Asheville North Carolina, a spectacular city of diversity, culture, and natural beauty, has earned a strong reputation as a great place to live, work, and play. Nestled in a lush Smokey Mountain setting on the French Broad River, Asheville North Carolina has been featured as one of ten adventure towns in National Geographic (2004); ranked by Farmers Insurance Group (2005) as one of the top 25 most secure U.S. places to live; and was recently ranked one of 168 best places in the U.S. for business and careers by Forbes (2005).  And the accolades don’t stop there -- Asheville North Carolina tops several of these types of lists each year.  It is culture-filled, yet comfortable; relaxed with a touch of sophistication.