Center: A regional leader for spine, brain, and nerve care with advanced surgical techniques and integrated rehab.
Asheville Neurology Specialists: Board-certified neurologists treating epilepsy, migraines, movement disorders, and offering EMG and Botox therapy.
Western Carolina Neurological Associates: A team of neurologists serving both outpatient and hospital-based patients in greater Asheville.
Cardiology
Heart care in the region is both comprehensive and highly respected, with providers offering everything from preventive screenings to interventional procedures and cardiac rehab. Patients can choose between established local cardiology groups and academic-affiliated systems—ensuring that even complex conditions receive expert, timely treatment.
Pardee Cardiology Associates (Hendersonville): Serving the southern portion of the metro area with heart diagnostics and ongoing cardiac care.
Asheville Cardiology Associates: Mission-affiliated practice with 20+ cardiologists offering heart failure, EP, and structural heart care.
Asheville Heart: Offering general and interventional cardiology, plus preventive care.
Oncology
Cancer care in Western North Carolina is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge treatments with compassionate, community-based support. Whether through large hospital centers or private oncology groups, patients have access to chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and long-term survivorship resources—all close to home.
Messino Cancer Centers (Now Part of American Oncology Network): Outpatient cancer care with locations throughout WNC and deep expertise in hematology and medical oncology.
Hope Women’s Cancer Centers: Gynecologic oncology practice providing surgery and chemotherapy in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Mission Cancer Center: Comprehensive cancer center with radiation, surgical, and medical oncology teams under one roof.
Additional Specialty Services
In addition to the core specialties above, the Asheville region supports a wide array of specialty providers—from endocrinology, dermatology, and gastroenterology to rheumatology, maternal-fetal medicine, and infectious disease. Many of these services are delivered through a mix of private practices and integrated hospital networks, giving residents and professionals alike access to high-quality, coordinated care without having to travel far. For those relocating to the area, it’s a reassuring reminder that Western North Carolina is not only a beautiful place to live—but a medically equipped one as well.
Alongside traditional specialists, you’ll discover a wealth of alternative therapy providers – from functional medicine physicians to acupuncturists and herbalists. In fact, Asheville has a strong reputation for holistic healing choices.
Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, for instance, is a direct primary care clinic that emphasizes whole-person wellness and preventive lifestyle medicine, bridging conventional and alternative approaches. Many integrative practices partner with patients to “help them live their best lives” through nutrition, stress management, and personalized care plans.
If acupuncture, yoga therapy, or massage are part of your wellness routine, you’ll feel right at home here. Asheville is even home to its first Doctor of Acupuncture—Dr. Nancy Hyton of
West Asheville Acupuncture—who combines treatments like acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine in private sessions. From chiropractors and naturopaths to nutritionists and life coaches, the area’s complementary health network is vast. It’s not unusual for a local orthopedic doctor to refer a patient to tai chi classes for balance, or for a cancer center to host meditation workshops. This integrative ethos means you can pursue cutting-edge medical treatments and supportive therapies hand-in-hand, all within the community.
Yoga Studios:
Massage Studios:
Acupuncture Care:
Concierge Medicine & Boutique Wellness
For those who desire a more personalized, VIP healthcare experience, Asheville also offers several concierge medicine practices and boutique wellness services. Concierge medical offices provide highly individualized care – think same-day appointments, 24/7 direct access to your physician, and house calls that hark back to an earlier era of medicine (with a luxury twist). Practices like
Blue Ridge Premier Medicine and
PrimeHealth Asheville limit their patient loads so each client gets ample time and attention. Blue Ridge Premier, for example, gives each patient a personal physician who is readily available and focuses on proactive wellness and prevention (early disease detection, nutrition, fitness, etc.).
Beyond primary care, you can also find niche concierge services like personalized psychiatry and even high-end physical therapy for that golf or tennis injury. And speaking of boutique wellness, Asheville has its share of luxury med spas and wellness clinics. You can pamper yourself with cosmetic treatments, IV vitamin infusions, or anti-aging therapies at local clinics that cater to a discerning clientele. It’s all about choice and access – whether you prefer the peace of mind of having a doctor on speed-dial, or the convenience of wellness practitioners who go above and beyond, this town delivers. Health is personal, and here you can truly customize your care to fit your lifestyle.
Wellness Retreats, Spas & Fitness Clubs
Staying fit is also fun here. You’ll find elite fitness clubs and studios for every interest—from boutique yoga and Pilates studios to full-service health clubs. The
Asheville Racquet Club, for example, offers tennis and pickleball courts, swimming pools, and modern gym facilities. There are also plenty of personal trainers, crossfit boxes, cycling groups, and hiking clubs to join.
Many private country clubs (like the
Biltmore Forest Country Club,
Country Club of Asheville, or
The Cliffs communities) feature their own state-of-the-art fitness centers and wellness programming for members. Even the active adult retirement communities often boast amenities like indoor pools, group exercise classes, and golf courses to keep you moving. And of course, the biggest “fitness center” of all is the great outdoors—with Asheville’s mild climate and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, it’s common to see neighbors of all ages walking, biking, or practicing yoga in the park. From high-end gym equipment to mountain hikes, you’ll have endless ways to stay in shape and rejuvenate your spirit.
Especially for Retirees & Relocating Families
Asheville is consistently rated as a top destination for retirees—and a big reason is the senior-friendly health and wellness services available. If you’re moving here to enjoy your golden years, you’ll appreciate the numerous 55+ communities and continuing care retirement communities that prioritize wellness. Places like
Deerfield,
Givens Estates, and
Pisgah Valley Retirement Community offer not just beautiful residences but also on-site healthcare, therapy services, and fitness programs. In fact, the Wellness Center at Pisgah Valley is open to the public and provides seniors with tailored exercise classes like water aerobics, balance training, Tai Chi, and even “Zumba Gold” —all designed to keep older adults active and strong.
Beyond formal communities, Asheville has plenty of geriatric specialists, home health agencies, and hospice care (through
CarePartners, a Mission Health affiliate. From assisted living facilities to Medicare-accepting concierge doctors, every level of care is accessible. Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you slow down here—local seniors are hiking, gardening, volunteering, and fully engaging with life, thanks to the support of our healthcare network.
For families relocating to Asheville, rest assured your loved ones will be in good hands too. Mission Hospital includes a dedicated
Mission Children’s Hospital for pediatric care, complete with specialists and a neonatal ICU for the little ones. There are pediatricians and family practices across town, and a wealth of resources for new and expecting parents – from childbirth classes at the hospitals to pediatric urgent care clinics for those weekend fevers. The area’s hospitals collaborate to cover all bases: for instance,
Pardee UNC Health in Hendersonville offers 3D mammography and comprehensive women’s health services, and
AdventHealth’s boutique birthing center makes welcoming a new baby a comfortable, personalized experience.
School-age kids benefit from clean mountain air and outdoor recreation, but if they do need care, specialists (from allergy and asthma experts to sports medicine physicians) are readily available locally. In short, both young and old find quality care here. And because Asheville is a tight-knit community, you’ll also discover parent groups, senior centers, and plenty of support networks to help newcomers feel at home.
Community Wellness & Healthy Living Initiatives
What truly sets Asheville apart is our community-oriented approach to health and wellness. People here genuinely care about living well—not just individually, but together as a community. There are countless wellness events, volunteer opportunities, and local initiatives aimed at keeping everyone healthy. For example, Asheville’s residents are passionate about farm-to-table food and
access to fresh, healthy produce. The city has
nearly 20 farmers markets and a thriving local food scene, supported by programs that ensure all citizens can obtain nutritious foods. It’s no surprise many area restaurants serve organic and sustainable dishes—wellness here starts with what’s on your plate.
Community organizations also host health fairs, group fitness meetups, and educational workshops. You might find free yoga in the park days, charity run/walk events on weekends, and “wellness tours” that introduce newcomers to local spas and hiking trails. Volunteerism in healthcare is big – many retirees and professionals volunteer with hospital auxiliaries, free clinics, and wellness nonprofits to give back. The result is a supportive network where neighbors help neighbors, from mentoring at the YMCA to fundraising for the children’s hospital. Asheville’s collaborative spirit extends to healthcare innovation too: local nonprofits and health providers partner on initiatives around mental health, addiction recovery, and health equity to ensure everyone in the community can thrive. This vibrant civic engagement around wellness makes Asheville not just a healthy place to live, but a deeply caring place to call home.
Wrap-Up
From world-class hospitals and concierge doctors to soothing spas and outdoor adventures, Asheville truly offers the best of healthcare and wellness in a community that embraces healthy living. It’s one of the reasons so many high-net-worth individuals—from retirees to young entrepreneurs—are choosing to call Western North Carolina home. We hope this guide gives you a reassuring glimpse into the vibrant health and wellness scene awaiting you in Asheville.
Thinking of making the move? We are here to support your journey to a healthier, happier life in the mountains. Contact us for more information about relocating to Asheville, personal introductions to local healthcare or wellness professionals, or even just to chat more about what makes living here so special. We’re always happy to help you find not just a beautiful home, but also the resources to live your best life here in Asheville.
