Loading Search Form
Please Wait
The unincorporated community of Leicester generally flies under the radar compared to bustling West Asheville or charming Weaverville. Even so, they’ve seen a 16% growth in population since 2000, making it a great place to discover and live for those in the know.
Originally called Turkey Creek, the Leicester community was founded in 1829 with the establishment of a local post office. Frontiersman Leicester Chapman, an early Postmaster of that office, renamed the area for his own namesake, the Earl of Leicester. Today, the bucolic community is filled with local farms, artisans, and nature lovers who enjoy the quiet mountain views.
Median sale price
Median sale price
Beverly-Hanks has an office conveniently located in nearby downtown Asheville. If you're searching for homes and land in Leicester, our expert real estate agents are available to help. Your Allen Tate REALTOR® is backed by an outstanding support staff and committed to the highest standards of customer service.
For home mortgage services through Beverly-Hanks & Associates, visit our Mortgage Services office in downtown Asheville, NC.
Leicester offers many amenities nearby or within minutes, including public, private, and charter schools; an extensive county library system; access to state-of-the-art medical facilities, including Mission Hospital, the largest in the region; and innumerable shopping, entertainment, and dining options. Leicester is also conveniently located near the Pisgah National Forest, as well as near the Blue Ridge Parkway, a sightseer's and cyclist's haven.
West Asheville: 17 minutes
Downtown Asheville: 22 minutes
Marshall: 22 minutes
Weaverville: 22 minutes
Canton: 23 minutes
Candler: 25 minutes
Asheville Regional Airport: 33 minutes
Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina, but surrounding towns and neighborhoods in Buncombe County like Leicester offer small-town flair and varied amenities. The four-season temperate climate with average snowfall of only 13 inches makes year-round living easy. Average elevation is 2,165 feet above sea level with surrounding mountain elevations of up to 6,685 feet at Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Because of this broad range of elevations and corresponding climates and plant growth, the area is one of the most biodiverse in the United States and the world.
Tax rates are per $100 of assessed valuation.
Leicester: $ 0.6790
In 2007, the residents of Leicester proposed incorporating the area, going so far as to file a bill of incorporation with the North Carolina General Assembly. Although the measure has not yet been adopted, the area’s measurable growth makes future discussions inevitable.
Built in 1896–1897 with funds collected by the local Methodist Episcopal community, Camp Academy (also known as Camp Forest) is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 4800-square-foot Colonial Revival-style brick building was a private academy and teacher training institute from 1897–1913, then served as an apartment house, before becoming a medical clinic in 1983. Camp Academy is the last remaining tuition academy building in Buncombe County.
Leicester has a number restaurants serving tasty Southern fare, including Turkey Creek Grill. Turkey Creek serves home cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week. They also cater!
Even though they were only founded in 2012, Franny’s Farm has quickly become a destination for the people of Leicester, as well as surrounding communities like Asheville, Marshall, and Canton. In addition to being an active organic farm, the location serves as a wedding and event venue, education center, and weekend getaway with eco cabins. Don’t miss their annual Barnaroo music festival, which happens on site each September in support of Asheville Music School.
