Picture this: morning miles on wooded trails, an afternoon paddle on a quiet lake, and dinner in a lively town square — all within a short drive of Asheville. If you want a south-of-city base that balances schools, outdoor access, and refined neighborhoods, Arden’s 28704 ZIP is worth a close look. In this guide, you’ll learn how local schools work, where to get outside, what daily convenience feels like, and how the housing mix spans from classic ranches to luxury communities. Let’s dive in.
Arden at a glance
Arden sits in southern Buncombe County, just north of the county line with Henderson County. It is an unincorporated area, which means you get a suburban feel with a range of neighborhoods rather than one central town government. The area orbits a few anchors, including Lake Julian and the mixed-use Biltmore Park Town Square, plus quick road access to I-26 and I-40.
Two things draw many buyers here: proximity and variety. You can reach Asheville’s restaurants and culture in a short drive, then pivot just as easily to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pisgah National Forest. Neighborhoods range from mid-century streets to newer, amenity-rich communities tucked against mountain ridges.
Schools and education
School assignments in 28704 depend on your specific address. Always confirm your exact schools with the district’s lookup and enrollment resources on the Buncombe County Schools site.
Elementary and middle options
Several public schools are physically located in Arden. Families often find themselves zoned for Glen Arden Elementary, Avery’s Creek Elementary, and Valley Springs Middle. You can review programs and updates directly on each school’s page, such as Glen Arden Elementary.
High school assignment
High school zones vary by neighborhood and may cross municipal lines. Many 28704 addresses are assigned to Enka High or T.C. Roberson High. Because boundaries can change, use the district website to verify assignments and learn about any transfer policies.
Private school nearby
Arden is also home to Christ School, an all-boys boarding and day school. If you are exploring private education, visit the school’s official site for admissions details and campus information.
Outdoors and parks
Arden is a gateway to some of Western North Carolina’s most-loved trails and waterways. You can keep your routine close to home or venture a few minutes farther for bigger adventures.
Bent Creek and Arboretum trails
Just west of Arden, Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers marked multi-use routes and popular mountain biking trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Explore maps and background on Bent Creek. Next door, the North Carolina Arboretum maintains easy-to-moderate paths with garden views and connections toward Bent Creek. Check current trail info from the Arboretum’s trail page.
Lake Julian Park in 28704
Within Arden, Lake Julian Park centers day-to-day outdoor time with paddle boats, disc golf, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and shoreline walks. Buncombe County shares facility details and rentals on the Lake Julian Park page. It is a favorite for quick after-school outings or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Greenways and connectivity
Buncombe County is advancing greenways that aim to link Lake Julian, Arden neighborhoods, and nearby mixed-use hubs. For planning updates, see the County Greenways page. New segments can expand walk-bike options over time.
Commute and convenience
Arden’s location puts you close to daily services without straying far from mountain landscapes.
Biltmore Park Town Square
Biltmore Park Town Square is a major lifestyle anchor for south Asheville and Arden. The district blends shops, restaurants, a YMCA, offices, and residences in a walkable setup. Learn more about its mixed-use design on the Biltmore Park Town Square overview.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Flying in and out is straightforward from 28704. Asheville Regional Airport is typically a 10 to 15 minute drive, depending on where you live and traffic. For current terminal updates and parking info, check the airport’s AVL Forward page.
Driving times and access
Arden sits along NC-191 (Brevard Road) with quick connections to I-26 and I-40. Downtown Asheville is often 15 to 25 minutes by car, depending on time of day and destination. Commute ranges shift with traffic, so it is smart to test your route during typical peak hours if timing is important to you.
Homes and neighborhoods
Arden’s housing mix spans classic ranches on established lots, 1980s–2000s subdivisions, and newer construction in both infill pockets and planned communities. Property data providers place the average home age in the broader area in the 30 to 40 year range. For a quick county-level snapshot, you can review ATTOM’s Arden property summary.
Market snapshot and price ranges
Modeled price indices place the typical 28704 home value in the low to mid $400,000s. As of January 31, 2026, the Zillow Home Value Index estimated a typical value near $434,644, and recent Redfin data showed a median sale price around $436,500. These third-party numbers use different methods, and local conditions can shift quickly. Always pair index stats with live listings and recent neighborhood sales when you make a decision.
Here is a simple way to frame the market as a buyer:
- Entry to typical single-family homes. Older ranches or three-bedroom homes often list in the $350,000 to $550,000 range depending on lot size and updates.
- Newer or view homes. Popular move-up choices, including pockets near Biltmore Lake and ridgetop areas like Waightstill Mountain, commonly range from $600,000 to $1.2 million based on lot, views, and HOA amenities.
- Luxury and estate properties. Larger, view-forward homes and lake-adjacent options appear at higher price points, with multi-million-dollar listings surfacing periodically in and around 28704.
Note that exact prices vary by street, elevation, and finish level. When you are ready, review current inventory and recent comps for the neighborhoods you prefer.
Luxury communities to know
Arden and its immediate surroundings include several amenity-forward or gated options that appeal to buyers seeking views and newer construction.
- Biltmore Lake. A master-planned, lake-centered neighborhood with private lake access, trails, and a clubhouse. Waterfront homes tend to command premiums. Consult current MLS data for active listings and HOA details before you tour.
- Waightstill Mountain and Arabella Heights. Higher-elevation enclaves known for long-range mountain views and larger lots. You can preview the setting and available estate parcels on the Arabella information site.
- Near Biltmore Park. Townhomes and multi-family communities near the Town Square offer a lower-maintenance, walkable option for those who want a short drive to the airport and quick access to dining and services.
If you value design-forward homes, look for listings with updated interiors, quality outdoor spaces, and view corridors. Orientation and site planning matter in the mountains, so evaluate sun path, driveway slope, and stormwater management along with finishes.
Who thrives in 28704
If you want neighborhood schools nearby, an easy outdoor routine, and short drives to both Asheville and the airport, Arden offers a practical, balanced base.
- If you prioritize education. You will appreciate having elementary and middle schools within the ZIP and a clear path to confirm high school boundaries through the Buncombe County Schools site.
- If you live for the outdoors. You can be on trails in minutes at Bent Creek or the Arboretum, or relax at Lake Julian without getting on a highway.
- If convenience matters. Biltmore Park Town Square puts dining, fitness, and services in one place, and AVL is close for work trips or second-home getaways.
Tradeoffs to weigh include car-dependence in many neighborhoods and varying walkability outside the Town Square area. School zoning differs street by street, so verify addresses early in your search. Market conditions also move quickly, so refresh pricing with a live report and recent comps before writing an offer.
Plan your next steps
If Arden’s blend of trails, lake time, and refined neighborhoods fits your vision, a curated property strategy will save you time. Start by clarifying your must-haves: school assignment, commute range, lot type, and desired elevation or view. Then pair that with a short list of communities that match your lifestyle and budget.
When you are ready, connect for local guidance, private previews, and a design-forward eye on value. Reach out to Kim Gentry Justus at Christie's International Real Estate for a curated consultation and on-the-ground insight into 28704’s best opportunities.
FAQs
What public schools serve homes in Arden 28704?
- Assignments vary by address. Many homes are zoned to Glen Arden or Avery’s Creek for elementary, Valley Springs for middle, and Enka or T.C. Roberson for high school. Confirm your exact schools on the Buncombe County Schools site.
How close is Arden to Asheville Regional Airport, and what should I know?
- Many Arden addresses are a 10 to 15 minute drive from AVL, depending on traffic. For current terminal projects, parking, and flight info, see the airport’s AVL Forward page.
Where can I hike or bike near Arden without a long drive?
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest and the North Carolina Arboretum offer extensive multi-use trails a short drive from most 28704 neighborhoods. Check Bent Creek and Arboretum trails for maps and updates.
What is Lake Julian Park like for everyday recreation?
- Lake Julian Park is inside 28704 with paddle boats, disc golf, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and shoreline paths. Review amenities and rentals on the park page.
How walkable is Arden compared to central Asheville?
- Walkability is highest around Biltmore Park Town Square, where shops and services cluster. Many other Arden neighborhoods are car-dependent, so consider proximity to your daily destinations when you choose a home.
What are typical home prices in Arden 28704 right now?
- Modeled indices placed the typical value around the low to mid $400,000s as of early 2026, with recent median sale prices in a similar range. Entry homes often list around $350,000 to $550,000, move-up options around $600,000 to $1.2 million, and select luxury properties higher, depending on lot, finish, view, and location.
