Jackson Park - Asheville, NC

Many homes in Jackson Park date back to the 1920s, when the neighborhood was in its infancy. When Asheville was hit hard by the Great Depression however, construction stalled. In 1961, when the University of North Carolina set up shop nearby, the area began to grow in popularity. The 1960s and 1970s saw the construction of many new homes. Today, the neighborhood attracts a relatively diverse population, due in part to the nearby university.

The arts and cultural scene in Jackson Park centers around the university to the west. Although there are no museums in the neighborhood, residents walk to campus to watch performances by the Blue Ridge Orchestra, the Reuter Center Singers and touring groups. Each spring, locals participate in the annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage at the university.

Restaurants in Jackson Park are largely casual, serving mid-priced American and Italian cuisine. Most eateries sit along Merrimon Avenue. Get your fill of classic Southern barbecue at local favorite Luella's Bar-B-Que, which sits in the southeastern corner of the neighborhood. Enjoy a hush puppy appetizer while you choose between the vinegar-based sauce, sweet Pisgah sauce and a mustard-based sauce. Vegetarians rejoice — the restaurant serves a variety of meatless dishes, including barbecued tempeh and deviled eggs. Live music acts frequently accompany the dinner rush, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

When you want to feel the warmth of an Italian kitchen, visit Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian, which was named "Asheville's Best Italian" by Best of WNC. Start with an order of garlic knots, but leave room for a plate of pasta with the full-flavored house red sauce or a loaded calzone.

After dark, most locals head downtown for drinking, dancing and live music. If you want to stay closer to home, cross the university campus to get to The Bywater for an evening of corn hole and board games. Residents often float down the French Broad River and take out at The Bywater. Sip a bloody mary or a seasonal local beer while you listen to one of the live bands that frequent the bar. Local DJs provide music for dancing, and it's not uncommon to see a food truck or two outside for late-night snacking.

Residents of Jackson Park get around largely by car, but public transportation links are readily available. The N1 and N2 lines of Asheville's ART bus make frequent stops in the neighborhood and connect residents quickly to the downtown area. If you need a cab, you'll need to call. Give plenty of advance notice on weekend evenings, or use Uber to get around.

Many students and professors opt to walk or bike around the neighborhood. Although the streets do not have dedicated bike lanes, safety is not usually a concern. The popular Glenn's Creek Greenway path provides quick, safe access to the university and the rest of Asheville's trail system.

If you prefer to drive, Merrimon Avenue offers the quickest route to Interstate 240 in the south. A short drive brings you to Highway 70 on the western side of the university campus. Take advantage of the plentiful and free street parking in the neighborhood and at local parks.

Residents in Jackson Park live within walking distance of Mullen Park and Weaver Park. Mullen Park, which sits just outside of the neighborhood on the campus of the University of North Carolina Asheville, features a large wooded space for nature walking and a small creek. University groups often hold events in the park, from s'more roasts to small concerts. Near the southeastern corner of the neighborhood, kid-friendly Weaver Park provides family-friendly amenities such as a playground, ball field, picnic shelter and restrooms. Active residents visit the park to enjoy a pickup game on the basketball court and to go for a run on the trails. Entry is free at both parks.

Leashed pets are welcome at the parks near Jackson Park, as long as owners clean up after them. For an off-leash park, head to the French Broad River Dog Park, which lies about five miles south.

Residents of Jackson Park enjoy a lower cost of living than the citywide average, making the neighborhood an attractive choice for budget-conscious families. The cost of living, including food and entertainment, averages $41,700 per year — slightly lower than the Asheville average of $45,900. Rental units can be difficult to find in Jackson Park when the university is in session. If you do plan to rent, expect to pay between $500 and $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

The small neighborhood of Jackson Park does not provide much in the way of shopping, but a few local shops gather along Merrimon Avenue on the eastern boundary. Athletic residents head to nearby Jus' Running for specialized running shoes and athletic wear. Ask for a consultation with an employee to find the best shoe for your fitness level and workout style. Shop for aromatherapy oils, bath salts and oil dispensers at Dreaming Earth Botanicals. The experienced staff happily provide advice about the best oils for any use. If you're in search of clothing and upscale shopping, visit the Asheville Mall or the boutiques in downtown Asheville.

The nearest grocery stores to Jackson Park sit approximately one mile south on Merrimon Avenue. Residents head to Trader Joe's for inexpensive groceries and bulk goods. For a more upscale grocery shopping experience, visit Greenlife Grocery, which is popular among residents for its hot breakfast bar. The store also carries a large selection of vegan, raw and organic products. Local parents love kid-friendly Harris Teeter, which features large shopping carts and an excellent hot food bar. Each Saturday, residents of Jackson Park walk over to the North Asheville Tailgate Market on University Heights Road for seasonal local produce and freshly made crepes.