Montford: Where History Walks With You

Montford is one of those neighborhoods that holds you. It’s not flashy or performative, but it’s full of story. Just a few blocks north of downtown Asheville, it feels residential and rooted—tree-lined streets, kids on bikes, bungalows and Victorians with deep porches and architectural personality. The houses here weren’t built quickly, and you can feel that. Everything in Montford has texture.

We love the walkability. It’s one of Asheville’s most connected historic neighborhoods, and yet somehow it stays quiet. You’re five minutes from downtown, but it still feels like its own little world. It’s incredibly family-friendly, but also has this creative, soulful quality that draws everyone from young professionals to longtime locals.

And the food? Some of the best in the city lives right here, tucked inside houses that look like they’ve always been there.

Our go-to neighborhood favorites:

• Tall John’s — a cozy, high-quality neighborhood restaurant. It’s got that perfect balance of polish and comfort.

• Nine Mile — a personal favorite since the beginning. It’s this amazing Caribbean-meets-Italian spot with bold flavors and a lot of heart. If you like heat, they’ve got it dialed.

• All Day Darling — our ideal breakfast or lunch stop. Great coffee, clean ingredients, and a bright, healthy menu that feels like Asheville in a bowl.

• Chinese Acupuncture & Herbology Clinic — I’ve been going here for years. It’s inside a gorgeous old home (we think Victorian), and it’s become a staple for holistic care in the city.

Montford is also just steps from Whole Foods (formerly Green Life for the OGs) and Trader Joe’s, which makes daily life that much easier. There’s the Reed Creek Greenway nearby—great for walking, running, or stroller cruising—and the tennis and pickleball courts at Montford Park are always buzzing. Plus, if you haven’t been to a Montford Park Players show on a summer night, add it to your list.

And then there’s the neighborhood bar we can’t not mention: Little Jumbo, tucked just next door in Five Points. Think handcrafted cocktails, dim lighting, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to linger.

Montford also happens to be one of Asheville’s most architecturally significant neighborhoods, with over 600 homes built between the 1890s and 1920s—mostly Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. Many were designed by Richard Sharp Smith (who helped build the Biltmore Estate), and there’s a reverence in how the homes have been preserved and adapted. Every block feels like a walk through Asheville’s design history.

From a real estate perspective, Montford holds its value and then some. The median sale price is around $762,000 right now, with homes ranging from the high $400Ks to well over $1.5 million. Luxury listings are common, and buyers come here not just for the houses, but for the feeling: close-in, deeply rooted, and emotionally resonant. Price per square foot tends to run high—around $460–$480—because Montford isn’t just about square footage. It’s about craftsmanship, setting, and soul.

We love it here. Always have. Whether it’s coffee at All Day, dinner at Nine Mile, or walking home under string lights and historic rooflines, Montford is a reminder that a neighborhood can hold memory, meaning, and forward momentum all at once.