Is Asheville Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Asheville is generally a safe city, with a friendly and welcoming vibe. There's reasonable safety walking in the day or night in most areas, but like any city, remain aware of your surroundings. Also, it's known for its laid-back lifestyle and vibrant arts scene. Always practice standard safety precautions, such as not sharing your travel plans with strangers and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Safety rating

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How safe is Asheville?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Asheville is generally a safe city to visit, boasting quite a friendly and welcoming environment. Like any other place, it would be recommended to stay in populated areas especially during the night. Walking alone at night is possible in well-lit and crowded places. However, it's always wise to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings no matter where you are. Avoid isolated areas and walking alone if possible in the later hours of the night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Asheville, particularly buses, are generally quite safe and reliable, with many locals and travelers utilizing them every day. Maps and schedules are provided online and on bus stops. However, as with any city, it is always recommended to keep an aware of surroundings and personal belongings. After dark, rideshares or taxis might be a safer option.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In Asheville, street harassment is generally low compared to other cities. The local community is quite friendly and respectful, with many inhabitants valuing a culture of individuality and respect for personal space. However, like any city, it can occasionally occur, so it's still recommended to be vigilant and take basic precautions especially when traveling alone or at night.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Asheville is generally a safe city with a low rate of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and petty theft. However, it always pays to be cautious and observe usual safety precautions, especially when exploring crowded areas and at night.

Is Asheville worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Noel

Noel

United States

Couple travel

Asheville was beautiful. We stayed in Weaversville, a nearby town. The town was safe, although many people were not friendly and did not take well to the large tourist culture. Would recommend staying in Asheville or Mills River in the future. However, Weaversville was gorgeous. Asheville is known for their food, so prepare a large restaurant budget! Some favorites of mine were Biscuithead, Sunny Point Cafe, 131 Main, and Luella's BBQ. Grandfather mountain and Pigsah forest make excellent day trips, but spend plenty of time downtown, and at the art galleries/exhibits! Several microbreweries that I didn't go to, but have heard raging things about! We did stop at Sierra Nevada for the food as well. We drove down and having a car is a necessity, although most parking is paid. We spent about $2500 between shopping, lodging, and eating out- which we did usually at least twice a day. Overall would absolutely recommend!

Posted: January 3, 2024
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Lyssa

Lyssa

United States

Solo travel

I did a housesit outside of Asheville, NC for 2 weeks. I can’t recommend Asheville enough! So many things to do - art tours, hikes, the Biltmore, shopping, AMAZING food. If you are love the outdoors, art, and food, you will love Asheville. An ideal destination to be solo because of the extremely friendly locals. Easy to make friends. I was there in spring but I’d recommend any time of year, as they have a mild climate.

Posted: December 29, 2023
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Is Asheville safe for women?

Holly

Holly

Asheville is overall pretty safe as we have a lot of tourists and people everywhere looking out for eachother. After the hurricane here things have changed slightly but safety is not a factor. The homeless population here is noticeable and sometimes there are characters that make you feel uneasy. But I have never had an unsafe interaction with anyone here.

Posted: January 3, 2025
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Asheville is safe in general if you’re not out where you shouldn’t be after dark. There isn’t reliable or widespread public transport. Since the hurricane, there’s been an uptick in crime and many areas are unsafe to explore or unreachable due to the nature of the destruction. Asheville and surrounding areas are great for hiking and other activities like this but areas where you can do these things are limited right now, so it’s good to plan where you are going and be prepared for things to look different than usual.

Posted: December 26, 2024
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Meet locals in Asheville

Julia

Julia

About Me

Hi I am Julia. I am kind of that friend with who you can do anything. Go for a walk? Sure. Swim with turtles? My pleasure. Go for a party in a middle of week? Of course. Take a dog for a walk and do picnic? Perfect. Dress as a maid and go to restaurant? That is my idea. Break into a private beach and swim after midnight? Sure, but you pay for the fine. Need a fake girlfriend for your family weeding to piss your grandparents? Should I wear dress or suit?

Speaking

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Alex

Alex

About Me

Hey! I’m Alex. Live outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the United States. I have a guest room (with its own bathroom) and would love to link up for travel exchanges abroad. Me and my partner are hoping to move out of the country in a few years so I would love to see some places before deciding where to move. LGBTQIA+ household. 3 dogs 1 cat. Open to hanging out and showing around you if my work schedule allows. I’m a therapist and work out of my home office half off the week. Let me know if you have any questions for me!

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Stay with locals in Asheville

Alex

Alex

Asheville

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! I’m Alex. Live outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the United States. I have a guest room (with its own bathroom) and would love to link up for travel exchanges abroad. Me and my partner are hoping to move out of the country in a few years so I would love to see some places before deciding where to move. LGBTQIA+ household. 3 dogs 1 cat. Open to hanging out and showing around you if my work schedule allows. I’m a therapist and work out of my home office half off the week. Let me know if you have any questions for me!

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Aimee

Aimee

Asheville

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Single mom from US. Career in forestry/wildlife ecology. Love to travel. Prefer local communities to fancy resorts. Sustainable voluntourism!

Speaking

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Safety in United States