Chestnut Hills offers a calm and tranquil environment with generally low noise levels from traffic. The neighborhood features mostly single detached homes, along with small apartment buildings and duplexes, providing a range of two and three-bedroom options. Residents benefit from close proximity to various restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, making daily shopping and dining convenient. Several bus lines serve the area, with stops located within easy reach. The neighborhood’s location near major highways provides straightforward access to surrounding areas and ample parking. While green spaces are not within the neighborhood, they are easily accessible in nearby areas, offering additional outdoor opportunities.
Chestnut Hills is a "jack-of-all-trades" when it comes to the feel of this part of Asheville. Although the atmosphere is not the most lively in this part of Asheville places to go out at night are well-spread throughout the area. Chestnut Hills is especially quiet, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor. It is easy to access green spaces in the neighborhood since there are a few of them nearby for residents to unwind in.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
The Chestnut Hill Historic District gives Chestnut Hills its defining architectural character: late-19th- and early-20th-century homes, mature landscaping, granite curbs, and stretches of historic brick sidewalk. East Chestnut Street bisects the district, where Victorian, Colonial Revival, bungalow, and Craftsman-era residences create one of Asheville’s most distinctive close-in residential streetscapes, just north of downtown. ([ashevillenc.gov](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/asheville-neighborhood-profile-chestnut-hills/?utm_source=openai))
At 301 East Chestnut Street, the Princess Anne Hotel is a notable neighborhood landmark with roots in the early 20th century. Built around 1920 by Anne O’Connell, the shingled building originally served as lodging connected to Asheville’s health-tourism era and later became retirement accommodations. Its distinctive three-story form, stone foundation, bay windows, and corner entrance add a memorable historic presence to Chestnut Hills. ([exploreasheville.com](https://www.exploreasheville.com/asheville/listing/places-to-stay/princess-anne-hotel?utm_source=openai))
Claxton Elementary School, at 241 Merrimon Avenue, is both a neighborhood institution and an important part of Asheville City Schools. Built in 1924, the school operates with an arts-and-humanities magnet theme serving kindergarten through fifth grade. Its location on Merrimon places a long-standing public school directly within Chestnut Hills, reinforcing the neighborhood’s family-oriented, walkable character and connection to Asheville’s educational history. ([claxton.ashevillecityschools.net](https://claxton.ashevillecityschools.net/?utm_source=openai))
The Asheville Jewish Community Center at 236 Charlotte Street is a major community resource within Chestnut Hills, offering cultural, educational, fitness, and family programming. Its facilities include access to aquatics at the nearby David Zimerman Pool on Clyde Street, while the center also supports Jewish life and broader community connections. The campus gives the neighborhood an unusually strong civic and cultural anchor. ([jcc-asheville.org](https://www.jcc-asheville.org/hours/?utm_source=openai))
The Village at Chestnut Street shopping area anchors the Merrimon Avenue edge of Chestnut Hills at 136 Merrimon Avenue. Its Harris Teeter provides convenient full-service groceries within walking distance of nearby homes, while the surrounding commercial corridor adds everyday retail and dining options. This concentration of services is central to the neighborhood’s appeal: historic residential streets paired with practical amenities just beyond the front door. ([harristeeter.com](https://www.harristeeter.com/stores/grocery/nc/asheville/village-at-chestnut-street/097/00348?cid=loc_09700348_other&utm_source=openai))
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free downtown celebration is an easy outing from Chestnut Hills, with regional beverage producers, live entertainment, traditional games, and German-inspired food. Residents can enjoy a lively fall afternoon in Pack Square Park and combine the event with nearby restaurants, galleries, and shops.
View event details →Art in the Park offers Chestnut Hills residents a convenient, family-friendly way to browse handmade jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fiber art, and mountain-inspired crafts. The open-air setting makes it ideal for a relaxed Saturday downtown, with nearby coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to extend the visit.
View event details →Chestnut Hills dog owners can bring their pets to this free Asheville Parks & Recreation gathering for costume contests, interactive activities, treats, and dog-park fun. It is a welcoming neighborhood-style event for families and animal lovers, with children under 14 able to attend alongside an adult.
View event details →This free two-day festival gives Chestnut Hills residents an accessible downtown celebration featuring R&B, pop, jazz, Afrobeats, and reggae across multiple stages. The event’s community focus and tribute exhibit honoring local figures make it a strong choice for a culturally rich, family-friendly weekend outing.
View event details →A short trip from Chestnut Hills, this juried downtown fair brings more than 100 regional artists together for shopping, live demonstrations, and hands-on craft education. It is especially appealing for residents seeking distinctive Appalachian-made gifts, home décor, jewelry, and a substantial indoor activity during autumn weather.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Chestnut Hills
Local characteristics and demographics for Chestnut Hills
