MontfordHomes for Sale
Six hundred historic buildings, five decades of architectural movements, and downtown Asheville just to the south.
Distinctive architecture, minutes from downtown Asheville
Montford is often described as a Victorian neighborhood, but that label is too narrow. Its architecture reflects several periods and design movements, which is a large part of what makes the neighborhood so distinctive. Most homes were built between roughly 1890 and 1920, though the area also contains earlier structures, later development, and historically compatible new construction.
The Rankin House on Elizabeth Street, dating to about 1846, is commonly identified as Montford's oldest surviving residence. English architect Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect during the construction of Biltmore House, also influenced Montford's architectural character.
What buyers commonly encounter
- Wraparound or covered front porches
- Original hardwood flooring
- Historic millwork and built-ins
- Decorative windows and stained glass
- Multiple fireplaces
- Irregular or compartmentalized floor plans
- Stone, shingle, stucco, brick and wood exteriors
- Mature landscaping and established tree canopy
- Detached garages or carriage structures
- Walk-up attics and basements
- Renovated kitchens and mechanical systems
- Accessory buildings and studio spaces
Owning inside a local historic district
Montford is one of only four local historic district overlays in Asheville, alongside Albemarle Park, Biltmore Village and St. Dunstan's. That designation is the single biggest thing separating a Montford purchase from a comparable home elsewhere in the city.
National Register is not the same as local designation
Montford was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Asheville later established a separate local historic district overlay. A property sitting inside the National Register district is not automatically subject to local design review, so the specific designation that applies has to be verified for each individual address.
What a Certificate of Appropriateness actually covers
For properties in the local district, exterior work is reviewed by Asheville's Historic Resources Commission, which issues a Certificate of Appropriateness. A COA is design review approval only. It does not grant building, zoning or any other permit you may still need.
Work that may require review
- Exterior additions
- Porch alterations
- Window or door changes
- Fences and walls
- Demolition
- New accessory structures
- New construction
- Significant exterior material changes
- Certain site or landscape alterations
Historic review does not prevent renovation or modernization. It establishes a process to preserve exterior architectural character. Verify the designation and the applicable standards for a specific property before planning exterior work. Read the City of Asheville design review process.
What Montford costs, and why it differs from Asheville overall
Montford occupies a higher-priced segment of the Asheville market because of its location, its architectural inventory, and a limited, highly varied supply. Rather than publish figures that are out of date within weeks, the panel below draws live Montford data from Canopy MLS so what you are reading is current whenever you visit.
Figures update automatically from Canopy MLS.
How to read it. Montford commonly trades at a meaningful premium to the wider Asheville market, driven by location, architecture and a limited supply. Because the neighborhood's inventory is small and highly varied, a single unusual sale can swing the average, so treat any neighborhood figure as context rather than a price for your specific home. For a number you can actually act on, ask us for a dated report on comparable Montford properties.
Browse current Asheville-area listings or request a dated valuation for your Montford home.
An eclectic market, not a uniform subdivision
Properties range from smaller cottages and updated infill homes to substantial historic residences, multifamily properties, condominiums, and former residences thoughtfully converted to inns and other permitted uses. Lot dimensions, parking, floor plans, renovation history, and historic-district status can vary considerably from one property to the next.
Getting around varies by address, not by neighborhood
Montford's proximity to downtown gives portions of the neighborhood meaningful pedestrian and bicycle access, but how easy it is to get around without a car varies by address, elevation, sidewalk coverage, and distance from Montford Avenue. Properties near the southern end of Montford Avenue and streets like Flint and Cherry can offer convenient access to downtown without a car. Properties farther north or uphill may be less convenient for daily errands without driving, and the grades matter more for anyone using a wheelchair or mobility aid.
Third-party pedestrian-access scores for Montford are inconsistent, with published examples ranging from roughly 34 to 53. That spread is exactly why a single score should not be applied to every property. Evaluate the route from the individual home to the places you actually go.
- Montford Avenue is the principal corridor, with sidewalks along it and several surrounding streets
- ART public transit serves the broader area. Verify current routes and schedules with the City
- I-240 and major Asheville corridors are nearby, and downtown sits immediately south
- UNC Asheville lies north and northeast. The River Arts District and French Broad River are a short drive
Restaurants and neighborhood amenities
Montford has a small, well-regarded collection of neighborhood establishments, with substantially more dining, shopping, and entertainment in adjacent downtown Asheville, Five Points, and along Merrimon Avenue. The appeal is a primarily residential setting with a few genuine neighborhood destinations and immediate access to downtown.
All Day Darling
A market-focused neighborhood restaurant and cafe.
102 Montford AvenueVisit site →Tall John's
A relaxed neighborhood restaurant on the corridor.
152 Montford AvenueVisit site →Little Jumbo
A cocktail bar at the edge of Montford and Five Points.
241 Broadway StreetVisit site →Restaurant names, hours, and operating status change over time and should be verified before you visit.
Parks, recreation and cultural landmarks
Tempie Avery Montford Park
One of the neighborhood's central recreational resources, with basketball, playground facilities, sports fields, restrooms, accessible features, and community programming. For current hours and programs, visit the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center page.
Riverside Cemetery
A significant historic and landscaped property along Montford's western side. Established in the 19th century, it contains mature landscaping, historic monuments, walking routes, and the graves of notable figures including authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Hours and history are on the cemetery's official site.
Greenways & community
The Reed Creek Greenway, Weaver Park, and UNC Asheville-area paths are accessible from the broader area. The Montford Neighborhood Association supports garden tours, home tours, newsletters, and resident communication.
Educational access and assignment
Montford is served by Asheville City Schools. School assignments and enrollment options are determined by the district and may vary by address or change over time. Confirm current assignments, transportation, programs, and enrollment requirements directly with Asheville City Schools before making a decision that depends on them.
Educational facilities in or near the broader area include Isaac Dickson Elementary, Asheville Middle School, Asheville High School, SILSA, the William Randolph Campus, and UNC Asheville.
Buying and selling in Montford
Homes here can differ by more than a century in age and renovation history, so property-specific diligence matters more than it does in a uniform subdivision.
If you are buying
- Local historic-district designation and exterior restrictions
- Permit and renovation history
- Foundation, drainage and retaining walls
- Roof age and complexity
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC updates
- Window condition, insulation and energy efficiency
- Lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes
- Sewer-line condition
- Off-street parking, shared driveways and easements
- Short-term-rental or commercial-use restrictions
- Insurance costs, insurability and parcel flood information
If you are selling
Buyers here evaluate more than square footage and bedroom count. Market the historic features specifically. "Restored woodwork, original windows, period mantels" is stronger than "beautiful historic home."
- Renovation permits and Historic Resources Commission approvals
- Contractor invoices and mechanical or roof documentation
- Survey and easement information
- Sewer or utility work records
- Lead-based-paint disclosure
- Short-term-rental or income history, where legally relevant
- Documentation of legally permitted accessory units or multifamily use
Carrying costs and parcel records
Montford sits inside Asheville city limits, so owners pay both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County property tax rates. Rates are being adjusted following recent state legislation, so confirm the current figure rather than relying on a published estimate. Look up the parcel, assessed value, and current rate directly through the Buncombe County Tax Department.
What housing preferences does Montford serve?
Montford may appeal to buyers who place a high priority on historic architecture, proximity to downtown Asheville, established streets, neighborhood restaurants, public parks, and individually distinctive homes. It may be less suitable for buyers seeking a uniform subdivision, extensive new construction, large attached garages, or properties without historic-design considerations. Every buyer should evaluate individual properties according to their own needs, budget, commute, accessibility requirements, and renovation plans.
Montford real estate FAQs
Is Montford a historic district?
Can I renovate or modernize a historic Montford home?
How much do homes in Montford cost?
Can you get to downtown from Montford without a car?
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Is there a neighborhood-wide HOA?
Thinking about buying or selling in Montford?
No two Montford homes are alike, and neither are their values. Historic designations, renovation history, parking, and access to downtown all shape value. Let's talk through your goals.
Talk With a Local ExpertMontford neighborhood photographs by Skyland Digital for Landon Key Realty, including the hero photograph of the neighborhood banner, whose background was digitally extended to fit the wide format. Photographs of Maxey Apartments and the William Randolph campus by Warren LeMay, obtained through Wikimedia Commons under the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication. Market data is provided live by Canopy MLS through Buying Buddy and represents a general snapshot, not a valuation of any individual property.
September Market Report for Montford Single-Family Home Market
Single-family homes in Asheville's Montford neighborhood, drawn from Canopy MLS and updated automatically.
(Data through 31 August, 2026)
NOTE: Data is based on listings shown on this site.
| Current | Prior 1 Month | Prior 3 Months | Prior 6 Months | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 6 | 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Sold | 3 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Median Price | $677,000 | $887,500 | $479,500 | — |
| Median Sold | $749,000 | $719,500 | $769,000 | $719,000 |
